DETROIT, Mich., January 6, 2002 --- The Acura RD-X concept SUV, designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas and making its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, combines the street performance of the RSX sports coupe with the 4-wheel drive capability of the MDX, and adds high-tech functionality.

Targeted to meet the needs of youthful, urban professionals, the RD-X is both rugged city transportation and weekend sport machine. An innovative 4-wheel drive powertrain produces abundant power for maneuvering through city traffic or negotiating twisty mountain roads, while stow away rear seats leave plenty of room for personal gear, whether it be a laptop and blueprints or duffel bags and mountain bikes.

"The RD-X is the perfect vehicle for young, active people who work hard during the week and play harder on weekends," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It has the cargo space and rugged functionality of an SUV, but with 250 horsepower and a sport tuned suspension, it also has the credentials to appeal to the serious driving enthusiast."

The RD-X is designed to be powered by a unique 250 horsepower, 4-wheel drive, hybrid powertrain that combines a high-output i-VTEC^TM engine with an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. Under the hood is a high performance 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine coupled to 6-speed, close-ratio clutchless manual transmission, which drives the front wheels, while the advanced IMA system powers the rear wheels.

Inspired by Honda's Formula One race cars, the RD-X's clutchless manual transmission uses computer controls to operate the clutch for smooth engagement. Shifting is accomplished with a paddle shifter conveniently mounted close at hand on the center console while the close-ratio design of the gearbox helps the driver extract maximum performance from the engine.

To boost acceleration and enhance handling, especially in foul weather, the RD-X boasts a newly developed IMA system with twin electric motors to power the rear wheels when extra driving force or traction is needed. This unique configuration increases power and distributes torque similar to an all-wheel drive SUV.

To complement its advanced powertrain, designers gave the RD-X a highly tuned chassis. Fully independent front and rear suspension, large 4-wheel disc brakes, large 18-inch wheels and 235/60R18 tires combine for tenacious grip and an aggressive look.

The RD-X's chiseled exterior styling provides both excellent visibility for driving in city traffic, and a feeling of security when parked on urban streets. To that end, the RD-X employs a compact upper body with an aggressively raked belt line, substantial wheel flares and a unique, glass roof. Run flat tires, retractable headlights, substantial bumpers and plenty of ground clearance add to the strong look of the vehicle and supply the grit to handle the hazards of urban and off-highway driving.

Inside, the RD-X seamlessly combines a driver-oriented cockpit with a large, easily transformable cargo area. Dual front bucket seats, trimmed in durable, high-tech fabrics, are positioned close together rally-style to facilitate easy communication between the driver and the front passenger. Rear action seats angle outward for increased legroom and can be quickly folded forward and stowed when more cargo room is required. While the front seats are fixed, the RD-X's instruments, steering wheel and foot pedals can be adjusted forward and back to comfortably accommodate drivers of different statures.

A heads-up display projects pertinent information such as speed, fuel level, and other warning lights onto the windshield within the peripheral view of the driver allowing the driver to keep his eyes focused on the road. This display is shared with the Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which provides mapping coverage of the entire United States and stores information on more than 3.7 million points of interest. Instead of side view mirrors, the RD-X employs two rear-facing cameras located on the front fenders. These cameras transmit a clear view of rearward traffic on both sides of the vehicle to displays mounted on the steering column.

To enable quick and easy loading of large gear, such as bicycles, kayaks or snowboards, the RD-X has unique doors on the side and in the rear. Since it does not have a B-pillar, the RD-X's "wide open" side doors can open outward from the center to provide the largest possible opening into the vehicle. In the rear, instead of the upward swinging hatch featured on most SUVs, the RD-X boasts two powered doors that slide open to the sides and hug the flank of the vehicle to allow easy access to the rear cargo area, even in tight quarters. These doors combine with a low, flat floor to facilitate extremely easy loading and unloading of gear that might otherwise be unwieldy in cramped urban situations.

A hidden storage area in the side panel of the rear cargo area makes it easy to securely stow briefcases, laptops and other valuables that might be damaged if placed in the main cargo area. Built-in brackets on the floor hold bicycles securely during transport. In addition, the rear portion of the glass roof opens to allow loading and transporting of objects that are too tall to otherwise fit in the cargo area.

"The RD-X is really two vehicles in one," said Elliott. "During the week, it's quick and rugged enough to meet the unique demands of urban driving. On weekends, fold up the backseats, throw in a couple of bicycles or other gear and you've got an SUV that drives like a sports coupe."

