Honda Pilot Receives "Family Car of the Year" Award

Darrell Waltrip Honda in Franklin, Tennessee is pleased to announce that the 2012 Honda Pilot has received the Cars.com"Family Car of the Year," award. The Honda Pilot SUV received a wide range of upgrades for 2012, including a sleeker front-end design, enhanced interior features and improved fuel economy. The 2012 Pilot had already earned the top spot in the" USA Today, MotorWee k and Cars.com $37k and Under SUV Shootout ,"with the editor-in-chief touting the Pilot as"the perfect SUV for buyers who want to comfortably haul the entire family and all of their gear."

 

"We're delighted to see the eight-passenger Pilot's versatility and family-friendly attributes recognized with this prestigious award,"said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning, American Honda Motor Co. "The newly refined and more fuel-efficient Pilot provides real value and surprising sophistication for anyone shopping in the segment."

 

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Cars.com Family Car of the Year award, which was presented last year to the Honda Odyssey . Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is an online destination for car shoppers that offers information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. For more information on the Best of the Year Awards, you can visit - http://www.cars.com/awards/

 

Contact Darrell Waltrip Honda for all your your automotive needs in and around Williamson County, Tennessee. We have a huge selection of the latest Honda models and a quality inventory of Certified Pre-Owned Honda's.

Honda Unveils 2013 Accord Coupe Concept

Darrell Waltrip Honda in Franklin, Tennessee is pleased to announce that Honda unveiled the dynamic Accord Coupe Concept today at the North American International Auto Show, providing the first official glimpse of the athletic styling direction, as well as revealing a host of new technologies for the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 model, set to go on-sale this fall.

The 2013 Accord will feature three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system from Honda's suite of next-generation Earth Dreams™ powertrain technologies. In addition, the V-6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan to feature a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe models are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy ratings and will be available with a number of innovative new safety and technological features.

"Marking the 30th anniversary of U.S. production, this new ninth-generation Accord will raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies, geared to ensure that Honda and the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

Design and Packaging

 

The Accord Coupe Concept features an athletic styling direction for Honda's best-selling model. The front bumper's dynamic lines are highlighted by a revised four-sided honeycomb grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. Lower fog-light spoilers are accented by crystallized chrome inlays.

The Accord Coupe Concept's 20-inch, machine-finished, 5-spoke wheels contribute to its solid stance. The rear taillights aggressively sweep into the body, while a trunk -lid spoiler and large exhaust finishers integrated into the bumper underscore the Accord Coupe Concept's muscular exterior.

While the Accord Coupe will remain similarly sized, the Accord Sedan will feature a more compact exterior footprint, adding to its sportier appearance. A shortened length and reduced weight will also give the 2013 Accord Sedan more responsive handling and improved driving dynamics. Both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will retain the current model's generous cabin space.

Advanced and Efficient Powertrains

 

Honda Accord will offer three all-new powertrains for the 2013 model year. The Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will be the first models in the U.S. to receive the new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® four-cylinder engine featuring direct- injection (DI). The engine will be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which utilizes an innovative cooperative control system for excellent acceleration and responsive shifting. The all-new 2.4-liter DI engine generates significant performance improvements compared to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine it replaces, producing more than 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. In addition to an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the 2012 model, the new four-cylinder-equipped 2013 Accord models are targeted to deliver class-leading fuel economy1.

The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will also be offered with a re-engineered 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual transmission. The new V-6 engine generates an increase in horsepower and torque over the current model. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission will utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management ™ (VCM™) technology and are targeted to achieve class-leading fuel economy1 along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.

The 2013 Accord lineup will also feature the first application of a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system to the Accord Sedan. The Honda two-motor hybrid system moves continuously through three modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive - to maximize driving efficiency and fuel economy.

In all-electric mode, the 2013 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will use a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving scenarios and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take less than four hours using a 120-volt, outlet and less than 1.5 hours using a 240-volt charger.

In the gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the Accord is powered by its fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). For more efficient high-speed cruising, the Accord Plug-In Hybrid can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid launch next winter.

All 2013 Accord models will incorporate the Honda ECO Assist™ system, an innovative technology that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button, while also providing visual feedback to the driver to promote and confirm a more efficient driving style.

Safety and Technological Innovations

 

The 2013 Accord is targeted to earn top scores in both the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety2 (IIHS) vehicle evaluations.

Additionally, the Accord will be equipped with several new technologies to help improve the driver's visibility around the vehicle. The Accord will be the first model to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. The Accord will also receive a rearview back-up camera and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror as standard equipment.

The Accord has always been an exceptional value and the 2013 model will offer more standard equipment compared to the current model, including new advanced technology features. High-tech features that will be found on all 2013 Accord models include Bluetoot h ®3 HandsFreeLink® phone interface, a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another standard feature and first for the Accord is the introduction of a Pandora® Internet Radio interface4 , compatible with the Apple® iPhone®, which works with the vehicle's audio controls and i-MID. 

