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DEI37 · 01-15-2004, 05:18 PM

Honda is set to move into new territory with a truck-SUV crossover vehicle. The SUT concept that premiered in Detroit points the way to a production vehicle for 2005.

Motivated by the desire to create a pickup “in a Honda way,” Honda’s designers have come up with a vehicle that bridges the gap between pickup and SUV for the demanding, leisure and family user.

“The pickup market is evolving to meet the changing tastes of a new generation of truck buyers,” said Tom Elliot, executive vice president of American Honda. “The Honda SUT concept takes this to the next level with higher levels of refinement and sophistication is a sporty and socially responsible package.”

Built on Honda’s global light truck platform, the SUT seats five and has a wide 5-foot bed. Unlike most trucks that are chassis-built, it has the unibody construction more typical of sedans and small SUVs. This allows Honda to create highly efficient packaging in a vehicle that offers a comfortable, refined passenger experience with a pickup bed big enough to accommodate a motorcycle or even an ATV.

The target customer for the SUT is the “cool dad”—the young, active father who’s highly engaged with his family and has an active, outdoor lifestyle.

The SUT gets all-independent suspension, all-wheel disc brakes with electronically controlled four-wheel drive, stability control, and intelligent side, front and curtain airbags. Power comes from a V6 Honda VTEC engine offering low emissions, while the vehicle has safety features designed to protect pedestrians and other vehicles in the event of an accident.

The vehicle’s toughness is hinted at by a styling scheme inspired by billet-machined aluminum. Inside, neat touches include Maglites integrated into the front doors and storage bins made from climbing rope.

Honda promised a first look at the production version of this vehicle at next year’s show.

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Kind of looks like the idea that GMC is using in the Envoy SUT. Personally, I think it's an area that Honda needs to stay out of, but then again, I'm not a fan of the imports, either. What are your thoughts?

01-15-2004, 05:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	So Honda IS building a truck? WTH? Honda's "Truck" Honda is set to move into new territory with a truck-SUV crossover vehicle. The SUT concept that premiered in Detroit points the way to a production vehicle for 2005. Motivated by the desire to create a pickup “in a Honda way,” Honda’s designers have come up with a vehicle that bridges the gap between pickup and SUV for the demanding, leisure and family user. “The pickup market is evolving to meet the changing tastes of a new generation of truck buyers,” said Tom Elliot, executive vice president of American Honda. “The Honda SUT concept takes this to the next level with higher levels of refinement and sophistication is a sporty and socially responsible package.” Built on Honda’s global light truck platform, the SUT seats five and has a wide 5-foot bed. Unlike most trucks that are chassis-built, it has the unibody construction more typical of sedans and small SUVs. This allows Honda to create highly efficient packaging in a vehicle that offers a comfortable, refined passenger experience with a pickup bed big enough to accommodate a motorcycle or even an ATV. The target customer for the SUT is the “cool dad”—the young, active father who’s highly engaged with his family and has an active, outdoor lifestyle. The SUT gets all-independent suspension, all-wheel disc brakes with electronically controlled four-wheel drive, stability control, and intelligent side, front and curtain airbags. Power comes from a V6 Honda VTEC engine offering low emissions, while the vehicle has safety features designed to protect pedestrians and other vehicles in the event of an accident. The vehicle’s toughness is hinted at by a styling scheme inspired by billet-machined aluminum. Inside, neat touches include Maglites integrated into the front doors and storage bins made from climbing rope. Honda promised a first look at the production version of this vehicle at next year’s show. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kind of looks like the idea that GMC is using in the Envoy SUT. Personally, I think it's an area that Honda needs to stay out of, but then again, I'm not a fan of the imports, either. What are your thoughts? __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.