Honda Performance Division Now Investing in Youth Racing Programs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Honda makes some of the nation’s favorite passenger vehicles. However, that’s not the only market Honda enjoys with increased popularity. Honda also has a performance division responsible for designing and leading racing, performance, and motorsports innovations.

From sport bikes and ATVs to performance engine development, Honda invests in innovations across various segments. Recently, Honda’s performance division has been investing in America’s youth. This new program aims to inspire young drivers behind the wheel.

Honda’s motorsports division mission

Honda Youth Performance Development | American Honda Motor Co., Inc

Honda’s motorsports division specializes in performance innovations. The company designs and develops race chassis and engines for auto racing series, including the IndyCar Series, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the American and European Le Mans Series. The group also leads the charge in supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers since its inception in 1993.

According to Honda News, part of the mission behind Honda Performance Development, Inc. includes leading high-performance racing programs across North America. But HPD also looks to serve amateur enthusiasts, including racers between the ages of four and 40. HPD aims to support everyone who enjoys life behind the performance wheel, from go-karting backyard fun to the most competitive professional races.

The youth program to inspire kids behind the wheel

Honda Performance Development also does outreach and recently shared its initiatives to contribute to NXG Youth Motorsports via the Honda News segment. HPD plans to supply 30 Honda karting engines to the youth group’s program. Hoping to introduce the motorsports hobby to underrepresented communities and minority youth, Honda steps into the STEM space. 

HPD’s manager of commercial motorsports, John Whiteman, says Honda is “pleased to be able to assist” and supports NXG Youth Motorsports’ growth into new territory. Co-founder and chief instructor for NXG, Rod Reid, says its STEM programs create opportunities for these kids and partners the fun of participation in motorsports. The group offers five levels of STEM education along with critical thinking activities involved with motorsports.

Key learning points include the fundamentals of racing, track geometry, and mechanical equipment basics. Kids receive on-track instruction and learn to master self-control from behind the wheel. The life skills and education program is ideal for students who have never driven before. Additionally, the curriculum introduces kids to top karting speeds of up to 45 mph in a safety-first environment.

Donating engines to this youth program is just another example of Honda stepping in to support efforts within the motorsports arena. Honda hopes to inspire a new generation of racing and driving enthusiasts. The kids involved in this NXG program happen to be the beneficiaries of this latest Honda Performance Development initiative to do just that.

Races, development, and product sales

Honda Performance Development involves itself in various racing circles, including Formula One racing, MotoGP racing, several GT3 series, and many more. However, Honda doesn’t just go fast and turn left. The organization is behind the development of some of the most innovative racing innovations and applications out there. For example, Honda’s GX series engines are legendary for harnessing raw power with lower vibrations, less noise, and fewer emissions.

Honda also delves into the power equipment space with its Honda Power Equipment division. When you think of robotic lawnmowers, snowblowers, tillers, and marine engines, Honda markets some of the best. Much like its motorsports division, the power equipment products and sales target commercial, residential, and rental markets. Just browsing the Honda Power Equipment website, it’s easy to see how involved Honda really is in everyday consumer lifestyles.

RELATED: Want to Be a Racecar Driver? Skip Barber and Honda Will Help You Succeed

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KBB Calls the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid the Best Used Hybrid Under $20,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Honda Accord is a perennial favorite among the midsize sedan segment, and for good reasons too. It’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable. The same is true for the Honda Accord Hybrid. But don’t just take our word for it. There’s a reason that Kelley Blue Book chose the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid as the best used hybrid under $20,000.

The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid is the best used hybrid under $20,000

When it comes to shopping for the best used hybrid under $20,000, KBB recommends looking no further than the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid. As the organization explains it, “The Accord has long been a top choice among midsize sedans. The hybrid version is not only more eco-friendly, but it is also sporty and polished.”

KBB isn’t the only one singing its praises either. In fact, according to U.S. News & World Report, this used hybrid ranks near the top of not only its class but the electric car segment too. “It gets terrific fuel economy and touts an upscale interior with roomy seating and user-friendly convenience features,” U.S. News added.

