Safe Driving Tips for Teenagers

You knew the day would come when your teen would be old enough to drive. You just didn't expect that day to come so soon. And while you will have very little control over your teen's driving once the DMV issues them a driver's license and they hit the open road, you can do a lot to help your teen become a safe (and more responsible) driver.

Safe Driving Tips

The following are some things you should discuss with your teen before he/she gets behind the wheel of a car. While you can't prevent all accidents, letting your teen know of these risks can greatly reduce the chance that he will be the cause of one:

1.Turn cell phones off. Talking and texting on cell phones while driving is a huge distraction. But teens love their cell phones, and likely believe they are more than capable of multitasking while driving. A 2005 survey by the Allstate Foundation found that more than half of teens use their cell phones while driving. Depending on the state you live in, texting or talking on a cell phone may be illegal. Regardless, let your teens know the dangers of cell phone (and other distracting behaviors) in cars, and instruct them to keep their cell phones off or on vibrate so that they are less tempted to use them. To decrease the risk of your teen being tempted, outfit their car with a hands-free device so they don't think twice about reaching down to answer their phone.

2. Keep your eyes on the road. This sounds obvious, but most teens believe they can do it all — even if that means taking their eyes of the road to do it. Let them know how distracting (and potentially dangerous) it can be to eat while driving, put on makeup, change the radio stations or look at passengers. Accidents happen in a split second, and inattentive drivers are the cause of 80 percent of crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

3. Maintain a safe distance. Teens are more likely than other drivers to tailgate. Newer drivers may not quite understand the importance of staying a safe distance away from the car in front of them. When teaching them how to drive, show your teens what represents a safe distance, and have them practice when you are in the car. Once they get a feel for it, it will become second nature while driving.

4. Always wear a seat belt. Many fatalities that result from car accidents are due to drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts. Stress the importance of seat belt use to your teens, whether they are driving or just going along for the ride. "Teens don't understand how much a seat belt is going to save their lives, but seat belt use has been a huge factor in just about every fatal teen accident I've handled in my career," Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Jimmy Higgs said in an Oct. 16 article in the Utah Standard-Examiner.

5. Don't drink and drive. This one should go without saying, but, given the statistics above, clearly many teens disregard even this blatant law. Inform your teens of the dangers of drunk driving — both the potential risk of fatalities and the legal ramifications of driving while intoxicated. Let them know that, if they feel like they are too drunk to drive, they can call you for a ride without getting in trouble. While you may not approve of your teens' underage drinking, keep in mind that it's better to make sure they get home safely than have them be too worried about getting in trouble to call you.

A Good Driving Education

Of course, the best way to teach your teens any of these safe driving tips is to spend a significant amount of time teaching them how to drive. Go beyond the minimum instructional hours required by your state to ensure that they are following the rules of the road and applying the safe driving tips they've been taught.

If you tend to be a distracted driver, don't let your teens follow suit. Be aware of your own behaviors while you drive so that your teens don't learn by example. If you feel uncomfortable teaching your teens to drive, enroll them in a licensed driving school. Specialty driving schools will take teens out on a race track to show them such things as how to turn into a skid and what it's like to drive while drunk (through the use of altered goggles). If you think it would help, create a contract for driving that your teens have to abide by to get certain privileges, such as driving at night or having friends in the car. Holding teens accountable for their behaviors can make them more likely to think about safety when they're behind the wheel. (Article by Leslie Davis and published on aspeneducation.com)

Forbes - Most Action Packed Cars

First Forbes selected the 114 vehicles that received overall value ratings of "excellent." Then they ranked them based on the manufacturer suggested retail price and how overall ownership costs over five years are affected by depreciation, taxes and fees, fuel costs, insurance, interest, maintenance, opportunity costs and repairs. They chose the top 10 vehicles from that "excellent" group with the lowest cost of ownership to be on their Most Value-Packed Cars list.

Depreciation is the biggest factor in determining how much a vehicle will cost the owner. Most new cars lose anywhere between 10% and 20% of their sticker price the moment they leave the lot. Luxury cars tend to depreciate more than others, thanks to price premiums based on brand image, interior trim and newfangled technology rendered obsolete by the model's next generation.

