Honda Products at L.A. Marathon Expo Aim To Improve Quality of Life
3 March 2000
New Honda Products at L.A. Marathon Expo Aim To Improve Quality of Life and Lifestyles of Consumers - Acura SUV Concept Car Makes L.A. Debut -
- Futuristic X-Wing Motorcycle Makes U.S. Debut -
- First Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Available in U.S. -
TORRANCE, Calif., March 2 -- Six new high-tech,
high-performance and environmentally-advanced products that aim to improve the
quality of life and lifestyles of consumers will be displayed by American
Honda at the Los Angeles Marathon Quality of Life Expo today through March 4
at the L.A. Convention Center.
Some of these products are on public display for the first time in
California and the United States, including the Acura MD-X sport utility
concept vehicle, the futuristic X-Wing motorcycle prototype and the Flex
hybrid motor scooter prototype. All reflect Honda's commitment to manufacture
cleaner, more efficient automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment that also
feature high performance and fun.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is presenting sponsor of the Los Angeles
Marathon, on Sun., March 5.
MD-X Sport Utility Concept Vehicle
The Acura MD-X represents American Honda's vision for the next generation
of sport utility vehicles, and makes its California debut at the Quality of
Life Expo. Designed by Honda Research and Development in Torrance, Calif.,
the MD-X features advanced technology and luxury amenities. The MD-X
(Multi-Dimensional X-trainer) is a concept vehicle that offers sports sedan
performance and SUV handling with off-road capability and utility, making
everyday life easier for consumers. At the same time, the MD-X anticipates
society's needs for cleaner air by providing excellent fuel efficiency and
meeting low ULEV exhaust emissions standards.
Featuring a Southwest-themed interior design with hardwood and natural
fiber flooring, the MD-X concept vehicle includes state-of-the-art technology
such as a GPS satellite-linked Navigation System and integrated Cellular
Internet access system. The MD-X offers a hint of Acura's future SUV due in
showrooms this fall.
X-Wing
The X-Wing design prototype motorcycle is making its U.S. debut at the
Quality of Life Expo. The X-Wing is a high-performance, luxury sport-tourer
that showcases many features we may see on future Honda motorcycles. It is
designed for an active consumer and provides every convenience for both the
rider and the passenger. The X-Wing features a V-6 engine, a multifunctional
navigation system, Internet capable display monitor, and two "lipstick" rear-
view cameras mounted in the rear saddlebags.
Flex
The Flex motor scooter prototype is another example of Honda technology,
which balances high-performance with environmental responsibility. The Flex
is one of Honda's first hybrid motor scooter designs. It delivers exceptional
fuel economy and promises major reductions in emissions. These technologies
are a sign of what is to come in future production motor scooters from Honda.
Insight
The Honda Insight leads the way to improved automotive efficiency for the
21st century. It is the first and only gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle
available in the United States and was designed from the ground up using
cutting-edge technologies. The Insight is the first gasoline-powered vehicle
to achieve 70-miles per gallon in EPA highway tests. It achieves world-class
fuel economy and ultra-low emissions, and offers an extended driving range of
600-700 miles on a single tank of fuel. The Insight is currently available
for sale through Honda automobile dealerships across the country.
Spocket Concept
Designed in Torrance, Calif., the Spocket (sport-utility pocket) concept
vehicle provides active consumers with the ultimate in utility by
demonstrating how a vehicle can be a convertible, sports coupe and pickup
truck all in one. At the touch of a button, the Spocket's retractable roof
slides back, transforming the car into a convertible. When the roof is
forward, a jump seat allows room for two more passengers, or folds flat
converting the rear of the car into a pickup bed. The Spocket works in the
many different ways consumers use their cars, providing individuals with
maximum utility, performance and versatility.
S2000
The racing-inspired S2000 roadster is the first high-performance sports
car that also is a low-emission vehicle. It is the first vehicle in its class
to achieve this environmental classification. Honda's racing heritage is
reflected in every aspect of the S2000's high-tech design, performance and
handling. Engineers from Honda's successful Formula One and Championship Auto
Racing Team programs designed the S2000. A true driver's car, the S2000
springs to life at the touch of a button. The front-engine, rear drive
roadster is powered by a 240-horsepower, DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) VTEC
(Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engine that accelerates
from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds.
Honda began operations in North America in 1959 with the establishment of
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Today,
more than 19,000 associates in the United States are employed by Honda in the
areas of design, development, engineering, assembly and sales of Honda and
Acura products. Honda operates nine manufacturing facilities in North America
that produce automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, power equipment,
transmissions and engines, using domestic and globally-sourced parts.
