Interior Pic's of the 2009 Honda Pilot Prototype

www.vtec.net has some excellent interior shots of the 2009 Honda Pilot Prototype at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. I like how they changed the position of the shifter. Much nicer. All indications lead me to believe that this is going to be a sharp reflection of what the production version will look like.

2009 Honda Pilot Prototype at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Well, here we have it, the 2009 Honda Pilot Prototype. I can't believe that Honda was able to keep this a secret for so long, alot of the other manufacturer's had alot of 'leaked' photos.

Here's a write up from Honda;
"Introducing a new prototype vehicle from Honda, packed with smart, practical features and advanced safety, fuel-efficiency and convenience technologies. The prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Pilot redefined the midsized SUV with clean lines, better on-road handling and a more spacious interior, and the prototype promises to up the ante with even more to love."

Here's a link to the Official Site;
http://automobiles.honda.com/2009-prototype-pilot/

Popular Mechanics had a nice write up on the vehicle;
"DETROIT — Honda showed a more smoothly-styled Pilot crossover SUV Prototype at Detroit this afternoon. It’s slated for introduction as a 2009 model and we’re guessing it’s pretty close, if not identical, to the vehicle we’ll see in Honda stores late this summer or early fall. The Pilot has been restyled to be more polished than the rather bland-looking current Pilot introduced back in 2003, and there are plenty of detail changes on the inside as well.

The middle and third row seats, which both hold three passengers, fold flat into the floor for cargo hauling. You can even split the seats 60/40 for the ability to haul long packages and people together. The engine uses variable-displacement technology for improved economy. Previously, the 244-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine would shut down three cylinders when power demands were modest, like at lower speeds on flat terrain. The ’09 Pilot uses a more sophisticated system that will run as a 3-, 4- or 6-cylinder engine. Honda says the goal is to more closely match the engine displacement to the need for speed at any moment. As usual for Honda, smart idea.

Honda even claims the Pilot’s AWD system will be effective in “medium-duty” off-road conditions. But Honda’s “medium-duty” really means light-duty. The lack of ground clearance and low range will likely restrict the new Pilot, like the old, to many of the same dirt trails other crossover SUVs travel.

On the safety front, quite literally, Honda says the new Pilot will reduce pedestrian injuries. The frontend is designed to absorb impact and lessen injuries in the event of a pedestrian/vehicle accident. City dwellers that walk to work will surely appreciate that feature. —Mike Allen"

Here's the link to that one;
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4244647.html

Here's a link to a previous article of what we know so far about the vehicle;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2008/01/2009-honda-pilot-what-we-know-so-far.html

2009 Honda Pilot, What we know so far;

Well, it's been a pretty slow week for news, so I decided to put together a recap of everything that we know about the new 2009 Honda Pilot.

- At 1:45 PM on Sunday, January 13th, Honda will be revealing their prototype of the 2009 Pilot at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

-Expected release date is in June/July of 2008.

-A Diesel powertrain is expected to be released later in the year, however I expect it to be in the 2010/2011 model year.

-A 3.7Litre or a 3.8Litre engine is expected, up from the 3.5Litre that it has now.

-Horse Power is expected to go upwards to around 270hp from the 244hp it has now.-The new Pilot is said have more towing and cargo hauling capacity.

-The Diesel is expected to be Honda's new 3.5Litre V6, and is expected to get approx. 30% better fuel economy than the regular gas engine.

-The Pilot will run on regular unleaded fuel and won't be thirsty for premium.

-Honda said the new Pilot is sleek and futuristic-looking and will have advanced safety and fuel efficiency technology.

-The future Pilot is unlikely to employ a V-8 engine.

-A less-boxy and more-sculpted look than today's Pilot is expected.

-Judging by the latest MDX, the 2009 Honda Pilot is likely to add two inches to its wheelbase and overall length, and could swell two or three inches wider, all for more passenger and cargo room. Standard three-row seating will continue.

-Rumours of Variable Cylinder Management on all models abound (Cylinder deactivation, 6 to 4) to conserve fuel.

-The model will also pack in a complete overhaul of the interiors.