2009 Ridgeline Spy Photos!!

[CGM55123]

Originally Posted by csimo

That's not going to happen. Honda is going in the opposite direction. They want to create a larger seperation between the Honda and Acura brands.

You'll see more of an effort to increase commonality of parts in each of the respective brands, but seperation between the brands.

The roots of the Ridgeline are more closely related to the previous MDX platform than the Pilot but that will be changing as the Pilot and MDX grow further apart. Honda just spent a lot of money on the new Pilot and the Ridgeline will inherit many of those design changes since the Rigdgeline platform sales cannot justify high redesign expenses.

Cost savings is the name of the game right now and big changes in design will not happen for a few more years.

Understand the cost savings issue, can't blame them a bit for that. Truly believe a less boxy, more rounded front end and 50 more hp would attract many more buyers. The functionality of the Ridgeline is unmatched, but based on sales volumes there are allot of folks who cant get past the boxy look.

[Jet Pack]

Originally Posted by CGM55123

Understand the cost savings issue, can't blame them a bit for that. Truly believe a less boxy, more rounded front end and 50 more hp would attract many more buyers. The functionality of the Ridgeline is unmatched, but based on sales volumes there are allot of folks who cant get past the boxy look.

Some of us like the looks just the way they are!
I don't want a vehicle the looks like everyone else’s.

[csimo]

OK folks... here's the latest for 2009 (which has been delayed).

Still no word on release date and I'd hate to guess right now. They're still building 2008's so no change soon.

The changes are not too much... this is a refresh, not a redesign.

Biggest change? The engine is upgraded to the 3.7L V6. A few extra ponies. No other major powertrain changes, but the transmisson and VTM systems are tweaked for better drivability. I'm told they were able to maintain current fuel mileage figures, but the vehicle has not yet been certified either way.

Exterior - tire and wheels are changed. Front end and tail lights are changed. No sheet metal changes I'm told.

Interior - minor improvements. Updated electronics and small dash changes. The interior gets a refresh, but nothing major. It will be enough to notice, but not enough to make an existing owner think it's completely new.

[zero]

Thanks for the update, csimo. Any pics available???

[csimo]

Originally Posted by zero

Thanks for the update, csimo. Any pics available???

No pics. The way Honda is about such things I think they'd hunt me down and skin me alive. I've never seen a company so tight lipped about upcoming products, but it's hard to argue with success.

[zero]

Originally Posted by csimo

No pics. The way Honda is about such things I think they'd hunt me down and skin me alive. I've never seen a company so tight lipped about upcoming products, but it's hard to argue with success.

Sounds like Honda and my favorite computer company, Apple, have something in common.

[X-Brawn]

Originally Posted by zero

Sounds like Honda and my favorite computer company, Apple, have something in common.

Apple, in many ways, shares a lot of similarities between Honda. Both know how to develop and implement a good product and both know to really screw up. For example when the iPod touch was first released there were severe screen quality control issues. The Ridgeline developed a reputation amongst some initially for being as water tight as the Titanic.

But, both companies identified and recognized the problem over time and have fixed their respective issues.

[zero]

Originally Posted by X-Brawn

Apple, in many ways, shares a lot of similarities between Honda. Both know how to develop and implement a good product and both know to really screw up. For example when the iPod touch was first released there were severe screen quality control issues. The Ridgeline developed a reputation amongst some initially for being as water tight as the Titanic.

But, both companies identified and recognized the problem over time and have fixed their respective issues.

Very true indeed.

[HKINGS]

Hey CSimo,

Thanks for the info! The fact you were able to even share these small tidbits with us is truly appreciated!

However, I do have a quick question... you mention that 2008's are still being produced and there is no release dates on the 09's. However, I've now spoken to several dealers in Southern California whom have told me they are out of the 08' Grey RTS's and RTL's I was interested in, and they can't order anymore either. They told me whatever they have left of the 08's is all they are getting.

Is this BS, or could it be indication that the 09's are not too far behind?

Thanks again for the info! Much appreciated!

Originally Posted by csimo

OK folks... here's the latest for 2009 (which has been delayed).

Still no word on release date and I'd hate to guess right now. They're still building 2008's so no change soon.

The changes are not too much... this is a refresh, not a redesign.

Biggest change? The engine is upgraded to the 3.7L V6. A few extra ponies. No other major powertrain changes, but the transmisson and VTM systems are tweaked for better drivability. I'm told they were able to maintain current fuel mileage figures, but the vehicle has not yet been certified either way.

Exterior - tire and wheels are changed. Front end and tail lights are changed. No sheet metal changes I'm told.

Interior - minor improvements. Updated electronics and small dash changes. The interior gets a refresh, but nothing major. It will be enough to notice, but not enough to make an existing owner think it's completely new.

[csimo]

Originally Posted by HKINGS

Hey CSimo,

Thanks for the info! The fact you were able to even share these small tidbits with us is truly appreciated!

However, I do have a quick question... you mention that 2008's are still being produced and there is no release dates on the 09's. However, I've now spoken to several dealers in Southern California whom have told me they are out of the 08' Grey RTS's and RTL's I was interested in, and they can't order anymore either. They told me whatever they have left of the 08's is all they are getting.

Is this BS, or could it be indication that the 09's are not too far behind?

Thanks again for the info! Much appreciated!

I think the dealers are BSing you. There is no shortage of Ridgelines by any stretch of the imagination. There are even a few new 2007's still on dealers lots. Sales have been slow.

The ONLY reason a dealer would be out of Ridgelines is because they didn't order them. Honda would be happy to send them all they wanted.

I've heard soooooo much about the 2009 introduction date I hesitate to hazard a guess. What I had considered a very reliable source originally told me March (this month), but that has proven to be innacurate. I've heard everything from early 2009's to late 2009's. One even claims there won't be any 2009's until production is moved out of Alliston (I don't think that's the case).

The one thing I will quote is this statement: "we don't want to release any information on the 2009 model or sales timing because it will kill 2008 sales". Maybe that's the real reason... I don't know.