Honda unveils 285hp US-spec Pilot

Honda has unveiled the fourth-generation Pilot sport utility vehicle (SUV) equipped with an all-new dual overhead cam (DOHC) 3.5-liter engine that makes 285 horsepower (hp) and 355Nm of torque.

Per Honda, the Pilot’s powerplant is the brand’s most powerful V6 ever.

The all-aluminum V6 features a unique block and low-profile cylinder heads with high-tumble ports and a narrow 35-degree valve angle for better combustion. The low-profile design of the new DOHC cylinder heads also allowed a more compact rocker arm and hydraulic lash adjuster design.

Honda engineers also did away with separate cam bearing caps and instead incorporated them directly into the valve cover itself. The result is a 30-millimeter (mm) reduction in overall cylinder head height. The new design also reduces the number of parts. Furthermore, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

Performance is further enhanced by a refined and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission that has been tuned exclusively for the Honda Pilot. Paddle shifters are standard for manual control, making the Honda Pilot more fun to drive.

“The Honda Pilot has been a family favorite for two decades, and now we've made it even better with more space and refinement inside, cool new rugged styling outside, and substantially increased off-road performance to back it up. Topping it off, the new Pilot TrailSport is an authentic, off-road-capable SUV for true weekend adventures, without sacrificing comfort and on-road dynamics for daily driving,” said American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Auto Sales Vice President Mamadou Diallo.

Other notable features of the all-new Honda Pilot include the brand’s award-winning torque vectoring i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system, its seven available drive modes, and its first-in-class multi-function removable second-row middle seat.

The Honda Pilot will go on sale next month in the United States (US) and will be available in five trims: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite.

Photos from Honda

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