2014 Honda Ridgeline keeps on truckin' with new special edition model

Fri, 06 Sep 2013

Like many smaller trucks, the Honda Ridgeline has been left to stagnate on the market for far too many years. With production of the current model reportedly winding down later next year before production of the next-gen model picks up in 2016, Honda is sending the 2014 Ridgeline out with some style courtesy of a new Special Edition trim level.

The new Ridgeline SE essentially adds cues from the Ridgeline Sport to the luxurious RTL trim level. The means features like black-trimmed 18-inch alloys and matching interior trim arrives as a no-cost option. This new model carries the same starting price as the RTL at $37,505 (*not including $830 for destination), and all other trim level pricing is carried over unchanged from the 2013 model year. The new SE model won't be available until November, and it is not pictured in the image galleries (all of which seem to be identical to previous model years).

Speaking of carryover products, Honda has also released pricing for the unchanged 2014 Pilot and 2014 Acura TL, which will continue to be priced from $29,670 and $36,030, respectively (Acura's destination charge is $890). Scroll down for press releases on the 2014 Ridgeline, Pilot and TL.

2014 Honda Ridgeline Adds New Top-of-the-Line Special Edition Model

09/05/2013

Ridgeline remains most versatile vehicle in the 4-door truck segment
Only pickup with standard rearview camera

Building upon a successful model year of double-digit sales growth in 2013, the versatile Honda Ridgeline returns for 2014 with a new, top-of-the-line Special Edition model. The Special Edition model, joining the lineup in November, features model-exclusive 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with black-trimmed spokes, special badging and the popular black trim package from the Ridgeline Sport. The rest of the 2014 Ridgeline lineup goes on-sale today with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price1 (MSRP) starting at $29,575.

"Honda's commitment to the truck segment is underscored by the new special edition model of the 2014 Honda Ridgeline," said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of Sales at American Honda. "The increased customer interest in Ridgeline this year demonstrates the important role Ridgeline will continue to play in the Honda lineup."

The 2014 Honda Ridgeline features a closed-box, unit-body structure and independent front and rear suspension to deliver a unique combination of truck capability, a spacious five-passenger cabin and car-like ride and handling. The Ridgeline also delivers a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds and a half-ton payload rating, all while offering innovative and unique features that include the large In-Bed Trunk® and dual-action tailgate for easy access. Providing more confidence in reverse gear, Ridgeline remains the only pickup truck on sale in the U.S. to feature a standard rearview camera.

Four distinctive Ridgeline models are available now: the Ridgeline RT, Ridgeline Sport, Ridgeline RTS and Ridgeline RTL, which is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2. View, build and price a 2014 Honda Ridgeline at http://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline.
TRIM MSRP1 EPA Fuel Economy Ratings3
(city/highway/combined)
Ridgeline RT $29,575 15/21/17
Ridgeline Sport $30,720 15/21/17
Ridgeline RTS $32,380 15/21/17
Ridgeline RTL with leather $35,155 15/21/17
Ridgeline RTL with leather and Navi $37,505 15/21/17
Ridgeline SE with leather and Navi
(available November) $37,505 15/21/17

Ridgeline RT features include:
Unique 17-inch steel wheels, integrated trailer hitch, pre-wiring for 7-pin trailer hook up, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, power sliding rear window, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, trip computer with instantaneous and average fuel economy, 6-speaker 100-watt audio system with CD player and MP3/WMA playback capability, rearview camera, and 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage.

Ridgeline Sport features include (adds to Ridgeline RT):
Exclusive black 18-inch aluminum wheels, black honeycomb grille with black surround and exclusive sport emblem, black headlight and brake light housings, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, auxiliary audio input jack, all-weather floor mats and rear privacy glass.

Ridgeline RTS features include (adds to Ridgeline RT):
Exclusive 17-inch aluminum wheels, painted inner grille surfaces, body-color painted door handles, 7-pin trailer wiring connector, 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7-speaker 160-watt audio system with subwoofer, 6-disc in-dash CD system, steering wheel-mounted controls, auxiliary audio input jack, exterior temperature indicator, all-weather floor mats and privacy glass.

