Tag Archives: Honda

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Under Wraps: Honda’s Mysterious Coupes Spark Speculation Ahead of Japan Mobility Show

In a world where TikTok and social media reign supreme, traditional auto shows are fighting to maintain relevance. Their once undeniable spotlight is now overshadowed by viral videos, memes, and influencers. Yet, despite the rise of Instagram live feeds and Twitter leaks, some car events still stand the test of time, refusing to fade into obscurity. The IAA Mobility Show in Munich, with its deep-rooted history dating back to 1897, remains a titan. Similarly, the Japan Mobility Show, formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, is gearing up to celebrate its 70th anniversary this October. And once again, Honda promises to be one of the biggest draws.

Honda, long synonymous with innovation and high-performance engineering, will be at the heart of the action, bringing the highly anticipated 0 Saloon and 0 SUV prototypes to the stage for their Japanese premiere. But these two models are just the appetizer. The real intrigue lies beneath the sheets—literally. Honda is keeping its cards close to the chest with a pair of covered coupes that have sparked an ocean of speculation among enthusiasts and journalists alike.

Prelude 2.0? Or Something More?

The first logical question on everyone’s mind: Is Honda preparing a revival of the iconic Prelude? With the reborn model already set to hit Japanese streets next month, it wouldn’t be surprising if Honda’s covered coupes are a new chapter in the storied history of the Prelude. But this time, could it be something more performance-focused?

A high-performance “Type R” model doesn’t seem likely, not this early in the car’s life cycle. However, what we do expect are subtle enhancements that could give the Prelude the edge it needs in a crowded sports coupe market. This might include a package of factory add-ons such as aerodynamic tweaks, sportier wheels, or perhaps minor hardware updates that make it stand out without drastically altering the formula. Some prototypes have already been spotted wearing a rear wing, while others went without, giving us a sneak peek at what might be available for eager customers looking to tweak their Preludes from day one.

But don’t expect to see any turbocharged engines or hardcore race-spec parts just yet. Honda seems keen on keeping the Prelude’s focus on precision handling, like the Civic Type R, but without pushing the performance envelope just yet. A more modest, tuned-up version of the base Prelude might be the answer, appealing to those who want a bit of extra flair without diving into full-blown track-focused territory.

The NSX’s Legacy and Electric Future

As the automotive world has shifted its focus toward electrification, Honda is also working on its own electric successor to the legendary NSX. However, before you get too excited, don’t expect a new NSX just yet. We know that Honda has already confirmed an electric supercar that will carry the torch of the NSX—though it won’t hit the production line until 2027 or 2028. That’s a long wait, but history shows that the best things often come to those who wait.

The Acura NSX, once sold as a Honda in Japan, might even lose the “NSX” nameplate entirely. Instead, it’s speculated that Honda will offer something fresh, something that speaks to the future while paying homage to the supercar’s legacy. In fact, Honda executive Shinji Aoyama, in a candid interview during Monterey Car Week last year, revealed that the electric NSX successor would likely debut as a different, yet equally iconic, model.

Could one of the covered coupes be a concept for this electrified NSX successor? Given that production is still a few years away, it’s safe to assume these prototypes are just a glimpse of what’s to come—a teaser, perhaps, to get fans and media buzzing about Honda’s future in the high-performance electric space.

What’s Next?

The Japan Mobility Show runs from October 29 to November 9, so we still have a few weeks to go before the covers are officially pulled back. But with Honda’s track record of being ahead of the curve, we may not have to wait that long. Word on the street is that Honda plans to reveal more about the mysterious coupes by the end of September, which could offer up some tantalizing details before the official event.

In the meantime, car enthusiasts are already gearing up for the return of the Prelude in the U.S., with a stateside launch scheduled for later this year. Meanwhile, Europe will have to wait until 2026 to get a taste of the new coupe.

Whether it’s a refreshed Prelude or a futuristic NSX-inspired electric sports car, one thing is for sure: Honda has big plans for the Japan Mobility Show, and we’ll be watching closely to see just what’s lurking under those covers. Stay tuned.

Source: Honda

News

Dongfeng to Exit Engine JV with Honda as China’s EV Shift Accelerates

Since the late 1990s, Honda and Dongfeng have been building engines side by side in China, churning out hundreds of thousands of internal-combustion powerplants through a long-running 50-50 joint venture. But that decades-old arrangement may be headed for a dramatic reset.

