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Restyled 2018 Honda Accord features cool looks and three new powertrains

Benjamin Yong on July 19, 2017

The all-new 2018 Honda Accord is quite a design departure from the previous generation.

Honda’s surprised a lot of people lately, in a good way, offering adventurous redesigns of models across their segment range including the new series of Civics, the Odyssey and the Ridgeline. It’s now the Accord’s turn, with the 2018 example set to be a quite a drastic departure, especially aesthetically, from previous.

The mid-size sedan now embodies a fastback shape and is packaged in a slightly wider (+10 millimetres) shell. However, it is 10 millimetres shorter in length than before, and sits 15 millimetres lower. Wheelbase and wheel track have been pushed out further, giving a more refined stance and lower centre of gravity, as well as maximizing passenger space and stretching out legroom by an impressive amount.

2018 Honda Accord front fascia

One of the most striking details found at the nose of the car, where below the signature winged chrome grille is a gaping central air intake. Everything from the hood, which possesses a slightly raised centre section, to the smooth door panels and upswept trunk lid make this the slipperiest Accord yet, altogether raising the aerodynamic efficiency by three per cent compared to the last version.

In addition to the extra room, the cabin features a driver’s seat mounted in a sportier position with 12-way power adjustability and larger supportive bolsters. The infotainment system is comprised of an eight-inch Display Audio touchscreen and a four, eight or 10-speaker stereo system depending on trim level. And due to public demand, Honda has reintroduced physical volume and tuning knobs.

2018 Honda Accord rear

Three powertrains will eventually be released when the new Accord begins rollout later this year: a turbocharged 1.5 litre (192 horsepower) or 2.0 litre (252 horsepower) i-VTEC gasoline engine, and a two-motor hybrid setup for the partially electrified variant to arrive later. The former pair is either mated to a CVT or 10-speed automatic transmission, respectively, and in welcome news, a six-speed manual gearbox is an option for both.

Spicier F SPORT version of Lexus LS 500 flagship sedan announced

Benjamin Yong on June 29, 2017

The front grille, wheels and brakes are just three areas to receive tweaks on the F-SPORT variant of the Lexus LS 500.

Only a short while after wowing the automotive world with the announcement of the totally redesigned Lexus LS 500, the luxury brand has already taken the wraps off the F SPORT version of the flagship sedan featuring an edgier exterior, interior and better performance. Let’s take check out all the highlights.

A big talking point about the new LS is its spindle grille that’s much more intricate than ones found on other models, made up of some 5,000 individual surfaces. The expanded blacked-out example on the F SPORT has an even finer mesh constructed of a staggering 7,100 unique surfaces. Not just for looks, the upgraded grille increases cooling properties. Other darkened details include the garnishes below the front air vents as well as on the rocker panel and sides of the rear bumper.

2018 lexus ls 500 f sport front grille

Venturing inside the vehicle, Lexus has upped the sporty feel of the cabin installing bigger-bolstered front seats covered in a repeating grille pattern stamped in leather, bringing a touch of continuity with the exterior. Aluminum has tactfully been added to select trim pieces and the pedals. The instrument cluster features a motorized information ring lifted straight from the LFA supercar.

All LS 500 F SPORTs receive special 20-inch split spoke wheels shod with sticky 245/45 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tires. Poking out from underneath the big rims are larger brake calipers than those found on the standard grade: six-piston and four-piston units for the front and rear, respectively. The engine remains the same 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, producing 415 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, mated to the first 10-speed automatic transmission found in any luxury sedan.

2018 lexus ls 500 f sport rear angle

Drivers can kick things up a notch by selecting from one of three powertrain settings. Normal is the default mode, while Sport S and Sport S+ both enhance throttle response and volume of the exhaust note for an even more dynamic and enjoyable experience behind the wheel.

The F SPORT package will be available on gasoline-powered LS 500 variants only when it launches later this year.

Things to know for electric vehicle newcomers

Benjamin Yong on June 29, 2017

DEC. 2020 UPDATE

The BC government has launched an updated rebate program for installation of an EV charging station from $350 to $700. Workplaces, and residents of condos, that buy and install EV stations also have updated rebates from $2,000 to $4,000 per charger.

Applications available here.

