Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Rumored: Honda, Acura Could Adopt ZF 9-Speed Automatic By 2014
Although most of Honda’s recent powertrain news has surrounded CVTs and dual-clutch transmissions, that shouldn’t be taken as a sign the automaker is abandoning conventional automatics altogether. In fact, the automaker will likely adopt a 9-speed automatic by 2014 at the earliest.
Automotive News first reported in late 2011 that Honda was planning on launching an eight- or nine-speed automatic in the near future, but a source close to the program now tells us the automaker will use the new nine-speed transverse automatic developed by German powertrain supplier ZF.
If that gearbox sounds vaguely familiar, it should: it’s set to make its initial debut in a string of Chrysler Group vehicles over the next two years. Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne first hinted at using/developing the transmission in late 2010. Chrysler itself has been relatively mum on the subject, but UAW officials at the company’s plant in Toledo, Ohio, have suggested the replacement for the Jeep Liberty will be one of the first applications of the transmission.
The transmission, which ZF calls the 9HP, is designed for transverse installations, making it suitable for front- and all-wheel-drive platforms. Although Honda has typically developed its own transmissions, the 9HP will be a significant departure from Honda’s existing automatics in that it utilizes planetary gearsets in order to save space (ZF says the gearbox measures 20.5 inches wide, 16.6 in tall, and 14.5 inches deep).
ZF proclaims the gearbox is capable of handling up to 354 lb-ft of torque, and can support both start/stop and hybrid drive systems. The total gearing spread is quite wide (9.84:1), and taller gear ratios in the upper range of the gearbox allegedly play a big part in improving fuel economy by 10-16 percent. The supplier claims an engine mated to the 9HP needs to run at a mere 1900 rpm in order to propel a vehicle at 75 mph.
Honda officials refrained from confirming or denying the gearbox or its future applications, noting it’s company policy not to comment on future product plans. Given every Honda and Acura model currently on the market places its engine in a transverse fashion, the possibilities are theoretically endless, but we wouldn’t be surprised if this transmission is relegated to heavier and more upscale midsize models. Models like the Odyssey and Pilot, along with the Acura MDX and TL, are all potential recepients. Presently, these models utilize Honda’s 3.5-liter and 3.7-liter V-6 engines, and produce between 253 and 270 lb-ft of torque, respectively – well within the capabilities of the 9HP.
What remains to be seen is how the 9HP will be rolled out. We know ZF should start building 9HPs within its South Carolina plant in 2013 for Chrysler, but rumor has it Honda won’t start using the transmission until 2014. If so, the next-generation Acura TL, which is expected to launch in late 2013, could be one of the first vehicles to utilize the transmission.
SOURCE: automobilemag.com
We would like to thank the author of this great review, we truly appreciate it!
Visit MoreheadHonda.com to find yourself a vehicle today!
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Foreign Language Couple - Honda Really Big Sales Event
Mr. Garcia chose Morehead Honda and you can too!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Check out the latest rave reviews for our stellar team here at Morehead Honda!
Visit MoreheadHonda.com to find yourself a vehicle today!
Employee(s) Dealt With: Mark Etri
My Review of Morehead Honda:
Mark greeted me & introduced himself. I had no wait time. He asked what I was looking for in a new vehicle & then showed me the Honda Civic. He explained in detail the features & benefits such as the great mileage, safety & reliability of the vehicle. Once we discussed & agreed on a 3 year lease, Mark took care of everything else making the transaction very easy. I picked up my new car Monday evening; the hours are very convenient. I'm very happy with my new car. I call her Ruby.
Employee(s) Dealt With: Mark Etri
My Review of Morehead Honda:
Mark Etri was a fantastic salesman to work with! He was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Everyone at Morehead Honda was a joy to work with! I will recommend them and be back myself!
Employee(s) Dealt With: Trevor Straffa, Freddie Dunning, Mark Etri, Dan Hoye
My Review of Morehead Honda:
As a life long and current Toyota owner I was skeptical about venturing into new territory and comparing Honda automobiles. I was in the market for a new vehicle when I spotted a car just coming off lease. A loyalist that I am it was hard to cross the threshold of a Honda dealer but I was pleasantly greeted by my salesman Trevor Straffa who helped me put a good deal together on a certified used 2009 Honda Accord Coupe. Sales manager Freddie Dunning ironed out the details including making sure I was completely satisfied with the vehicle. He met and exceeded my expectations. I drove away with an awesome, low mileage car that looks new, has a 7 year, 100,000 mile power-train warranty and I saved $9,000 off a new car sticker price. I highly recommend Morehead Honda and its professional and courteous staff.
Employee(s) Dealt With: Dan Hoye, Tommy Loving, Pam Morrill, Dean Porcaro
My Review of Morehead Honda:
My husband Anthony and I have purchased 3 cars from Morehead Honda, a beautiful 2007 CRV, a gorgeous white 2011 Accord Coupe and our most recent, a beautiful black 2012 CRV yesterday, 3/14/12. We continue to get excellent service with Tommy Loving in Sales, Dan Hoye in Finance, Pam Morrill and Dean Porcaro, in Service as well as all the other courteous, friendly employees. We always recommend Morehead Honda to our friends and family. Thank you again for a wonderful buying experience!
