:::Porsche Gemballa Mirage GT:::

As promised more posts!!

This is a tuned version of the Porsche Carrera GT by Gemballa called the Gemballa Mirage GT. A truly magnificent car. This bad boy has a V 10 that can go from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds... that's fast! This car is supposedly limited to only 25 cars being produced making it a very rare car. 19- 20 inch wheels is a very nice addition that has been added to this amazing car. All of these have a very nice paint job, but the one that really is different is the black one with all the sparkles!

2008 Honda Inspire Modulo Concept pic's

http://www.autoblog.com/ has a nice article on the 2008 Honda Inspire Modulo Concept vehicle, here are a few snap shots with a link to more. The Honda Inspire is the North American Honda Accord, just sold in Japan.

Here's the link;

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/28/tokyo-auto-salon-08-honda-inspire-modulo-concept/

Popular Mechanics; The Case for Diesel: Clean, Efficient, Fast Cars (Hybrids Beware!)

I stumbed across a good article via AutoblogGreen for 12.28.07 about "Hybrids, beware of diesels". I find this interesting since Honda has been really bringing the developement of 'clean diesel' engines to the forefront. Here's a link to a previous post of mine;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2007/09/clean-diesel-to-north-america-2010.html

Here are some highlights of the article;
-Most Americans have a bad impression of diesel cars. We think of them as loud, hard to start and foul-smelling. We sneer at them for lacking the get-up-and-go of their gasoline-powered cousins. And we dislike them for their perceived environmental sins, chiefly the polluting brew of sulfur and nitrogen compounds that they emit into the atmosphere. All those complaints were fair a generation ago.
-Today, diesel powertrains are on the map again, for both car manufacturers and efficiency-minded drivers. The technology could be here to stay, even if fuel prices (improbably) decline. The new cars run as well as their gasoline-powered competitors. And as for the emissions problems of the past—well, the dirty bird of fossil fuels isn’t so dirty anymore.
-The fuel contains more energy per unit volume than gasoline, and diesel engines operate at higher compression ratios than gasoline engines—typically 14:1 to 25:1, compared to 8:1 to 12:1. (The compression ratio is the relationship between the volume of the cylinder when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke and the volume when it’s at the top.) The higher the compression ratio, the more mechanical energy an engine can squeeze from its fuel/air mixture. So each time the mixture in a diesel engine’s cylinder ignites, the car gets a slightly bigger push than it would in a gasoline engine. That means it takes less fuel to move the car down the road. It also means that the engine generates a lot of power even when it isn’t cycling fast—and that’s the source of the beefy low-end torque these vehicles are famous for.
- A recent study by J.D. Power and Associates found that in 2007, 23 percent of U.S. car buyers were considering a clean diesel for their next purchase, up from 12 percent the year before.
-“This is going to be remembered as the decade when we transformed diesel.”

The Coming Diesel Invasion
AUDI A4 SEDAN
Engine: 3.0-liter V6 Target Release Date: 2008This 240-hp turbocharged direct-injected engine will also be available in the full-size Audi Q7 sport utility.
BMW 3 SERIES SEDAN
Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline Six Target Release Date: 2008BMW plans to release this 3.0-liter in 5 and 6 Series models in 2008 as well. It reportedly gets more than 35 mpg.
CADILLAC CTS SEDAN
Engine: 2.9-liter TDI V6 Target Release Date: 2009Look for clean diesel also in the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and GM light-duty pickups, around 2010.
FORD F-150 PICKUP
Engine: 4.4-liter V8 Target Release Date: 2009Derived from the Euro-spec 3.6-liter currently used in Land Rovers, which get around 31 mpg on the highway.
HONDA ACCORD SEDAN
Engine: 2.2-liter i-DTEC Target Release Date: 2009The British version gets 51.4 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The hybrid Civic gets 50 mpg.
SATURN AURA SEDAN
Engine: To be determined Target Release Date: 2010The Aura’s Euro twin, the Opel Vectra, gets more TDI options in ’09, which will transfer to the model coming here.

Here's a link to the full article, it's a good read;
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4237945.html

2008 Detroit Auto Show Preview, Toyota's A-BAT Concept Compact Truck

Well, we're slowly starting to get some sneak peaks at what the Detroit Auto Show is going to showcase, and this one's from Toyota. I've never wondered if you married a Honda Element with a Honda Ridgeline before, but in case you have, I think this would be a pretty close rendition. Jokes aside, it's a pretty cool concept.