Cars made by non-luxury manufacturers have something else going for them when is comes to a list like this: They simply cost a lot less than a new Porsche 911 or a BMW M3. In fact, no vehicles on Forbes list cost more than the $26,850 Prius-though the $26,645 CR-V comes close. Four of the 10 models on that list are made by Honda, and two by Toyota, both companies known for inexpensive-but-reliable cars.

It's a general rule that the cost of ownership number is going to be a lot higher for an expensive vehicle. But of course, a low initial price doesn't guarantee a good value either: The $11,965 Chevrolet Aveo, $13,225 Toyota Yaris and $13,320 Ford Fiesta, for instance, all cost less than the $20,825 Honda Element – which made the Forbes list. But those lower priced vehicles show relatively high depreciation rates and proportionate repair costs shot their overall cost of ownership much too high to qualify as good value.

Honda models listed as the Most Value-Packed Cars included: Civic, Accord, CR-V & Element!

Go Green, Save Green

There's no doubt about it; going "green" is no longer just for the super wealthy elite who can afford to put solar panels on their summer homes. In fact, going green is actually a great money saver. And let's face it, in this economy, who isn't looking to save a dollar or two?

According to Today.com contributor Laura T. Coffey, "Individually, all alone, as a single human being, you can decrease production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by thousands of pounds each year…you also stand to save some serious cash while you're saving the planet." With these simple tips, broken down into the five major categories, you'll be saving the environment all while saving your bank account:

HOME:

1. Pass on paper towels and use old T-shirts as re-washable rags.

2. Recycle old athletic socks and use them as dusting mitts.

3. Replace the bulb in any light that is used for four or more hours a day with a compact, energy-saving fluorescent bulb.

4. In the winter, turn your thermostat down 2 degrees, and in the summer, turn it up 2 degrees.

5. Set your water heater so the maximum temperature is 120 degrees F.

6. Use low-flow water fixtures for your bathroom and kitchen areas.

7. All new appliances purchased should come with an Energy Star label.

8. Only run the washing machine & dishwasher when you have a full load. Use the dishwasher instead of washing dishes in the sink as new dishwashers use less water.

9. Unplug electronic devices when not in use. Even when powered off, any machine that remains plugged in is still transmitting costly electricity.

10. When you leave a room, make sure to turn off the light.

11.Always shut your computer down completely when you are no longer using it. Be sure to turn off your monitor and printer.

FOOD & DRINKS

12. Buy in bulk to avoid excess packaging and costs.

13. Skip expensive one-use paper and plastic goods at get-togethers.

14. Park your car and go inside to order to avoid idling in a drive-thru.

15. Vow to bring your lunch from home at least one extra day a week to avoid high prices and excessive packaging.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

16. Hang your clothes outside to dry when weather permits.

17. Shop vintage. Check out consignment and thrift shops over mass-producing retailers.

18. Take short showers rather than water-guzzling baths.

19. Multi-task by brushing your teeth and/or shaving in the shower.

20. Turn off the water if brushing or shaving at the sink, instead of letting it run the whole time.

AUTO:

21. When driving, don't accelerate or brake suddenly or rapidly; it causes high emissions and gas usage.

22. Check your tires monthly to ensure they are properly inflated. According to the EPA, properly inflated tires improve gas mileage by 3.3 %

23. Turn off the car instead of idling for lengthy periods of time.

24. Wash your car in our express drive-thru car wash. It can save water and it's FREE for original owners of cars purchased at Bianchi Honda.

Whether you are looking to help the environment or just your bank statement, working some of these tips into your day-to-day routine is sure to improve your quality of life. Pretty soon, not only will your life be full of the green stuff, so will your wallet. (from imakenews.com)

How Honda Began

With Erie's own Roar on the Shore, a fundraising bike rally, now behind us, it's no wonder motorcycles are still on our minds! Honda started out producing some of the earliest motorcycles that you now see on today's roads, but how has Honda evolved from producing simple motorbikes to producing some of America's top choice automobiles, jets and power equipment?

The 1940's. Honda all started back in 1946 when Soichiro Honda decided it was time to introduce Honda Technical Institute in his home country of Japan to develop and produce small 2-cycle motorbike engines. In 1947, the A-type bicycle engine is the first product to be generated from Honda. By the time 1948 rolled around, Honda Motor Company, Ltd. was created.

The 1950's. 1959, over a decade after Honda Motor Company, Ltd. was introduced to the market, saw American Honda Motor Co., Inc. be established in Los Angeles, making it the first store to be created for Honda. It was in September of that year when the Honda Dream, Benley, and Honda 50 (all of which are small motorcycles) were being sold to the market.

