Car Design News: 2009 Honda Pilot/ Detailed: Overview

Advanced Compatibility Engineering� (ACE�) Body Structure

The Advanced Compatibility Engineering� (ACE�) body structure is a pioneering Honda unit-body construction technology. Introduced to the Pilot for the first time in the 2009 model, it maximizes the body's ability to disperse crash energy in a frontal collision and is designed to deliver top safety ratings.

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Reduction Features

The Pilot is designed to drive exceptionally smooth and with minimal noise intrusion into the cabin. To accomplish this, the Pilot approaches NVH reduction from three primary directions � traditional insulation in the floor, doors and firewall; active systems that work with the engine and audio system to cancel unwanted engine noise; and front hydraulic lower suspension arm bushings that minimize the transmission of road noise into the cabin.

All Pilots use a dual door-seal system to minimize the possibility of wind noise or rain intrusion. To further reduce operating noise, an audio system-based Active Noise Control (ANC) system is used along with an engine cradle-based Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system (see chassis section for more information).

Exterior Lighting

The integrated multi-reflector headlight design houses the halogen low beams, halogen high beams, turn signals and side marker lamps in chrome-appearance trapezoidal-shaped enclosures. Relative to the 2008 model, the low beams achieve 33.5 percent more output with a 9.5 percent longer beam reach and 15.7 percent beam width. Auto on/off headlights and daytime running lamps are standard equipment. The auto on/off headlights are activated by a light sensor located at the top center of the instrument panel near the base of the windshield. The headlight switch, located on the turn signal stalk, provides a setting for auto on/off headlights. Alternatively, the driver can operate the headlights manually. Fog lights are standard equipment on EX and above models.

Taillights have a high-tech design with a clean and bright appearance. The ruby-like inner lenses appear to be suspended in the arched housings. The reverse lamps feature a white lens and polished reflector. Pilot Touring models provide a side marker lamp integrated into the side mirrors.

The Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) located at the top of the tailgate features a single array of five LEDs. An LED CHMSL was selected for its high-tech appearance and ability to produce brightness while retaining slender physical dimensions.

Glass and Visibility

The Pilot was designed to provide excellent outward visibility, improving the comfort and safety for all occupants. The Pilot features a large greenhouse with 273-degrees of outward visibility.

Deeply tinted privacy glass is used in the rear side doors, rear quarter windows and rear tailgate. Heat rejecting glass is used in the front windshield to reduce heat from solar loading for improved comfort and air conditioning performance. Pilot EX-L and Touring models have acoustic windshield glass that helps to reduce interior noise levels. The rear side glass houses the vehicle�s amplified stereo antenna.

Tailgate with Lift-Up Glass Hatch

The Pilot�s top-hinged tailgate design improves for 2009 with the addition of lift-up glass hatch for improved access to the cargo area. The glass hatch can be opened via the remote key fob (on the Pilot LX, EX, EX-L), a button on the top right side of the license plate garnish, or a button inside the vehicle located on the lower part of the driver�s door. The tailgate glass incorporates an electric defogger system, activated by a button on the dash, along with an intermittent rear wiper and washer nozzle.

Power Tailgate with Lift-Up Glass Hatch (Touring)

Pilot Touring models receive a power tailgate design. The power tailgate can be operated via the remote key fob, from a button on the driver�s door panel, or from a button located inside the tailgate (for closing). The location of the motor in the Pilot�s D-pillar (instead of in the roof) allows excellent headroom for the third-row seats. The tailgate can also be operated manually.

Integrated Class III Trailer Hitch

New for 2009, every Pilot includes an integrated trailer hitch as standard equipment. The Class III hitch supports a maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds on four-wheel-drive models and 3,500 pounds on two-wheel-drive models. To supplement the Pilot�s towing capability, standard cooling equipment includes a high-capacity radiator with dual high-power fans, transmission cooler and power steering cooler. The Pilot 4WD�s 4,500-pound rating is calculated to include up to four passengers and their cargo. A pre-wired for trailer harness is included for trailer lighting and an electric brake controller. Pilot Touring models are equipped with a 7-pin trailer unit and harness.

