UPDATE:
Here are a few details from the press conference:

• Fit EV to deliver 100 mile range
  
• Same type of motor used in Clarity. Will have a 2.0L-class feel.
  
• Uses CR-Z's 3-mode drive selector
  
• +17% gain in range from Eco mode
  
• Telematics for remote monitoring of charge state, etc. included
  
• Production version will be available in 2012
  

I'm sitting here in the Honda display waiting for the 1:20PM press conference to kick off. It's been two years since I've attended the LA Auto Show, and the Honda display is still in the West Hall, but its location has been shifted to where Toyota used to be.

On the right side of the stage, there's a Honda EV Plus, presumably there to support the reveal which is hidden behind a screen. To the right of the main stage, there's a technology platform that's covered in a sheet. This is the display for Honda's new plug-in IMA technology. Elsewhere in the Honda display you'll find a Honda Insight, Civic Hybrid, FCX Clarity, the SEMA CR-Z Hybrid R show car, '11 Odyssey, '11 CR-Z and other production models. I will do my best to post updates but I imagine things will get busy really quickly in a few minutes when Ito-san takes the stage.

UPDATE 5:04PM Apologies, I have spent too much time talking to various people trying to learn some stuff about the new hybrid technology and other tidbits. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to learn much on the technical side. I'm hoping Honda has posted or will post some resources on the net with more detailed information.

I walked over to the other hall to check out the Acura display and the 2011 TSX Sportwagon. Two things that I noticed that I hadn't noticed before - the Sportwagon Tech has a power liftgate, and the center console area has its own HVAC outlet inside, presumably to keep the contents cold (or warm?). I learned that the vehicle on display is the exact same one that was shown all the way back at the New York Show, but it has been repainted. And the power tailgate switches had been replaced with blanks because at that time Acura PR didn't know whether or not our Sportwagon would be offered with the power tailgate.

For now, you can see the Honda press conference below (courtesy of Honda PR, of course). Later on I may post our video of the presentation.

Last edited by JeffX on November 29, 2010 09:09