RL Competition?

[RidgeRun]

What do you think, is this something you would trade your RL for?
I may not be with the majority, but I kind of like it. Some of the comments are hilarious.
I especially like the one that said, "Stand back! I think it's puckering up to spit!"

http://jalopnik.com/338248/detroit-auto-show-toyota-reveals-new-honda-ridgeline-calls-it-the-a+bat-concept-hybrid-truck

[breakfastchef]

That is one nasty, ugly vehicle. Looks like a futuristic FJ shortbed pickup. While Ridgeline-esque, it would never set foot in my garage. There is a point where function and utility have to come together to make a useful vehicle. This one does not look useful, comfortable or utile.

[MikeT]

That is one nasty, ugly vehicle...

We who drive the Ridgeline have no right to another vehicle ugly :p :D ;)

[breakfastchef]

We who drive the Ridgeline have no right to another vehicle ugly :p :D ;)

Point taken!! Though I refer to the Ridgeline as 'quirky-looking' as opposed to butt ugly.

[NKyRidge]

the shape I could live with -that butt ugly interior - uh NO

[k757]

interesting shape. They will likely soften the lines and will Highlander-esque the interior. I question the strength of the drop wall, but other than that, I can see owning it.

[Dragonslayer]

No room in the back seat, many blind spots and impossible to put an ice chest in that sliding tray like bumper. It is fugly

[Chromehead]

While it is not pretty to look at...... I can definately see where it draws from the RL on design.

I would drive it. Notice I did not say buy it however. But if given to me, I would have fun with it.

I didnt really like the looks of the RL at first, but now it has grown on me and I like the "different" look.

I agree though, it looks like their is a ton of blindspots.

[meanmachine19]

I think I saw one very much like that. It was at the mall last week when I was Christmas shopping. My son asked me for two quarters to ride it! LOL

Seriously, pretty much looks like an arcade ride or something. It looks so, tiny! I think it could almost fit in the back of the RL!

Well, if they come out with it, then at least those that think the RL is ugly will have something even more to make fun of! :D

[5S Dude]

Man! Those folks making custom grills really have their work cut out for themselves. I do believe the Ridgeline has actually changed the way trucks are perceived and thought of and has begun to pave a very different and freshly new path for the future.

[Six Rails]

Blahhhhh not only is it unattractive but it looks very uncomfortable in the back,I can here the kids screaming now LOL. Well the first person in my region is more than welcome to meet me downtown @ the Hannaford shopping center and strap on the tow sling and we will see who pulls who (grinz) Yes i'm that confident in my RL.

[bobpres]

Toyota wouldn't possibly DARE to produce that thing!! I mean, who in their right mind would make a unibody truck?!?:rolleyes: It would be laughed at by all the "real truck" owners of the world...

[Spidubic]

Anyone seen this? Looks amazingly similar to a Ridgeline. But not a good looking.

http://www.thetorquereport.com/2007/12/detroit_auto_show_preview_toyo.html

[k757]

I am merging this thread with the other thread

[Engyo]

1) I don't like the suicide doors (must open front door first).

2) Looks like murderous blind spots (worse than the Ridge at the rear corners).

3) rear seats retract under seatbacks? If so, less room for audio mods than the Ridge. Back seat also looks cramped.

4) Weird square-topped steering wheel.

5) No mention of safety features like stability control, although a hybrid is drive-by-wire by definition. Also no mention of # of airbags, etc. Towing capacity? Total load cap?

[spun07RTX]

I like the toyota a-bat concept, and the fact they are pursuing that design further validates the RL

http://www.thetorquereport.com/05abatconcept-thumb.jpg

[k757]

I like the toyota a-bat concept, and the fact they are pursuing that design further validates the RLsomething to be said about being stronger/tougher then traditional. eventually those V8 guys will eat some crow as their trucks will be that way... when those manufacturers catch up. :rolleyes:

[brentjs121]

I actually like the features of the Abat or whatever they call it. Cant wait to see the actual truck that shows up at the dealerships.

[PerryLynch]

Two reaction comments from coworkers this morning:

1: That looks like the bastard child of a Ridgeline and a Subaru Brat!
2: Bleeeaaaah! What are they trying to do? Sell more Fords?

Personally, I wouldn't touch it. If they built it from the Highlander, I can't fit. And the thing is undeniably Aztec-class ugly.

[MoosePond]

4) Weird square-topped steering wheel.
Interesting concept vehicle and I'd agree with k757 that it'll get smoothed out, greened up and dressed-down a bit before production - don't understand that wheel at all, flat bottom as on the Audi TT makes sense but what's the point of flattening the top? btw, just ordered one like below for the missus (3.2 Quattro, White/Black, 18" 7-spoke, navi, Bluetooth, etc.) and it should be here in March - can't wait to see what it'll do in 0.2 seconds! :rolleyes:

[oarnold]

They say it has eight foot capacity, but that's with the tailgate down. Then, in one photo, it looks like the back bumper slides out to further lengthen the bed. I think they are putting out something that really would be difficult to manufacture. Or that could hold significant weight.

[StoneRidge07]

I think the ideas are neat for the concept but I am still ridgeline all the way and I am sure honda will prevail with their truck line.

[captmiddy]

My first impression was that someone did some weird photoshopping on a Ridgeline. Then I thought, hmm, they took some great ideas from the Ridgeline and made them a little better. A drawer in the back that you can use to access that trunk instead of having to get into the bed. I know why it doesn't work for the Ridgeline, but it is still interesting.

The thing I like most is the hybrid system. I am still hoping that Honda will get its head out of the sand and create a hybrid of the Ridgeline. Also I hope that they add a power port in the rear of the vehicle in the future.

Either way though, I don't see myself replacing my Ridgeline with this, maybe the Civic Hybrid if my wife were willing to get a second truck she could carry the kayaks on. But it would have to get gas mileage near the Camry Hybrid before I would even suggest it.

[MontanaFred]

It looks like if you had an accident with a load of plywood in the back that you might have a stack of plywood smashing into your lower back. No thanks.

[SpartanML]

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...
...ah hem... excuse me... um...


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ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

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