BMW Reveals Seventh Generation 5-Series

( CarPressions ) -- This year appears to be the year of the seven.  The year started out with the Samsung Galaxy S7 and then followed by,the now discontinued, Galaxy Note 7.  There's also the highly expected Apple iPhone 7.  This year also sees BMW unveiling the seventh generation BMW 5-series.  The design of the 2017 BMW 5-series is evolutionary and still has the best proportions of any modern BMW in our opinion.

Powering the next generation 5-series at launch in February 2017 will be a twin-turbo 4-cylinder engine in gasoline and diesel versions and a 6-cylinder engine that is also in gasoline and diesel versions.

Available on the new 5-series is what BMW calls "Remote 3D view."  What is neat about this feature is that it will allow the owner to see what's going on around their vehicle at practically any time.  The infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay.

American Honda Recalling 350,000 Civic Sedans And Coupes

TORRANCE, Calif ( Jidosha Shinbun ) --  American Honda will be voluntarily recalling approximately 350,000 2016 Civic sedans and coupes to update the software regarding the parking brake.  Honda states that no crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue.  

The issue is that the software for the Vehicle Stability Assist Electronic Control Unit may prevent application of the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) when it is applied right after turning the vehicle ignition off.  Honda will start notifying owners in early November 2016.  Owners can call Honda at (888) 234-2138 or go to http://www.recalls.honda.com/ to check if their car is affected.

Honda Reveals All-New Fifth Generation 2017 CR-V

DETROIT ( Jidosha Shinbun ) -- Honda takes the wraps off the exciting new 2017 Honda CR-V. The new CR-V's styling is evolutionary and looks similar to the previous generation.  The interior on the other hand is a whole different story.

The new interior is modern and has the latest in technology.  The CR-V now has an available infotainment system powered by the Android operating system with a 7-inch touchscreen display that is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  Powering the CR-V will be a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine and a first ever turbocharged 1.5-liter DOHC engine for EX and Touring trims.  The new 2017 fifth generation CR-V goes on sale this winter.

Next Honda Civic Is All About Lineage

NEW YORK -- Honda took the wraps off its newest Civic Concept.  As with most "concepts" from Honda, this one appears pretty much to be the production model except with some exaggeration for the concept.  Another clue that this is pretty much the production model is the fact that it doesn't look that much different from the 2015 Honda Civic coupe.  The Honda Civic is one Honda's most successful models so why tinker too much with a good thing?  They also seem to want to show a family lineage as the rear of the new Civic coupe appears to have taking inspiration from the new Acura NSX.  As with the last Civic Concept, it was shown off in coupe model only.  Honda says the new Civic will have a longer wheelbase and come in sedan, coupe, hatchback, and Si and Type-R versions.  The new Civic will be the first Honda to be powered by a turbocharged VTEC Earth Dreams powerplant. The new Civic for the North American market will be manufactured in Greensburg, Indiana, and Alliston, Ontario, Canada.

Eagerly Awaited Acura Sports Car Debuts in Detroit

Ted Klaus, Chief Engineer and Global Development, Reveals 2016 NSX

DETROIT ( Jidosha Shinbun ) -- It's been ten years since the NSX was last in Acura's lineup. Time sure has gone by fast. Acura fans got excited when they debuted the first concept for a new NSX, but nobody knew when it would see the light of day. It's finally seen the light of day as Acura has finally revealed the production version of the new NSX sports car at the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.   Unlike the original NSX, the new NSX is a hybrid vehicle.  However, don't mistake it for a Toyota Prius with a sporty body.  This hybrid is powered by a twin-turbocharged DOHC six cylinder engine with front and rear electric motors.  The new NSX won't be made in Japan like the original NSX, but in Marysville, Ohio.  However, this is not the same factory that produces the Honda Accord.  The new NSX will be produced at their new $70 million dollar Performance Manufacturing Center.  The site is  Honda's former North American Logistics facility.   Acura will accept custom orders this summer and deliveries will start late 2015.

"The Beast" Is Toyota's Evolutionary Styled 2016 Tacoma

TORRANCE, Calif. ( Jidosha Shinbun ) -- Toyota is scheduled to reveal the new Tacoma midsize pickup at the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on January 12 at 9:50 PT. Toyota however has decided to reveal pictures and videos of the new Tacoma beforehand under the tagline of "the beast is revealed."  The styling is evolutionary and looks similar to the current generation Tacoma.

Stingray Makes Appearance In Geneva

GENEVA ( CarPressions ) -- After making its first debut in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show, the convertible version of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has made its appearance in Geneva.  The convertible is nearly identical to the coupe except for a few changes to accommodate the convertible top.  Like the coupe, the Stingray convertible is powered by a new LT1 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces an estimated 450 horsepower.