The uni-body pickup has a four-foot bed that can be extended two feet forward via a fold down mid-gate and another two feet back with the tailgate down. Even with its extended cab, the A-BAT still measures 27" shorter overall than a current extended cab Tacoma and even 9" less than a regular cab Tacoma. In typical Toyota fashion these days the A-BAT uses the Hybrid Synergy Drive with a four-cylinder gas engine. There's no mention of the engine size or drive layout, but the short hood points to a transverse layout driving the front wheels.

2009 Toyota Corolla Reviews Pouring In

Well, we're starting to get a clear picture of what Toyota is bringing to the table to compete with the Honda Civic, and it looks like it's going to be a nice car. Here is a review of the top of the line 2009 Toyota Corolla Sedan Automatic Transmission. I can't wait for this car to come out, it's just going to heat an already hot market up!

What Works:

Interior packaging and presentation; satellite navigation; enormous trunk with 60/40 split-fold rear seat; fuel economy.

What Needs Work:

Electric-assist power steering; tire noise; barely adequate headlamp illumination.

Bottom Line:

Toyota offers more standard equipment and unexpected amenities but little driving pleasure in its all-new Corolla world car.

EDMUNDS REVIEW
A Step Above Basic Transportation
By Chris Walton, Chief Road Test Editor

Here's the Link;

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=124046?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*

CAR & DRIVER PREVIEW

No quantum leap for the tenth generation of the best-selling car in history.
By Steve Siler

Here's the Link;

http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/14440/first-drive-2009-toyota-corolla.html

New Designated Honda Hybrid coming in just above the FIT for Pricing

Interesting read on www.egmcartech.com today;

“The real competition has just begun,” Honda CEO, Takeo Fukui said. “Until now, it has been an image-based competition, not a business-based competition.”

Fukui said that Honda will approach the hybrid-war by attacking the pricing. The hybrid-only model that is expected to hit the market in early 2009 where pricing is expected to be below the Honda Civic Hybrid and right above the Honda FIT.

Honda hopes to sell 200,000 units annually for its global hybrid, 100,000 of which are expected to come from North American sales.

:::Merry Christmas:::

Merry Christmas Everyone! All the best to you in the new year!!

(Thanks to Lambocars for the picture)

:::More Reventón:::

Once again I'm sorry I haven't posted in a very long time, schools been keeping me very busy. I plan to post some more over my christmas break.
I got a hold of some more pictures of the Reventón. Some of these are taken beside the inspiration for the car: fighter jets. This car continues to impress me and everytime I look at one of the pictures I find a new thing that I haven't noticed before. I hope you all enjoy these pictures as much as I do.

Register a Miracle

I know this is completely unrelated to Honda News, however this is very near and dear to the hearts of everyone I work with. This is just to bring awareness to a challenge one of my co-workers, Cameron Kent and his family are going through at this time of year. It's really something like this that puts life into perspective, and we should all take time to be reflective of what we have. Our prayers go out to the Kent family. Here is the article;

REGISTER A MIRACLE
Girl needs bone marrow match
By LAURIE MUSTARD
The best gift any human being can ever give another, at any time of year, is the gift of life.
Madison, the beautiful young lady you see here, could use some help in that department. The great news is, someone walking around out there right now -- perhaps even here in the 'Peg -- is the person carrying Madison's cure.
Talking about a matching bone marrow donor. And once that person is found and the transplant's completed, Madison has an excellent chance of moving on from her daily battle with a life-threatening chronic illness to her dream of again being a regular young lady with a long and healthy future.
It's a gift I'm sure any one of us would be thrilled to give.
Madison's mom Stacy Kent describes her daughter's dilemma:
"Madison is a 10-year-old girl, who, a year ago, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a life-threatening illness where her bone marrow has shut down (likely due to an attacking antibody from a virus) and she is unable to produce sufficient white cells to fight infection, platelets to clot her blood and prevent bleeding, and hemoglobin to carry oxygen to maintain organ functions.
"She has had ongoing treatment at CancerCare Manitoba and last February received an in-hospital immunosuppressant treatment for 10 days in an attempt to restart her bone marrow. Some success was found in this initially but since September she has been supported with regular blood cell transfusions every two weeks as her counts did not maintain themselves.
"Many thanks to those who regularly donate to Canadian Blood Services; many people like Madison are given a better chance because of you.
"Madison is at the point in her treatment where a bone marrow transplant would be the best chance for her recovery. Frequent, ongoing transfusions over an extended period of time add to the difficulties of her treatment and eventual hopes for a transplant. This is supportive care, rather than a solution.
"We, her parents, are not a match for her bone marrow (HLA typing) so the only other option is to look to the Unrelated Donor Registry for a suitable match.
"Unfortunately, her HLA typing is not common and it may be tough to find -- there are currently 11 million people registered internationally and none may be a match. Time is definitely a factor. Our year-long search has had no positive results.
"We are calling upon the goodwill of others that we know is abundant among the generous population of Manitoba. We realize her match may be right next door!
"If you are a healthy individual who wants to make a difference in this little girl's life (or someone else's perhaps), please go to onematch.ca or call 1-888-2donate to register as a donor.
"They will contact you to give a blood sample at a location that is convenient for you.
"If you are asked to be a donor, the procedure involves exacting a portion of marrow that the body will naturally replace within six weeks. Usually the donor misses only a day or two of work for this type of procedure.
"Please consider giving this precious gift of life. Thank you, Stacy, Madison and Cam."
Such a small effort for such a potentially huge return. I'll be registering on behalf of Madison, and I hope, at a time of year when giving is everything, many of you will do the same.
We're hoping to give Madison a little Christmas miracle, folks. Please help.