Ridgeline RTL features include (adds to Ridgeline RTS):
Exclusive 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, power moonroof, heated side mirrors, leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, XM Radio4, HomeLink® remote system, ambient console lighting, 115-volt power outlet and carpeted floor mats.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 with Voice Recognition and Zagat Survey® restaurant information is available on the Ridgeline RTL. It includes XM® Radio4, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a multi-information display. The navigation system includes a rearview camera display, thus eliminating this display in the rearview mirror.

Ridgeline Special Edition features include (adds to Ridgeline RTL):
Exclusive 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with black-trimmed spokes and Special Edition badging on the rear tailgate. The model also adopts the black trim package from the Sport model, which includes black headlight and brake light housings, black tailgate and black honeycomb grille with black surround.

The Ridgeline Special Edition also comes standard with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 featuring Voice Recognition and Zagat Survey® restaurant information, and includes XM® Radio4, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, plus multi-information display and rearview camera display.

Colors choices for the Ridgeline Special Edition are Taffeta White, Crystal Black and Alabaster Silver, all with black leather interior.

Powertrain
The Ridgeline's all-aluminum, 60-degree, SOHC 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine produces 250 horsepower5 and 247 lb-ft. of torque6. Variable valve timing enhances low-rpm torque while extending high-rpm horsepower for a broad power band. The 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when going uphill or downhill to avoid gear "hunting."

A fully automatic Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4®) provides confident operation in rain, snow, ice, sand and mud, while also improving on-road and towing performance by distributing torque to all four wheels as needed. The system operates predominately in front-wheel-drive mode during dry-pavement cruising conditions and continuously proportions torque to the rear wheels during acceleration and low traction situations. The VTM-4 lock button located on the instrument panel allows the driver to temporarily hold engagement of both rear wheels to aid traction in the first two gears at speeds of up to 18 mph.

Standard towing equipment includes an integrated tow hitch, transmission and oil coolers, heavy duty brakes, dual radiator fans and a wiring harness for a 7-pin trailer hook up (pre-wiring only on RT and Sport).

Body
The unit-body architecture is designed for vastly superior rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame designs and provides the foundation for the Ridgeline's spacious interior cabin and bed, safety performance and class-leading ride and handling performance. Its modern and athletic design incorporates a solid, one-piece appearance with no separation between the bed and the cab. The windshield wipers have a heated wiper zone to enhance wiper performance in winter driving conditions and minimize ice buildup, while large side mirrors enhance rear vision while towing.

A 5-foot-long composite cargo bed with eight tie-down locations provides a payload rating of 1,100 pounds, while four cargo area lights illuminate both the bed and the in-bed trunk. A dual-action tailgate opens down for traditional access to the cargo area or to the side for ease-of-access to the 8.5 cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk®. The Ridgeline is available with a wide variety of accessories and can conveniently accommodate motorcycles or ATVs. The cargo area measures 49.5 inches wide between the wheel wells, 20.7 inches deep and 60.0 inches long (79.0 inches with the load-supporting tailgate in the down position).

Chassis
A MacPherson strut front suspension and fully independent multi-link rear suspension with trailing arms provide a smooth ride and responsive handling. A heavy-duty braking system includes 12.6-inch front and 13.1-inch rear 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Ridgeline RT has 17×7.5-inch steel wheels and P245/65 R17 all-season tires, while the Ridgeline RTS upgrades to 17×7.5-inch aluminum wheels. Ridgeline Sport and Ridgeline RTL models are uniquely equipped with 18×7.5-inch aluminum wheels and all-season P245/60 R18 tires. The Special Edition model features exclusive 18x7.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels with black-trimmed spokes and all-season P245/60 R18 tires.

Interior
The interior takes advantage of Honda's unit-body packaging efficiency to deliver full-size interior space dimensions while maintaining garage-friendly, mid-size exterior dimensions. The driving position provides ergonomically comfortable access to large and easy-to-use controls.