The 1960's. In 1962, the company began to sell power equipment products in the United States, thus broadening Honda's product range. 1969 saw a huge debut for the company- their first automobile to be sold in America, the Honda N600.

The 1970's. The Civic was born in 1973. In 1979, the CR250M Elsinore motorcycle lead Honda to become the first Japanese automaker to make parts domestically (domestic and globally sourced parts).

The 1980's. In 1982, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. started to produce the Accord in a new plant in Ohio, making Honda the first Japanese automaker to build cars in America.

The 1990's thru Today: Various advances in automotive technology have occurred for Honda in the last two decades including the introduction of the first hybrid automobile in 1999 (2000 Honda Insight). Even today, our employees at Bianchi Honda are enjoying their Honda motorcycles during this summer season. The bike is what started it all! For more information on Honda's history, please see www.corporate.honda.com

Q & A with Micheal Yoder

We recently sat down with our tenacious Inventory Manager, Micheal Yoder:

Q: How long have you been with Bianchi Honda? Tell me about how the store has changed over the years.

A. I started in sales August of 1997 and have changed buildings three different times. I began at the 5242 Peach St. location, where we were doing about 40-50 new cars a month. Back then, selling 40-50 new cars a month was a very good month. Once we moved across the street to 5305 Peach, we started selling about 100 a month. When we moved to 8430 Peach, we started climbing towards 200 and surpassed it.

Q. What do you like about working in the auto industry?

A. I like the diversity of the people I've met over the years. Usually, I can't go anywhere in town without running into someone that I have met through being here.

Q. I hear you take time out of your schedule to volunteer down at the Anna Shelter. What do you do there?

A. Just about anything that needs done to help. Adoptions, cleaning cages and kennels, cutting the grass, taking out the trash, and the list goes on. Plus, I get to play with the dogs and cats.

Q. What are some of the most rewarding experiences you have had at the Anna Shelter?

A. All of the adoptions. I have been volunteering for over four years now and still get the same feeling when I see one of the animals that I've spent time with finally go to their forever home. I also love all of the people that work and volunteer at the shelter. They are a wonderful group of friends.

Boost Your Gas Mileage

Gas prices have eased a bit from earlier this year, but with a gallon still costing about $3.75, here are some hints from transportation experts on how to get more out of every gallon you buy.

Take it easy. If you accelerate rapidly and brake hard, you'll be wasting a lot of gas, especially on freeways. The U.S. Department of Energy says aggressive driving can trim your miles per gallon a whopping 33% on highways and 5% on streets.

Slow down. Most cars get their best fuel efficiency at 45 to 55 mph. Going that slow is often impractical on freeways, but because you burn more fuel at higher speeds, "each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.29 per gallon," according to the federal website fueleconomy.gov.

Avoid additives and gadgets. In decades of testing, the Auto Club has never found an additive or device that significantly improved gas mileage, even though the products promised to do so. Consumer Reports, which has done its own testing on items ranging in price from $50 to $250, concurred.

Remove excess weight. Go through your trunk and elsewhere in your car and remove items that don't need to be there. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your mpg as much as 2%, says the Energy Department. This especially holds true for small vehicles.

Keep tires properly inflated. You can boost your gas mileage up to 3.3% by maintaining correct tire pressure. Properly inflated tires are also safer and will last longer, saving you money by delaying replacement. Look in your owner's manual or on the door panel for the correct pressure. From articles.latimes.com

Customer with Tears of Joy

Rhonda Wilkinson recently purchased a brand new 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour. As a customer of Sales Consultant Alex Varzally, she wrote us a note that said, "I get teary eyed when I consider how far the staff at Bianchi Honda went to make this deal for me." After reading those kind words, we interviewed her to find out what we did that made her experience so special.

"The day before I was to sign the deal on my new car, my trade-in car's engine blew up. I thought for sure the deal would be off." It all happened on I-90 when she began to hear a very loud noise before her car slowly stopped running. To fix the trade-in, it would have cost Rhonda approximately $3,500 to $4,000. She could not see herself paying that much to fix a car she was about to trade-in.

