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Payload = passengers + luggages + tongue weight (trailer) (~10% of towing capacity)
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_- cars/family_romper_roundup_2009_honda_pilot_meets_its_competition_feature/(page)- /1
Using these criteria the Toyota Highlander, The Hyundai Veracruz, theoretically should behave off road as the Pilot. The Acadia, the Outlander and even the Kia Sorento and Sportage (with two differential each) should behave better off-road than the Pilot. However reviewers provide just subjective (perceptions) parameters to indicate what car is better or not.
But I am still wishing....
Anyway I won't have long to wait to find out. In the meantime MDX prices and incentives are really heating up.
"Today we mark a significant milestone - the launch of an all-new Pilot built by one team, with one goal and built only in sweet home Alabama," said Hiroshi Sasamoto, president and CEO of Honda's Alabama operations. "I salute the accomplishments of all HMA associates and your commitment to building products of the highest quality for our customers."
A brief celebration at the end of the assembly line marked the start of mass production of new Pilot. HMA is the exclusive global production source of both the Pilot and the Odyssey minivan. The Lincoln plant also produces the V-6 engines for each vehicle. Early next year, HMA will add a third model to its production lineup - the Ridgeline pickup truck.
The Honda Pilot helped elevate the "crossover" segment in the last decade by introducing a combination of smooth ride comfort, accommodating interior packaging and overall efficiency that traditional SUVs lacked. The Pilot helped transform the SUV segment with better ride quality, top crash safety ratings, more interior space and increased fuel efficiency.
The new Pilot received rave reviews from Honda's top U.S. engineering designer.
"You have built an outstanding vehicle. This Pilot is all business. It's impressive on the outside, the inside and underneath," Frank Paluch, vice president of Automotive Design at Honda R&D Americas in Marysville, Ohio, told the Alabama associates minutes after the first Pilot rolled off the assembly line.
Paluch was the lead project engineer on the design of the first generation Pilot, which was introduced in the summer of 2002 as a 2003 model. Since its introduction, almost 750,000 units of the Pilot have been sold.
"When our team at Honda R&D Americas looked at creating a second generation Pilot, we knew we had a solid foundation to build upon. And we believe we have advanced the second generation model in every way," Paluch said. "This second generation Pilot is designed to be an 'intelligent adventure vehicle' by meeting the practical needs of a family with its eight-passenger seating and offering bolder SUV styling, a more clever interior package and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience."
HMA builds the Odyssey minivan on both Line 1 and Line 2, while Pilot sport utility vehicle is built only on Line 2 at the $1.4 billion Lincoln facility. Annual production capacity is 300,000 vehicles and V-6 engines. The all-new Pilot is set to arrive at Honda dealers nationwide on May 22.
I dont need a V6 engine and the higher fuel consumption. A 4 cylinder engine meets all my city driving needs.
With gas prices expected to hit $4.50 per gallon, this has become a key issue. Those who need a V6 engine can opt to pay more. Honda should not make everyone pay for the V6 and the associated higher fuel consumption.
Personally I'd wait for a diesel or perhaps consider a RAV if you want a 7 seater with 4 cylinders.
2) Even if the 4 cylinder engine can deliver 2 more miles to the Gallon, thats a big help. As soon as gasoline crosses $4 per gallon you can trash all the old economics and calculations. For example, the Hybrids become more appealing becuase the payoff (to recover the premium paid) is much shorter.
That is also why it is the #1 selling CUV in US market now.
Its called VCM (Variable cylinder management)
Get used to $4 a gallon.its here to stay
Europe is already paying $9 a gallon
The developing world is consuming more oil, and OPEC are not increasing output.
It's called supply and demand.
India and China are getting off their bikes and driving cars (getting more prosperous).
Honda has the CR-V (4 cylinder) for those who want great fuel economy and reasonable size.
The Pilot is the next model up, it's not for everyone. Some will buy it, some won't
Again, its a free market, you can choose which car to buy.
In general, a 4,000 lb SUV with V6 is going to consume more gas.
Shortly, the Pilot will have a Hybrid version for those who want the size, but a little better mpg
That is the main point here. Why not turn the tap on bigger? Price gouging?
The billion dollars quarter profit can be pumped right back to inflate the oil price in the commodity market. This price increase will be never ending as long as the oil companies put their profit at work in commodity market.