Original Post

You’ve heard the stories of the many benefits of electric vehicle ownership, and are maybe thinking of taking the plunge. But EVs (or plug-in hybrids running on electric power) have quirks unique to the platform that are pertinent to be aware of before getting in the driver’s seat.

hyundai ioniq electric

Acceleration

Unlike an internal combustion engine (ICE) designed to build power as the revs climb higher, an EV has the ability to generate most of its torque immediately as soon as the accelerator is pressed. In other words, applicable cars tend to feel much faster than their horsepower numbers may indicate. Although it’s tempting to jet off at every stoplight, your battery life will suffer as a result. More on this later.

Braking

No energy goes wasted in an EV, including the kinetic type generated each time the brake pedal is activated, which is recirculated back into the system. Some models such as the BMW i3 automatically initiate light braking following the release of the throttle, also known as one-pedal driving. The first few times are likely to feel quite jarring and take some getting used to.

toyota prius prime plug-in

Noise

Without explosions taking place inside pistons as on a traditional ICE, EVs tend to be very quiet during operation. From the outside, the only sounds heard may be the tire rolling on pavement and audio from the stereo speakers. Drivers need to practice extra caution around pedestrians who many not be able to hear you approaching.

porsche panamera turbo s e-hybrid interior

Range

While an ICE vehicle has an onboard alternator providing juice for things like the radio and climate control when running, all electronic functions drain the battery and thus lower the maximum range of travel. This is not to say all comfort features should always be off, but to merely be mindful of the fact. Driving style drastically affects range as well, so it’s advisable to establish efficient habits like those suggested here.

Charging

There are three tiers of charging currently available. Level 1 is the standard household outlet, supplying 110 volts. The slowest option, using the i3 as an example a full charge would take approximately 12 to 15 hours. Level 2 is rated at 240 volts, similar to a clothes dryer plug and installable at home, cutting the time roughly in half. The quickest method by far is via commercial DC Fast Charger station — the first one opened in Vancouver last year — that can help most EVs achieve 80 per cent energy capacity in a mere 30 minutes. 

Redesigned 2018 Honda Odyssey: comfort, convenience and a little magic

Benjamin Yong on June 23, 2017

2018 Honda Odyssey front
The all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey features the company’s modern “flying wing” grille and a sportier-looking front bumper.

This month, the 2018 Honda Odyssey rolls into dealerships completely redesigned with a more powerful engine, nine and 10-speed transmissions and several interior innovations.

The front of the best-selling minivan receives an all-new face resembling the rest of the current Honda lineup featuring the chrome “flying wing” grille and sporty mesh elements in the bumper air intakes. Instead of the visually jarring sliding door tracks dominating the rear fender, they have been incorporated and effectively hidden in the bottom of the rear quarter panel windows. The C-shaped taillights now wrap around the chrome garnish located on the power tailgate.

2018 honda odyssey cabinwatch

Comfort and convenience are two areas the automaker has focused heavily on. The infotainment system, controlled by an eight-inch high-resolution Display Audio touchscreen, has built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to make smartphone connectivity a breeze. The monitor is also paired to a camera mounted in the interior so drivers can see what passengers are up to. Front and rear occupants can even communicate with each other over the CabinTalk PA system.

2018 honda odyssey rear seat entertainment

People riding along in the back will likely be too busy to talk, however, thanks to the entertainment setup. A 10.2-inch screen is mounted on the ceiling that users can stream content to via a downloadable app for mobile devices. In-vehicle 4G LTE WiFi is optional.

2018 honda odyssey magic slide

The second row seating is where the magic really happens. Dubbed Magic Slide, they can be configured in multiple positions. These include Easy Access mode that slides the centre seat forward and out of the way, Super mode moving the driver’s side seat forward, and Wide mode removing the centre seat and pushing the flanking pair outwards, all in the name of making passenger transitions and cargo carrying a painless process.

The 3.5-litre V6 engine produces 280 horsepower, 32 more than the outgoing model, and is paired to a nine-speed gearbox for all trims except Touring. The top-of-the-line grade receives an ultra-efficient 10-speed transmission helping the vehicle achieve an estimated fuel economy rating of 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 8.5 L/100 km on the highway.

2018 honda odyssey rear

All Odysseys come standard with The Honda Sensing safety suite encompassing collision mitigation and driver assistance technology like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and more.

Prices range from $34,890 for LX to $50,290 for Touring. Visit your local store for a test drive.