Honda: Ridgeline News
11-03-2004, 01:23 PM
#42
Senior Moderator
Honda Names New Truck "RidgeLine"
Torrance, Calif. 11/02/2004 --
Honda's all-new 4-door, 4WD truck will be named the "Ridgeline" when it goes on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide in Spring 2005 as a 2006 model. The Honda Ridgeline is a next-generation truck that takes the utility and versatility of an open bed truck and adds a new dimension of dynamic performance, integrated styling and packaging efficiency previously unattainable in traditional body-on-frame trucks. The Ridgeline name was chosen to emphasize the vehicle's adventurous spirit and truck capabilities.
American Honda announced the Ridgeline name at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer's Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, where it displayed an updated concept version of the truck with a new paint scheme, revised suspension and new wheel and tire package. The production Ridgeline will make its world debut at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January.
"The growing market for aftermarket truck parts and accessories makes SEMA the perfect place to announce the Ridgeline name," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president in charge of corporate planning for American Honda. "The Ridgeline will make a great platform for customization and we think that people are going to be truly surprised by the capabilities of this new Honda truck."
The Ridgeline takes advantage of the industry's first fully integrated, closed-box frame with unibody construction to deliver superior ride, handling and packaging efficiency along with half-ton payload capacity and significantly stronger body rigidity versus traditional body-on-frame trucks. For hauling, the Ridgeline features a five-foot bed with minimal wheel arch intrusion and is designed to carry a wide variety of cargo including two of Honda's largest off-road motorcycles, the CRF450. Inside, the Ridgeline will feature a spacious, full-size, five-passenger interior in a more maneuverable and garageable mid-size truck package. Utilizing a four-wheel independent suspension mounted to a highly rigid body, the Ridgeline will deliver superior handling and ride comfort versus other trucks in its class.
Combining next generation truck performance and environmental responsibility, Ridgeline will be powered by 3.5-liter, high-output, V-6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission with a fully automatic 4-wheel drive system and a long list of standard safety features including 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control. Complete details on the Ridgeline's innovative new approach to the truck market will be available at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in January.
Additional media information and media photography is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.
Honda's all-new 4-door, 4WD truck will be named the "Ridgeline" when it goes on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide in Spring 2005 as a 2006 model. The Honda Ridgeline is a next-generation truck that takes the utility and versatility of an open bed truck and adds a new dimension of dynamic performance, integrated styling and packaging efficiency previously unattainable in traditional body-on-frame trucks. The Ridgeline name was chosen to emphasize the vehicle's adventurous spirit and truck capabilities.
American Honda announced the Ridgeline name at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer's Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, where it displayed an updated concept version of the truck with a new paint scheme, revised suspension and new wheel and tire package. The production Ridgeline will make its world debut at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January.
"The growing market for aftermarket truck parts and accessories makes SEMA the perfect place to announce the Ridgeline name," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president in charge of corporate planning for American Honda. "The Ridgeline will make a great platform for customization and we think that people are going to be truly surprised by the capabilities of this new Honda truck."
The Ridgeline takes advantage of the industry's first fully integrated, closed-box frame with unibody construction to deliver superior ride, handling and packaging efficiency along with half-ton payload capacity and significantly stronger body rigidity versus traditional body-on-frame trucks. For hauling, the Ridgeline features a five-foot bed with minimal wheel arch intrusion and is designed to carry a wide variety of cargo including two of Honda's largest off-road motorcycles, the CRF450. Inside, the Ridgeline will feature a spacious, full-size, five-passenger interior in a more maneuverable and garageable mid-size truck package. Utilizing a four-wheel independent suspension mounted to a highly rigid body, the Ridgeline will deliver superior handling and ride comfort versus other trucks in its class.
Combining next generation truck performance and environmental responsibility, Ridgeline will be powered by 3.5-liter, high-output, V-6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission with a fully automatic 4-wheel drive system and a long list of standard safety features including 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control. Complete details on the Ridgeline's innovative new approach to the truck market will be available at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in January.
Additional media information and media photography is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.
11-03-2004, 01:36 PM
#44
Race Director
Doesn't exactly roll of the tongue but I assume the marketing guys did some homework coming up with that name.
Somehow, I just don't see this one doing all that great. The meat and potatoes middle America that has been raised on a diet of nothing but F150s and Silverados might be difficult to wean off them.
Somehow, I just don't see this one doing all that great. The meat and potatoes middle America that has been raised on a diet of nothing but F150s and Silverados might be difficult to wean off them.
11-03-2004, 01:38 PM
#47
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by biker
Doesn't exactly roll of the tongue but I assume the marketing guys did some homework coming up with that name.
