Auto Express names the new Discovery as it's Car of the Year for 2017.

• British-built SUV scoops two major trophies at prestigious ceremony
• Four Awards for BMW including Best Electric Car for the i3
• Skoda wins four Awards, including Best Family Car for the second year running and Best Integrated Ad Campaign

British brand Land Rover has scooped the coveted Auto Express Car of the Year award for its new Discovery at a ceremony in Central London. The Discovery was voted the best new car on the market, with judges commending its innovation in technology, quality and comfort. The model was also named the Best Large Premium SUV for 2017.

The Auto Express New Car Awards celebrate the best cars on sale, from city cars to performance models. Voted for by the expert reviewers at Auto Express, every single model on sale is analysed according to specific criteria, with only the very best cars making the winners’ list.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express, said: "The new Land Rover Discovery is an incredible car, bringing new levels of luxury and go-anywhere ability to the SUV class. 

It rivals the very best cars you can buy for quality and refinement, offers all the practicality a family could ever need, will wow buyers with amazing technology they won't have seen before and offer a level of efficiency you wouldn't expect for this size and class of car. On top of all that, it's brilliantly built by the guys and girls working for Land Rover in the Midlands. It's a great British success story."

Another big winner on the night was Skoda, taking home four trophies: Best Family Car for the Skoda Superb, Best Estate Car for the Octavia, Best Large SUV for the Kodiaq and Best Integrated Ad Campaign for Skoda-Reconnect starring Sir Bradley Wiggins.

The Technology Award was given to BMW for its advanced range of plug-in cars, plus its industry-leading connectivity and autonomous tech. BMW also took home the newly launched Best Electric Car Award, for its i3, while the 5 Series won Best Executive Car. The brand also won the Best Social Media Campaign Award for BMW Genius Live.

Other British-built winners, in addition to the Land Rover Discovery, were the Jaguar XE, which was named Best Compact Executive for the third year running, and the Swindon-built Honda Civic Type R, which was crowned Best Hot Hatch. Jaguar also won the reader-voted Design Award for the I-Pace Concept.

Auto Express New Car Awards Winners 2017

Category

CAR OF THE YEAR BEST CITY CAR BEST SUPERMINIBEST COMPACT FAMILY CARBEST FAMILY CARBEST ELECTRIC CAR BEST ESTATE CARBEST COMPACT EXECUTIVE CARBEST EXECUTIVE CARBEST LUXURY CAR BEST HOT HATCHBEST_CONVERTIBLE                                       BEST MPV     BEST SMALL SUV    BEST MID-SIZE SUV BEST LARGE PREMIUM SUV BEST LARGE SUV BEST COUPEBEST ROADSTERBEST PICK­UPBEST PERFORMANCE CARBEST PREMIUM SUVDESIGN AWARDTECHNOLOGY AWARDVAN OF THE YEARDRIVER POWER AWARDBEST INTEGRATED CAMPAIGNBEST SOCIAL MEDIA

Land Rover DiscoveryVolkswagen up!Seat IbizaVolkswagen GolfSkoda SuperbBMW i3   Skoda Octavia EstateJaguar XE      BMW 5 SeriesMercedes S-ClassHonda Civic Type R       Mercedes C-Class       Citroen Grand C4 PicassoCitroen C4 Cactus        Peugeot 3008        Land Rover Discovery  Skoda KodiaqAudi A5 CoupeMazda MX-5 RFMitsubishi L200Porsche 911 GT3Volvo XC60Jaguar I-PaceBMWVolkswagen Crafter LexusSkoda-ReconnectBMW Genius Live

USA - The 2018 Honda Odyssey, now with a rear roof mounted internal screen to steam with.

• Odyssey with 4G LTE Wi-Fi offers unlimited data for $20/month
• Odyssey owners can stream video and music content and browse the web

The all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey fulfills its mission to keep everyone in the family happy, in part by being the first minivan to offer 4G LTE in-vehicle Wi-Fi to support streaming video, music and more. 

Owners of the 2018 Odyssey Elite and Touring trims in the U.S. can now purchase both prepaid1 and postpaid2 unlimited data plans from AT&T for as low as $20 month. These data plans will take the Odyssey's in-car connectivity experience to a new level, where on-the-go, in-vehicle entertainment is nearly limitless.

AT&T data plans enable Odyssey passengers to stream video content to the all-new 10.2-inch, ceiling-mounted Rear Entertainment System with DVD, CD and Blu-ray™ disc capability. In addition, the available in-vehicle 4G LTE with data capability allows for internet radio, web browsing and more on up to seven devices – enough for the whole family.

The AT&T data plans are available on the Odyssey Touring and Elite models and include a 3-months/3GB complimentary trial3, followed by the customer-paid subscription plan.

"As any parent can tell you, keeping everyone connected is a big part of modern family happiness," said Jeff Conrad, Senior Vice President, Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With our new CabinWatch™ and CabinTalk™ technologies, reconfigurable Magic Slide™ seats and 4G LTE Wi-Fi, the new Odyssey is all about keeping everyone connected and comfortable."

