Honda changes the game - On Cars

Automotive Design & Production, August, 2002 by Kermit Whitfield

To reduce emissions, Honda has positioned the catalytic converter close to the engine which reduces the time needed to heat the catalyst and speeds its light off. This helps the Pilot achieve low-emission vehicle (LEV) status and claim the seemingly oxymoronic title: "environmentally friendly SUV."

Honda carries over the Variable Torque Management four-wheel-drive (VTM-4) system from the MDX that it developed with BorgWarner (Chicago. IL). This infinitely variable system applies torque to the rear wheels based on electric signals from an ECU that monitors acceleration and wheel slippage. A unique feature of VTM-4 is that it drives the rear wheels whenever the vehicle accelerates, even on dry pavement. The advantages of this are: less torque steer, better traction from a standing start and increased vehicle stability.

Expansive Interior. Paluch says that the Pilot was designed from "the inside out" with primary importance placed on maximizing interior space within reasonable exterior dimensions. It achieves a best-in-class 90.3 [ft.sup.3] of cargo space in part due to the global light truck platform's wide stance (4.5-in, wider than any of the competitors) and in part to clever packaging that pushes back interior surfaces to create more space. A compact, multi-link trailing arm rear suspension with an "in-wheel" steering knuckle design offers minimal intrusion into the rear cargo area allowing the Pilot to haul 4- x 8 ft. plywood sheets flat. It also creates enough room for a three-person third seat, though to ride comfortably passengers should either be in elementary school or just off the boat from Lilliput.

Even if the Pilot doesn't entirely change the game in SUVs, it will certainly trim some of the market share points of its competitors.