Somehow, I just don't see this one doing all that great. The meat and potatoes middle America that has been raised on a diet of nothing but F150s and Silverados might be difficult to wean off them.
Somehow, I just don't see this one doing all that great. The meat and potatoes middle America that has been raised on a diet of nothing but F150s and Silverados might be difficult to wean off them.
But they won't be going after that market. There going after the people who at times need a load bed for their SUV's. I'd be shocked to see even one person convert over from a F-150 or Silverado but I can see alot of SUV buyers moving over.
Now about that engine
:gheylaugh:
11-03-2004, 01:41 PM
#49
Obnoxious Philadelphian
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: South Jersey
Age: 47
Posts: 5,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by biker
Doesn't exactly roll of the tongue but I assume the marketing guys did some homework coming up with that name.
Somehow, I just don't see this one doing all that great. The meat and potatoes middle America that has been raised on a diet of nothing but F150s and Silverados might be difficult to wean off them.
Somehow, I just don't see this one doing all that great. The meat and potatoes middle America that has been raised on a diet of nothing but F150s and Silverados might be difficult to wean off them.
11-03-2004, 01:45 PM
#52
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by majormojo
Indeed. Toyota and Nissan have already demonstrated that a truck MUST have a V8 to be taken seriously.
I don't agree with that only because this won't be marketed or at least should not be as a true pickup to compete with the Big 3 or even Toyota or Nissan. Its a utility truck, its max tow capacity is ~5000lbs. But Honda better have a unique ad campaign.
Now where's that 4.0L V6
11-03-2004, 01:47 PM
#53
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by domn
I don't agree with that only because this won't be marketed or at least should not be as a true pickup to compete with the Big 3 or even Toyota or Nissan. Its a utility truck, its max tow capacity is ~5000lbs. But Honda better have a unique ad campaign.
Now where's that 4.0L V6
Now where's that 4.0L V6
The Honda truck looks pretty cool. I'd like to see it in person.
11-03-2004, 01:53 PM
#55
such a dirty birdy
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Canada, eh?
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by domn
Its a utility truck, its max tow capacity is ~5000lbs.
"... we think that people are going to be truly surprised by the capabilities of this new Honda truck"
"... half-ton payload capacity and significantly stronger body rigidity versus traditional body-on-frame trucks."
That sure sounds like they are making direct comparison to traditional pickups. In that sense they're bringing a knife to a gunfight. Honda should be pushing the increased utility vs mini and mid size SUVs. Or that it comes in pretty colours. :ghey:
11-03-2004, 01:55 PM
#56
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by majormojo
I agree that its capabilities are limited, but look at the things they are saying about it in the press release:
"... we think that people are going to be truly surprised by the capabilities of this new Honda truck"
"... half-ton payload capacity and significantly stronger body rigidity versus traditional body-on-frame trucks."
That sure sounds like they are making direct comparison to traditional pickups. In that sense they're bringing a knife to a gunfight. Honda should be pushing the increased utility vs mini and mid size SUVs. Or that it comes in pretty colours. :ghey:
"... we think that people are going to be truly surprised by the capabilities of this new Honda truck"
"... half-ton payload capacity and significantly stronger body rigidity versus traditional body-on-frame trucks."
That sure sounds like they are making direct comparison to traditional pickups. In that sense they're bringing a knife to a gunfight. Honda should be pushing the increased utility vs mini and mid size SUVs. Or that it comes in pretty colours. :ghey:
And its more like a pocket knife.
11-03-2004, 02:01 PM
#57
such a dirty birdy
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Canada, eh?
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by TSX 'R' US
the name is soooo :ghey:
Should've left it as Honda SUT...
Should've left it as Honda SUT...
11-03-2004, 02:30 PM
#61
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by majormojo
Indeed. Toyota and Nissan have already demonstrated that a truck MUST have a V8 to be taken seriously.
In order for this "truck" to compete, I think you need to have a V8 option.
11-03-2004, 02:31 PM
#62
Senior Moderator
All the jap companies are trying hard to get into the pickup game. its a HUGE market in NA. Best selling vehicles are always pickups.
Anyone know how the Nissan Titan is doing?
Anyone know how the Nissan Titan is doing?
11-03-2004, 02:38 PM
#63
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Age: 43
Posts: 5,449
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by majormojo
Oh and about the styling. My bet is the Avalanche will be successfully de-uglified before the RidgeLine is. Chevy is making progress:
11-03-2004, 02:39 PM
#64
such a dirty birdy
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Canada, eh?
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by fdl
Anyone know how the Nissan Titan is doing?