Honda is the most recent automaker to offer these data plans for in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspots. Both the prepaid and postpaid plans are already available to 2018 Honda Odyssey owners.

"Honda owners are some of the most loyal customers in the world and we're pleased to support them by helping create an even better travel experience with unlimited data2 for their vehicles," said Joe Mosele, vice president, Internet of Things Solutions, AT&T. "By accessing the internet through AT&T's wireless network, passengers now can enjoy all of their content and endless entertainment on the go."

R.I.P. Nicky Haydn - After the incident that happened recently he succumed to his injuries.

It is with great sadness that Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team has to announce that Nicky Hayden has succumbed to injuries suffered during an incident while riding his bicycle last Wednesday.

Nicky passed away at 19:09 CEST this evening at Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, Italy. His fiancée Jackie, mother Rose and brother Tommy were at his side.

Throughout his career Nicky’s professionalism and fighting spirit was greatly valued and carried him to numerous successes, including his childhood dream of being crowned MotoGP World Champion with Honda in 2006. As well as being a true champion on the track, Nicky was a fan favourite off it due to his kind nature, relaxed demeanour, and the huge smile he invariably carried everywhere.

Nothing says more about Nicky’s character than the overwhelming response expressed by fellow racers and his legions of fans over the past few days. Jackie and his family are truly grateful for the countless prayers and well wishes for Nicky.

The ‘Kentucky Kid’ will be sorely missed by all that ever had the pleasure of meeting him or the privilege to see him race a motorcycle around a track, be it dirt or asphalt.

The racing world says goodbye to one of its dearest sons. Rest in peace Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Patrick Hayden.

Tommy Hayden

“On behalf of the whole Hayden family and Nicky’s fiancée Jackie I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support – it has been a great comfort to us all knowing that Nicky has touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way.

“Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest – riding a motorcycle. He dreamed as a kid of being a pro rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport in becoming World Champion. We are all so proud of that.

“Apart from these ‘public’ memories, we will also have many great and happy memories of Nicky at home in Kentucky, in the heart of the family. We will all miss him terribly.

“It is also important for us to thank all the hospital staff for their incredible support – they have been very kind. With the further support of the authorities in the coming days we hope to have Nicky home soon.”

The 2017 BTCC season is all set to be one of the best for many years with a full grid and 5 factory teams.

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship is speeding into 2017 with its most successful grid in history, as an extraordinary 16 race-winners and a whole host of eager challengers prepare to go head-to-head for the most coveted crown in UK motor sport.

For the second year in succession, a capacity 32-strong grid has been unveiled during today’s (16 March) annual Season Launch at Donington Park. Half of the drivers on the entry list are previous visitors to the top step of the podium, totalling an astonishing 329 victories between them – testament to the strength-in-depth of the series and proving that the BTCC continues to attract the crème de la crème of driving talent.

 

There are two new manufacturer entries on the list – with Vauxhall making an eagerly-anticipated comeback with Power Maxed Racing and BMW bolstering West Surrey Racing’s bid. These two marques will do battle with Honda, Subaru and MG for manufacturer glory, with 11 independent outfits joining the fight for outright Teams’ honours.

The BTCC is renowned for its close competition, bumper-to-bumper action and delivering drama and excitement by the bucketload. The 2016 campaign was no different, as the scrap for supremacy went right down to the wire in a three-way final race showdown between Gordon Shedden, Sam Tordoff and Colin Turkington, with the Scot digging deep to successfully defend his Drivers’ title.

The 2017 season sees the advent of the second phase of the current generation of NGTC rules – as all 32 cars will now run with common RML Group components – a new TOCA engine and new Dunlop tyres.

All of the high-octane entertainment will continue to be broadcast live, free-to-air and in high-definition on ITV4, with the championship’s loyal long-term partner additionally producing extensive highlights programmes.

This year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will again comprise 30 races across ten events at nine venues around the UK, with the season commencing at Brands Hatch on 1/2 April and concluding on the legendary Grand Prix circuit at the same venue on 30 September/1 October.

In the starting blocks

Half of the drivers in the 32-strong field in 2017 have won at least one race in the series –underscoring the sheer unpredictability of the BTCC – while there are a whole host of young pretenders and seasoned chargers eager to join the winners’ club.

Having lifted the Drivers’ laurels in both 2015 and 2016 in nail-biting last-minute fashion, Gordon Shedden will be looking to draw level with the legendary Andy Rouse on four titles – as, indeed, will Halfords Yuasa Racing stablemate Matt Neal, who demonstrated last year that experience counts as he fought for the crown right the way down to the final weekend.

Neal will head into his 27th BTCC season in 2017, and both he and Shedden will be behind the wheel of the potent and proven Honda Civic Type R, sporting a bold new, inverted black-and-orange livery as the Japanese marque bids to regain the Manufacturers’ trophy.

