N O R T O N WAY H O N D A • I S S U E 1 8 • A P R 2 0 1 6
norton way honda MONTH
APR
ISSUE
FORECAST
18
NEXT F1:
Springtime is here.
Beijing, China April 17th
SOCIAL
CONTACT DEALER
THE HONDA MCLAREN MP4-31 We look under the ‘hood’ and ask, is Alonso the luckiest F1 driver alive?
4
MOTORSHOW REPORT
10
THE MCLAREN MP4-31
6
NSX PRICING
12
F1 SEASON REPORT
8
The latest from Geneva Grab your wallet!
ALL ABOUT RELIABILITY Honda scores highest in consumer survey
The new McLaren Honda revealed Our report from Melbourne GP
CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP CHECK OUT OUR LATEST UPDATES AND INFORMATION CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
N O R T O N WAY H O N D A • I S S U E 1 8 • A P R 2 0 1 6
MOTORSHOW REPORT: GENEVA
The Geneva Motor Show is held in March every year at the Geneva Palexpo and is considered to be one of the more important dates in the automotive calendar. The show gives top manufactures from around the world an opportunity to debut their latest models and concepts for the future.
HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK PROTOTYPE
This Civic Hatchback Prototype received its global premiere at the show, previewing the exterior design for the all-new hatchback model, which is scheduled for European launch in early 2017.
Engines The all-new Civic will feature a range of three powertrain options: 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine and a revised 1.6-litre i-DTEC. It will be the first European model to feature the all-new petrol engines. The all-new engines will be part of Honda’s growing Earth Dreams Technology and aim to deliver a combination of dynamic performance, class-leading output and excellent fuel economy.
Distinctive Design and Sportier Civic The all-new model will be 30mm wider, 20mm lower and 130mm longer giving the vehicle a more assured stance and dynamic feel to the exterior compared to the current generation. Its key design features are: • A boldly sculpted front of the vehicle which will include large air intakes and LED headlights & daytime running lights. • Sleep and swept-back body lines and use of a second lower character line to emphasise the car’s dynamic forward-leaning stance. • At the rear, the bumper will incorporate angular creases and vents, to mirror the aggressive styling of the rest of the car.
Built in the UK and exported globally Honda has confirmed an investment of €270m in new production technologies and processes to prepare for the new model at the Honda UK Manufacturing site (HUM), in Swindon. This investment is part of a long-term vision for the UK plant in Honda’s global operations. CLICK TO WATCH A PREVIEW OF THE HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK PROTOTYPE 4
N O R T O N WAY H O N D A • I S S U E 1 8 • A P R 2 0 1 6 OTHER NOTABLE MODELS AT THE SHOW:
CLARITY FUEL CELL
Made its European Debut at the event, it incorporates Honda’s most advanced technologies and provides the world’s first fuel cell powered sedan to house the entire fuel cell stack and drivetrain system under the hood. The vehicle will have a range per tank over 435 miles and fuelling the vehicle will be as easy as a petrol model, providing further everyday convenience for customers.
JAZZ KEENLIGHT CONCEPT
This design concept highlights the customisation potential of the new Jazz. The new concept aims to attract customers who are looking for more emphasis on style. The vehicle features a keenlight-coloured roof spoiler, mirror caps, front grille and tailgate decoration. There’s a lot to come from Honda in 2016 so keep your eyes peeled on our website for all the latest updates from Honda UK. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT
5
N O R T O N WAY H O N D A • I S S U E 1 8 • A P R 2 0 1 6
NSX PRICING ANNOUNCED
Following the excitement of the NSX’s official launch in the US, Honda in March announced further launch details for the model with prices starting from approximately £130,000. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE
onda has confirmed Europe will be the leading export region for sales of NSX, and will be sold through a limited network of authorised dealers in key European locations. Deliveries of the first NSX in Europe will commence during Autumn 2016. The NSX will be manufactured exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Centre (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, where approximately 100 highlyskilled low-volume production specialists will conduct full body construction, paint and final assembly.
