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Corporate January
6, 2002 |
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| Honda Pilot SUV Unveiled At North American International Auto Show All New Honda SUV Is Rugged, Versatile and Innovative |
DETROIT, Mich., January 6, 2002 --- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today
unveiled a pre-production version of its Pilot sport-utility vehicle at
the 2002 North American International Auto Show. Scheduled for release as
a 2003 model at dealers nationwide this summer, the Pilot is an all new
Honda-designed and built SUV that combines the rugged versatility of traditional
sport-utilities with the quality, refinement and innovative design that
is the hallmark of all Honda vehicles.
Developed under the theme of the "Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle," the
Pilot delivers best-in-class interior space with theatre-style seating for
up to eight passengers, along with advanced Honda VTEC V-6 power, sophisticated
four-wheel drive technology and five-star safety performance, making Pilot
the best all-around performer in its class.
"We think this vehicle strikes at the heart of what many people are looking
for in a family-sized SUV," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president
of American Honda. "The Pilot delivers all the utility and versatility that
people expect from their SUV with the added benefits of Honda's world-class
quality, durability and innovative design."
In keeping with Honda's long-standing commitment to the environment, Pilot
will be an Ultra Low-Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) with excellent fuel economy,
constructed with ninety percent recyclable components.
The Pilot's exterior was designed to be bold and distinctive with classic
SUV proportions, a wide, strong stance, upright roof pillars and a large
greenhouse area with panoramic views for all occupants. Careful attention
to body shape and utilization of underbody strakes help to make Pilot the
most aerodynamic SUV in its class, improving on performance and fuel economy.
Designed from the inside out for optimal utility, the interior features
60/40 split folding second- and third-row seats that convert to accommodate
up to eight passengers and a wide variety of cargo items. With the widest
wheel track in its class and a flat cargo floor, the Pilot boasts the largest
and most versatile passenger and cargo carrying capability in its class.
Highlighting the Pilot's instrument panel is a sporty, beveled, three-gauge
center instrument cluster inspired by a precision chronograph design. Complimenting
the instrument panel's sporty appearance is a silver-trimmed steering wheel
with controls for the 7-speaker AM/FM/CD/Cassette Stereo and cruise control.
A clean and functional center panel stack incorporates the air conditioning
and stereo controls along with the optional Satellite-Linked Navigation
System or Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System. The column-mounted shift
lever provides for a large, unobstructed center console area, in keeping
with the vehicle's functional design theme.
As part of the "Ultimate Family Adventure" concept, Honda engineers developed
a number of family-friendly features including a multi-function center console
with a large center storage bin, dedicated cell phone cradle, 12-volt power
outlet, CD rack, and two-position cup holder. The second-row seat features
a child's activity tray that incorporates a cup holder and storage tray
with a place for a pocket-size game machine or PDA, crayons, markers or
other kids' stuff, as well as a tray for fast food items including a special
place for fast food sauce containers.
A highly rigid reinforced unit body with front and rear subframes and four-wheel,
fully independent suspension system provides the foundation for outstanding
ride quality and precise, responsive, handling performance. Four-wheel anti-lock
(ABS) disc brakes ensure stable and predictable brake performance in varying
conditions.
Further ensuring a fun and confident driving experience is the Pilot's advanced
3.5-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum VTEC V-6 engine and five-speed electronically
controlled transmission mated to Honda's innovative VTM-4 (Variable Torque
Management 4WD) full-time, four-wheel drive system. Employing sophisticated
electronic sensing and control mechanisms, the VTM-4 system continuously
monitors the vehicle's dynamic condition and distributes engine torque between
the front the rear wheels for optimal performance and control on dry, wet,
icy or snow-covered roads. A unique electronically locking rear differential
feature allows for maximum front-to-rear torque split for added traction
in extremely slippery or "stuck" conditions.
In targeting the highest levels of safety performance, Honda engineers employed
a number of advanced safety systems including dual-stage/dual-threshold
driver and front passenger airbags, an "intelligent" front passenger side
airbag with Occupant Position Detection System, and three point seatbelts
with pretensioners and headrests in all eight seating positions. Internal
testing confirms five-star level safety performance in frontal and side
impacts for all passengers, the highest safety ratings given by the federal
government. Additional design measures were undertaken to confirm a high
level of safety for third-row passengers in a rear collision, over and above
existing safety standards.
In keeping with the SUV customer's off-road expectations, the Honda Pilot
provides for confident and stable off-road performance. With more than 8-inches
of ground clearance, short front and rear overhangs and VTM-4 four-wheel
drive technology with locking rear differential capability, the Pilot is
designed to provide the kind of off-road toughness desired by the typical
SUV customer.
The Honda Pilot SUV was developed and designed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc.,
and will be produced by Honda Canada Manufacturing, Inc., in Allison, Ontario,
using domestic and globally-sourced parts, beginning in the spring of this
year.
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| Pre-production version of PILOT |
PILOT PRE-PRODUCTION
SPECIFICATIONS
| BODY |
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All-steel unit body with passenger safety shell and dual side impact door
beams |
| ENGINE |
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| Type |
: |
3.5-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum SOHC V-6 with VTEC
(Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control) |
| DRIVETRAIN |
|
| Type |
: |
Honda VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management 4WD) full-time
four-wheel drive with electronically locking rear differential |
| Transmission |
: |
5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
with Honda Grade Logic Control |
| SUSPENSION |
|
| Front |
: |
Independent strut-type with "L" arm, gas-pressurized
shocks and stabilizer bar |
| Rear |
: |
Independent multi-link with trailing arm, gas-pressurized
shocks and stabilizer bar |
| STEERING |
|
| Type |
: |
Variable power-assist rack-and-pinion |
| BRAKING |
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| Type |
: |
4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel Anti-Lock Braking
system (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution |
| TOWING |
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| Maximum Capacity |
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3,500 lbs. (4,500 lbs. with boat) |
PILOT PRE-PRODUCTION
OFF-ROAD |
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| Ground Clearance |
: |
8 inches |
| Approach/Departure/Breakover Angles |
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28/21/21 degrees |
| SAFETY FEATURES |
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| Five Star Safety for All Passengers |
: |
All-steel unit body with passenger safety cell construction
Dual side impact door beams
Dual-stage / dual-threshold front airbags
Driver side airbag
Passenger side airbag with Occupant Position Detection System
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
LATCH child seat anchor system |
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