Car Design News: 2009 Honda Pilot/ Detailed: Overview

Feature Summary

8-inch screen for clear viewing
Interface Dial is centrally located to provide simple control of system and is accessible to driver and front seat passenger
Voice recognition function with 832 commands allows control of most audio, climate and navigation features
Voice recognition system recognizes city and street names as spoken words
Seven million points of interest are stored on an updatable DVD
Business and recreation phone directory for the continental United States
Audio system automatically mutes for turn-by-turn voice guidance in either male or female voice (which can be turned off at any time)
Destination memory includes current trip addresses, previous destinations, a stored �home� location, selecting locations on the map and user address books
Directory categories include restaurants (searchable by type of cuisine), lodging, shopping, airports, hospitals, recreation areas and more
Zagat Survey� restaurant guide provides detailed information and reviews on select restaurants in database, which can be read on-screen or spoken over the audio system by a synthesized voice
Split-screen mode features a simultaneous "map view" and selective "3-D" route visualization showing details of your next turn
Make calls to on-screen points of interest with Bluetooth� HandsFreeLink�
User selectable day/night screen or display off modes and automatic screen brightness control
Trip routing can include up to five user-chosen way points
Trip routing can avoid user-selected areas
Exit list shows which businesses are available at a given highway exit
On-screen picture of highway interchanges indicates lanes to use to stay on route

System Operation

Based on positioning data from up to 12 orbiting Global Positioning Satellites (GPS), the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System locates the vehicle's position. If the GPS antenna is blocked by a tunnel, tall building or parking garage, an internal gyroscopic system and a speed sensor track the location of the vehicle to help keep the mapping information current and reliable until satellite reception is restored. A DVD database is located in the system's ECU. Updated DVD data discs are available on an annual basis on-line or by calling a toll-free number. The navigation system can be controlled by voice, or by the multifunctional Interface Dial. For voice operation, the driver simply presses the "Talk" button on the steering wheel and says any of a number of preset command phrases. The system responds to 832 command phrases, as well as to spoken city and street names. Sophisticated voice recognition technology allows the driver to simply speak city and street names aloud, and the system responds by displaying matches from the available database.

When the "Talk" button is pressed, the audio system is automatically muted, and an overhead microphone receives the command from the driver. Commands can be given in plain English, like �Display gas stations,� �Find nearest hospital,� or �Find nearest Chinese restaurant.� You can choose to display points of interest on the map (like restaurants, or ATMs, for example), or have the system provide turn-by-turn navigation � all by voice. The extensive point-of-interest database includes phone numbers that can be dialed by using the Bluetooth� HandsFreeLink� system and the driver's compatible Bluetooth� cell phone.

The navigation system can also be controlled via the multifunctional Interface Dial by choosing menu options or spelling out a word (e.g., an address, business name or place) using the multifunctional Interface Dial much like a computer mouse to select characters from an on-screen keypad. The Pilot navigation system also has the ability to track vehicle position in areas not covered by DVD map data by means of dots on the screen � especially helpful when driving off-road.

Bluetooth� HandsFreeLink� Wireless Mobile Telephone Interface

The Pilot Touring includes the Bluetooth� HandsFreeLink� wireless telephone interface for use with compatible phones. Designed to work with many Bluetooth�-enabled mobile phones (sold separately), Bluetooth is a radio frequency-based cable replacement technology that lets portable devices like mobile phones, laptops, PDAs, and other devices communicate wirelessly. Bluetooth�-enabled cell phones that have the Hands Free Profile (HFP) are compatible with the system. After a one-time "pairing" process, the vehicle can communicate wirelessly and securely with the driver's cell phone when it is within approximately 10 feet of the vehicle. The phone must be on, but can be stored anywhere inside the cabin � even in a pocket, briefcase or purse.

Bluetooth� HandsFreeLink� boosts convenience by allowing the driver to send or answer calls without taking hands from the steering wheel. The number of the incoming caller is displayed on the Multi-Information Display (MID) located in the instrument cluster and a ring tone is played over the audio system. A press of the steering wheel-mounted "Pick up" button mutes the audio system and the incoming caller can be heard over the audio system speakers. A microphone in the overhead console picks up the driver's voice and algorithms built into the system cancel "echo effect" to reduce background noise and improve the transmission quality of the driver's speech. Using fingertip controls mounted on the steering wheel to activate the system, phone calls can be sent hands-free by dialing the number by voice.

Up to 50 names with one number per name can be stored with voice tags in the system's Voice Tag Phonebook. For users with large phonebooks in their mobile phone memory, the available navigation system, working in conjunction with Bluetooth� HandsFreeLink�, can import up to 1000 names with 10 phone numbers per name. Up to six different compatible mobile phones can be paired with the Bluetooth� HandsFreeLink� system at one time. Additional information can be found at www.automobiles.honda.com/handsfreelink or www.handsfreelink.com.