Future Plans for the NSvX? A hard-core Honda NSX Type R variant has been rumoured to be under consideration, with the potential for substantial weight savings over the standard model. Honda is considering making the vehicle lighter and track-focused, which may even become rear-wheel drive if Honda were to abandon parts of the NSX’s hybrid powertrain. Nick Robinson, Dynamic Development Leader on the NSX project, confirmed at the launch of the standard NSX, that although the Type R project hasn’t officially been signed off yet, there is a huge will within Honda do to it – and the hope
H
6
N O R T O N WAY H O N D A • I S S U E 1 8 • A P R 2 0 1 6
that the new NSX is just the start of a revival of the company’s sporting heritage. The NSX Type R would be the logical next step. Robinson also confirmed that a convertibleroofed version of the NSX is likely to follow the coupe to market. The body is exceptionally rigid, and losing the roof panel would make precious little difference. A prototype NSX convertible famously features in the first Avengers film. The NSX will continue to keep us captivated for years to come, in true Honda style. TO GET YOU IN THE MOOD, SIT BACK, TURN UP YOUR SPEAKERS AND ENJOY A CUP OF TEA MADE BY THE NSX
7
N O R T O N WAY H O N D A • I S S U E 1 8 • A P R 2 0 1 6
HONDA SCORES HIGHEST IN EUROPEAN CAR RELIABILITY CONSUMER SURVEY A European survey of more than 30,000 drivers has revealed that Honda is seen as the most reliable car brand. he study by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) saw Honda get a reliability rating of 93/100 and a further 79% said they would recommend a Honda vehicle. It was also confirmed that the most heavily weighted factors consumers take into account when purchasing a car are price, fuel consumption, family needs and reliability. To asses Reliability, the OCU asked if they had any breakdowns in the past year and created an index to compare the likelihood of a breakdown. The results of the survey highlighted the importance of quality commitments Honda has made to its customers and the benefit of receiving the peace of mind that their cars are among the least likely to experience breakdowns. The highest rated vehicle in the survey was the Honda Jazz 1.4 (see offer, right).
T
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE
8
JAZZ Drive happy The new Honda Jazz is packed full of surprises that’ll be sure to make you smile. It has been reinvigorated with smart new features that make it look great and drive even better.
£750 DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION
Representative Example:
Jazz 1.3 SE i-VTEC Manual
5
On the Road Price
£14,995
Customer Deposit
£3695.70
FOR
36 Payments Of
YEARS SERVICING
£555
For more information on this amazing offer, speak to a member of our sales team today!
Honda UK Deposit Contribution Amount of credit
£750 £10,549.30 £169
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value £5,916.42 Representative APR
5.9%
Option to Purchase Fee
£10.00
Annual Contracted Mileage
10,000
Excess Mileage Charge Interest Rate pa fixed
3p 5.68%
Fuel consumption figures for the Jazz SE 1.3 i-VTEC Manual mpg (l/100km): Urban 46.3 (6.1), Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3), Combined 56.5 (5.0). CO2 emissions: 116g/km. Fuel consumption figures sourced from official EU-regulated laboratory test results, are provided for comparison purposes and may not reflect real-life driving experience Model Shown: Jazz SE 1.3 i-VTEC Manual in Sunset Orange II at £14,995 On The Road (OTR). Terms and Conditions: New retail Jazz ordered from 01 April 2016 to 30 June 2016 and registered by 30 June 2016. Subject to model and colour availability. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Not to be used along with any other offers currently available. *Honda deposit contribution: £750 Honda deposit contribution on new Jazz models purchased through Honda Aspirations. Honda Aspirations (PCP): Minimum customer deposit 0%, maximum customer deposit 30%. You do not have to pay the Final Payment if you return the car at the end of the agreement and you have paid all other amounts due, the vehicle is in good condition and has been serviced in accordance with the Honda service book and the maximum annual mileage has not been exceeded. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Honda Franchise Dealers are credit brokers, not lenders. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL. Honda Finance Europe plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register number 312541. 5 Years’ Servicing includes: All scheduled servicing, as detailed in the vehicle’s service book, will be covered for 5 years or 62,500 miles, whichever comes first. 5 Years’ Servicing is optional. It is being offered for £555 including VAT (usual value £1,200 including VAT, resulting in a £645 saving for the customer) and is available to finance or non-finance customers. Please note, should you sell the vehicle during the period of cover, the package remains with the vehicle.
N O R T O N WAY H O N D A • I S S U E 1 8 • A P R 2 0 1 6
FORMULA 1 STARTS
The new Formula 1 season has begun at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The McLaren-Honda team got off to an eventful start which included a very lucky escape for Fernando Alonso, after a horrific crash (see pg.10 for our full report). The team are looking at bouncing back from a disappointing first season last year. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE
or the 2016 season the McLaren-Honda team of Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button will be using the MP4-31, let’s take a closer look: The striking and innovative MP4-31 chassis is a balance of remarkably elegant aerodynamic solutions, with a highly space-efficient integration of Honda’s new-for-2016 power unit.
F
Simulation Every Formula 1 team test intensively away from the track, and McLaren-Honda’s brake dyno is a perfect example of how the team assesses concepts and components before competition starts. Here’s some examples of what the team tested: • Brake System: The new Akebono brake callipers and master cylinders, rear brake control system and carbon discs & pads. The carbon-fibre brake discs reach a limit of 1,200°C, which is hot enough to melt silver! • Safety Structures: Cockpit survival cell incorporating impact resistant construction and anti-penetration panels.
