If you want proof that brand perception is based on a single focused concept, consider the fact that Honda makes America's most fuel efficient fleet of vehicles, without a single V8 amongst them. Meanwhile Toyota builds the gas-friendly (in the sense of using a lot) Toyota Sequoia, Land Cruiser and Tundra and Lexus LS460– and gets all the green credit for the Prius. At Honda's Detroit Auto Show expense account ho'-down, the "other" Japanese automaker seemed to demonstrate a growing realization that they need a foot in each camp: mean and green. First, they re-introduced the California-bound hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity, and kicked the lightweight "sports hybrid concept" CRZ with "clean performance" and plenty o' gas-electric torque into the spotlight. And then Honda unveiled the new eight-passenger 2009 Pilot Prototype, complete with a beefy "ACE" crash management structure. The Prototype features the kind of ugly, prison wall front end styling that makes fuel economy-minded aerodynamicists unemployable. Although Honda equipped the beast with 6-4-3 cylinder deactivation, the fact that they're selling its "real offroad and towing" capability tells you something. Could we live to see a Honda V8 in an Acura RL or Honda Pilot? Stranger things have happened.
[Reported by Sajeev Mehta]
“Prison wall front end styling.”
Yea verily, Honda’s designers ought to be locked up behind bars.
Of course, after the Ridgeline disaster I would have sentenced them to the death penalty.
Side profile looks like a cross between the Explorer and Liberty. Then again, I’m not a CUV aficionado.
More pics from hondacars.com
Since we seem to heading for a redux of the 70s gas crunch I would be surprised if Honda chose to invest R&D in a V8 CUV. I would think that forced induction would be a more likely tool to up the power and solve Honda’s little torque problem.
Honda apparently dusted off a late 90s Acura SLX (Isuzu Trooper rebadge) for the inspiration of the new Pilot. I consider myself to be Honda-inclined, but this makes a Highlander look appealing.
I’m not quite seeing the “prototype” here…it looks like they whacked the front bits off of the current Pilot and replaced then with haphazardly applied blobs of aluminum foil.
Or perhaps I’m missing something.
As a current Odyssey owner I’ve always had a touch of should have bought the Pilot envy. With what looks like a hideous re-design I guess that will end in 2009.
Honda must have hired all the old Subaru designers to come up with something that odd.
Supposedly the new Pilot will be here in April 2008 with the gas v6. In fall they are supposedly installing a v6 turbo diesel for 2009 (maybe late fall 2008 – as 2009 model).
They have said that a diesel is scheduled for the Accord. I don’t think there is much chance they will invest in a V8 now.
I don`t see a reason why they couldn`t succeed with new pilot. An honestly built honda product with an in-house engineering, behind which stands honda expertize, reliability and fit -and-finisha nd unique non-borrowed exterior.
We already see Honda V8s – everytime we watch an IRL race. No suprise really if they were to make a “civilian” V8.
As much as I love Honda’s…what they’ve done to the Pilot is just wrong (speaking only of styling). The original Pilot was the best looking of the line. Then they “butched up” the car, blunting and raising its snout and hoodline for no functional reason and making it look more…”trucky”?
I always thought form followed function at Honda, but the current Pilot, the “Pilot” Pilot, and the current CR-V schnoz is really depressing me. Maybe they’ll rework one or all like they did with the ugly butt on the previous gen Accord.
I don’t mind that front end so much…somewhat unique looking.