The statistic about Honda getting 40% of it's sales from light trucks doesn't seem correct - since they just launched their one and only truck in the US (their biggest market I believe) this year. About 4% would be more accurate (and that might be overstating things...just guessing).

Light trucks include SUVS.

Definately a confusing figure if you're not aware of that.

They are probably including SUVs: Pilot, MDX, CRV

Sorry for the confusion. The light truck category—as for all automakers—includes SUVs as well as trucks.

For July, Honda (and Acura) had 44% of their total sales come from the “truck” category, and at 43% for the year-to-date through the end of July.

A Honda V8 might not be such a bad thing, because Honda makes really good engines. The Civics get some of the best mileage in their class for four-cylinders, and Civics haven't exactly been getting lighter and lighter over the years.

Where this will really benefit Honda is in the Acura line. Imagine an RL with V8 power. Imagine if they tried putting one in the RSX. At the same time, I think Honda would be wise to go the opposite direction, even while simultaneously bringing in less fuel economy by increasing engine displacement. If Smart and Obvio bring their cars stateside by next year, with small displacement, 3-cylinder engines, and have enough get up and go to give people 60+ mpg without having to be worried about getting creamed on the freeways, and those cars actually sell, other car manufacturers will jump on the latest "microcar" bandwagon. If customers see actual value in paying mid-size sedan prices ($14,000-$20,000) on a microcar (MINI may be proof positive that they do) then there's no reason to make econoboxes that simply fall apart and look/sound/feel cheap (The Metro falls in this category).

It seems nobody wants to take the risk of releasing a sub-subcompact until sales figures start rolling in. But GM/Ford/Chrysler/Nissan/etc are falling over themselves in a rush to roll out hybrids because of the success of the Prius. I think, if small cars take the limelight, which don't rely on a hybrid powertrain, but smaller engines and lighter vehicle weight to increase fuel economy, sometimes surpassing hybrid fuel economy numbers, brands without a microcar will rush one to market the same way they are trying to rush Hybrids.

I'd rather have people buy a Honda V8 than a GM one, but then, I'd rather only people who REALLY need that kind of power (more than twice a year, y'know) buy these engines.

I'm tired of the horsepower race among mainstream vehicles. It's simply ridiculous and will someday be looked upon the same way people in the 30s looked at the excesses of the 20s.

I'd love to see a hybrid diesel pickup.

I'd love to see a hybrid diesel civic. Now that would get good MPG -- and could use biodiesel instead of petro-diesel.

Using VCM technology, Honda could probably put out a decently efficient V-8 to satisfy heavy industrial users.

Problem is, it's really not about them, but people who just can't seem to get enough power and acceleration for the very rare occasions they actually need it (or just feeling they need to get out some road rage by pounding the accelerator).

Honda has an excellent, award winning quiet, efficient diesel engine technology but perversely can't seem to get around to selling it in the U.S., becaues of the whole clean diesel problem.

We want to rid ourselves of our MAzda MPV and go to a vehicle that's burns biodiesel. I have a Jetta diesel burning biodiesel and have convinced my wife that this is the way to go. We want something larger and more reliable than a Jetta, but without getting into the SUV clique. I understand a Passat diesel is around (though I can't find out much about it) but others we know with Passats have had beaucoup problems with them. Mercedes is not an option. Rumor has it that Honda is coming out with a diesel sedan. Is there any way any diesel vehicle of this ilk (good mileage, high reliability, i.e., not American) can be brought into the US? I'd appreciate any info on this topic. Thanks a lot.

Importing a car not designed for the US into the US is tough. Basically, the car needs to meet vehicle safety standards as set by the NHTSA and emissions standards as set by the EPA.

NHTSA import regulations page here.

EPA import regulations overview here.

EPA emissions certification program here.

Plus, you'll get hit with the import duty.

Those sites will give you lists of importers and conversion agencies, though. It's possible to do it, but not cheap. And it will depend on the characteristics of the target car.

Emissions themselves aren't the problem for an imported Euro diesel--it's the high sulfur diesel here. It would kill the euro car's cat (yes they have catalytic converters on diesels--because there's less sulfur to destroy them.)

Honda will at some point will require a V8 engine. Just as Porsche had to build an SUV to stay in the game. If you want a truck that can
-Have industrial presence
-Tow a boat for example
-Actually do things truck users want them to do
You don't buy a Honda Ridgeline with 252HP, you stop by the GM dealer and pick up one of those gas V8 engines.

i think that it would be great if honda builds a v8 engine . we now that it will be the cleanest and fastest v8 in the japanese section of the car industry
they build great v4s and powerful v6s the need to bring they v8 on . hell i have a 2001 honda odyssey and that shit can move i took it to 135mph on a stock 210hp v6 engine any body that has one should try taking it on a long stretch and see how fast you can go all honda cars can go 115 mph and more so all im sayin is they need to build the v8

4.0 DOHC VTEC V8 would be good for at least 303hp+/210tq+ @ 5500rpm. i see no reason why it wouldnt get at least 20-25 mpg, and with a MDS even more.

Powerplant for the NSX replacement???

NSX will get a V10
it has been confirmed by CEO of Honda

I think that a honda V8 would be a great choice, its really what honda needs to boost sales, but i think 4.0 is a little too small, if they made a 5.0 V8, that excedded the power of the 5.7 V8 in the tundra, the toyotas are rapidly outselling the american truck brands, quite simply because american cars are useless, the build quality is nowhere near as good as honda, ive never seen an american car last as long as a honda. Also the sound of a VTEC V8 would be amazing!!!!!