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DETROIT – American Honda Motor Co yesterday unveiled a pre-production version of its Pilot SUV at the 2002 North American International Auto Show.

Designed as the ultimate family adventure vehicle, the Pilot is an all-new SUV that combines rugged versatility with quality, refinement and innovative design.

Featuring a 3.5 litre VTEC V6 engine, the Pilot contains a sophisticated VTM-4 full-time 4WD system, a five-speed automatic transmission and can seat eight people.

"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."

Honda’s innovative VTM-4 – or Variable Torque Management 4WD – uses sophisticated sensors that continuously monitor the vehicles dynamic position, varying engine torque between the front and rear wheels for optimal performance in all road conditions. A unique, electronically-locking rear differential allows for maximum front-to-rear torque split for added traction in extremely slippery conditions.

The Pilot’s rigid reinforced body shell with front and rear sub-frames and its four-wheel fully independent suspension provides superior ride quality and precise handling. With more than 20 centimetres of ground clearance and short front and rear overhangs the Honda Pilot is confident and capable off-road.

The interior features a 60/40 split folding second and third row seats that can be converted to carry up to eight passengers. A flat cargo floor and wide wheel track ensure the Pilot has a large and versatile interior cargo space.

Highlighting the Pilot’s instrument panel is a sporty, bevelled, three-gauge centre instrument cluster complemented by a silver-trimmed steering wheel with controls for the 7-speaker AM/FM/CD/Cassette Stereo and cruise control. A clean and functional centre 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 centre console area.

Honda engineers developed a number of family-friendly features including a multi-function centre console with a large centre storage bin, dedicated mobile 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 hand-held game machine or crayons, as well as a tray for fast food items including a special place for fast food sauce containers.

The Pilot features 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 pre-tensioners 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 US 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 Honda’s long standing commitment to the environment, the Pilot will be a Low-Emissions Vehicle (LEV) and will be constructed with ninety percent recyclable components.

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 North American spring of this year.

The Pilot is expected to be in North American showrooms by the middle of this year.

Honda Pilot pre-production specifications

BODY
	All-steel unit body with passenger safety shell and dual side impact door beams
ENGINE
Type	3.5-litre, 24-valve, all-aluminum SOHC V6 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-pressurised shocks and stabiliser bar
Rear	Independent multi-link with trailing arm, gas-pressurised shocks and stabiliser bar
STEERING
Type	Variable power-assist rack-and-pinion
BRAKING
Type	4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution
TOWING
Maximum Capacity	1587 kg. (2041 kg with boat)
OFF-ROAD
Ground Clearance	20 centimetres
Approach/Departure/Breakover Angles	28/21/21 degrees
SAFETY FEATURES
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