Honda Accord Sales, Accolades and Manufacturing History

 

The Honda Accord, currently in its eighth generation, is one of Honda's best-selling vehicles worldwide and remains one of the top-selling automobiles in the U.S. The Accord was launched in 1976 with subsequent major re-designs in 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2003 and 2008. More than 11 million Accords have been sold in the U.S. since 1976.

Since its introduction nearly 36 years ago, the Accord has been honored for its quality, reliability and superior drivability. Car and Drive r magazine has awarded the Honda Accord its prestigious and highly competitive annual '10Best Cars' award a record 26 times. No other vehicle in the award's history has been honored as frequently as the Accord. The Accord was also recognized for the highest initial quality in the mid-size sedan segment in the 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey. 

In 2012, Honda will celebrate 30 years of Accord production in the U.S. The first Accord Sedan rolled off the Marysville, Ohio assembly line on November 1, 1982 and was the first Japanese-nameplate car assembled in the U.S. Since then, more than eight million Accords have been produced5 at Honda's first U.S. auto plant in Marysville, Ohio.

New Four-cylinder 2012 Honda Crosstour EX and EX-L

Two new four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive Honda Crosstour models are set to go on sale in January, broadening the vehicle's appeal through a lower price point and EPA-estimated fuel economy that increases 3 mpg1 in the city and 2 mpg1 on the highway.

Equipped with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower, the newest Honda Crosstour is available in two trim levels, including the Crosstour EX and leather-upholstered Crosstour EX-L. A Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System2 is available on the Crosstour EX-L.

EPA-estimated fuel economy on the four-cylinder 2012 Honda Crosstour is 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, a significant increase from the 271-horsepower 2WD V6 model's EPA estimated 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

With the launch of the new four-cylinder Crosstour models, some useful features are now standard across the entire Crosstour family, which first debuted for the 2010 model year with V6 power. The four-cylinder Crosstour models join the current 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 Crosstour models already available. Standard features now include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a rearview mirror back-up camera display for improved rear visibility (non-Navigation models), convenient auto-on/off headlights, Bluetoot h ®3 HandsFreeLink® and USB audio interface. 

Bold Exterior and Functional Interior 

Honda Crosstour approaches the crossover SUV formula from a distinctively sleek, sporty and fuel-efficient perspective, while also maximizing the interior's cargo capacity, versatility and premium feel.

The exterior design emphasizes a bold, aerodynamic look that also conceals an accommodating rear cargo area. The four-cylinder model includes body-color door handles and unique 17-inch alloy wheels with P225/65 R17 all-season tires. Two new colors are available on all 2012 Crosstour models: Twilight Blue Metallic replaces Glacier Blue Metallic, and Basque Red Pearl II replaces Tango Red Pearl.

Premium interior styling, appointments and details extend from the passenger compartment all the way through the cargo area. An under-floor storage area in the rear of the vehicle adds functionality, while reversible cargo floor panels accommodate dirty objects.

Efficient Four-cylinder Powertrain 

The new four-cylinder Honda Crosstour models come with a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine for power and efficiency. The engine produces 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4,400 RPM, while achieving an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 21/29/24 mpg . To maximize efficiency, a technologically advanced 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.

Comprehensive Feature List

In addition to auto-on/off headlights, Bluetoot h 3 HandsFreeLink®, USB audio interface and rearview mirror back-up camera display with integrated guidelines, additional standard features on the new four-cylinder Honda Crosstour EX include projector-beam headlights, a moonroof, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost, auto-up/down driver and front passenger side windows, and rear privacy glass. Inside are air conditioning with second-row ventilation, a 360-watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, steering wheel-mounted cruise, audio and phone controls, an easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seatback, a hidden removable utility box and more.

Crosstour EX-L adds leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, a memory driver-side seat and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down capability, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a premium audio system with Kevlar® cone speakers and front aluminum dome-type tweeter speakers, XM® Radio and more. Also available on the Crosstour EX-L is the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System2 which includes a rearview camera with guidelines integrated into the display.

Safety Assets

 

Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. 

Additional safety equipment on the Honda Crosstour includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, and active front seat head restraints.

The Honda Crosstour is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Honda Warranty

 

The 2012 Honda Crosstour is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.

The Crosstour is J.D. Power and Associates' "Highest Ranked Midsize Crossover/SUV in Initial Quality" in their 2011 Initial Quality Study SM (IQS). The IQS named the highest performers within the first 90 days of vehicle ownership. Needless to say, an honor like this deserves a prime spot in the trophy case.