Does Honda Accord Hybrid really get 50 mpg?

2015 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L | Honda

There’s no denying that the Honda Accord Hybrid is a fuel-efficient used hybrid, that is one of the reasons that KBB recognized it as the best used hybrid under $20,000. But just how fuel-efficient is the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid? As it turns out, pretty fuel-efficient. 

In fact, the EPA reports that the used Honda Accord Hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated 49 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. While that means the Honda Accord Hybrid doesn’t really get 50 mpg, it’s right on the cusp.

Though, the Honda Accord Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy ratings should come as no surprise. At the heart and soul of the fuel-efficient midsize sedan is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. This affordable used hybrid also comes standard with a continuously variable transmission, which according to U.S. News, “feels especially refined.”

How reliable is the Honda Accord Hybrid?

Fuel efficiency aside, the Honda Accord also has a reputation for being incredibly reliable. The same can be said for the 2015 hybrid model. In fact, Consumer Reports awarded it a four out of five reliability rating. 

But as reliable as it may be, that’s not to say this used hybrid sedan doesn’t have any problems to contend with. The most common 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid problems reported by owners include issues with the used hybrid’s paint, electrical system, in-car electronics, among other things, reports Consumer Reports. 

CarComplaints.com also highlighted the most common 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid problems reported by owners. The most common problems include interior accessories problems, fuel system problems, along with issues with the vehicle’s wheels. Owners have also reported problems with the Honda Accord Hybrid’s engine.

The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid interior

The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L interior
2015 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L | Honda

Sure, the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid is one of the best used hybrids under $20,000. It’s affordable, reliable, and remarkably fuel-efficient. But as true as that all may be, chances are you’re also curious about this used hybrid sedan’s interior. The good news is that this used hybrid truly aims to please.

In fact, according to Consumer Reports, its cabin offers up a generous amount of space, enough that both the driver and passengers have ample amounts of room to get comfortable. Further, the Honda Accord Hybrid comes standard with an easy-to-use eight-inch infotainment screen. It’s also available with a premium navigation system and voice-recognition technology.

Is the best used hybrid under $20,000 right for you?

If you’re shopping for the best used hybrid under $20,000, there’s a lot to like about the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid. It’s affordable, fuel-efficient, reliable, and boasts a pretty comfortable interior. What’s not to like about that?

RELATED: The Best Used Cars of 2021 According to Autotrader

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GM No Longer Selling CD Players in Passenger Vehicles

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Car technology has grown by leaps and bounds since the first car was patented over 100 years ago. As we develop new, sometimes better, technology, the old tech gets phased out of cars and replaced. Currently, new tech is becoming such a big deal in cars that General Motors, along with the Stellantis parent company, has gone to court to prevent independent repair shops from repairing GM or Stellantis cars under the guise of protecting their technology. 

The technology for listening to music is no different. First, 8-track tape players were replaced by cassette tape players, and then those were replaced by CD players. Now CD players are on their way out, with GM being the latest automaker to stop including them.

Car CD players are getting phased out

A 1980s automotive CD player | Chris Hoffmann/picture alliance via Getty Images

CD players used to be one of the most sought-after car accessories, and, for a price, you could even get a six-disc CD changer. Like their predecessors, CD players went from being an expensive, optional add-on to being standard on almost every car. Now, just like the technology they replaced, it is increasingly difficult to find CD players in new cars, even as an optional add-on. In fact, Lexus is one of the few brands that still have CD players available in their new vehicles.

Why GM decided to get rid of CD players

The Drive recently reported that GM is removing CD players from all of their normal passenger vehicles, removing them from the 2022 Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans, which were the last two holdouts. If you are determined to drive a vehicle from GM and have a CD player, there are still a couple of vehicles you could choose from. The Chevy Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, or 6500HD and the Chevy Low Cab Forward trucks will still have CD players. However, heavy-duty dump trucks or box trucks probably are not the best commuter vehicles. 