Defending title-holders West Surrey Racing have similarly upped the ante, with BMW providing manufacturer backing, and the squad enter the forthcoming campaign rebranded as Team BMW for WSR returnee Colin Turkington and mainstay Rob Collard. New recruit Andrew Jordan will compete under the BMW Pirtek Racing banner.

Turkington’s off-season defection from Subaru to his former home of WSR sent shivers down the spine of many of the Northern Irishman’s rivals, as last time he drove a BMW – in 2014 – he piloted it to his second BTCC crown. Renowned as a rear-wheel drive specialist, he will doubtless be a leading threat – as, too, will Collard, who enjoyed his finest year to-date in 2016 as he led the championship during mid-season and was one of eight late-season title protagonists.

It will be fascinating to see how Jordan adapts to rear-wheel drive machinery, and the 2013 champion and reigning Independents’ title-holder is bullish about his prospects following an encouraging winter testing programme.

Subaru’s entry onto the BTCC grid last year caused quite a stir, with the Japanese marque taking a quantum leap forward mid-season as both Turkington and Jason Plato vied regularly for race wins. Whilst the former has since departed, Plato remains, and the record race-winner in the series’ history is hungrier than ever to clinch his third championship, having been a top three contender in practically every season since making his bow back in 1997.

Alongside ‘JP’ this year will be one of the BTCC’s brightest young prospects in the shape of Ashley Sutton, who enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign in 2016 with MG Racing RCIB Insurance, notably conquering the elements at Croft to claim a superb maiden victory. As he heads into his sophomore season, the 23-year-old will be keen to learn from old master Plato and continue his upward progression with Adrian Flux Subaru Racing.

Team-mate James Cole is eager to build upon his learning season in the rear-wheel drive Levorg, while a newcomer to the grid for 2017 will be 17-year-old Renault UK Clio Cup graduate Josh Price, who advances to the pinnacle of British tin-top competition under the BMR Racing Academy banner and will join the five-driver rookie battle for the Jack Sears Trophy.

Manufacturer-backed Power Maxed Racing’s Vauxhall Astra is one of the most intriguing propositions in the pack, with Tom Chilton rejoining Britain’s premier motor sport series six years on from his previous stint as one of three returning race-winners in the field. Alongside the Surrey star will be Senna Proctor, who will make his BTCC debut at Brands Hatch next month as he jumps up from Clio competition.

Last year’s Independent champions Motorbase Performance have undergone a rebrand – with a striking new look – following the addition of Shredded Wheat as title sponsor across all three cars. Mat Jackson – the most successful driver in the field yet to lift the laurels – returns for an eighth consecutive season with the Kent-based operation with his eyes fixed firmly on the ultimate prize, and he will be accompanied by the experienced Martin Depper and new boy Luke Davenport, who steps up to the championship from the supporting Ginetta GT4 SuperCup.

MG Racing RCIB Insurance will have an all-new line-up in 2017, with Aron Taylor-Smith and Daniel Lloyd pairing up at the Triple Eight-run outfit. Taylor-Smith moves over from BKR, with Lloyd preparing to embark upon his first full season in the championship. Taylor-Smith is already a race-winner, and Lloyd proved in a part-season with Eurotech Racing last year that he has the pace to compete right at the sharp end, so hopes are high.

Tom Ingram enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2016 with independent squad Speedworks Motorsport, winning the curtain-raiser at Brands Hatch and tallying a brace of pole positions behind the wheel of his Toyota Avensis – with even loftier ambitions for 2017. Another Toyota driver to feature up at the pointy end over the second half of the season was Rob Austin, who increasingly got to grips with front-wheel drive after years of racing rear-wheel drive Audis. The Handy Motorsport ace was a regular podium threat in the closing rounds and will be keen to pick up from where he left off.

Adam Morgan’s Ciceley Motorsport Mercedes A-Class will carry a completely new livery in 2017, having changed from yellow to red in deference to new title sponsor Mac Tools. The Lancastrian has won at least one race in each of the last three seasons and is targeting an all-out title challenge this year. In the sister Laser Tools Racing A-Class, Aiden Moffat has edged consistently closer to the front of the field and now has the top step of the podium firmly in his sights.

Jack Goff has traded rear-wheel drive for front-wheel drive as he moves from WSR to Eurotech, where he will partner team owner Jeff Smith in the squad’s brace of Honda Civic Type Rs. Team HARD has switched its trio of Toyota Avensis’ for three Volkswagen CCs, with Jake Hill remaining on-board to pilot the TAG Racing entry and fellow returnee Michael Epps driving one of two Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing-branded cars alongside rookie Will Burns.

Matt Simpson is preparing for his second season in his eponymous Simpson Racing Honda Civic Type R, which is now being run by Honda powerhouse Team Dynamics. Two-time race-winner Stephen Jelley is a welcome ‘comeback kid’ eight years on from his last BTCC start as he lines up for Team Parker with Maximum Motorsport alongside Josh Cook, who claimed a brace of rostrum finishes in 2016 and is chasing his first victory in the series.

