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219 Posts
+1 Can't complain about the styling of Gen I. Just needs to be beefier and more fuel efficient. Time for Honda to step up to the plate and deliver what no one else can. C'mon, Honda, let's roll!
Is this the next ridgeline???
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That sure is pretty paint on that CRV-RL.
Honda has changed their preview from the silhouetted image to the one above.
http://automobiles.honda.com/new-ridgeline/
I don't know how long ago they changed it out.
http://automobiles.honda.com/new-ridgeline/
I don't know how long ago they changed it out.
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3,009 Posts
I'd much rather see that pic posted again than the CRV Ridgeline pic.
True, but since Honda has officially released that drawing in place of the silhoutte, I assume it is more accurate than the CRV-RL-Pilot image we've seen that someone put together suggesting that would be the new RL.
With this sketch we see the rear view. Now that I compare, I do see some similarities to that blue rendering we've seen. Hmmm.
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Dang. I still like the silver photochop. Put a V8 (or diesel) in it and sell that sucker! (oh wait, that might be a real truck!) :act027:
I almost hate to say this, but the blue one strikes me as wussy. And yet I bet that's the one we get, based on other comments I've read.
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4,386 Posts
I for one will not purchase that.
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3,228 Posts
I'm still hopeful for a decent-looking truck and don't see any reason to jump ship before we see the real thing. According to Joe's posts, the blue composite is a reasonably good depiction from the front doors forward, but he has suggested that the RL will get a different face than the Pilot. Joe also pointed out that the bed of the blue truck is too short. Other rear dimensions of the blue version appear to be out of whack with Honda's teaser sketch and the spy photos. Also, the rear doors, C-pillar and wheels of the blue truck do not match the latest Honda illustration -- maybe not hugely different but enough to change first impressions of the vehicle.
And numerous posters on the Pilot forum have commented that the new Pilot looks much better (tougher, less minivan-ish) in live video and in person than Honda's press photos, especially from the front. Color and light reflection no doubt play a role. I think Joe has seen at least a photo of the RL prototype, including its front end, but is constrained from sharing anything by his NDA. IMO, he seems to be implying that it's a good-looking truck, but what I'd really like to hear him say is "I can't give any specifics, but to me, the next gen RL still looks like a truck even though it won't have that big macho square grill you see on most US trucks".
And numerous posters on the Pilot forum have commented that the new Pilot looks much better (tougher, less minivan-ish) in live video and in person than Honda's press photos, especially from the front. Color and light reflection no doubt play a role. I think Joe has seen at least a photo of the RL prototype, including its front end, but is constrained from sharing anything by his NDA. IMO, he seems to be implying that it's a good-looking truck, but what I'd really like to hear him say is "I can't give any specifics, but to me, the next gen RL still looks like a truck even though it won't have that big macho square grill you see on most US trucks".
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971 Posts
I think so as well. Until I'm proven otherwise with real evedince I'm saying its going to be a good new truck. The motor choice concerns/irritates me a bit. However if Honda is not quite there yet with new technology what do you expect. Market is still a year or two away from a mid size diesel. We know that wont happen either.
I really like the stature of the current truck. It's quite stocky appearance to me separates it from the rest which look a bit small and weak. However ironically the thing almost all of us have said get rid of ( slanted rails) actually helps give the truck some bigger stature in looks and now without them what the truck will look like may disappoint some.
"You want what you can't have, and when you have it you don't want it anymore"
I really like the stature of the current truck. It's quite stocky appearance to me separates it from the rest which look a bit small and weak. However ironically the thing almost all of us have said get rid of ( slanted rails) actually helps give the truck some bigger stature in looks and now without them what the truck will look like may disappoint some.
"You want what you can't have, and when you have it you don't want it anymore"
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246 Posts
Just want to clarify... bringing a diesel to market is not a technology Honda does not have. It is the inferior quality of the NA market fuel that limits Honda's decision to enter. Think CVCC.
Urea tanks are a stop gap, and the results are still in question. If you don't fill the urea tank or eliminate/bypass the DPF, the emissions produced using dirty fuel is unacceptable (and illegal). DPF DELETE
Search Honda diesel on the web and you'll find that where a Honda diesel is available, it is one of the very best engines money can buy.