Between the front seats, a large multi-function console features a sliding armrest and sliding lower tray – each with a hidden storage area. Other console storage areas accommodate large and small items like mobile phones, beverage holders, compact discs and portable digital music players.

The 60/40 lift-up rear seats feature a storage area underneath that is large enough to accommodate a golf bag. Plus, the rear seating area can quickly convert for cargo duty by lifting the seats up to create enough room for a full-size mountain bike with the front wheel removed. The rear seat incorporates three LATCH positions for compatible child safety seats.

Safety
All Ridgelines are equipped with standard safety features including dual-stage, multiple-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags, side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, front-seat active head restraints, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), a tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Awards, Accolades and Ratings
The 2013 Ridgeline received a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning the highest-possible score of GOOD in four IIHS tests, including the side impact test and the rigorous roof-strength test. In addition, the Ridgeline is ranked among the best in compact pickup trucks by U.S. News and KBB.com, based on reliability, comfort of ride and refined drivetrain.

Warranty
The 2014 Honda Ridgeline is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.

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2014 Honda Pilot – the Most Fuel Efficient Eight-passenger SUV, and Still the Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle
Honda's award-winning Family SUV has a 25-MPG fuel economy rating (2WD), three-row, eight-passenger seating, a 4500-lb towing capacity (4WD) and a top safety rating

09/05/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Designed as the "Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle" and boasting the highest EPA-rated fuel economy any eight-passenger family SUV, the award-winning Honda Pilot is back for 2014 and goes on sale today with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $29,6701. The Pilot combines an EPA-rated highway fuel economy2 of 25 mpg (2WD models), a high degree of practicality with its versatile and functional cabin, a choice of 2- or 4-wheel drive, and up to 4,500 pounds towing capability3 (4WD models), and a fun-to-drive character. Together with Honda's trademark quality, safety and low cost of ownership, the 2014 Pilot is an ideal transportation solution for families with varied and active lifestyles.

The 2014 Pilot is available in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L (leather) and Touring. A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™4 and a Rear Entertainment System are available on the EX-L model and standard on the Touring model. The Pilot is powered by a refined 250-horsepower5 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine, and is available in both 2- and 4-wheel-drive configurations. View, build and price a 2014 Honda Pilot at http://automobiles.honda.com/pilot.

TRIM

EPA Fuel Economy2
(city/highway/combined)

Pilot LX 2WD

$29,670

18/25/21

Pilot EX 2WD

$31,920

18/25/21

Pilot EX-L 2WD with RES

$36,770

18/25/21

Pilot EX-L 2WD with Navi

$37,170

18/25/21

Pilot Touring 2WD with RES and Navi

$39,820

18/25/21

Pilot LX 4WD

$31,270

17/24/20

Pilot EX 4WD

$33,520

17/24/20

Pilot EX-L 4WD

$36,770

17/24/20

Pilot EX-L 4WD with RES

$38,370

17/24/20

Pilot EX-L 4WD with Navi

$38,770

17/24/20

Pilot Touring 4WD with RES and Navi

$41,420

17/24/20

Fuel-Efficient V-6 Power
The Pilot's advanced 24-valve all-aluminum V-6 engine offers numerous friction-reduction technologies, "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control® (i-VTEC®) and Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™). The VCM system allows the V-6 engine to operate in 6-cylinder mode for maximum power and in either 4-cylinder or 3-cylinder mode for increased efficiency. The Pilot's EPA fuel economy2 ratings give the 2014 Pilot 2WD the highest fuel economy rating of any eight-passenger SUV and the Pilot 4WD the highest fuel economy rating (highway) for any mid-size 4WD SUV. In addition, the Pilot meets the stringent ULEV-2 (Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle)6 emissions rating of the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

A standard 5-speed automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when climbing or descending steep grades, helping minimize gear "hunting." The available Variable Torque Management® (VTM-4®) system on Pilot 4WD models adds fully automatic 4-wheel-drive capability, and features a "lock mode" that can deliver the maximum-possible torque transfer to the rear wheels to aid extraction from extremely low traction or stuck conditions.