One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature

A moonroof is standard equipment on the Pilot EX-L and Touring models. The opening measures 33.0 x 13.0 inches, a 26 percent improvement of 4.7 x 1.0 inches compared to the 2008 Pilot. In addition to being larger, the available moonroof on the 2009 Pilot also improves operational convenience. To tilt or slide the moonroof the driver or front passenger needs only to fully press the ceiling-mounted switch once (instead of pressing and holding it for several seconds). The moonroof fully opens or closes automatically. However if the operator wishes to only partially open or close the moonroof (such as to achieve partial ventilation), a lighter touch yields fully manual control. The moonroof can also tilt to provide ventilation. A pinch protection feature is built in, helping to ensure that the moonroof will not forcefully close if someone's hand or arm is positioned in the path of the moonroof. If an obstruction is detected, the moonroof mechanism will reopen the moonroof.

Windshield Wipers

For the front windshield, single-piece wiper arms are used. For cleaning, windshield washer sprayers with large openings are employed to maximize the coverage area and to reduce the chance of clogging or freezing. The intermittent rear wiper allows the driver to match wiper speed to various levels of precipitation. The rear wiper arm is a one-piece design with a clean, integrated appearance. A jet-type washer nozzle located on the upper edge of the tailgate (inside the center high-mount stop light) provides quicker and more thorough distribution of washer fluid. Fluid is delivered almost the instant the wash button is touched thanks to use of a check valve in the delivery line.

Remote Key Fob

All Pilots come standard with two remote-controlled key fobs for remote vehicle locking and alarm functions. The fob of the Pilot has three buttons: at the top, there's a large round concave button (with raised nibs for tactile identification) to command the lock function. A round convex-shaped button near the base of the key controls the unlock function. Depressing this button once unlocks just the driver�s door. A second push unlocks all four doors and the rear tailgate. To the right of the unlock button is a round (smooth) convex-shaped button that unlatches the rear lift-up tailgate glass on LX, EX and EX-L models. On Pilot Touring models, this button controls the power tailgate. Additionally, each of the Pilot Touring�s two key fobs can be linked to individual memory settings for the 8-way power driver�s seat position and various configurable items within the Multi Information Display. A recessed �panic� button at the bottom of the fob will cause the vehicle�s horn to sound and exterior lights to blink intermittently in the event of an emergency.

2009 Honda Pilot: Chassis

Is a crossover SUV that mixes car sensibilities with the truck capabilities, the Pilot is designed to deliver a confident, secure and fun driving experience with outstanding isolation of undesirable noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) for exceptional comfort in all driving conditions. The fully-independent chassis design also provides the foundation for the Pilot�s capabilities as a people and cargo hauler, as well as an off-road vehicle.

The Pilot provides an exceptionally-wide wheel track of 67.7 inches front and 67.5 inches rear for high levels of handling stability and interior space. Chassis components were designed to provide for well-controlled body motions with ride and handling characteristics that are balanced and secure. The use of fully isolated front and rear suspension subframes enhances the Pilot�s outstanding NVH controls to provide a ride that is quiet and secure.

Chassis Summary

MacPherson strut front suspension
Multi-link rear suspension with trailing arms
4-wheel disc anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution and brake assist
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
All-season P245/65R17 tires
21.0 gallon fuel tank capacity (+0.6 gallons)
Larger diameter disc brakes (13.0 inches front, 13.1 inches rear)

Key Chassis Measurements

	2009 Pilot	2008 Pilot	Change from 2008
Wheelbase (in.)	109.2	106.3	+2.9
Track (Front/Rear, in.)	67.7 / 67.5	66.3 / 66.5	+1.4 / +1.0
Stabilizer Bar (Front / Rear, mm)	23.0 / 26.5 x 3.5t	23.0 (24.0 2WD) / 20.0	0.0 (+1.0 2WD) / +6.5
Brake Diameter (front / rear in.)	13.0 / 13.1	11.8 / 12.3	+1.2 / 0.8
Front Caliper Pistons	2	1	+1
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.0	20.4	+0.6