According to GM Authority, it is not really surprising that GM made this decision, even though many consumers are not happy about it. After all, CD players are pretty much obsolete. Best Buy stopped selling CDs in 2018, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now widely available in most cars. Even without either of those, you can still play your digital music from your phone using an auxiliary cord.

What options do you still have for playing music in the car?

In addition to the previously mentioned auxiliary cord and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, there are a couple of different options to play music in your car. Most cars come equipped with Bluetooth, which allows you to play music from your smartphone without an auxiliary cord. Many cars also come with Sirius XM, but you will have to pay for it after your free trial is up. Lastly, if you are really desperate and don’t want to pay for satellite radio or don’t have a smartphone, there is always good old FM/AM radio. 

It might not always be better, and sometimes it can even make things more complicated, but new technology is inevitable. While it might be a bummer to let your massive CD collection gather dust, try to look at the positives. Digital music doesn’t skip if it gets scratched, and you don’t have to carry around a huge stack of CDs. Plus, you never know what will end up making a comeback. Vinyl records are cool again, so maybe CDs will eventually come back around as well. 

RELATED: Why Does GM Have So Many Recalls?

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These Are The Fastest Charging Electric Cars According to Kelley Blue Book

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The biggest issue electric cars face as they integrate into our fast-paced lives is how long they take to charge. Gasoline makes filling up a three-minute process, whereas charging takes hours. And it’ll be years before an EV can recharge in the time it takes for a car to refuel. That said, when plugged into a 350v DC fast charger, these EVs will get you back on the road the fastest.

The fastest charging electric car

Lucid Air | Lucid

The ultra-luxurious Lucid Air takes the cake as the EV with insane charging speed. Boasting a 20-mile per minute charge rate, Lucid claims their 1080 horsepower beast can charge 300 miles in just 20 minutes. The shortest of trips to the plug would be excellent for day-to-day driving. But more so, the Lucid Air makes electric car road trips feasible. After all, everyone needs to stop to stretch and pee.

That said, these are all claims. You can reserve a Lucid Air today for $300, but the car won’t be available until late 2021 (assuming there are no more delays). Whether Lucid’s dreaming up these numbers is yet to be determined, but until then it’s all speculation. To balance out their lofty ambitions, let’s look at a car that’s actually available.

The fastest charging electric car on sale now

A pink Porsche Taycan in the dark
Porsche Taycan | Porsche

Snapping back to reality, the Porsche Taycan is the fastest charging electric cars you can actually buy. When first plugged in, Porsche claims the car will charge 62 miles in just 4 minutes, which gives it an average charge rate of 15.5 miles a minute. But there’s a reason the Taycan is one of the fastest EVs to charge: it has one of the smallest batteries.

The range of a Taycan its 282 miles at its best, and 225 miles at its worst. The good news is it wouldn’t take terribly long to charge your car, but the bad news is you won’t get nearly as far as a long-range Tesla. And at $80,000, that’s quite a sacrifice to make.

Granted, the Lucid Air isn’t much cheaper, starting a $70,000. And if you want the fully loaded 1080 hp beat, that’ll cost $161,000. How about an EV with a reasonable charge time and decent mileage that won’t cost an arm and a leg?

The fastest charging EV that won’t break the bank

A grey Nissan Leaf plugged in at a charging station
Nissan Leaf | Nissan

The Nissan Leaf is the sensible option, a fast-charging electric car people can actually afford (starting at $32,000). The range starts at 150 miles, but for some extra dough that can be bumped up to 226 miles (one mile further than a base model Taycan). And the charging rate is a humble 12.5 miles a minute. Do the math, that’s a 12-minute fast charge for the full 150 miles.

It’ll be a while before EVs catch up to gas-powered cars in terms of range and recharging, but the day will come. Until then, it’s a matter of choice: a long-range electric car that’ll cost you more money and take more time to recharge, or a short-range that you’ll need to charge quite often. When it comes to fast charging EVs, Kelly Blue Book shares a few other options, but in a time-sensitive society, you’ll have to plan ahead.

RELATED: 5 Biggest Problems With Electric Vehicle Charging

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