Ollie Jackson is back in AmDtuning.com with Cobra Exhausts’ distinctive Audi S3, and he will be joined by reigning Renault UK Clio Cup champion Ant Whorton-Eales, who will be eager to make a speedy impression. BTC Norlin Racing, meanwhile, completes the field with its brace of Chevrolet Cruzes, and whilst the entry might be new, the backbone of the team isn’t, having previously competed in the BTCC from 2006-2008 and again in 2014 as BTC Racing. The driving strength blends the experience of Dave Newsham with the potential of Chris Smiley, and hopes are high of springing a surprise.

In total, there will be a full grid of 32 drivers with Audi (AmDtuning.com with Cobra Exhausts), BMW (Team BMW, BMW Pirtek Racing), Chevrolet (BTC Norlin Racing), Ford (Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo, Team Parker with Maximum Motorsport), Honda (Halfords Yuasa Racing, Eurotech Racing, Simpson Racing), Mercedes (Ciceley Motorsport, Laser Tools Racing), MG (MG Racing RCIB Insurance), Subaru (Adrian Flux Subaru Racing, BMR Racing Academy), Toyota (Handy Motorsport, Speedworks Motorsport), Vauxhall (Power Maxed Racing) and Volkswagen (TAG Racing, Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing) all represented.

One step beyond

The second phase of the BTCC’s NGTC regulations is well underway with all 32-cars carrying the latest specified RML chassis, suspension and associated components for the first time this season, whilst the all-new TOCA engine has also been introduced.  

Series organiser TOCA awarded the two vital Technical Partner contracts to the RML Group and Swindon Engines as part of its ‘mid-term’ evaluation of the NGTC regulations.

The upturn in car performance will be further bolstered by the debut of the brand new Dunlop Sport Maxx BTCC tyre range – the series’ title sponsor forecasting lap time improvements of up to one second per lap at some circuits in 2017.

Dunlop had already predicted a significant increase in grip and traction with bigger tyre sizes and new constructions for the forthcoming campaign, and initial winter testing has corroborated the expected performance gains (see separate release).

Whilst the series goes from strength-to-strength on-track, it remains in rude health off-track, too, with both ITV and Dunlop signed up until at least 2022.

The ITV network’s new agreement with the BTCC commences in 2017 – the largest TV contract in the BTCC’s history and also the longest sports broadcasting contract into which ITV4 has entered. ITV’s live and free-to-air coverage will take the partnership with the BTCC into an incredible 20th year.

At least seven hours of live coverage will be screened from each race day. Highlights programmes will also continue to be aired on ITV4, whilst qualifying will be shown via ITV’s dedicated BTCC website – www.itv.com/btcc. All transmissions will be streamed ‘live’ via itv.com, with highlights programmes available to watch via the ITV Hub.

Dunlop similarly committed to a further five-year agreement – the contract extending both the title sponsorship and official tyre supplier partnership into a third decade.

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow said: “We are delighted to have officially launched the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship here at Donington Park.

“We believe this season will set the bar even higher, with 16 race-winners highlighting the strength in depth throughout the field. Furthermore, attracting two new manufacturers to the grid demonstrates the ever-growing appeal of the BTCC both on and off track.

“As I noted last season, this truly is a golden era for the BTCC and again proves it is the only show in town in British motor sport. With so much quality amongst drivers and teams alike, unpredictability is very much the name of the game and that is what keeps the fans coming back for more – in increasingly greater numbers.

“With the unstinting support of our title sponsor and loyal broadcaster, tyre and technical partners, the BTCC is set to deliver in spades once again and judging by today’s attendance, the level of interest is sky-high and everybody is excited to see how things shake out in the opening round at Brands Hatch. It’s going to be an absolutely stellar season.”

The brighter more Jazzy, Honda Jazz shows that brght colours make for a happier driver.

• Latest Honda colours brighten your life, but bold shades add more than flair
• Orange and yellow cars are among the safest on the road
• Bright cars statistically less likely to be in an accident
• Strong hues also give moods a lift, especially in Winter

We all need a little sunshine in our lives, especially as the days grow shorter and the nights get longer and darker.

And that’s why brightly coloured cars such as the new Honda Jazz could make all the difference between a good day and a bad one – in more ways than one.

The Honda Jazz is already one of the warmest and most cheerful cars on the road, thanks to its strong character, high levels of owner satisfaction and rewarding driving dynamics, but drivers who choose colours such as the model’s bold Sunset Orange and Attract Yellow Pearl are likelier to be happier – and safer – than most.

Psychologists have shown a strong link between colour and personality, with hues such as orange and yellow most popular with extroverts and satisfied people. According to the psychology website  www.verywell.com* orange is a colour that brings to mind feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, and warmth, while yellow is cheery and also warm. According to the site’s expert psychologists, yellow can also increase the metabolism, making it the perfect choice of cars for those looking to shed a few pounds ahead of Christmas.

But it’s not only in terms of mood and cheerfulness that owners of brighter cars are better off, with studies outlining some very clear safety benefits.