Functional Exterior Styling
Bold and expressive, practical and elegant, the 2014 Pilot presents its own unique blend of function and style. The Pilot's grille and front fascia feature a distinctive 3-bar horizontal design, while multi-reflector halogen headlights and integrated turn signals contribute to the premium look. Pilot LX models are equipped with 17-inch styled-steel wheels, while Pilot EX and above models have 5-spoke, 18-inch aluminum wheels. Touring models feature an exclusive 6-spoke alloy wheel design with a high-contrast machined surface.

Eighteen cubic-feet of cargo space behind the third row seats matches or exceeds the trunk space of a typical large sedan. For maximum cargo space, the second and third rows fold flat to provide 87.0 cubic-feet of total cargo space and sufficient width for carrying 4-foot-wide items such a sheets of plywood or drywall. The cargo area also has a hidden storage well that provides 2.8 cubic-feet of additional space. The tailgate (power operated on EX-L and Touring models) features a lift-up glass hatch for convenient access to the rearmost cargo area.

Comprehensive Interior Features
Sophisticated design, high-quality materials, advanced electronic features, and low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers in all three rows. The roomy accommodations include 16 different seating configurations for the 60/40 split-folding second- and third-row seats.

All Pilot models come equipped with a high-resolution 8-inch intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with rearview camera display (multi-angle on EX-L Navi and Touring), iPod album artwork display, and user-loadable wallpaper function, plus Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, USB connection and automatic climate controls. The Pilot EX and EX-L models include a 2GB CD Library (CD-L), while Pilot EX and above models also include a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and tri-zone automatic climate control.

The available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™4 offers 60 GB of total system memory (including 15 GB allocated for user media) and voice recognition for three languages. Its hard drive can store thousands of minutes of music, which is accessible by simple voice commands using the Song By Voice™ feature. And the free FM Traffic feature provides continuous updates on traffic and incidents.

Responsive and Refined Chassis
The Pilot's rigid body structure and fully independent suspension –with MacPherson strut front and multi-link with trailing arm rear – provides the foundation for its responsive, comfortable and stable ride and handling. The 67.7-inch front/67.5-inch rear track improves cornering capability while the 109.2-inch wheelbase facilitates a smooth ride; and a tight turning diameter of 37.9 feet aids maneuverability in tight parking situations.

Numerous advanced chassis features and components directly benefit fuel efficiency, including a variable-displacement power steering pump, low-rolling-resistance tires, and low-drag front ventilated and rear disc brakes. Finely tuned aerodynamics, aerodynamic front strakes, splash shields and inner fenders, and minimal frontal area also contribute to overall fuel efficiency.

Comprehensive Safety
Utilizing Honda's unique Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the 2013 Pilot was rated as a "TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The ACE body helps reduce the amount of crash energy reaching the passenger compartment in a frontal collision and can enhance frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and ride heights.

Active safety features, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), are standard on all models. Passive safety features include 3-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, driver's and front passenger's front and side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), and active front head restraints.

Developed and Manufactured in America
The Pilot is produced by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, in Lincoln, Alabama7. The Pilot was designed, developed and engineered in the U.S. by Honda R&D Americas, Inc. at its R&D centers in Raymond, Ohio, and Torrance, California.

About Honda
Honda offers a complete lineup of cars and trucks through a network of more than 1,000 dealerships in the United States. The Accord, Civic, CR-V sport-utility vehicle and Odyssey minivan were the best-selling models in their respective segments among individual car buyers for the first six months of 2013. The company operates 14 manufacturing facilities in North America, including seven auto plants. In 2012, more than 90 percent of the Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were manufactured in North America7. Over the past three years alone, the company has invested more than $2.7 billion in its North American manufacturing capabilities, bringing to more than $22 billion the amount Honda has invested in its North American operations.

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2014 Acura TL Combines Exhilarating Performance and Abundant Luxury in an Expressive Package
Spirited performance is balanced with class-leading safety ratings and advanced fuel efficiency

09/05/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif.

