It's been several months since we've seen sketches from Honda about what the new 2016 Ridgeline will look like, but the midsize pickup truck looks to be in the final stages of tow testing. Our spies have been hot on the trail of the elusive, more conventional-looking next-generation Ridgeline, and they were able to catch the fully camouflaged Honda next to one of its main competitors, the Chevrolet Colorado. Here's their report:
"We've just gotten our first close-up look at Honda's next Ridgeline pickup, caught testing on rural public roads.KGP Photography images
"Until today, all of our encounters with Ridgeline prototypes have been through a very long lens, giving us only a marginal look at the test trucks. Now we've gotten a proper set of spy shots giving us a good feel for the grille, headlights and overall front-end design. The profile and rear views are consistent with earlier teaser shots promising a more traditional truck shape compared to the off-beat look of the original Ridgeline.
"Today's run-in with this prototype also included a new Ford F-150 and a silver Chevrolet Colorado pickup pulling a boat.
"In one of our earlier long-range Ridgeline shots, the 2016 prototype was running nose-to-tail with the first-generation model, allowing an excellent opportunity to gauge the general size of the long-awaited second-generation model. From what we can tell, the footprint of the new Ridgeline will be very similar to the original model. The evidence generated by these first shots seems to suggest that the new Ridgeline will continue to use some of the unibody platform of the 2016 Honda Pilot, instead of a smaller, CR-V-based pickup.
"Our sources tell us to expect powertrains using Honda's Earth Dreams efficiency technologies. There was some speculation that a continuously variable transmission could be in play, but given the apparent Pilot-based architecture and tow testing of the new truck, that seems unlikely. We are told to look out for the possible inclusion of Honda's new Super Handling-All Wheel Drive hybrid system developed for larger vehicles, which would give the smaller pickup significant traction and driving dynamics. That could be added to give some technological uniqueness in a crowded and competitive landscape."
Source;
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/06/spied-2016-honda-ridgeline.html
No comments:
Post a Comment