In the biggest ever global insight into the relationship between accident rates and car colours, a report from Australia’s Monash University, Melbourne, found that orange cars were statistically least likely to be involved in an accident, with other light or bright shades such as yellow, white and silver also faring well. Black and grey cars, conversely, were considered less safe, with experts putting the higher accident rate down to the cars being less visible, especially in poor weather or low light.

Phil Webb, Head of Cars at Honda UK, commented: “The third generation Jazz is a car that already gives its owners a feeling of warmth and wellbeing, but colours such as Sunset Orange and Attract Yellow Pearl add more than just character. They’re statistically safer, much more visible on darker days, and they help lift the moods of everyone around them – another part of the Drive Happy culture that defines Jazz’s DNA.“

The colour isn’t the only thing about the Jazz that will brighten your day, either, with prices for the award-winning subcompact hatch starting at just £13,645 on-the-road, or with PCP packages from only £169 a month.

The United Kingdom has tipped the 80% mark for exportation of motor vehicles, which is great for the economy.

UK CAR MANUFACTURING (data for October 2016)

• UK car manufacturing dips -1.0% in October to 151,795 units as domestic demand falls.
• Exports rise for 15^th consecutive month, with 122,765 cars built for overseas markets, up 1.7%.¹
• Industry remains strong, up 9.2% year-to-date with more than 1.4 million vehicles produced.

UK car manufacturing dipped -1.0% in October, ending a 14-month run of growth for the industry, according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).²

151,795 vehicles were built in the month, with production for export growing taking an 80.9% share of volumes. 122,765 cars were shipped to overseas customers, an uplift of 1.7% on the same month last year, and offsetting a -10.9% decline in production for the home market. 

Despite the fall, domestic demand remains strong, with production in the year so far up 3.3% and at its highest level since 2005.³ Overall production levels, meanwhile, achieved a 17 year record of 1,444,248 – up 9.2%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “October's figures underline the export-led nature of the industry, with eight out of 10 cars built for overseas customers. Despite model changes which have ended the consistent growth pattern of the past year or so, we are still on track for a record number of exports.

“Given this dependence on global trade, it is crucial that British-built cars remain attractive to international buyers and exports are not subject to additional tariffs, costs and other barriers to successful trade. It is also essential government ensures there is economic stability and a competitive business environment to ensure we continue to attract the global investment that is behind this performance.”

1. UK car export volumes have risen in every month since July 2015
2. UK car manufacturing last fell in July 2015
3. October 2005, when 363,513 units were produced for the domestic market

USA - Honda to have a huge stand at this years SEMA Show in Las Vegas with the Civic Type R as its headliner.

• Civic Type R headlines "Civicpalooza" display featuring more than nine tuned, accessorized and custom-built Civic Sedans, Coupes and Hatchbacks
• 10^th Generation Civic Racing vehicles include 2016 Red Bull Global Rallycross Civic Coupe race car and Civic Coupe Team Honda Racing West Endurance Racer
• Ridgeline and Honda Powersports partner on project vehicles that feature power, performance and Honda accessories
• Honda Powersports and Honda Performance Development expand SEMA presence

Honda will showcase a large presence at the 2016 SEMA show, headlined by the North American debut of the radical new Civic Type R prototype, straight from its global introduction in Paris. 

The Civic R Prototype offers a glimpse into the styling of the next-generation Civic Type R, which will top off the 10th generation Civic lineup when it launches next year.

Joining the Type R will be a posse of custom-built, accessorized and tuned Civic variants. 

This "Civicpalooza" will highlight the custom options available for the new Civic – from an all-new 2017 Civic Hatchback with Honda Genuine Accessories to the 600-horsepower Civic Red Bull Global Rallycross race car, fresh off its strong performance at the 2016 GRC season finale in Los Angeles.

Honda's SEMA footprint also will include the innovative, all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck outfitted with Honda Genuine Accessories, along with three Honda Ridgeline project vehicles built in partnership with some of the most creative automotive tuning houses in the U.S.

Further demonstrating the broad range of performance products and racing activities that only Honda can boast, Honda Powersports and Honda Performance Development (HPD), the racing arm of Honda, will showcase a number of products and tuner projects, including the Indianapolis 500 Winning Alexander Rossi Indycar, the 2017 Honda Grom, and a number of Honda Powersports SEMA projects, including expertly tuned versions of the CRF250R, CB500F, CB500S, CBR1000RR SP, CBR600RR Race Bike, and more.

2016 Honda SEMA Lineup¹:

2016 Civicpalooza

2017 Honda Civic Type R Prototype

The radical Honda Civic Type R Prototype builds on the low and wide proportion of the new Civic Hatchback and is enhanced by muscular body styling and modifications to aid aerodynamic performance. 

The exterior is wrapped in a highly reflective, finely-grained brushed aluminum-effect finish, which is unique to the prototype car. At the front, the aggressive fascia is accentuated with a winged carbon fiber splitter and sporty red accent line. 

Additional slatted ducts add width to the fascia, and diamond-mesh inserts fill the sculpted air intakes.

