Unveiled: 2009 Honda Ridgeline

[thecontiki]

Unveiled: 2009 Honda Ridgeline

TORRANCE, California — Honda says it has added "50 significant changes and new features" to the 2009 Ridgeline, including "a bolder look and feel."

That's why they call it "public relations."

In fact, while Honda has revised the Ridgeline's grille, bumpers, headlamps and taillamps for '09, the net visual impact is virtually nil. But we appreciate the score card.

Inside, you'll find a new steering wheel and updated switches, gauges and displays, as well as a 115-volt power outlet on the Ridgeline TRL and an iPod jack on the RTS and RTL.

Under the hood, Honda has tweaked the truck's 3.5-liter SOHC V6, nudging output from 247 to 250 horsepower and torque from 245 to 247 pound-feet. Honda says its engineers broadened the torque curve and boosted power by adding larger intake valves, a new camshaft profile and a revised, high-flow intake manifold. It also revised the gears in the five-speed automatic transmission.

While the '09 Ridgeline may realize a modest improvement in performance, its EPA fuel economy ratings remain unchanged at a paltry 15 mpg in city driving and 20 on the highway.

Honda says new features include a standard trailer hitch on every model, a rearview camera on RTL models equipped with navigation, plus active front-seat head restraints and daytime running lights on all models. A motorcycle bed extender and a bed-mounted bicycle attachment are among the new accessories for '09.

What this means to you: Despite the freshening, still the homeliest pickup on the market.— Paul Lienert,

[thecontiki]

Official Press release: 2009 Honda Ridgeline Adds Power, New Look ...

TORRANCE, Calif. Aug. 8, 2008 - Updated for 2009 with a total of 50 significant changes and new features, the Honda Ridgeline takes on a bolder look and feel with new exterior and interior styling along with a more powerful engine. A trailer hitch becomes standard on every model, and newly-introduced premium features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a rearview backup camera on Ridgeline RTL models equipped with the available Honda

Link to story and pictures:http://www.trucktrend .com/features/news/2008/163_ne ws080807_2009_honda_ridgeline_ press_release

[thecontiki]

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/news/2008/...

[thecontiki]

Honda unveils new Ridgeline pickup truck

The Associated Press

LINCOLN, Ala.

The next-generation of the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck was unveiled Thursday at the company's assembly plant in Lincoln.

Honda said its 2009 Ridgeline will feature dozens of new additions, including new body styling, a more powerful engine and a revamped interior.

Earlier this year, the Japanese automaker announced it was moving production of its Ridgeline pickup from Canada to Alabama.

Production is scheduled to begin early next year.

The Lincoln plant already manufactures the Pilot sport utility vehicles and Odyssey minivans.

Information from: The Birmingham News