Laurie Mustard can be reached by phone at 204-632-2749 or email at laurie.mustard@sunmedia.ca

Here is the original artical from the Winnipeg SUN;
http://winnipegsun.com/News/2007/12/22/4736800-sun.html

Mugen Tuning pkg for the Honda Accord/Inspire

The Honda Inspire is Japan's version of the North American Honda Accord. The famous Honda tuning firm, Mugen, which was formed by the son of Honda Motor Company founder, Soichiro Honda, present their tuning package for the upmarket targeted sedan. Consisting of the usual body kit components, front and rear bumper fascias, side skirts, grille and rear deck spoiler the Mugen Inspire also receives strut assemblies, brake rotors/calipers and stainless steel cat-back exhaust mid-pipe with dual mufflers. Looks nice.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The Honda Portal

I know I am a little early on this, but I am not sure if I will have time to post this as I will be away on holidays, so, have yourselves a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Detroit Auto Show 2009 Honda Pilot Update

Well, I know this isn't saying much, but it's an update in the least;

"Of course, the RA isn’t the only hotly awaited debutante at Detroit. Also due is the Pilot small crossover from Honda which will see its next-gen avatar in Detroit. Like the new next generation CR-V launched at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, the new Pilot too will pack in a lot of design cues. Apart from improved safety, fuel efficiency and a clutch of new convenience features, the model will also pack in a complete overhaul of the interiors. Mainly targetted at the American market, the Pilot is manufactured by Honda at its Lincoln Alabama plant. Pilot sales have been more than perky this year. In November alone, production was up by nearly a quarter compared to the same month last year. However, net net Pilot production has come down because Honda decided to pull it off its other plant in Ontario."

Here's the link;

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Auto/Debutantes_of_the_Detroit_Motor_Show/articleshow/2635658.cms

57mpg 20 yrs ago from Honda? Who knew....

Twenty years ago the car that got the best mileage in the nation was a real techno-wimp compared to what's on the road today. It wasn't even a hybrid. But it got better fuel economy than any car sold now - even the Toyota Prius.

Looking back at the 1987 Honda Civic CRX shows us why cars use so much more gas today and about the trade-offs we've had to make.

The CRX HF got an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 57 mpg gallon in highway driving. Today, the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid Civic you can buy gets an EPA-estimated 34 mpg on the highway. Even today's Honda Civic Hybrid can't match it, achieving EPA-estimated highway mileage of just 45 mpg. The Toyota Prius, today's fuel mileage champ, gets 46 mpg on the highway.

One answer for the mileage drop is that the rating system has changed. Beginning with the 2008 model year, the EPA began using a more rigorous fuel economy test that means lower numbers for most cars. But that's only a small part of the answer.

The bigger answer is that the Honda Civic has changed a lot in twenty years. Honda no longer sells a tiny two-seat version like the CRX. Even Civics with back seats are much bigger and heavier today than similar versions were in 1987. It's in the nature of the car business that companies want to offer more - more legroom, more trunk space - with each redesign. As a result, cars get bigger and bigger. Besides size, American consumers expect a lot more convenience out of a car than they did in 1985. Today, we expect power steering, power brakes, power windows and more.

The base CRX HF did not have power steering or power brakes. (As light as it was, it really didn't need them.) Air conditioning was optional, as it was on most cars in those days, so it didn't figure into the EPA's fuel economy ratings. Today's consumers also expect safety. In the 1980s, car companies would sell cars that got one-star or two-star crash test ratings. Numbers like that would now cause car companies fits. Four out of five stars is considered the minimum acceptable rating.