Some day, they will find a way to burn the garbage we have OR, the market will demand better fuel.
Honda is NOT behind with the tech. :act035:
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971 Posts
I would say they are a bit behind in the tech department because we should be seeing a new engine in the new Ridgeline. It has been 10 years and we will see yet again another 3.5 that is tweaked to get a little better MPG then the last. I know its reliable and I know its proven, true but its just in there because its available to them and its conservative/safe. I would prefer to see Honda think a bit out of that safe zone and deliver an idea that is revolutionary. Even as an option only.
A decade of time and I think we should be seeing better technology out there from them. Now perhaps they do have something going on behind the scenes that is close or perhaps we do see them getting involved in more advanced technology overseas. I can't really comment on that as I'm not educated enough on the matter. I still think we should be seeing a better more efficient engine from Honda and this delay of production I thought we would have seen that evolve.
6 speed is great, and 9 speed is something we have never seen in a mid size truck or perhaps any recreational truck. I want to see that outside thinking towards their engines.
If Honda is really NOT behind in the tech department then I think we should see by next year when this truck is released a new direction to a bit more then some degree. If not I can only believe they just don't have it ready yet which in other words means they are behind.
I do question if this ITO character might have slowed them down with development in this regard. Perhaps they got shut down on such a new direction which then put the whole Ridgeline development as well other models out the window. I personally will not doubt they have it in them. Of course they do, but we have to see it to believe it, time is ticking, and I'm going grey!
A decade of time and I think we should be seeing better technology out there from them. Now perhaps they do have something going on behind the scenes that is close or perhaps we do see them getting involved in more advanced technology overseas. I can't really comment on that as I'm not educated enough on the matter. I still think we should be seeing a better more efficient engine from Honda and this delay of production I thought we would have seen that evolve.
6 speed is great, and 9 speed is something we have never seen in a mid size truck or perhaps any recreational truck. I want to see that outside thinking towards their engines.
If Honda is really NOT behind in the tech department then I think we should see by next year when this truck is released a new direction to a bit more then some degree. If not I can only believe they just don't have it ready yet which in other words means they are behind.
I do question if this ITO character might have slowed them down with development in this regard. Perhaps they got shut down on such a new direction which then put the whole Ridgeline development as well other models out the window. I personally will not doubt they have it in them. Of course they do, but we have to see it to believe it, time is ticking, and I'm going grey!
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3,228 Posts
I dunno, Honda's ED 3.5 V6 made it into Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2014...and that was the port-injected version in the Accord. The Pilot and RL are getting the DI version like the highly-rated MDX. Maybe it isn't cutting edge technology, but it might be the last iteration of a V6 engine for Honda (new turbo 4s on the way). I'm happy to see the RL get this reliable and proven powerplant rather than an all-new one. Just sayin'...
This has been posted before, but for those who missed it:
http://wardsauto.com/ward039s-10-best-engines/2014-winner-honda-35l-sohc-v-6
This has been posted before, but for those who missed it:
http://wardsauto.com/ward039s-10-best-engines/2014-winner-honda-35l-sohc-v-6
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36 Posts
I am dreading the wait. If the front end on the blue one comes to fruition, then Honda can kiss this market goodbye. If they go with a more rugged look they can devour the market. I think that is why most of us here bought the RL other than the more affordable price over the domestics. At least I did.
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93 Posts
What sort of engine tech would you like to see employed that's revolutionary?
the new Tacoma will have direct injection AND multi point injection, as well as an Atkinson cycle motor and a 6 speed auto. The Tacoma faithful don't seem impressed, and that's before mph figures have been revealed.
Smaller displacement CIB V8 (maybe 4.8L), or large CIB 60degree V6 (Maybe 4.3L). Use Fiat's multiair on both intake and exhaust valves. Keep their current DI system but add a catch can from the factory. Also wouldn't hurt to have an accommodation from the factory for water/meth injection.
Obviously Honda isn't going to do this. I would be thrilled if Chrysler went this direction with the next hemi.
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