Spy Shots 2009 Honda Pilot

The 2009 Honda Pilot has been spied in production guise, and unlike the bulldog that inspired the front grille, it's less than lovable. With styling pulled directly from the Honda Pilot Prototype shown in Detroit, the new unibody 'ute from Honda should arrive later this year with ACE safety features, a V6 lump with cylinder deactivation and seating for eight passengers of varying size.

The interior is an evolution of the outgoing model, with a massive center stack that's far more butch that the one it replaces, along with a new multifunction steering wheel similar to that found on the redesigned Accord. Overall, we're not entirely smitten with the slap sides and grotesque nose, but you can check the gallery below to make up your own mind.

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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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2008 Honda Pilot Concept

In a very brief release this morning, Honda confirmed its next-generation Pilot crossover will be shown as a concept at the upcoming Detroit auto show.

Press release
A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot will be unveiled at the January 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The prototype will convey design features of the more boldly-styled, next-generation Pilot and will emphasize authentic SUV styling, clever interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience.

The current-generation Pilot offers versatile eight-passenger seating and all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities while earning a distinctive reputation in the midsize SUV class for its refined handling and ride comfort. Among its numerous accolades, the Honda Pilot has earned Car and Driver magazine's prestigious "5Best Truck" award for six straight years (2002 thru 2007).

Additional Honda vehicles to be on display at NAIAS include the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the CR-Z concept vehicle, introduced at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Limited retail marketing of the FCX Clarity will begin in summer 2008. The CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car concept equipped with Honda's original gas-electric hybrid system.

© Source: thecarconnection
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