Honda's iconic red "H" badge, which adorns all Type R models, sits prominently on the front grille at the nose of the car. There is a new intake on the hood, with an air scoop sited centrally in a trapezoidal recess. 

Smoked lenses for the LED headlights, indicators and side indicator repeater lights reflect the Type R Prototype's more aggressive character. 

Carbon fiber side skirts run the length of the side sills, between 20-inch piano black alloy wheels with red accents and 245-section high-performance tires. A beefy carbon fiber diffuser runs below the wider rear fascia, which frames three fully-functional tailpipes flanked by a pair of directional strakes. 

The smaller diameter central tailpipe is highlighted in bright metallic red. Model-exclusive vortex generators at the rear edges of the roof point backward toward a visually striking rear wing.

 Honda Civic Hatchback/Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Concept

The 2017 Civic Hatchback joins the 2016 Civic Sedan and Coupe as the third body style in the 10th-generation Civic lineup. Combining Euro-inspired styling and 5-door hatchback versatility with world-class driving dynamics and Honda direct-injected turbo engine technology, the Civic Hatchback is designed for buyers seeking an even more expressive, sporty and versatile Civic.

The 2017 Civic Hatchback is outfitted with a Honda Factory Performance accessory concept package featuring custom HFP accessories including deck lid spoiler, brake rotors, carpet floor mats and emblems. In addition, the vehicle sports red underbody spoilers, black wheel lock and wheel lugs and 19-inch HFP alloy wheels.

2016 Honda Civic Coupe GRC Competitive Race Car

Fresh off the heels of the 2016 Global Rallycross season finale, the 2016 GRC Civic Coupe Competitive Race car arrives on the SEMA floor, literally covered with track dust and dirt. Developed from a production-model 2016 Civic Coupe chassis by renowned builders and racers Olsbergs MSE (OMSE) with technical assistance from Honda Performance Development (HPD), the Civic Red Bull GRC car is built to withstand the rigorous demands of racing in a series that emphasizes repeated aggressive acceleration and varied terrain. The car will boast more than 600 horsepower, turn in a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds and is designed to handle the 70-foot table-top jumps featured on each racetrack.

2017 Honda Civic Coupe Racing Concept

The same designers and engineers responsible for the development of the 10th-generation Civic Coupe have built the 2016 Coupe Racing Concept car. Built with an FIA specification safety cage, the 2016 Coupe Racing Concept is able to compete in domestic and international endurance sports car events, and will make its first official race debut at the USAF 25 Hour of Thunderhill on December 3-4, 2016.

2016 SEGA Sonic Civic Sedan

The SEGA Sonic Civic embodies the spirit of the Sonic the Hedgehog classic video game, whose main character Sonic, and Sonic's world, is featured throughout the modified vehicle. Fox Marketing Cars, based in York, Pennsylvania, led the design and customization that includes: custom wheels and tires representing Sonic's famous red shoes and gold rings, a custom exterior including a one-of-a-kind vinyl Sonic the Hedgehog design and bespoke paint scheme, a Sonic Black Grille and BASF R-M Candy Sonic Blue painted exterior with custom Sonic Yellow throughout including a Sonic Yellow Honda logo. Custom interior features include Sonic the Hedgehog front and rear seats with Katzkin Blue Leather and custom Sonic the Hedgehog25th Anniversary embroidered logos.  A custom trunk design with Rockford Fosgate audio-visual system featuring two 500-watt T1S2 10-inch subwoofers, two 500-watt TM400 400-watt amplifiers, and a floor-mounted flip-up/down 32-inch television for video game fans to play Sonic the Hedgehog complete the build.

2017 Honda Performance Development Civic Body-In-White/Performance Race Parts

The 2017 Civic Body-In-White was designed to allow amateur and pro race teams the ability to build new race cars without having to tear apart a production car, making it easier to go racing with the latest touring car chassis tech at an affordable price. Honda Performance Development (HPD) will also be supplying a full line of performance parts needed to turn it into a competitive race car including engine, transmission, suspension, brake components and more. With Civic racers competing in the Pirelli World Challenge, IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge events and numerous Club Racing programs, HPD's Racing Line program not only offers the Body-In-White and accompanying performance parts, but includes direct engineering support from the HPD engineers that develop and evaluate these products. More information can be found at:http://hpd.honda.com/racing-line.

2016 Honda Civic Coupe aLL STaR Performance / Tjin Edition

The aLL STaR Performance / Tjin Edition Honda Civic Coupe was designed to be the ultimate street cruiser and incorporates elements from various automotive genres to showcase the personalization potential of the restyled Civic. The exterior features an Apollo Top One Auto Part front lip spoiler, matched with a pair of HFP side skirts and rear valances, all sprayed in a custom Axalta Sunrise yellow paint finish, applied by LR Autobody. For rollers and stoppers, a set of forged Rotiform OZT wheels are wrapped in the all-new Falken FK450 tires, while a custom BC Racing BR Series coilover kit and Baer 6P brake upgrade finish the suspension and braking. The interior features a one-of-a-kind Katzkin perforated suede and leather combination complimenting the Civic's exterior.

