Honda’s
future
vehicles will continue to have the same qualities that make
Honda popular as well as new improvements like better
gas mileage, new designs, and longer-lasting performance.
Look into Honda’s crystal ball for a glimpse of the
newest trends and products. Honda’s first shot at the
pickup market will lean more towards drivability and utility
on one vehicle.
Honda has formally announced that its SUT truck concept will
go into production next year as the Ridgeline. With interior
capacity for five people and a five-foot-long cargo bed,
the Ridgeline is based on a fully integrated closed-box frame.
The powertrain includes a 3.5-liter VTEC V6, capable of 255
horsepower, which features Variable Torque Management. This
engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The
Ridgeline also includes a four-wheel independent suspension
in addition to VTM-4 automatic four-wheel drive. Safety is
provided for by four-wheel antilock brakes, side curtain
airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control.
This truck will be available in the spring of 2005 as a 2006
model.
Honda has unofficially announced that it will begin
selling a smaller, less expensive model below the current
Civic. Designed to go head-to-head with the likes of
the Scion xA and other sub-$15,000 compacts, Honda's
new model is likely to be a version of the Fit hatchback
currently sold in Japan.
At this year's North American International Auto Show,
Honda made the surprise announcement that it would begin
selling a hybrid version of its best-selling Accord sedan
this fall. Similar in design to the system used in the
Civic and Insight hybrids, the Accord's hybrid drivetrain
will be the first Honda to incorporate a V6 into its
hybrid drive system. Honda claims that not only will
the Accord Hybrid get exceptional mileage, it will perform
as good or better than the standard Accord V6.
|
