2008 Honda Pilot Concept

The new Honda Pilot was presented at the Detroit auto show, as a thinly disguised concept car. The production version, dubbed a 2009 model, goes on sale in the spring.

The Pilot rides on a newly redesigned version of its front- or all-wheel-drive platform. In passing, the Pilot prototype bears a resemblance to Ford's Explorer America concept. Honda says it's a bolder look, with "authentic" SUV styling.

Under its hood the Pilot pulls its load with a V-6 engine outfitted with Honda's variable-displacement system, which can operate the V-6 in four-cylinder and three-cylinder modes to boost fuel economy.

Inside the Pilot keeps its eight-passenger seating arrangement. And since it's larger inside this time around--by how much Honda's not saying just yet--the third-row seat will be easier to access, and there will be more room for people and cargo inside. The front two chairs are captain's chairs, Honda adds, while the second row is split 60/40, as is the rear bench. Both the second and third row fold flat to create a large cargo area.

The Pilot was penned in Honda's U.S. design studios, and will continue to be built in the company's plant in Lincoln, Ala.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2009 Audi TTS – Detroit Auto Show

Audi couldn't quite wait 'til Detroit to show its production-bound TTS - the much-anticipated high-performance version of the TT line that also marks the TT's tenth anniversary.

Most notably, there's a lot more power under the hood, a 2.0-liter 'TFSI' four-cylinder engine that makes 272 horsepower. The engine, according to Audi, takes gasoline direct injection and turbocharging and "blends them to form a perfect partnership." Peak torque is an impressive (for a 2.0-liter four) 258 pound-feet, between 2500 and 5000 rpm. With the new engine tune and extra power, the two-liter has also been strengthened and extensively reengineered, and the intercooler has been optimized, with maximum turbocharger boost dialed up to 17.4 psi - exceptionally high for a production vehicle.

A six-speed manual is standard-equipment for Europe, but all U.S. models get the available six-speed S tronic DSG gearbox - which shifts faster than a standard automatic transmission - cuts the zero-to-62-mph time by two tenths of a second. S tronic now also has a new pressure reservoir for the DSG unit's multi-plate clutch system allows it to pull off shifts even faster.With the S tronic, the TTS Coupe will be able to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in only 5.2 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Accelerating from 80 to 120 mph in fourth gear takes only 4.4 seconds - a testament to the engine's broad torque curve.

U.S. pricing has not yet been announced, but based on the European prices mentioned in Audi's release (Coupe starting at 44,900 euros), the U.S. Coupe will likely start in the upper $40k range. The TTS will go on sale in early summer for Europe, late November for the U.S., as a 2009 model.

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