Earlier this week, Dongfeng officially put its 50 percent stake in the partnership up for sale on the Guangdong United Assets and Equity Exchange. No minimum price has been set, but the deadline for bids is September 12.

According to the filing, the joint venture isn’t small potatoes: last year it reported assets of 5.4 billion yuan ($752 million) and liabilities of 3.3 billion yuan ($459 million). The operation includes a factory staffed by 827 workers, all of whom are now facing an uncertain future.

A Partnership Under Pressure

The move underscores the mounting pressure on traditional engine makers in China. Once a growth engine for foreign automakers, the world’s largest car market has shifted aggressively toward electric vehicles. Local champions like BYD, Nio, and XPeng have surged ahead with competitive EVs, while legacy partnerships like Dongfeng Honda are struggling to adapt.

Dongfeng itself has been losing steam for years. Its annual vehicle sales have tumbled from 3.8 million in 2016 to just 1.5 million in 2023 across its own brand and joint ventures with Honda and Nissan. Selling its stake in the engine plant looks like a bid to pivot resources toward electrification before it falls even further behind.

What Happens Next?

The big question is what Honda will do. The Japanese automaker could step in and buy out Dongfeng’s half, taking full control of the engine operation. Alternatively, it might look for another local partner to keep the venture alive. For now, Honda’s automobile joint venture with Dongfeng remains unaffected.

Still, Honda appears to be hedging its bets. Earlier this year, it launched a new EV designed specifically for Chinese buyers in collaboration with Dongfeng, and at the same time rolled out the GAC Honda GT through its other Chinese partner, GAC Group.

The Bigger Picture

The likely exit of Dongfeng from the engine JV is more than a financial transaction—it’s a signpost for how quickly the old order in China is fading. For two decades, foreign automakers leaned on joint ventures to gain access to the Chinese market, most of them built on the back of internal-combustion technology. Now, as EVs take over, those alliances are being tested, reshaped, or abandoned.

Honda isn’t immune. The question isn’t whether the EV era will change its China strategy, but how quickly—and how decisively—it’s willing to move.

Source: Honda

News

Honda Hit with Lawsuit Over Alleged Engine Defects in Popular Models

Honda’s reputation for bulletproof four-cylinders may be taking a hit. A new class-action lawsuit filed in the United States alleges that certain 1.5- and 2.0-liter i-VTEC engines found in some of the brand’s most popular cars and crossovers are suffering from potentially serious defects, including overheating, head gasket failures, and even an increased risk of fire.

At the center of the complaint is the claim that head gaskets in these engines are prone to cracking under high compression and heat. Once that seal fails, coolant may leak into the cylinder head grooves, depleting the system and leaving the engine vulnerable to overheating or seizure. In more extreme scenarios, the plaintiffs argue, this chain of events could lead to engine fires.

Drivers have reportedly noticed warning signs such as white smoke from the exhaust—a telltale indicator of coolant entering the combustion chamber—and contaminated engine oil caused by coolant mixing in. Both issues can accelerate internal corrosion and, ultimately, engine failure.

The suit points to five vehicles equipped with these engines:

  • 2018–2022 Honda Accord
  • 2016–2022 Honda Civic
  • 2017–2022 Honda CR-V
  • 2021–2022 Acura RDX
  • 2019–2022 Acura TLX

Six owners are named in the case, including five Accord drivers and one CR-V owner. All allege Honda has failed to adequately address the problem, with some claiming warranty coverage was denied despite ongoing issues.

Allegations of Cut-Short Lifespans

According to the filing, Honda’s four-cylinder engines should last at least 200,000 miles under normal conditions. The plaintiffs argue that, because of the alleged defects, these i-VTEC engines fall far short of that expectation. They are suing the automaker for breach of warranty, unjust enrichment, and violations of consumer protection laws, while also seeking damages, legal fees, and a jury trial.

Not the First Complaint

This isn’t Honda’s first time facing scrutiny over its 1.5-liter engines. In late 2024, a separate California lawsuit raised concerns about inadequate sealing and cooling, which could allow coolant to leak into the engine, dilute the oil, and cause overheating or power loss.

Honda has not yet issued a public response to the latest filing, and the automaker has not announced any recalls related to the allegations. For now, the case underscores the growing tension between Honda’s long-standing reputation for reliable powertrains and recent reports from owners who say their engines are failing far earlier than expected.

Source: Honda