UC Berkeley Chemist Dr. Gabor Somorjai to Receive the 2011 Honda Prize

Dr. Gabor Somorjai, Professor of Chemistry at the University of California Berkeley, U.S.A., is going to receive the 2011 Honda Prize for his leading contributions to surface science. The prize will be given by The Honda Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation, created by Honda Motor’s founder Soichiro Honda and his younger brother Benjiro Honda, and currently headed by Hiroto Ishida. 

The 32nd award ceremony for the Honda Prize will be held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on November 17th, 2011. In addition to the prize medal and certificate, sub-prize money of 10 million yen will be awarded to the laureate.

Honda Prize is Japan's first international science and technology award that was inaugurated in 1980. It is recognized as one of the most important awards of the world by the U.S. International Congress of Distinguished Awards.

Dr. Somorjai’s introduction of basic chemical approaches to solid-state physics revolutionized the understanding of the nature of surface interactions when scientific data on surfaces were scarce, and elevated the study of catalysis to the mainstay of surface science. Dr. Somorjai becomes the 32nd laureate of the Honda Prize.

Catalytic chemistry has various applications in modern man’s life including ammonia-based fertilizers, polyethylene and other plastic polymers, amino acids synthesized by using the Nobel laureate Dr. Noyori's asymmetric hydrogenation process, and catalytic converters that clean up car exhaust. Plus, it is expected that further sophistication of metallic catalysts would substantially reduce the cost of fuel cell production. With Dr. Somorjai's finding the molecules produced in reactions are controlled by the size and shape of catalyst nano particles that will led to the evolution of green chemistry that produces only the desired product molecule without the chemical waste byproducts. In steps toward a green economy, photocatalytic processes hold the key to efficiently make large amounts of hydrogen fuel - the ultimate clean energy - from sunlight and water.

Years ago when Dr. Somorjai started his research, little was known about surface chemistry or what exactly occurs on surfaces. Dr. Somorjai felt the necessity of exploring this area of chemistry and he developed the necessary techniques to understand the subject in depth. For his utmost contribution towards this unexplored branch of chemistry, Dr. Somorjai is hailed as the “father of modern surface chemistry” by his peers. 

Today, many of Dr. Somorjai’s discoveries serve as the foundation of different chemical processes that are now studied extensively. His findings and discoveries are used in different fields including medicine, microelectronics, biochemistry, photochemistry, and magnetic storage industry. 

Here is a short account of Dr. Somorjai’s major academic achievements till date:

1.      Development of single-crystal model surfaces to understand catalysis and other surface interactions and extrapolate the results to more complex surfaces. His synthesis of uniform metal and bimetallic nanoparticles in the 1-10 nm size range and controlled shape extended model surface studies of catalysis in a range that overlaps the nanoparticles utilized in catalyst-based technologies.

2.      Establishment of Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED) crystallography to determine the surface structures of crystalline materials and adsorbed layers of molecules.

3.      Development and application of reaction cells working at high reactant pressures (atmospheres) and low pressures (10-7 to 10-3 Pa) to bridge the pressure gap that stands between traditional surface analysis and newer catalytic reaction studies.

4.      Development of non-linear laser optics techniques based on sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and its application to chemical analysis of structure and bonding of adsorbed molecules on surfaces at high pressures and under catalytic reaction conditions.

5.      Development of applications of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to be used under high reactant pressures during chemical reactions.

6.      Development of the application of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to be used under high reactant pressures.

A Brief Bio-Data of Dr. Gabor A. Somorjai

University Professor (appointed by the Regents of the University of California)

Professor of Chemistry, Chemistry Department,

University of California, Berkeley

Faculty Senior Scientist and Director, Surface Science & Catalysis Program, Materials Sciences Division,

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA

Education

1960	Ph.D., Chemistry, University of California at Berkeley (UC Berkeley), CA
1956	B.S., Chemical Engineering, Technical University, Budapest, Hungary

Employment

1964-Present	Professor, Department of Chemistry, UC Berkeley Professor, 1972; Associate Professor, 1967; and Assistant Professor, 1964
1964-Present	Faculty Senior Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
1960-64	Research Staff, IBM, Yorktown Heights, New York

Franklin TN to Celebrate Dickens of a Christmas this December

Franklin is all set to celebrate the 27-year holiday tradition in Historic Downtown Franklin on the second weekend in December that will give the participants a chance of a lifetime to travel back in time about 150 years to a Main Street from the time of Charles Dickens. This entertaining weekend will be held on December 10 and 11 between 10 am and 5 pm. 

Dickens of Christmas is essentially a free street festival where anybody can come and participate or just enjoy and have fun! This historical event attracts visitors from all over and this year Franklin is expecting to attract some 50,000 visitors over the weekend.