Here's the rest of the article;
http://money.cnn.com/2007/12/17/autos/honda_civic_hf/?postversion=2007121911

New Hybrid Announced for Honda

Honda will launch a long-awaited, hybrid-only model in 2009. Honda plans on producing 200,000 of the new hybrids per year from the company's Suzuka plant in western Japan and will sell them initially in North America, Europe and Japan. They'll be equipped with a new lightweight motor which will assist the gasoline engine and be offered at a "more affordable price level" than currently available hybrids such as Honda's own Civic and Toyota's Prius.

That's just the beginning. Fukui also said that Honda is planning to launch its first-ever hybrid sports car, based on the CR-Z concept car that Honda first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. "The real full-scale hybrid competition will start from now," Fukui told reporters. He added that by 2010 around 10% of Honda's sales would come from hybrids

Further into the future, the company continues to look to fuel cell technology. Next summer the company will also begin leasing a small number of it's FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in Southern California. For $600 a month, customers will be able to drive the emission-free vehicle, which has a range of 270 miles.

Here's a link to the full article;

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/dec2007/gb20071219_577749.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_businessweek+exclusives

Mobile Magazine gets Confirmation that North America gets a New NSX for 2010

While certain Japanese fans are still drooling over the Nissan GT-R, Honda is about to steal some of that supercar thunder back. Honda has just officially confirmed that they are working on a new version of the NSX supercar and it will make its debut sometime in 2010.

Here's a link to the full article by Michael Kwan
http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/354/C14113/

How the -VTEC with 3-stage Advanced Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) Works

The 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine available in the Accord Sedan is the largest and most powerful engine ever offered in a Honda passenger car. It builds on technologies that have been developed and refined on previous Honda power-plants. With its 60-degree V-angle, the Accord’s V-6 engine is inherently very smooth and has compact overall dimensions that allow efficient packaging within the vehicle. The V-6 with automatic transmission incorporates cutting edge i-VTEC technology that boosts fuel efficiency using Advanced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).

VCM Operation
To help improve the fuel efficiency of the V-6 engine available with the 5-speed automatic transmission, the latest generation of Honda’s VCM is used. This is the first application of VCM on a non-hybrid Accord model. Unlike previous VCM systems that switched between three- and six-cylinder operation, the Accord’s system can operate on three, four or all six cylinders.

During start-up, acceleration or when climbing hills – any time high power output is required – the engine operates on all six cylinders. During moderate speed cruising and at low engine loads, the system operates just one bank of three cylinders. For moderate acceleration, higher-speed cruising and mild hills, the engine operates on four cylinders.

With three operating modes, the VCM system can finely tailor the working displacement of the engine to match the driving requirements from moment to moment. Since the system automatically closes both the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders that are not used, pumping losses associated with intake and exhaust are eliminated and fuel economy gets a further boost. The VCM system combines maximum performance and maximum fuel economy – two characteristics that don’t typically coexist in conventional engines.

VCM deactivates specific cylinders by using the VTEC (Variable Valve-Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system to close the intake and exhaust valves while the Powertrain Control Module simultaneously cuts fuel to those cylinders. When operating on three cylinders, the rear cylinder bank is shut down. When running on four cylinders, the left and center cylinders of the front bank operate, and the right and center cylinders of the rear bank operate.

The spark plugs continue to fire in inactive cylinders to minimize plug temperature loss and prevent fouling induced from incomplete combustion during cylinder re-activation. The system is electronically controlled, and uses special integrated spool valves that do double duty as rocker-shaft holders in the cylinder heads. Based on commands from the system’s electronic control unit, the spool valves selectively direct oil pressure to the rocker arms for specific cylinders. This oil pressure in turn drives synchronizing pistons that connect and disconnect the rocker arms.

The VCM system monitors throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed, automatic-transmission gear selection and other factors to determine the correct cylinder activation scheme for the operating conditions. In addition, the system determines whether engine oil pressure is suitable for VCM switching and whether catalytic-converter temperature will remain in the proper range. To smooth the transition between activating or deactivating cylinders, the system adjusts ignition timing, drive-by-wire throttle position and turns the torque converter lock-up on and off. As a result, the transition between three-, four-, and six-cylinder operation is unnoticeable to the driver.

2009 Honda Pilot Rendering 'Panoramic Roof' could be a Reality

2009 Honda Pilot Rendering w/panoramic roof.
UK Honda CRV w/Panaoramic roof.

I stumbed across something that I didn't know in one of the forums at http://www.hondapilot.org/ . The CRV is available in the UK with a panoramic roof. So, this leaves me to believe that this has a shot at being a reality. Although here in North America I can't see it being on the Honda and not the Acura. Again, food for thought.