It turns out Jason Porreco, General Sales Manager, went "above and beyond" to help her out. He was able to get a used car engine to fix the car for her so we could still take the trade-in. "I already had a great deal but this added to it." says Rhonda. Jason offered to tow the broken vehicle up to Bianchi at no extra charge. Rhonda was also very happy she didn't have go through the trouble of removing the remote starter from her other vehicle. Jason gave her a great deal on a new one. She was astonished saying, "Imagine someone who is in business selling cars going the extra mile like that."

Rhonda had just one word to describe Bianchi Honda. "Phenomenal."

When we asked about how she felt about her new 2011 Accord Crosstour, she said, "I love my Crosstour. People ask me about it because it really stands out. I make sure I tell everybody my story and how great Bianchi is." She was very impressed with the staff from Jason to Alex and the Finance Department. "Everyone worked so hard. Alex took 30 minutes to explain everything to me. He was wonderful. I never felt any pressure." She went on to say, "I'll only buy from Bianchi."

We want to take the time to say thank you to Rhonda for all of your wonderful words of praise. Bianchi Honda is pleased to hear that everything has worked out for you and is glad to hear you are enjoying your Crosstour!

Lighthouses in Erie PA

Did you know that Pennsylvania only has 4 lighthouses, and that only three of them are active and on the shoreline of our very own Lake Erie? Do you know where all four are or which ones are active? People travel hundreds of miles to see these beautifully restored structures from all over the country but you may take them for granted being in our own back yard. If you get a moment to take a drive to the lake, remember to check out the lighthouses and support these beautiful pieces of history. It could be fun to make a visit to each and say you visited all the lighthouses in Pennsylvania!

Erie Harbor North Pier Light

The Erie Harbor North Pier Light, also known as the Presque Isle North Pier Light, is one of the three lighthouses near Erie, Pennsylvania in the United States. The light, situated at the far eastern end of Presque Isle State Park, helps mariners as they traverse the narrow inlet between Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay. Originally constructed as a wooden tower in 1830, that light was swept away by a schooner in 1857. The current structure was forged in France and assembled on site in Erie. It was moved in 1882 and again in 1940. The United States Coast Guard, which operates the beacon, changed its fixed red beam to an automated red flashing light in 1995, at which time the 4th order Fresnel lens was sent to the Erie Maritime Museum.

Presque Isle Light

The Presque Isle Light is one of the three lighthouses in Erie, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1872 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 4, 1983.Its construction began in 1872, and the light was first lit on July 12, 1873. It was originally 40 feet (12 m) tall before the tower was raised to its current height in 1896. Its original light characteristic, two red flashes followed by four white flashes, was changed to an alternating red and white flash when it was electrified in the 1920s. The Presque Isle Light was commonly known as the "flashlight" to locals.[2] In 1962, the station was fully automated and the characteristic was changed to a 3 second-on, 3 second-off white light.

 

Erie Land Light

The Erie Land Light, also known as the Old Presque Isle Light, is a 49-foot (15 m) lighthouse in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is one of the three lighthouses in Erie, along with the Presque Isle Light and the North Pier Light. The lighthouse is located in Lighthouse Park at the end of Lighthouse Street. The lighthouse was originally built in 1818, but the tower was replaced twice. The current structure was built in 1867 and was documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey in 1936. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 30, 1978. (from wikipedia)

18 Ways to Stay Safe in Winter Driving Conditions

Remember, if winter weather is forecast, eliminate all unnecessary travel. This will keep you and your family safe and allow PennDOT to more easily perform their winter duties. However, if you must travel, PennDOT offers the following tips for safe driving this winter season.

1. Carry a winter emergency travel kit.

2. Listen to weather and travel advisories, and if you don´t have to travel in bad weather, don´t.

3. Keep your gas tank at least half full.

4. Slow down and increase following distance.

5. Avoid sudden stops and starts.

6. Beware of roads that may look wet, but are actually frozen, often referred to as "black ice."

7. Use extra caution on bridges and ramps where ice can often form without warning.

8. Carry a cell phone.

9. Do not use cruise control while driving on snow-covered roads.

10. State law requires you to turn on your headlights when your wipers are on.

11. Use your low beams in bad weather, especially in cases of heavy or blowing snow.

12. Remove ice and snow from windows, mirrors and all vehicle lights as often as needed.

13. Remove snow and ice from the hood and roof of your vehicle. State law states that if snow or ice from your vehicle strikes a vehicle or person and causes death or injury, you can be ticketed.