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...1-nissan_x.htm
11-03-2004, 02:57 PM
#68
Drifting
Join Date: May 2004
Location: D.C. area
Age: 46
Posts: 3,457
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Ridgeline takes advantage of the industry's first fully integrated, closed-box frame with unibody construction to deliver superior ride, handling and packaging efficiency along with half-ton payload capacity and significantly stronger body rigidity versus traditional body-on-frame trucks. For hauling, the Ridgeline features a five-foot bed with minimal wheel arch intrusion and is designed to carry a wide variety of cargo including two of Honda's largest off-road motorcycles, the CRF450. Inside, the Ridgeline will feature a spacious, full-size, five-passenger interior in a more maneuverable and garageable mid-size truck package. Utilizing a four-wheel independent suspension mounted to a highly rigid body, the Ridgeline will deliver superior handling and ride comfort versus other trucks in its class.
11-03-2004, 03:28 PM
#69
Boy Genius
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Secret Laboratory
Age: 49
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fugliest vehicle that Honda has yet brought to North America, whether car or truck. Still, I'm not sure it's intended to compete directly against the big pickups (there's no way it can without a V8 and at that size), but it probably will appeal to a certain segment of the population that wants something like an Explorer SportTrac with Honda reliability. If Honda is serious about the pickup market though, then I would expect their second attempt to do better, just as Honda did from 1st gen to 2nd gen Odyssey and Toyota from T100 to Tundra.
And I think that picture of the Avalanche majormojo posted was pretty good looking too.
And I think that picture of the Avalanche majormojo posted was pretty good looking too.
11-03-2004, 03:34 PM
#71
Senior Moderator
So it looks like the did their homework and spent considerable $$ on R&D to make this truck a winner. So why not spend alittle extra and develope a proper truck engine
11-03-2004, 03:39 PM
#73
Drifting
Join Date: May 2004
Location: D.C. area
Age: 46
Posts: 3,457
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by domn
So it looks like the did their homework and spent considerable $$ on R&D to make this truck a winner. So why not spend alittle extra and develope a proper truck engine
).
11-03-2004, 03:45 PM
#75
Senior Moderator
I'm not even suggesting a V8, I'm suggesting a larger displacement thus tourquier V6. Just like Nissan bumped displacement of the 3.5 to 4.0L for the Pathfinder/Xterra/Titan/Fronteir it would have been nice for Honda to do the same.
The engine couldbe used in the Pilot/MDX/RidgeLine and maybe even the RL.
And it doesn't have to be a 4.0L. Honda's great at making more with less so a 3.8 or even 3.7 may do the trick.
The engine couldbe used in the Pilot/MDX/RidgeLine and maybe even the RL.
And it doesn't have to be a 4.0L. Honda's great at making more with less so a 3.8 or even 3.7 may do the trick.
11-03-2004, 03:51 PM
#76
Engineer
Originally Posted by ClutchPerformer
Am I going crazy, or does that actually look pretty good?!
they made it a free option you can remove a year or two ago...i almost got an avalanche one without those ugly fenders added...
then i realized i wanted a sports car...
11-03-2004, 03:52 PM
#77
Originally Posted by domn
I'm not even suggesting a V8, I'm suggesting a larger displacement thus tourquier V6. Just like Nissan bumped displacement of the 3.5 to 4.0L for the Pathfinder/Xterra/Titan/Fronteir it would have been nice for Honda to do the same.
The engine couldbe used in the Pilot/MDX/RidgeLine and maybe even the RL.
And it doesn't have to be a 4.0L. Honda's great at making more with less so a 3.8 or even 3.7 may do the trick.
The engine couldbe used in the Pilot/MDX/RidgeLine and maybe even the RL.
And it doesn't have to be a 4.0L. Honda's great at making more with less so a 3.8 or even 3.7 may do the trick.
11-03-2004, 03:54 PM
#78
such a dirty birdy
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Canada, eh?
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by DEVO
I agree with majormojo on the name
But for the record, I think the name is OK. It has a nice outdoorsy sound to it. When I think of "ridgeline", I think of a day spent hiking in the mountains. I'm guessing that's what the marketroids were after.
11-03-2004, 03:57 PM
#79
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
In order for Honda to improve those torque numbers, they need to redesign the engine. The problem is that Honda's engines tend to be long stroke engines, which are great for horsepower, but not so much for torque. To get low end grunt, you need engines that are oversquare (greater bore than stroke). This would produce greater torque, but limit the amount of horsepower you can ultimately produce.
Which explains why the 3.5L Honda trails the 3.5L Nissan in TQ. The Nissan VQ is pushing 298 and 270 lb-ft which is 10 lb-ft more than the RL.
If more bore than stroke is what they need then they should make it so. I just don't see why not
