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2016 Honda Pilot to pack 280 hp, new Intelligent Traction Management system

Honda has released a spate of details on the all-new, third-generation Pilot, building on the information that was distributed way back at the car's 2015 Chicago Auto Show debut. Included in this latest release are power figures for the 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V6, a breakdown of trim levels and details on the new Intelligent Traction Management system. Let's start with that V6, which makes the Pilot the latest vehicle to be fitted with Honda's Earth Dreams technology. Regardless of whether it's mated to the standard six-speed automatic or the optional nine-speed gearbox, the 3.5-liter mill produces 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That's 30 more hp and 7 more lb-ft than the current model. While Honda isn't quite ready to release fuel economy figures, we have high hopes for the V6/9AT combo. The other big announcement coming today regards Honda's new Intelligent Traction Management system. The technology functions a lot like Land Rover's Terrain Response, Jeep's Selec-Terrain and Ford's Terrain Management System, providing owners with a number of condition-specific presets for the throttle response, shift mapping and stability control to maximize performance on the selected terrain. What makes the Honda system different, though, is that it's not limited to all-wheel-drive models. That said, the front-drive model is neutered to a degree, with its ITM only offering a Snow mode, compared to the all-wheel-drive Pilot's Mud, Sand and Snow settings. Still, considering the big Honda's role as a family hauler, a dedicated setting for driving in the snow will likely be welcomed by family types, especially in northern climates. Speaking of that AWD model, it uses a new system, called i-VTM4 (short for Intelligent Variable Torque Management for all Four Wheels). If you dig past the marketing speak, though, you'll find this system has a lot in common with the Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, in that it transfers torque not only between the front and rear axles, but laterally between the rear wheels. We reached out to Honda to see what, if any, differences there are to the system, but they didn't get back to by press time. Check out the official press release from Honda, available below.

Honda Project 2&4 concept has 212 hp, 893 lbs, and our hearts

Take one look at the Honda Project 2&4 concept, and it's immediately clear that the minimalist track special is the result of a collaboration between automotive and motorcycle designers. The body's styling is a modernized take on the Japanese brand's RA272 Formula One car from the 1960s, but then you notice the weird driver's seat that's fully exposed and suspended just inches above the road. The result is a vehicle that looks absolutely deadly, but like an absurd thrill to pilot, too. The Project 2&4's floating seating design simultaneously evokes both a sport bike and a go-kart. There's no dashboard or windshield at all, and the driver simply gets a steering wheel and a glass panel for the instruments. It's hard to imagine pairing things down much more than this, especially since the whole vehicle weighs just 893 pounds. The concept's other major piece of motorcycle DNA is the mid-mounted 1.0-liter V4 sourced from Honda's RC213V that races in MotoGP. Tuned here for road use, it puts down over 212 horsepower when spinning at 13,000 rpm, and peak torque of 87 pound-feet hits at a still stellar 10,500 rpm. The redline is at a stratospheric 14,000 rpm. The high-revving engine bangs through the gears through a six-speed dual clutch transmission. Unfortunately, the Project 2&4 has zero provisions for even a modicum of driver safety, and that makes it exceedingly unlikely for one to ever see customer orders. We still look forward to seeing that bizarre, floating seat on display at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, though. HONDA PROJECT 2&4 POWERED BY RC213V TO DEBUT AT FRANKFURT: A COMBINATION OF GLOBAL CREATIVITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP Winner of Honda's 'Global Design Project' to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show Cabin-less structure features a floating seat design for immersive driving experience Powered by Honda's MotoGP RC213V engine, modified to run on public roads 'Honda Project 2&4 powered by RC213V', the winning entry from Honda's 'Global Design Project', will make its global debut at the 66th Frankfurt Motor Show at stand B11 in Hall 9.0. Embodying the concept of 'creative craftsmanship', Honda Project 2&4 celebrates Honda's position as the world's leading engine manufacturer, providing engines to 28 million people per year across two- and four-wheel automotive, power equipment, marine and aerospace applications.

Honda teases racing motorcycle-powered concept for Frankfurt

With upcoming models like the next-gen Civic and NSX, Honda is working to return to its performance glory days. We'll see one more manifestation of that desire at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show with the Project 2&4 concept. The single teaser image leaves the styling to anyone's guess, but the vehicle is powered by the potent 1.0-liter V4 from the RC213V MotoGP race bike. Stuffing the high-strung motorcycle engine into the car should at least make a great noise. Unfortunately, Honda is keeping the details very scant in the teaser. The Project 2&4 has no cabin and is meant to combine "the freedom of a motorcycle and the maneuverability of a car." That suggests a low-slung, minimalist body with an emphasis on handling, and the image appears to show open wheels at the front and rear. The company also doesn't say whether it has the race bike's full competition engine with over 235 horsepower or the new street version with 157 hp to over 212 hp, depending on the spec. The Project 2&4's shape is the result of a global competition among the brand's studios. The winning design is the result of cooperation from the motorcycle stylists in Asaka, Japan, and the automotive team in Wako, Japan. We're curious to see what it actually looks like in Frankfurt. Honda to Showcase Re-energized Model Range at 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Honda 2015 model range of entirely all-new and refreshed cars Global premiere of Honda Project 2&4 powered by RC213V, modified for public road use, showcasing Honda's uniquely creative engineering Honda UNI-CUB ? to make its German debut August 26, 2015 - The 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show underlines an important year for Honda and will see the brand presenting its new model range of entirely refreshed and all-new cars displayed together. Alongside the new line-up, Honda will also showcase design concepts and advanced technologies, all demonstrating Honda's unique creativity in meeting the personal mobility challenges of today and the future. Honda Project 2&4 Powered by RC213V – embodiment of creativity and craftsmanship The 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show will witness the global premiere of 'Honda Project 2&4'. A winner of the global design competition run by Honda between its global design studios, Honda Project 2&4 represents the company's drive to inspire and reward creative thinking.