Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Car & Driver Snags First Photo's of the Production 2009 Honda Pilot

Here's a pic comparing the 2008 bodystyle (Right) to the new 2009 (left).

"BY ALISA PRIDDLE, PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM KOLINTROV April 2008

As Honda prepares to sell the second-generation of its eight-passenger workhorse this spring, we capture the crossover running around a suburb of Detroit and we like what we see.
The original Pilot offers burst onto the scene in 2002 as a 2003 model, and quickly won over buyers. But there are many more competitors this time around. To that end, the new Pilot was designed to offer more versatility and cabin configurability.
Under the hood is Honda’s refined V-6 engine with the same updated Variable Cylinder Management as found on the Accord's 265-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, enabling it to run on six, four, or three cylinders depending on conditions. Not only will the SUV be more fuel efficient, but we expect a bump in towing capability, as well.
The 2009 Pilot is the latest to be designed in accordance with Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering mandate, intended to facilitate better crash compatibility with automobiles large and small. In fact, Honda claims that the new Pilot will be nothing short of the best in class in the safety department but, once again, offered few details about exactly what it will offer.
As for the design, the production model doesn’t appear to have changed much from the concept. The beveled, bolt-upright windows add appreciable depth and intrigue, and the 3-D rear end is classy and simple. The front end is the only area of controversy, although it's suitably macho and flies in the face of the softer designs we've been seeing emerge on such crossovers as the Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander. "

Here's the link;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/suvs_family_haulers/2009_honda_pilot_spied

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Looks good. I hope they didn't change the interior from the concept model.