2016 Honda Civic Coupe / MAD Industries

The MAD Industries Civic showcases the versatility and fun factor behind the all-new Civic Coupe, with its aggressive stance and turbocharged power. Painted in BASF R-M Waterborn System in Aegean Blue and Jet Black, complete with Carbon 2 Carbon handcrafted Carbon fiber ground effects, single exhaust and Spec R wing, the MAD Industries Coupe catches the eye from every angle. The bold cockpit artfully blends the Aegean Blue and black exterior accents detailed by MAD Industries luxurious-but-sporty appointed custom interior, along with Roadwire leather seat covers with perforated suede inserts, contrasted by blue stitching in the seat, door panels and Steering wheel. The Eibach Pro Kit Performance Springs are on a set of stunning 19" "rotiform" QLB Forged wheels wrapped with Toyo Proxes T1R High Performance tires.

2016 Honda Civic Sedan Meguiars Build – Civic X Concept

On display at the Meguiar's booth, the recrafted Civic X Concept is meant to showcase the

10th generation Civic sedan platform as a solid foundation for customization and personalization. Upgrades bring a sense of classic Honda tuning tradition but are recrafted with a modern day edge. The goal was to give a nod to the clean aesthetic and design language of the builds at the height of the Honda movement from the mid- to late 1990s yet invoke a feeling of luxury and sport that feels progressive and current. The car has a sportier aesthetic due to the use of a carbon fiber hood and numerous Honda accessory enhancements. The exterior package is complemented with black accents in gloss and matt black textures. Performance fun is boosted by a number of upgrades from Greddy Performance Products while styling and handling is further enhanced with SSR wheels and Pirelli ultra-high performance tires. A more aggressive stance and firmer handling is delivered by a full coilover. The interior receives a major overhaul with a two-tone red and black alcantara combination and features contrast stitching while sound is amplified thanks to a custom system featuring additional subwoofers and amplifiers. The complete package embodies a reminiscent build execution of years past, but is executed in a classic and timeless style to appeal to the desire of today's more luxury conscious customers.

Honda Ridgelines Featured at SEMA 2016

2017 Honda Ridgeline + Honda Genuine Accessories

The all-new Ridgeline builds on the unique and still industry-exclusive features that debuted in the award-winning first-generation Ridgeline in 2005. With superior on-road manners and a spacious, flexible interior — the 2017 Ridgeline adds the Truck Bed Audio System to the already industry-first In-Bed Trunk® and Dual-Action Tailgate. Ridgeline joins Honda's expanded lineup of innovative light-truck models, including the HR-V crossover, the CR-V and Pilot SUVs and the Odyssey minivan.

The 2017 Ridgeline features a number of Honda Genuine Accessories including a bed extender, body side molding, cross bars and fender flares as well as a hard tonneau cover, roof rails, running boards, a sport grille and 18-inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels. The Ridgeline also features prototype accessories, including a custom light bar by Cibie, and LED fog lights by Valeo.

2017 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition / MAD Industries Sport Truck with MAD Industries CB500F

The MAD Industries Honda Ridgeline Black Edition has been paired with the Honda Powersports MAD Edition CB500F Naked Sport Bike for the weekend warrior who needs plenty of room for hauling gear. Both are painted in BASF R-M Waterborn System in Crystal Black Pearl and Candy Red, with exterior features including a lowered stance fitted with a set of 22x9.5 Niche Alpine wheels, custom painted in Gloss Black with Candy Red Details, while wrapped in Toyo Proxes ST / 11 Sport Truck all Season tires. The cockpit features Jet Black and Candy Red details along with a FOCAL Premium Flax Audio System Designed by the Source AV Design Group.

The CB500F, the smaller sibling of Honda's flagship CB1000R naked sport bike, boasts excellent maneuverability, a comfortable riding position and a versatile engine with great performance across the rev range. PSR Custom CNC Billet Accessories are featured from front to rear, including Driven Carbon Fiber Meteor Bars and a Yoshimura R-77 Muffler in Carbon Fiber and Stainless Steel.  

2017 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition / TJIN Edition + TRX250

Debuting at this year's SEMA Show in the Falken Tires Booth (#61003) is the Tjin Edition X Pennzoil Honda Ridgeline, which has been paired with the race-ready Honda TRX250X ATV. The Ridgeline's off-road capabilities are enhanced by custom 20" three-piece Rotiform wheels, 20" Falken tires, Baer big brakes, and a custom Traxda suspension. The exterior features a custom Axalta paint job, MagnaFlow exhaust, custom front bumper and light bars by the crew at Unique Fabrication. The interior has been completely transformed with a custom Katzkin interior and Scosche sound system.

