Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUVs, Honda
Detroit 08 Preview: Next-gen Honda Pilot prototype to be shown
Click rendering to enlarge
Honda's big debut at the Detroit Auto Show will be the prototype version of the next-generation Pilot SUV. As was the case with the Accord Coupe Concept shown a year ago, expect to see a very thinly disguised version of the production vehicle. From the rendering above, it looks like Honda's embracing a more Jeep-y, rugged look for its sport ute, which gets new interior packaging and capacity for eight passengers as well. Joining the Pilot proto will be the automaker's L.A. show darlings, the FCX Clarity and CR-Z hybrid concept.
[Source: Honda]
PRESS RELEASE:
Prototype Honda Pilot Headed to North American International Auto Show
12/12/2007 -TORRANCE, Calif. - A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot will be unveiled at the January 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
The prototype will convey design features of the more boldly-styled, next-generation Pilot and will emphasize authentic SUV styling, clever interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience.
The current-generation Pilot offers versatile eight-passenger seating and all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities while earning a distinctive reputation in the midsize SUV class for its refined handling and ride comfort. Among its numerous accolades, the Honda Pilot has earned Car and Driver magazine's prestigious "5Best Truck" award for six straight years (2002 thru 2007).
Additional Honda vehicles to be on display at NAIAS include the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the CR-Z concept vehicle, introduced at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Limited retail marketing of the FCX Clarity will begin in summer 2008. The CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car concept equipped with Honda's original gas-electric hybrid system.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
FThorn 10:03AM (12/12/2007)
Honda Grand Cherokee
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Avinash machado 10:07AM (12/12/2007)
But what about the Off-Road ability.
Smash388 10:11AM (12/12/2007)
With honda odyssey off-road ability.
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Jason 10:31AM (12/12/2007)
Looking good. If this thing has the right fuel economy and price/value, this should be a huge hit. While it may look a bit Jeepish on the outside, you KNOW the interior is going to be light's out.
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VP 10:33AM (12/12/2007)
Does honda really need all those things? They could build a Hummer tomorrow and people will flock to the dealerships & pay MSRP for it. I am not saying Honda can take people for granted, but just about anything honda makes will sell right now. Has anybody looked at that CR-V. If they can move that, they can sell anything.
Jason 10:37AM (12/12/2007)
The CR-V is nice looking, has good fuel economy, a well-styled interior, and the right price/value ratio. That's what I'm talking about. It's not rocket science.
Mehul 10:52AM (12/12/2007)
I agree with VP. CR-V is a total chick car. Maybe its sensible but then, whats wrong with the Mazda CX-7?
Honda can potentially move any car these days even if its half way decent.
blogged to death 11:10AM (12/12/2007)
I see hardly anything wrong with the CR-V. It's a crossover SUV and not a hardcore one. Why must SUVs look like wranglers or Tonka trucks or have to be off road capable (a fact that 80% of drivers never drive them there)?
Considering how the CR-V is now the best selling SUV shaped vehicle in America - someone's gotta gripe at it. But, I'd rather see people driving that than the Explorer getting 17mpg and the well established rollover problems. I'd never own one as I'm not all for the looks - and I'd bet the majority of buyers are women. Not sure why that is a negative point anyway.
Bananas 10:36AM (12/12/2007)
Looks very Jeep-ish, and that is a good thing! However, it never seems that the cartoon concepts are ever really close. The wheels are always bigger, and then it doesn't look the same at all.
Anyway, it looks really cool, but I would have thought they would focus more on a CUV instead. They should bring over some of the Japan market cars. Really sporty looking, and most are just "vans". I have an Odyssey, but would love a very sporty looking van instead of it.
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s 10:41AM (12/12/2007)
Since the first gen was gound breaking for the brand, it'll be interesting to see what the next on has in store.
Supposedly the next Element will be more hardcore, like the Toyota FJ so I'd expect this one to follow the same mission as the first one. Soft roader, a la Toyota HL/ Mazda CX-9.
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theone 10:49AM (12/12/2007)
What about diesel? Maybe A-VTEC will be on this beast? better yet A-VTEC diesel will be sweet.
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PassingAlong 11:06AM (12/12/2007)
Have owned TWO PILOTS putting on 200,000 miles with not one problem. Change fluids, filters brakes and tires. Great vehicle.
Does need less plastic on the interior and better sounds systems. May go Veracruz or Santa Fe if this doesn't improve.
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Pete 11:10AM (12/12/2007)
So the plastics bother you and you want to go to even crappier plastics...right...
Pauls45 11:20AM (12/12/2007)
I agree. It Does need less plastic on the interior.
The current one is SEA of hard plastic
kris 11:13AM (12/12/2007)
Honda is probably the best car company right now, IMHO. Especially because I got a deal $100 over invoice at a time that the best I saw on "Prices Paid and Buyer Experience" on Edmunds Townhall was $500 over invoice. Love the internet department!! I guess it also helps that there were like 5 dealers within a 10 mile radius.
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J. D. Billiford 11:15AM (12/12/2007)
>>> This is a very good looking vehicle. And like the article and many of you have suggested, it does look remarkably like the last generation Jeep Liberty, especially around the side rear windows.
Had the article not indicated it was a Honda, and the grill not shown, I would have immediately assumed it was a Jeep.
Perhaps Chrysler should have considered a more "evolutionary" approach such as this for the new generation Liberty.
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aman 11:36AM (12/12/2007)
Looks more like a GMC Acadia front and Tahoe rear te me.
I personally wouldn't buy it, but it looks sensible, and ... rugged, to say the least
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500 1:08PM (12/12/2007)
Funny you should mention the GM SUV's -- first thought when I was this was "Huh? A new Chevy Trailblazer?"
500 1:09PM (12/12/2007)
Oops I meant when I SAW this. Turning 35 is hell! :-)
PassingAlong 11:38AM (12/12/2007)
No, actually the dashes and interiors of the Veracruz and Santa Fe are an ergonomic and aesthetic leap forward to the Pilots, which as I said is all plastic.
But you would know this if you knew what manufacturers are building. Since you don't, I'll educate your ignorant, labotimized brain. Doubt it will help since I have never been able to fix stupid in individuals who are prone to a condescending tone.
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