New Features

Enhanced suspension geometry
Hydraulic lower suspension arm bushings
Hill Start Assist
Front brakes have 2-piston calipers (first application on a Honda)

Front Suspension

Redesigned for 2009, the MacPherson strut front suspension with an aluminum lower control arm (new) provides a generous 7.3 inches of wheel travel (4.3-inches in compression, 3.0-inches in rebound). Separate load paths to the unit body are provided for the coil spring and the shock absorber to reduce road noise. A solid 23mm (0.9-inch) stabilizer bar is linked directly to the strut via ball-joint connections to reduce body roll during cornering maneuvers, a critical factor in minimizing the �head toss� tendency that is associated with many taller vehicles and SUVs. A new hydraulic bushing, often referred to as a hydrobushing, replaces one of the conventional rubber bushings on each of the geometrically-optimized lower control arms. The hydrobushing uses fluid to damp vibrations for improved resistance to shimmy and brake judder. Additionally, the L-shaped lower arm allows a very tight steering angle resulting in good low-speed maneuverability.

Front Subframe

A welded-steel subframe secured to the unit body�s longitudinal rails supports the Pilot�s engine, transaxle, transfer case, steering gear and front suspension. The front of the subframe assembly is constructed of tubular steel for maximum stiffness with minimal weight penalties and uses four tuned rubber mounts to isolate the subframe from the main body structure. A stiffener located under each subframe attachment fastener helps stabilize the assembly, thereby sharpening handling and braking performance. A stiffener plate bolted across the subframe under the transfer case (if 4WD) greatly increases the assembly's rigidity. The subframe houses two Active Control Engine Mounts (ACM) that counteract the inherent vibration created by the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, plus one lightweight urethane transmission mounts. (See the Powertrain section for more details on ACM). The mounts are strategically positioned to counteract noise and vibration while reducing the transmission of engine noise and vibration to the passenger compartment.

Rear Suspension

The Pilot�s rear suspension is a compact, multi-link trailing arm layout for excellent ride and handling, minimum weight and optimum packaging. Wheel travel is a generous 4.9 inches in compression and 3.3-inches in rebound. The three links that position each rear wheel laterally run between the knuckle assembly and the subframe. A trailing arm also runs from the unit body to each rear knuckle. Coil springs seat on the lowermost lateral link and anchor against the unit body directly behind each axle shaft. Shock absorbers positioned ahead of the drive shafts run from a low point on each knuckle to a secure attachment point on the unit body. Steering knuckles are an "in-wheel" design to optimize suspension geometry and packaging efficiency. Bushing compliance provides a modest toe-in effect in response to substantial cornering and braking loads to enhance overall stability.

For 2009, the rear knuckles are made from aluminum and are 54 percent lighter compared to the previous steel units, helping to reduce unsprung weight for improved response. Optimized trailing-arm mounting points have been moved up higher to increase mechanical compliance for ride and comfort improvements. Coil springs, dampers and an anti-roll bar are tuned for the best combination of ride and handling. Rear subframe mounts and lateral control link bushing rates were adjusted to create a discrete level of lateral force steer at the rear axle. Since the Variable Torque Management� 4-wheel drive system constantly varies drive torque at the rear axle, the longitudinal and lateral force steer properties were carefully developed for optimum response, stability and consistency.

Rear Subframe

The rear subframe, which supports most of the rear suspension and the rear axle drive unit, is made of high-strength steel for high stiffness and minimal weight. The shape of the rear subframe is equally important � it must accommodate the drivetrain components for the available VTM-4 four-wheel drive system and the multi-link rear suspension, and still allow for the versatility of the third-row seat and flat cargo floor. For excellent ride and handling characteristics, the subframe attaches to the unit body at four widely spaced, rubber-isolated, mounting points. Rear-suspension components, especially the springs and shock absorbers, are as compact as possible to facilitate a wide, flat, load floor and to leave room for both a spare tire and a full-size fuel tank. The rear axle drive unit is mounted to the subframe by means of rubber isolators to block road and powertrain noise and vibration from the passenger compartment. .

Source: Honda via WorldCarFans