14. Do not park or abandon your vehicle on snow emergency routes.

15. Do not pass or get between trucks plowing in a plow line (several trucks plowing side by side).

16. Make sure someone else knows where you are going and when you expect to arrive. In case you run into an emergency and need help, someone will know where to look for you.

17. If you do become stranded, it´s better to stay with your vehicle until help arrives. Run the engine every hour or so, but make sure the tailpipe is clear and keep the downwind window cracked open.

18. Do not drink and drive and always wear your seat belt.From http://www.drivesafepa.org/Traffic-Safety-Information-Center/Winter-Driving/

Susan Joehnk Chosen as This Month's Employee Spotlight

Q. You have been working here for over five years now, what do you like most about the Bianchi environment?
A. The best thing about working at Bianchi Honda is the interaction with other employees; they go out of their way to provide any help possible.

Q. What do your daily responsibilities consist of?
A. My responsibilities vary from day to day, depending on the time of the month and year.  I am busiest the first of the month preparing to get the financial statement to Honda.  I post and pay bills; post repair orders; calculate and post commissions; handle accounts receivable; file tax returns, etc.

Q. We heard that you were in the military, what branch were you in and can you tell us about your experience?
A. I served nearly 6 years in the US Navy.  I joined at 30, so I was the oldest woman in the group that I went through boot camp with.  I did a tour of duty at NAS Whidbey Island, WA;  COMFAIRMED, Naples, Italy, and NAS Oceania Virginia Beach, VA.  While in Italy, I went on temporary duty to Crete, Sicily, and Rota, Spain; so I got to see some of Europe.

Q. Can you tell me about your life outside of work?

A. In my spare time, I enjoy crafts: cross stitch, embroidery, rug hooking, crochet, knitting, etc. My husband Dieter and I also like to go on wine tours.  We have been to the Finger Lakes region in New York twice, and to just about all of the wineries in this area as well as the Northern Illinois Wine Trail.

The 2012 Honda CR-V is Here at Bianchi Honda in Erie PA

Honda has referred to the new CR-V as "the latest evolution" of its popular five-passenger crossover. The 2012 model is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque — modest increases from 180 hp and 161 lb-ft on the 2011 CR-V. The 2.4-liter is mated still to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Four-wheel-drive versions of the 2012 CR-V get a new driveline — Honda calls it Real Time All-Wheel-Drive with Intelligent Control System — that returns EPA fuel economy of 22 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway, up from last year's 21/27 ratings. The standard front-wheel-drive variant of the 2012 CR-V is EPA-rated at 23/31 city/highway, compared with last year's 21/28.

Honda has focused some new CR-V features on younger parents (and singles) who rely heavily on mobile devices for communication, information and entertainment. Bluetooth connectivity is now standard, as are an intelligent multi-information display (i-MID) and an SMS text messaging function, which can read smartphone texts aloud over the audio system. The new CR-V also features an iPhone-compatible Pandora Internet Radio interface, which works through the i-MID.

Features that will likely appeal to owners of all ages include a multi-angle rearview camera, a roomy center console, a lower cargo floor and an easy fold-down split rear seat. All models are available in front or all-wheel drive.

Honda has dropped the mid SE trim level on the new CR-V. The 2012 range will start with the CR-V LX, which gets more standard equipment, including air-conditioning, cruise control, electric power steering and a 160-watt audio system. Next up is the CR-V EX, which adds a power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and an upgraded audio system. At the top of the line is the CR-V EX-L, which adds leather interior with a 10-way power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and 328-watt premium audio system. Among the options for 2012 are a sat-nav system and DVD rear entertainment system.


From: http://www.insideline.com/honda/cr-v/2012/2012-honda-cr-v-is-redesigned-2011-los-angeles-auto-show.html

This Dog Needs Your Help

Four million cats and dogs—about one every eight seconds—are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Often these animals are the offspring of cherished family pets. Spay/neuter is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation, ensuring that every pet has a family to love them.  Many cats and dogs who die as a result of pet overpopulation could have made wonderful pets.

A solution is possible and starts with each of us taking one small step: getting our own pets spayed or neutered. To help stop pet overpopulation further, consider adopting your next pet from an animal shelter.

Bianchi Honda cares about animals, and proudly supports the efforts of the local animal shelters including the A.N.N.A. Shelter and the Humane Society.  As animal lovers, we like to do our part by featuring a "Pet In Need" each month in our newsletter.