Honda should offer a programmable VCM. Then I would program it to run on 4 cylinders all the time!
Is this wishful thinking on your part? Or do you have some concrete info about the Hybrid version of the Pilot. Has Honda discussed or hinted about a hybrid version of the Pilot?
Thanks.
Since the Pilot isn't sold in Japan, I doubt the cost of fuel in Tokyo is going to affect the offerings in North America.
One has to remember that the specs for the new Pilot were set about 3-4 years ago and final specs about 2 years ago. The run up in fuel costs has mainly been in the last 6 months and engines, target fuel economy, design, et al were frozen. Changing anything major would push product release back 12-18 months which would mean hundreds of millions of dollars in development sitting around waiting for improvements. Honda is better off launching the vehicle as it is and improving it in 2 years with an early mid model update that is already in the development stages.
It's possible that they may introduce a hybrid Pilot sooner but I'm betting more on a diesel first. Honda is touting it's clean diesel technology which they claim is 50 state compliant without the use of urea like other manufacturers are using. Plus diesel is better in developing torque - a Honda shortcoming for quite some time.
Honda plans to have hybrids on small vehicles. They believe that is where hybrid shines in MPG. For large vehicles, hybrid system is not efficient unless a huge battery is on board, then, the cost issue follows. On vehicles like Lexus RX, a hybrid version gives you a gain of maybe 5mpg in real world driving. Assuming you drive 15K miles per year, that is 750 gallons for 20mpg, or 600 gallons for 25mpg. You save 150 gallonsx$4 = $600. The premium of a hybrid system is about $5000 for Toyota. That would take about 8 years to recoup your cost, not counting the interest of $5000 for 8 years (which could double if you are a good investor.)
On top of that, a hybrid battery costs about $4000 which lasts for about 10-15 years. (note: I own a Prius for 3 years+.)
Honda's strategy is for larger vehicles to have diesel engines. You will not see Accord or vehicles larger than Accord to have hybrid system. Not even CR-V.
CR-V, Accord will have 2.2 iDTec diesel engines in 1-2 years.
Acura TSX will be the 1st model to receive the new and clean 2.2L iDTec in 2009 (as 2009 or 2010 model years).
Odyssey, Ridgeline, Pilot will have the coming 3.0L iDTec, which could give 30+mpg according to inside info (or rather a target to meet). It is at least 2 years away from production.
For example Valentin Technologies has an invention - Hydrostatic Powertrain - based on using Toyota Camry mostly everything except the engine/drivetrain. A Toyota Camry should be safe enough.
Possible a Toyota Camry - Valentin with 130MPG
The dealership was not a high volume one, I'd imagine medium market or something along those lines.
I have been on the waiting end for new models in the past. They have always required a deposit if you even think you are going to get one. From my 96 Civic, 02 CRV, 04 TSX, I have always have been forced to give a deposit. So, I don't think that the demand for the Pilot, at least around here, is all that significant. With the prices of gas as they are, the demand for smaller cars, could hurt the release date of the Pilot. I am hoping that this will mean better deals for the consumer.
I agree the demand for the new Pilot would seem to be lower. The re-design has overall not been received warmly in automotive circles, and of course with the economy and gas prices I don't see people lining up to buy an SUV.
Granted, with anything new it'll be awhile for deals, but I imagine sooner rather than later the dealers will have to do some dealing to move the 2009's, especially if the prices went up at all.
Now, Honda is forecasting 140,000/year. That is 12K/month. That is still aggressive to me considering two factors:
- gas price keeps going up - that is why CR-V is the new Pilot (sales-wise)
- competition - new kids on the blocks waiting to take a bite of the CUV markets.
Personally, I would think it is un-wise to be buying the 1st batch due to two factors
- early bugs (even Toyota/Honda has recalls ... My 2nd year Prius has had 2)
- full MSRP if you put down deposit, while other competing models are selling at invoice or lower (e.g. Mazda CX-9 currently at $1500 below INVOICE everywhere)
I would wait at least 6 months to let those "must-have-it" people to buy first at MSRP. Then, the dealers shall see the true demand and set reasonable prices.
(vtec.net a very reputable site for Honda/Acura)
Your local dealers might have a couple of demo units already. Check it out.
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=762147