[DogOnBoard]

What will interest me most when the info embargo is lifted from the Pilot on May 20 will be the specs for the two transmission options and the mpgs. It will be interesting to see if the 9AT (ZF) shows any gains in fuel efficiency over the 6AT. From what Joe has said about Honda's frustrations (recalls, software issues) with the ZF9, and from the 2016 MDX specs for both ATs, it seems doubtful there will be any better mileage with the 9AT. This has to be pushing Honda to bring their own 10AT into production ASAP to stay competitive as well as meet new CAFE regs. Supposedly, the next gen RL will initially have a 6AT/9AT option spread by trim level similar to the new Pilot. Hence, the timeline for phasing a new Honda 10AT into the MDX/Pilot/RL lineup will have real implications for potential buyers like me who don't plan to buy a Gen2 RL right away.

Also of major interest to me will be more info on how well the new iVTM4 and terrain-select systems work in the 2016 Pilot. I noticed a "Snow" button in the video but didn't see the "Mud" or "Sand" settings that Joe suggested would grace the next gen RL. And I'm also wondering if terrain-select will only be available on 9AT-equipped Pilots and RLs.

 

[DogOnBoard]

Mud or Sand setting? ok but how about a useful tow mode dial that can switch the vehicle to handle towing...If a 10 speed was the winner maybe they should have had it ready and tested for the release.,,

If you've been following Joe's posts throughout this saga, you may recall that Honda (and others) had high hopes for the ZF9 and expected to achieve significant gains in fuel efficiency with it. It was supposedly going to be built in the Honda shop under license from ZF and would transition several Honda/Acura vehicles to an eventual Honda-designed 10AT. The quirky shifting characteristics of the dual clutch system which enabled higher fuel efficiency annoyed many American customers (Jeep/Chrysler, Acura) and the reprogramming needed for smoother operation crippled the mpg gains. This foiled Honda's game plan and seems to be causing a scramble to Plan B.

But I doubt that most of the car-buying public is aware of any of this. Honda seems to be putting on a "happy face" with regard to the new 9-speed AT in the MDX and Pilot. Maybe they and ZF haven't given up on tweaking it for more mpgs while keeping the shifting smooth. Regardless, they'll likely figure out a way to phase in the 10AT without disenfranchising customers who purchased vehicles with the 9AT. People seem to generally accept that car technology is evolving faster than ever.

Anyway, Joe also suggested the probable iVTM4/AT modes for the next gen RL, which could include a "Tow" setting as well. The latest Pilot video has Honda lead engineer referring to snow, mud and sand modes for the iVTM4. He also mentioned being able to delay shift points for more torque, which sounds like a "Tow" selection for the AT. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the Pilot has and what else might be on the next gen RL.

 

[DogOnBoard]

To be fair, not everyone's experience with the ZF-9 has been tainted, and Honda does have a lot riding on keeping customers happy with Honda/Acura vehicles so equipped -- like the top trim level of new Pilots! So I would imagine they will keep trying to tweak the programming to improve performance on the 9AT while their own 10AT is being developed.