2009 Honda Pilot Prototype at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Well, here we have it, the 2009 Honda Pilot Prototype. I can't believe that Honda was able to keep this a secret for so long, alot of the other manufacturer's had alot of 'leaked' photos.

Here's a write up from Honda;
"Introducing a new prototype vehicle from Honda, packed with smart, practical features and advanced safety, fuel-efficiency and convenience technologies. The prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Pilot redefined the midsized SUV with clean lines, better on-road handling and a more spacious interior, and the prototype promises to up the ante with even more to love."

Here's a link to the Official Site;
http://automobiles.honda.com/2009-prototype-pilot/

Popular Mechanics had a nice write up on the vehicle;
"DETROIT — Honda showed a more smoothly-styled Pilot crossover SUV Prototype at Detroit this afternoon. It’s slated for introduction as a 2009 model and we’re guessing it’s pretty close, if not identical, to the vehicle we’ll see in Honda stores late this summer or early fall. The Pilot has been restyled to be more polished than the rather bland-looking current Pilot introduced back in 2003, and there are plenty of detail changes on the inside as well.

The middle and third row seats, which both hold three passengers, fold flat into the floor for cargo hauling. You can even split the seats 60/40 for the ability to haul long packages and people together. The engine uses variable-displacement technology for improved economy. Previously, the 244-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine would shut down three cylinders when power demands were modest, like at lower speeds on flat terrain. The ’09 Pilot uses a more sophisticated system that will run as a 3-, 4- or 6-cylinder engine. Honda says the goal is to more closely match the engine displacement to the need for speed at any moment. As usual for Honda, smart idea.

Honda even claims the Pilot’s AWD system will be effective in “medium-duty” off-road conditions. But Honda’s “medium-duty” really means light-duty. The lack of ground clearance and low range will likely restrict the new Pilot, like the old, to many of the same dirt trails other crossover SUVs travel.

On the safety front, quite literally, Honda says the new Pilot will reduce pedestrian injuries. The frontend is designed to absorb impact and lessen injuries in the event of a pedestrian/vehicle accident. City dwellers that walk to work will surely appreciate that feature. —Mike Allen"

Here's the link to that one;
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4244647.html

Here's a link to a previous article of what we know so far about the vehicle;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2008/01/2009-honda-pilot-what-we-know-so-far.html