Volunteers dressed in color costumes from different characters of Dickens’ stories participate in the event. If you are in or around Franklin just drop in to the event and you’re sure to meet the famous Dickens’ characters like Ebenezer Scrooge, his unfortunate partner Marley (the ghost in chains), little Tiny Tim Cratchit and his family, and many more, including Father Christmas.

If you wish to participate, just grab your costume and show up in the event or just come, enjoy and hang around in a beautifully preserved Main Street with more than 70 unique shopping and dining destinations in the 15-blcok National Register Historic District.

On Saturday, you can expect to witness the Flat Creek Community Contra Dancers, dressed up beautifully, enacting scenes from Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol.” They will perform in the street at the intersection of Fourth and Main at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Other programs on the schedule include

• Just for $2 per person, you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Public Square.
• A holiday bazaar arts & crafts area encircles Franklin’s charming Public Square.
• Dancers and street musicians on Main Street throughout the event. Violinists, hand bell choirs, harpists, carolers and even a water harmonica player all add to the entertaining street scene.
• Costumed characters from Dickens’ stories interacting with visitors on the street. Scrooge bellows his “Bah! Humbug” while the Cratchit Family parades the streets with Tiny Tim. Ghosts of Christmas Past and Future make regular appearances. Urchins under the direction of the nefarious Fagin from Dicken’s Oliver pester English Bobbies (who are actually Franklin Police Officers on duty in costume). Father and Mother Christmas delight children.
•  Victorian treats abound, from authentic fish ‘n’ chips to turkey legs, roasted nuts, kettle corn, roasted corn, roasted pork, sausages and sugar plums.
•  Everyone is invited to join the Town Sing starting at the Public Square at the town Christmas tree at 4:30 p.m. p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, with candles ($1 donation requested) and song sheets.

Dickens of a Christmas is free and open to the public event hosted by The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County and its division, the Downtown Franklin Association. The aim of the foundation is to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County. It also focuses to promote the ongoing economic revitalization of downtown Franklin.

How to Reach

From Interstate 65, take Exit 65 and head west toward Franklin for three miles on Highway 96/Murfreesboro Road/Third Avenue South, which runs into the Public Square at the heart of the festival. Turn right or left at Church Street as you approach the Square to access either of the two free parking garages on Fourth Avenue South or Second Avenue South. Additional on-street free parking is available.

Information and image courtesy:

http://nashvilleforfree.com/2010/12/10/dickens-of-a-christmas-in-historic-downtown-franklin/

http://www.historicfranklin.com/events/dickens-of-a-christmas

Honda Battle of the Bands: Vibes of the Showmanship

Honda's battle of the bands is on: trumpets and saxophones and of course, the rolling drums will set off the showmanship of eight marching bands. The Georgia Dome in Atlanta will be reverberating on January 28, 2012 to the beats of heritage.

All the eight marching bands from the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs,) have come through a robust selection process. Fans, students, alumni, band directors, and school presidents have tested their mettle before voting them on to the stage. Expect the very best at the 10th edition of the American Honda Motor Co., Inc’s initiative.

Bands of the Honda battle include: ‘Marching Rams Show Band’ of Albany State University, ‘Marching Wildcats’ from Bethune Cookman University, and ‘Sonic Boom of the South’ of Jackson State University along with ‘Marching Storm’ representing the Prairie View A&M University are four of the eight bands. American Honda’s event is not a competition; the bands will let go all the constraints and showcase their innate talent to the hilt.

‘Marching 101’ from South Carolina State University joins Honda band, along with Tennessee State University’s ‘Aristocrat of Bands.’ ‘Marching Trojan Explosion’ from Virginia State University is set to explode more flair in step with the Winston-Salem State University’s ‘Red Sea of Sound.’ 

Honda is awarding a $20,000 grant for musical education to each of these young bands. American Honda Motor has been an active stakeholder in inclusion and diversity. ‘All-Star Challenge’ is a display case for the academic gifts and prowess of HBCU students, from Honda, one of the top five vehicle manufacturers in America. The program is showcasing the HBCU educational achievements for the past 20 years.

Right from 1959, when it started manufacturing cars, vehicles and engines, Honda has been part of that particular American motor-spirit, currently rolling out over 89,000 Honda vehicles a month, out of the 11 plants, based across the U.S. Speaking of the range, Honda makes automobiles, motorcycles, and lawn care equipment.

Be at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome on January 28; the bands of Honda will surround you with an exceptional experience.

Christmas Warehouse Sale Benefitting Veterans

The upcoming Christmas Warehouse Sale is sponsored by Building Lives. Proceeds will go to assist homeless veterans and their families move off the streets and become contributing members of their communities.

During the last four years, Building Lives has helped over 200 veterans make this move while providing assistance with getting a job, housing, furniture, and vehicles.

Support our veterans......Attend the Sale.....Great product....Great Prices....and a Great Cause.