Honda on the Cover of the latest Japanese Magazine X

Stumbled across this a little while age, didn't think it was too news-worthy, but had a second thought. Now, even though it has a "H" logo on the car, let's not forget that the Acura lineup in Japan is badged under Honda. So, this could be the new RL for all we know. However there has been speculation that this could be the face of the new 2009 Honda Pilot. It does have a front grill of a Honda truck, but then again the new 2008 Honda Accord is very similar. In Japan, the new North American Accord will be called the Honda Inspire. The lights are completely different though. Who knows.

Honda Cleans up in the U.S. News and World Report 2008 Car and Truck Ratings

Just click on the car to get the full review.

CARS
Small Cars
Best Affordable Small Cars
#1 2008 Honda Fit
#2 2008 Honda Civic
#3 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
See Full List

Best Upscale Small Cars
#1 2008 Volkswagen GTI
#2 2008 Audi A3
#3 2008 Acura TSX
See Full List

Midsize Cars
Best Affordable Midsize Cars
#1 2008 Honda Accord
#2 2008 Honda Accord Coupe
#3 2008 Toyota Camry
See Full List

Best Upscale Midsize Cars
#1 2008 BMW 3-Series
#2 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe
#2 2008 Lexus ES
See Full List

Large Cars
Best Affordable Large Cars
#1 2008 Toyota Avalon
#2 2008 Chrysler 300 Series
#3 2007 Hyundai Azera
See Full List

Best Luxury Large Cars
#1 2008 BMW 5-Series
#2 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
#3 2008 Cadillac DTS
See Full List

Sports Cars
Best Affordable Sports Cars
#1 2008 Honda S2000
#1 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
#1 2008 Mazda Speed3
See Full List

Hybrid Cars
Best Hybrid Cars
#1 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
#2 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
#3 2008 Toyota Prius
See Full List

SUV'S
Compact SUVs
Best Affordable Compact SUVs
#1 2008 Honda CR-V
#2 2008 Toyota RAV4
#3 2008 Honda Element
See Full List

Best Luxury Compact SUVs
#1 2008 Acura RDX
#2 2008 BMW X3
#3 2008 Land Rover LR2
See Full List

Midsize SUVs
Best Affordable Midsize SUVs
#1 2008 Honda Pilot
#2 2007 Nissan Murano
#3 2008 Buick Enclave
See Full List

Best Luxury Midsize SUVs
#1 2008 Lexus RX 350
#2 2008 Infiniti FX
#3 2008 Acura MDX
See Full List

VANS
#1 2008 Honda Odyssey
#2 2008 Toyota Sienna
#3 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
Full List: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Minivans/

TRUCKS
Best Sport Utility Trucks
#1 2008 Honda Ridgeline
#2 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
#2 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
See Full List

Here's a link to the whole review;
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/

The New Knight Rider

Here is the official Shelby Knight Rider Car

Here's what could of been....

I couldn't resist, here is a pic of the new KnightRider. I know this may be old news to some of you, but apparently NBC is moving forward with a new KnightRider TV show. Anyway, I personally think it is sacrilege for this car not to be a TransAM.

The Original.

How Close will the 2009 Honda Pilot Rendering be to the Production Model?

Here is a shot of the rendered MDXHere is a shot of the production MDX

As most of you know already, there has been a 2009 Honda Pilot rendition released that is creating some buzz in the industry. Alot of people are wondering how accurate this rendition will be to the actual production model. One can only guess, however as some of you will remember a similar picture was released from Acura on the highly anticipated MDX redesign, and it was pretty close to the actual production model. So, anyway, food for thought.

Honda Element WINS First-ever DogCar of the Year Award

Here's one for all you dog lovers out there (me included). A website http://dogcars.com/ has rated the 2007 Honda Element as 'Best Overall' for being pet friendly. Here's what they had to say;

Best Overall: 2007 Honda Element

Love or hate the look, no matter: The Element is as good a DogCar as could possibly be imagined. From its versatile interior to its anti-noseprint windows, everything about the Honda Element has dog-lovers howling with happiness. The easy-to-clean Element is a near-perfect DogCar with just the right canine chemistry.
Available in three trim lines: the rugged LX, refined EX and the sporty SC — all of which features an inline four cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower. Easy on the fuel-sipping, too!

Here's a link to the whole article if you're interested;

http://dogcars.com/blog/?page_id=33

2009 Honda Pilot Rendering and Official Honda Press Release

Well, we didn't have to wait long for a little more information on the upcoming Honda Pilot. Here is what the official Honda Press release had to say;

12/12/2007 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
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.

Here's the link;
http://www.hondanews.com/categories/804/releases/4384

Here's another link to a previous post on what to expect on the 2009 Honda Pilot;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2007/10/2009-honda-pilot-what-to-expect.html