2009 Honda Pilot: Body

The Honda Pilot is built on a crossover SUV platform that combines the safety, packaging and handling advantages of a car-based unit body design while still delivering the rugged versatility that mainstream consumers most frequently use in a SUV. The Pilot�s highly-rigid platform with isolated front and rear subframes provides the foundation for many of its refined attributes, including its outstanding handling agility, exceptional ride comfort, world-class safety performance and packaging efficiency. The Pilot�s SUV ruggedness is supported with confidence-inspiring traction in rain and snow, medium duty off-road capabilities from 8.0 inches of ground clearance and a maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds (4WD models).

For 2009, the Pilot�s body integrates the Advanced Compatibility Engineering� (ACE�) body structure for enhanced frontal crash safety with vehicles of different bumper heights, along with the most extensive use of high strength steel in any Honda automotive product to date. A bolder styling direction embraces a clean and functional approach with crisp, three-dimensional lines that create a dynamic shape with strength and solidity.

Body Summary

Unit body platform with fully-independent suspension
Increased exterior dimensions (length +2.9 inches, width +1.0 inches, height +1.0 inches)
Extensive use of high-strength steel (52 percent total)
Bending rigidity up 25 percent, torsional rigidity up 7 percent
Aerodynamics improved by 2 percent
Front and rear doors open wider for easier access
Available moonroof larger by 26 percent

Exterior Key Dimensions, 2009 Pilot vs. 2008 Pilot

	2009 Pilot	2008 Pilot	Change from 2008
Wheelbase (in.)	109.2	106.3	+2.9
LxWxH (in.) EX 4WD	190.9 x 78.5 x 72.7	188.0 x 77.5 x 71.7	+2.9 x +1.0 x +1.0
Ground Clearance Max. (in.)	8.0	8.0 (4WD)	Same
Approach/Rampover/ Departure Angle (degrees)	27.8 / 15.7 / 24.5	28.8 / 21.6 / 23.1	-1.0 / -5.9 / +1.4

New Body Features

ACE body structure
Tailgate with lift-up glass hatch
Integrated tow hitch (standard)
Aluminum hood

Exterior Styling

With its wide and solid stance, classic SUV proportions and clean design treatment, the Pilot is designed to communicate traditional SUV character traits including strength, durability, utility and off-road confidence. Honda designers used the three-dimensionally beveled lines of an ultra-rugged laptop computer as inspiration to convey an active and intelligent vehicle design theme. The concept provided the basis for the Pilot�s unique blend of sporty, functional and rugged design elements. A bold six-sided grille framed by large headlights creates a unique appearance that is easily identifiable as both a Honda and as a light truck. The Pilot also communicates a higher level of refinement than most of its competitors with modern details and tight body gaps with outstanding fit and finish. From the profile, the doors utilize a more truck-like full-frame design instead of more car-like roll-form sash doors. Pilot Touring models add side mirror integrated turn signal indicators and bright chrome-appearance side trim.

Aerodynamics

The Pilot body is aerodynamically optimized with under-vehicle aerodynamic aids. A wide chin spoiler and splash shield direct air under the front subframe. Additional strakes are positioned ahead of the front and rear wheels, plus two additional rear mudguard-style deflectors that smooth airflow exiting the rear of the vehicle. Overall, the aerodynamic coefficient of drag (Cd) has improved by 2 percent compared to the 2008 model.

Body Construction

The 2009 Pilot is constructed of 52 percent high strength steel (340 grade or above) to create a larger and lighter body with increased rigidity and enhanced safety. An aluminum hood further reduces vehicle weight to enhance the vehicle�s overall efficiency. The 2009 hood weighs 15.9 pounds and is 19.2 pounds lighter than the previous generation�s steel hood. A four-ring safety shell connects the floor, body side and roof for enhanced occupant protection. The ACE Body structure further enhances frontal collision compatibility between vehicles with different bumper heights. The Maximum Efficiency Floor (MEF) design is comprised of a network of longitudinal rails, floor cross-members and pillar reinforcements that carry heavy loads to enhance crash safety, handling and packaging efficiency.

Reinforced steel stiffeners located inside the doors at the vehicle�s beltline make a continuous horizontal connection between the first three pillars. High tensile strength steel tubular beams inside the door structure provide additional intrusion resistance. A roof-mounted reinforcement is provided to secure the center passengers� upper-shoulder belt.

Attaining a high level of dynamic body rigidity is essential for precise handling, ride quality and quietness inside the cabin. By researching the body�s dynamic response to chassis loads resulting from everyday driving events, engineers considered the unit body�s �dynamic stiffness� as an entire system. Compared to the first generation Pilot, bending rigidity has increased by 25 percent and torsional rigidity has increased by 7 percent. Instrumented testing revealed that the �tailgate ring� � the open area surrounding the tailgate � is particularly important for handling, stability and ride. In the second generation Pilot, this area has been markedly stiffened, providing the rear suspension with a more solid mounting and resulting in a more precise handling feel. In addition, the floor frames are wider for improved packaging and rigidity.

The increases in rigidity represent a significant achievement considering that body dimensions have increased and the body�s relative weight has been reduced. Ultimately, the increased rigidity enables enhanced vehicle dynamics, ride comfort, and driving quietness.

Source: Honda via WorldCarFans