Honda Pilot SUV Unveiled At North American International Auto Show All New Honda SUV Is Rugged, Versatile and Innovative

DETROIT, Mich., January 6, 2002 --- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today unveiled a pre-production version of its Pilot sport-utility vehicle at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. Scheduled for release as a 2003 model at dealers nationwide this summer, the Pilot is an all new Honda-designed and built SUV that combines the rugged versatility of traditional sport-utilities with the quality, refinement and innovative design that is the hallmark of all Honda vehicles.

Developed under the theme of the "Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle," the Pilot delivers best-in-class interior space with theatre-style seating for up to eight passengers, along with advanced Honda VTEC V-6 power, sophisticated four-wheel drive technology and five-star safety performance, making Pilot the best all-around performer in its class.

"We think this vehicle strikes at the heart of what many people are looking for in a family-sized SUV," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "The Pilot delivers all the utility and versatility that people expect from their SUV with the added benefits of Honda's world-class quality, durability and innovative design."

In keeping with Honda's long-standing commitment to the environment, Pilot will be an Ultra Low-Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) with excellent fuel economy, constructed with ninety percent recyclable components.

The Pilot's exterior was designed to be bold and distinctive with classic SUV proportions, a wide, strong stance, upright roof pillars and a large greenhouse area with panoramic views for all occupants. Careful attention to body shape and utilization of underbody strakes help to make Pilot the most aerodynamic SUV in its class, improving on performance and fuel economy.

Designed from the inside out for optimal utility, the interior features 60/40 split folding second- and third-row seats that convert to accommodate up to eight passengers and a wide variety of cargo items. With the widest wheel track in its class and a flat cargo floor, the Pilot boasts the largest and most versatile passenger and cargo carrying capability in its class.

Highlighting the Pilot's instrument panel is a sporty, beveled, three-gauge center instrument cluster inspired by a precision chronograph design. Complimenting the instrument panel's sporty appearance is a silver-trimmed steering wheel with controls for the 7-speaker AM/FM/CD/Cassette Stereo and cruise control. A clean and functional center panel stack incorporates the air conditioning and stereo controls along with the optional Satellite-Linked Navigation System or Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System. The column-mounted shift lever provides for a large, unobstructed center console area, in keeping with the vehicle's functional design theme.

As part of the "Ultimate Family Adventure" concept, Honda engineers developed a number of family-friendly features including a multi-function center console with a large center storage bin, dedicated cell phone cradle, 12-volt power outlet, CD rack, and two-position cup holder. The second-row seat features a child's activity tray that incorporates a cup holder and storage tray with a place for a pocket-size game machine or PDA, crayons, markers or other kids' stuff, as well as a tray for fast food items including a special place for fast food sauce containers.

A highly rigid reinforced unit body with front and rear subframes and four-wheel, fully independent suspension system provides the foundation for outstanding ride quality and precise, responsive, handling performance. Four-wheel anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes ensure stable and predictable brake performance in varying conditions.

Further ensuring a fun and confident driving experience is the Pilot's advanced 3.5-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum VTEC V-6 engine and five-speed electronically controlled transmission mated to Honda's innovative VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management 4WD) full-time, four-wheel drive system. Employing sophisticated electronic sensing and control mechanisms, the VTM-4 system continuously monitors the vehicle's dynamic condition and distributes engine torque between the front the rear wheels for optimal performance and control on dry, wet, icy or snow-covered roads. A unique electronically locking rear differential feature allows for maximum front-to-rear torque split for added traction in extremely slippery or "stuck" conditions.

In targeting the highest levels of safety performance, Honda engineers employed a number of advanced safety systems including dual-stage/dual-threshold driver and front passenger airbags, an "intelligent" front passenger side airbag with Occupant Position Detection System, and three point seatbelts with pretensioners and headrests in all eight seating positions. Internal testing confirms five-star level safety performance in frontal and side impacts for all passengers, the highest safety ratings given by the federal government. Additional design measures were undertaken to confirm a high level of safety for third-row passengers in a rear collision, over and above existing safety standards.

In keeping with the SUV customer's off-road expectations, the Honda Pilot provides for confident and stable off-road performance. With more than 8-inches of ground clearance, short front and rear overhangs and VTM-4 four-wheel drive technology with locking rear differential capability, the Pilot is designed to provide the kind of off-road toughness desired by the typical SUV customer.

The Honda Pilot SUV was developed and designed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and will be produced by Honda Canada Manufacturing, Inc., in Allison, Ontario, using domestic and globally-sourced parts, beginning in the spring of this year.