This month's PET IN NEED (Pictured at right):

BREED: Adult Male Pug Mix

LOCATION: The A.N.N.A. Shelter of Erie Pennsylvania

NAME: Ozzy
     
NOTES: 
Hi, my name is Ozzy. I am an adult neutered male Pug mix. I love people and get along well with some dogs. I really LOVE food and I’ll even dance for a treat! Don’t believe me, just come on down and bring me a great big cookie and I’ll show you my moves! I love to play but I also love cuddling. I would love to snuggle up on your couch between snowball fights!



See More Pets in Need

The New Face of Honda

You may have noticed a new face being featured in Honda’s latest campaigns. Patrick Warburton has become Honda’s newest spokesperson, replacing “Mr. Opportunity” for the honor. A comedian like no other, he does a great job informing our customers about our vehicles all while being able to make us all laugh.

With an unforgettable voice, he has been in various television shows and movies including: Seinfeld, Family Guy, The Emperor’s New Groove, Get Smart, and Men in Black II. Not only is he informative on the Honda vehicles, he adds humor to the campaigns that makes researching Hondas fun!

Welcome Patrick Warburton to the Honda family! To see some of his hilarious antics, check out: http://automobiles.honda.com/good-reasons/

Do You Remember...

Did you know that “Bianchi Honda” wasn’t always just “Bianchi Honda”? Whether you are a recent customer or a long-time Honda buyer, you may not know that Bianchi did not always just sell Hondas. It’s hard to image Bianchi selling anything other than Hondas, but we offered two other makes of vehicles: Mitsubishi and Daewoo. Bianchi was also at a total of three locations, all along Peach Street.

The first was at 5242 Peach Street, right across the street from Long John Silvers.

    
BIANCHI MITSUBISHI 5242 PEACH STREET

The second building was located at 5305 Peach, previously across from the Lecom gym and the Millcreek Community Hospital.

5305 PEACH STREET - BIANCHI HONDA

Bianchi then moved into the current location at 8430 Peach Street in a beautiful new building back in 2003 (construction photos below)
 

CONSTRUCTION ON THE NEW BUILDING - 2003

With the building upgrade, Bianchi was able to better accommodate our customers. With more room, additional service bays, the latest equipment, 26 factory trained technicians and service advisors, we can now complete work on your car more efficiently.
 

THE NEW BUILDING ALMOST COMPLETE - 2003

In our spacious and comfortable service waiting areas, you can enjoy free pastries, fruits, boutique coffees and teas, multiple televisions, and Wi-Fi, along with more than 50 current magazines and newspapers, and periodicals. There is even a Kid's Zone where your children can play with educational toys and watch family-friendly movies all while enjoying some freshly made popcorn.

THE FIRST CAR IN THE NEW SHOWROOM - 8430 PEACH

Although we have changed locations, there is one consistency through the years - our excellent customers. We appreciate that you share your experiences at Bianchi with your friends and relatives. We know we would not have such a great history without you.

BIANCHI HONDA AS YOU KNOW IT (CURRENT PHOTO)

Driving is Fun Again

Bianchi Honda finally has its first 2012 Honda Civic Si on the lot! This Si has been the most anticipated in its history for performance and style. We thought we would compare some of the differences between the 8th generation Si and the 9th generation Si to see what makes the new one so desirable.

Holly Wurst, one of our Sales Consultants at Bianchi Honda, is a proud owner of a 2011 Honda Civic Si and could not help but share some information on her car as well as what she thinks of the new 2012 model.

"It's awesome!" says Holly, "My Si is a super fun car to drive, and just like any other Honda, very reliable." As a devoted follower, Holly will be considering the new Si as a replacement for her 2011 model.

What is it about the 2012 Honda Civic Si (available in both Sedan and Coupe) that has people talking? Many people say that they love the torque increase. The 2011 Civic Coupe's torque is 139 lb-ft @ 6100 rpm. The 2012 model has 170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm. This is a significant increase from the previous year's model.

Increased torque is not the only great feature about the 2012 model. Holly gave us her own insight on the new model. "Honda is making some really cool changes to the 2012 Si. They gave the new Si great performance and cosmetic upgrades." The new Si has 201 horsepower and is lower to the ground with a much sleeker profile.

Go check with your Sales Consultant to test drive the new Si today