Sincerely,
Anthony J. Vumbico, Jr.
Michele Lynn Vumbico & Megan!
Employee(s) Dealt With: Jeremy Abramson
My Review of Morehead Honda:
We found Mr. Esposito to be very helpful as we were determining which car would best meet out needs and then what plan we were most comfortable with. His knowledge of the cars was impressive and we never felt pushed to make a decision. This is our 6th car from Morehead Honda and we would definitely recommend their cars and showroom!
Employee(s) Dealt With: Jeremy Abramson
My Review of Morehead Honda:
We found Mr. Esposito in helping us determine which car would best meet out needs and then what plan we were most comfortable with. His knowledge of the cars was impressive and we never felt pushed to make a decision. This is our 6th car from Morehead Honda and we would definitely recommend their cars and showroom!
Employee(s) Dealt With: Trevor Staffa
My Review of Morehead Honda:
My husband and I recently purchased a gorgeous new 2012 crv lx from Trevor and morehead honda. From the moment i had step foot into the showroom my salesperson Trevor was there to greet me with a smile and a warm reception. I did not expect to buy a car that day but Trevor was a true professional and explained every feature of the car thoroughly and took my husband and I on a very informative test drive that ultimately led to the two of us feeling like we couldn't leave the dealership with out purchasing the CRV then and there! I'm so glad that we did and had a chance to meet Trevor..he is a true asset to the Morehead family and has earned my loyalty the next time i am in the market for a new vehicle....Its good to see a young man that loves his job and is enthusiastic and that can also buck the trend of the stereotype of the average car sales person. I highly recommend if your in the market for a new or used Honda to see Trevor!! Thank you for everything
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Cats Like to Chase - Honda Really Big Sales Event TV
Another great 5 Star Review on DealerRater, great job team!
Visit MoreheadHonda.com to find yourself a vehicle today!
Employee(s) Dealt With: Jeremy Abramson, Phil Enright
My Review of Morehead Honda:
Both Phil and Mike were great to do business with! I had never bought a new car before this experience and I felt very intimidated walking in the dealership. Phil put my mind at ease immediately! He made the process so fun and stress-free which I appreciated so much. I am so happy with the purchase and the overall experience. I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone interested in buying a new car, and I would absolutely return in the future!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Enjoy these videos from satisfied Morehead customers. Come down and find your Honda and you could star in your own video too!
Thank you to Holly for sharing her great experience here at Morehead Honda working with Mr. Tommy Loving!
Visit www.MoreheadHonda.com to find yourself a vehicle today!
Employee(s) Dealt With: Jeremy Abramson, Tommy Loving
My Review of Morehead Honda:
Anyone in the market for a Honda needs to stop and see Tommy at Morehead Honda. Great overall experience and friendly service. A huge plus is that he knows the product he is selling! Buying a car can be a nightmare but these folks really work to make things go smoothly/painlessly.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Great new 5 Star Reviews for the Morehead Honda crew, great job everyone!
Visit www.MoreheadHonda.com to find yourself a vehicle today!
Employee(s) Dealt With: Jeremy Abramson, Tommy Loving
My Review of Morehead Honda:
Our salesman Tommy Loving was excellent. He was very professional and personable. Also the dealership in general is filled with very friendly people. I bought a new Honda many years ago (ACCORD), my next car was an Acura. I just leased a PILOT. I am very happy to be back at Morehead. Their customer service is superior to any other dealership I've been to.
Employee(s) Dealt With: Jeremy Abramson, Mark Etri
My Review of Morehead Honda:
This was our second vehicle purchase with Mark Etri at Morehead Honda in the past two years. This says a lot about the dealer because we have 6 Honda dealers within 30 minutes of us. We were originally referred to the dealership by a friend who had high praises of Morehead Honda's prices, service, and sales. For the second time we have had a very pleasant experience with the purchase of our new vehicle. Mark is outstanding in his knowledge of the entire vehicle line and the overall sales department has a new school sales approach. You will not find any "let me promise you the world and then you find out differently later on" like at other dealerships we have experienced! Our experience with the service department and the dealership over all has been outstanding. Pricing for the Honda Pilot and for our previous Accord were much better than the published averages on cars.com or Edmunds and comfortably beat other Honda dealerships in the area. They give a great deal and we would recommend this dealership to our closest friends and family.
Employee(s) Dealt With: Jeremy Abramson, Tommy Loving
My Review of Morehead Honda:
Tommy was professional, responsive, and very quick to respond to any questions I had. I leased a Pilot and bought an Odyssey, and couldn't be happier with my experience. I would absolutely recommend Morehead Honda to all my friends, and I'm thrilled with the new cars.
