Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2009 Honda Ridgeline introduced early to internet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/2009-honda-ridgeline-introduced-to-internet-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/2009-honda-ridgeline-introduced-to-internet-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/2009-honda-ridgeline-introduced-to-internet-early/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline

All we have to go on are the images and information posted on Carscoop, but it appears the redesigned 2009 Honda Ridgeline is stepping out a bit early to what may be disinterested public. The Ridgeline for '09 gets Honda's new grille that first appeared on the '09 Pilot CUV, along with a new front bumper, headlights and all that jazz in the rear. The interior, while not all-new, gets major upgrades like a new steering wheel, gauges, and HVAC controls, as well as a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, satellite navigation, a 115-volt power outlet and requisite jacks for the iPod and other MP3 players. According to Carscoop, Honda has largely left the Ridgeline's 3.5L VTEC V6 the same except for a new camshaft profile and better breathing practices that net a 3 horsepower bump to 250 at 5,700 RPM and a torque increase of 2 lb-ft to 247 at 4,000 RPM. New ratios in the 5-speed automatic transmission are said to take advantage of the new torque and improve acceleration.

We admit that Honda was smart not to dive head first into the full-size truck market in the U.S. like Toyota did with the Tundra, but the Ridgeline with its V6 and unit body has never enjoyed hot sales. It's both terrifically ugly and ill-suited for those super hard core tasks that, while rare, require a real rig. Nevertheless, this is Honda, a brand that really doesn't care what we think about its trucklet and will continue tweaking and perfecting it until we change our minds. Looks like that won't happen in 2009, though we're told to expect it in dealers as early as this September.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Ridgeline


[Source: Carscoop]

2009 Honda Ridgeline introduced early to internet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 honda ridgeline2009HondaRidgelinebreakinghondahonda ridgelineHondaRidgelineridgelineWed, 06 Aug 2008 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Honda Ridgeline unmasked, hide the children]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/spy-shots-honda-ridgeline-unmasked-hide-the-children/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/spy-shots-honda-ridgeline-unmasked-hide-the-children/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/spy-shots-honda-ridgeline-unmasked-hide-the-children/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for more high-res shots of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline.

After Honda showed its new schnoz on the redesigned Pilot, we knew what was bound to happen to the Ridgeline. And it's as unfortunate as expected. These newest spy shots show Honda's unibody pickup with a similar nose job as its fully enclosed sibling, complete with an upright grille framing an angular trim piece, and new headlamps. The only other discernable difference on the outside are redesigned taillights, and here's hoping that the interior gets some much needed material love when the new Ridgeline debuts later this year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2009 Honda Ridgeline

Spy Shots: Honda Ridgeline unmasked, hide the children originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 honda ridgeline2009HondaRidgelinehondahonda ridgelineHondaRidgelineridgelinespy shotsSpyShotsTue, 15 Jul 2008 12:36:00 EST