Manufacturing New manufacturing machines have massively reduced the time it takes to manufacture components. In 2014, it took three men 12 hours to machine a single F1 wheelnut, with the new machines one can be produced every 2 hours. Other changes include: • Bodywork: Carbon-fibre composite, including engine cover, sidepods, floor, nose, front wing and rear wing. • Front & Rear Suspension
10
Chassis McLaren-Honda’s carbon laboratories were able to measure the tensile strength of carbon-fibre samples. This ensures materials used are not only light but strong. Changes include: • Monocoque: Carbon-fibre composite, incorporating driver controls and fuel cell • Weight: Overall vehicle weight 702kg
Power Unit Honda’s new RA616H power unit is comprised of 3,500 components, revs to 15,000rpm and reaches temperatures of 900°C when running at full throttle. Off the start line, it will reach 200km/h in less than five seconds. Characteristics: • Weight: HONDA RA616H 145 kg • Capacity: 1.6 litres • Cylinders: Six • Max RPM: 15,000 RPM (Did you know125,000 RPM- The number of times the Honda turbo-charger spins per minute)
Fuels and Lubrications Mobil 1’s engine oil separates and cools more than 300 moving components, withstanding loadings more than 8,500 times greater than the force of gravity. What will be used? • Fuel: Esso™ Synergy Racing Fuel (5.75% bio fuel) • Gearbox: Carbon-fibre composite main case, longitudinally mounted • Gear Lubricant: Mobilube 1 SHC™ Racing Gear Oil - Low traction loss, high efficiency gear and bearing lubricant and coolant Chassis
Prototype Technology McLaren-Honda’s stereolithography (SLA) prototyping facilities uses lasers moving at 25m/s to heat-treat a bath of liquid photopolymer resin to rapidly form new components. Far quicker than conventional methods, this technique creates 400 new parts each week.
11
N O R T O N WAY H O N D A • I S S U E 1 8 • A P R 2 0 1 6 FORMULA ONE 2016 REPORT:
AUSTRALIAN GP: MELBOURNE / 20TH MARCH / B McLaren-Honda performance over the weekend was overshadowed by Fernando Alonso’s accident with Esteban Gutierrez that was one of the most terrifying scenes in recent Formula 1 history.
Nico Rosberg wins after Ferrari strategy error
Alonso survival a miracle’ after 180mph Australian GP crash
Nico Rosberg won the Australian GP after a strategy error from Ferrari handed the race victory to Mercedes.
no major injury, waving to fans and conducting interviews within moments. Alonso added he was ‘lucky to be alive’ and immediately thought of his mother’s anxiety after she watched it all take place at home in Oviedo. The race was halted for 20 minutes after the red flags and with all drivers pulled into the pits, the change in strategy resulted in a shift in momentum and an entertaining afternoon at Albert Park.. Fernando Alonso will use his second power unit in as many races for the Bahrain GP after the previous system was “heavily damaged” in his frightening Melbourne crash. Honda say they are “massively disappointed” the engine and associated hybrid systems could not be repaired after the 180mph accident. The Spaniard’s chassis has also been replaced for this weekend, still that’s a small price to pay for what could have been an otherwise more dreadful outcome after the crash. Jenson Button was a disappointing 14th as McLaren failed to deliver on their promise of a better race car.
Lewis Hamilton finished second after dropping as low as seventh after a slow getaway off the line. Sebastian Vettel had stormed into the lead at the start, but the Silver Arrows’ decision to put Rosberg onto medium tyres - when Ferrari opted for supersofts - during a red flag period proved an inspired decision. The stoppage was caused by a huge accident for Fernando Alonso who hit the rear of Esteban Gutierrez’s Haas. After being fired into the barrier, the McLaren car dug into the gravel, sending the Spaniard’s barrel rolling. Fortunately Alonso was able to climb out of the car unaided and walked away. Fernando Alonso’s survival following his high-speed crash at the Australian GP has led to praise for the safety improvements in Formula 1 in Monday’s papers. The Spaniard’s McLaren was flung through the air after its collision with the Haas of Esteban Gutierrez but he clambered out of the car with 12
N O R T O N WAY H O N D A • I S S U E 1 8 • A P R 2 0 1 6
BUTTON - 14 / ALONSO - DNF
NEXT RACE: CHINA / 17TH MARCH
Penny for your thoughts Alonso?
Alonso - lucky to be al ive Melbourne gp Results 1
nico rosberg
25
2
lewis hamilton
18 15
3
sebastian vettel
14
Jenson button
-
dnf
fernando alonso
-
Driver standings
The ‘ice-man’ Raikkonen, on fire
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE 13
points
1
nico rosberg
25
2
lewis hamilton
18
3
sebastian vettel
15
14
Jenson button
0
21
fernando alonso
0
team standings
HAAS points result on debut!
points
points
1
mercedes
43
2
ferrari
15
3
Williams
14
9
Mclaren honda
0
Spring is here! GET YOUR AIR-CONDITIONING SERVICED TODAY FOR £65.00
Now that Spring is here, the weather will hopefully be warming up! Why don’t you check your air conditioning is performing at 100% efficiency, to ensure maximum comfort for you and your passengers.
Speak to our Service Team today for more information.
NORTON WAY HONDA