The new 2014 Acura TL is now on sale, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $36,0301. As Acura's award-winning, performance-oriented sport sedan, the TL balances style, luxury and dynamic performance in a unique way. This dynamic and spirited performance is balanced with an EPA fuel economy rating of 29-mpg highway (TL)2. As the 2013 TL was one of the industry's first vehicles to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the Institute's new small overlap front crash test, the TL's safety credentials are well established.

The entire TL model line carries over for 2014 and is comprised of eight variants, starting with the front-wheel drive 3.5-liter TL. Three upgrade packages are available on the TL - the Technology, Advance and Special Edition packages. The two-wheel-drive TL Special Edition features distinctive 10-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels, a color-matched decklid spoiler and Special Edition badging. The TL SH-AWD® features Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ and a 3.7-liter engine and is likewise available with either the Technology or Advance Package. All models feature a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission, while the TL SH-AWD® with Technology Package is also available with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option. View, build and price a 2014 Acura TL at http://www.acura.com/ModelLanding.aspx?model=TL.
TRIM MSRP1

EPA Fuel Economy Ratings3 (city/highway/combined)
TL $36,030 20/29/23
TL Special Edition $37,530 20/29/23
TL with Technology Package $39,760 20/29/23
TL with Advance Package $41,960 20/29/23
TL SH-AWD® $39,580 18/26/21
TL SH-AWD® 6-Speed Manual with Technology Package $43,310 17/25/20
TL SH-AWD® with Technology Package $43,310 18/26/21
TL SH-AWD® with Advance Package $45,540 18/26/21

EXTERIOR
With its aggressive wheel arches, dramatic character lines and Acura signature grille, the TL has a powerful and distinctive presence. All TL models feature premium details such as stainless-steel body trim, a power moonroof, Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and LED taillights as standard equipment.

INTERIOR
The TL cockpit features a "dual personal" design that provides both the driver and front passenger with their own personal space, and sets a "driver's car" theme. The TL offers a remarkable range of standard features, including a 10-way power driver seat (8-way power adjustment with 2-way lumbar support) and 8-way power passenger seat, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters (for models equipped with the Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission), and an 8-speaker, 276-watt audio system with 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio, Bluetooth® Audio, USB port connectivity, and HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface.

The Technology Package includes a Keyless Access System (also standard on the TL Special Edition) and luxurious full-grain perforated premium Milano leather seating surfaces. The package also includes an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, rearview camera, available AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™. For the ultimate audio experience, the Technology Package includes an Acura/ELS Surround®3 10-speaker, 440-watt premium audio system with XM® Radio and a 3,500-song hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system.

The available Advance Package includes everything in the Technology Package and adds heated and ventilated front seats and a blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver to vehicles detected in vehicle's the blind spot areas.

POWERTRAIN
The TL offers a choice of two all-aluminum powertrains. The standard 3.5-liter V-6 produces 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque4 and drives the front wheels through a sophisticated Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control System.

The TL SH-AWD® (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™) is powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque5. The innovative, torque-vectoring SH-AWD® system, in addition to providing outstanding all-weather traction and cornering grip, can send more torque to the outside rear wheel when cornering, to create a "yaw moment" that enhances vehicle dynamics by generating a turn-in effect.

SAFETY
Like all Acura models, the TL features the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. Additional standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, ABS, dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

The 2013 TL earned the top-level rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the new IIHS small overlap front crash test. This test is designed to simulate a collision between a vehicle traveling 40 miles per hour and a fixed object, such as a utility pole, where only 25-percent of the vehicle's front structure engages the opposing object. According to a study by the IIHS, small overlap crashes of this type accounted for nearly 25-percent of frontal crashes resulting in a serious injury or fatality.

The 2014 TL is produced by Honda of America Mfg., Inc., in Marysville, Ohio6.

Like every new Acura, the 2014 TL is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 275 dealers in the United States. The Acura lineup features seven distinctive models including the RLX luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sedan and Sport Wagon, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the MDX luxury sport-utility vehicle.

By Jeffrey N. Ross