The Pennzoil x Tjin Edition Honda TRX250X was designed and built by Collin and Kylie Tjin to go hand and hand with the Pennzoil x Tjin Edition Honda Ridgeline, which will be showcased in the Falken Tire booth at the SEMA Show. The Pennzoil x Tjin Edition Honda TRX250X is miniature replica of the Ridgeline and features a custom Axalta paint job, Fox suspension, powder coated gold wheels by Rotiform, custom CT seat, Scosche boom bottles, MagnaFlow exhaust, Pennzoil products and custom logos by Daley Visual.

2017 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E / Fox Marketing

with 2016 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 Automatic DCT EPS Deluxe

On display at the Toyo Tires booth, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E customized by Fox Marketing focuses on the outdoor sportsman and features Honda Factory Accessories, including side step, wind visors and fender flares that allows the Ridgeline to spread its wings. An Avery Diamond White Pearl wrap is featured over a BASF R-M Black paint job, with red accents. The 18" KMC Wheels are wrapped in 265/65/18 Toyo ATII tires, with a 1.5" leveling kit providing added stability for off-road adventures. The bed of the truck features a 2017 Honda Rubicon 500 with added Nitrous Express 50-shot system, and 15" KMC Wheels with 235/50/18 Toyo t1r Tires for the performance enthusiast.

The FourTrax® Foreman® Rubicon™ 4x4 is an aggressively styled ATV with a legendary 475cc fuel-injected engine and Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Excellent ride comfort, high payload and towing capacity, high ground clearance and suspension travel, plus the option of Electric Power Steering (EPS) all add up to big fun with impressive capability. Honda's Automatic DCT with Drive/Low, which delivers smooth, seamless power with an added benefit of the ability to switch between full automatic mode and actively selecting gears via Honda's Electric Shift Program. Both transmission choices are gear-driven, with no belts to slip when wet, or to burn up or break.

Honda Performance Development at SEMA 2016

Alexander Rossi's Indianapolis 500 Champion IndyCar

In May 2016, Honda-powered race car driver, Indy rookie Alexander Rossi, stretched his final tank of fuel for 36 laps to the checkers – four more laps than any other competitor – to win the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. The IndyCar features a twin turbocharged, fuel-injected, aluminum-alloy V-6 with a dual overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder valve train, direct fuel injection, two Borg-Warner turbochargers, "Drive-by-Wire" throttle technology and a series-spec McLaren Electronics Engine Control Unit (ECU).

Honda Performance Development Inc., Honda's North American racing company, entered the Indy Racing League's IndyCar® Series in 2003, and was the sole engine supplier from 2006 through 2011. For those six seasons, Honda powered the entire 33-car starting field at the Indy 500 without a single driver dropping out with an engine-related problem—a testament to the durability found in Honda's products. After the return of other manufacturers in 2012, Honda continued its unparalleled achievement in durability and innovation, powering teams to Indy 500 wins in 2012, 2014 and now in 2016.

Honda Powersports at SEMA 2016

Factory Connection GEICO Honda CRF250R

This CRF250R GEICO Honda is the bike Malcolm Stewart took the 2016 East Championship aboard. The championship is Honda's seventh SX Lites East championship in 11 years. Managed by past Supercross and Motocross champion Mike LaRocco, the Factory Connection racing squad is the home of multiple Honda champions and features a team deep with talent, including 2014 AMA SX Lites East champion, Justin Bogle.

2017 Honda Grom

The 2017 Honda Grom features new, aggressive bodywork, bold new colors and new LED headlight design. With a new two-tier seat, a more defined tail section, and a new low-mount muffler design, the Grom still features a 125cc engine, with a fun factor that continues to be off the charts. The Grom is a blast to ride, offering all the excitement and freedom of a motorcycle, and is user friendly and approachable so it eliminates nearly the entire intimidation factor.

2017 Honda CBR1000RR SP

The all-new Honda CBR1000RR SP has been completely redesigned and given some serious performance upgrades. This limited-edition machine is fully street legal, but it's really at home on a track day. Compact, slim, and light, it's also the first CBR Honda has offered with throttle-by-wire technology, and that makes a whole realm of engine performance choices available.

2017 CBR600RR Race Bike

This bike was piloted by five-time national champion, Benny Solis, who competed in the 2016 MotoAmerica Supersport class, finishing 5th in the Championship and taking a podium at Utah Motorsports Campus. This modified race bike was consistently competitive against factory teams.

          

Honda CB500S ‘Scrambler Concept'

The Honda twin-cylinder sport bikes revolutionized the world of motorcycling when they first appeared, and this latest generation—Honda's 500 twins—are the best ever. Starting with a 2016 Honda CB500F, MAD Industries and Lossa Engineering created this CB500S to replicate the very popular "Scrambler" style of motorbikes on a modern sport bike frame. This CB500S's frame has been modified with fabrication work featuring Hand Made Panels, Seat Base and Exhaust system combining current modern parts that are available that tie in with the hand-made items. The front end was upgraded to an inverted 41mm Showa Big Piston Fork and radial-mounted calipers from the CBR600RR. The wheels are custom built by Ridewright Wheels with 40 Spoke Cross Laced Wheels and were custom finished to match the bike Black and Gold theme and are wrapped in Continental Trail Attack 2 Tires.