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The Honda Ridgeline returns for 2017

The midsize truck segment is red hot right now, thanks to the new Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon twins, not to mention the redesigned Toyota Tacoma. So after killing the unibody Ridgeline truck a few years ago, Honda's back with another attempt. The 2017 Ridgeline keeps all of the old truck's rhythms intact, in a fresh, modern package. Slab-sided and with a tweaked version of the new Pilot's face, the Ridgeline is at the very least a brawny looking pickup. Honda says the truck's bed is five feet wide and five feet, four inches long, two figures that are larger than the first-gen Ridgeline, not to mention the four-door versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. But while those trucks offer different cab and bed configurations, the Ridgeline should be a one-size-fits-all affair. Keeping with that theme, the Ridgeline only offers V6 power, courtesy of Honda's excellent 3.5-liter VTEC six-pot. Honda doesn't give any power figures, but the Pilot does its job with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, so we expect similar numbers for the Ridgeline. But here, Honda will forgo the Pilot's nine-speed automatic in favor of a more traditional six-speed box. An optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system is available, but base Ridgelines will send power to the front axle only. Yes, a front-wheel-drive pickup truck. This one's definitely not for those who need true truck capability. Here's the best thing we can say about the new Ridgeline: it will continue to be a stellar tailgating partner. The first-gen truck was perfect for partying before a big game. There was room for four, and the ample bed had plenty of room for stuff and featured a unique dual-opening tailgate for easy unloading. The highlight, though, was a drainable, water-tight, 8.5-cubic-foot compartment built into the bed. A bed to sit in, and a place for the drinks. And a secure place to hold cargo the rest of the time. Those innovative features are joined by an industry first in-bed stereo system. In the cabin, that stereo system will be able to pump out the tunes from an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes complete with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

HyFive hydrogen infrastructure gets $51M boost across Europe

"High five!" was one of the catch-phrases of Sacha Baron Cohen's Kazakh comedic alter ego Borat. A real-world HyFive is being announced by a power broker named Boris. And this is serious business. London Mayor Boris Johnson has announced a program called HyFive, which will see automakers and other entities invest 31 million British pounds ($51 million US) in a demonstration project for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. By next year, London will have three hydrogen refueling stations, while there will be one each in the Danish cities of Aarhus and Odense and one in Innsbruck, Austria. Leaders of the program are planning for other stations in Sweden, Germany and Italy. The five participating automakers are BMW, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota, while other companies involved include Copenhagen Hydrogen Network, ITM Power and Linde. Those OEMs will make 110 fuel-cell vehicles available for deployment in Bolzano, Copenhagen, Innsbruck, London, Munich and Stuttgart. The program represents an effort to address the "chicken or egg?" challenge inherent to establishing a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle market. While the powertrain technology provides benefits by combining fossil-fuel-like refueling times with long driving ranges and zero emissions, establishing a refueling network and building fuel-cell vehicles is prohibitively expensive, especially in low volumes. The London mayor is no stranger to green transportation technology. Late last year, Johnson made himself available for a photo opportunity with Ecotive and Frazer-Nash, which had developed a six-passenger extended-range plug-in taxicab. The mayor got a test drive in the cabs this week. You can check out the HyFive press release below. Global leaders sign up to GBP31m plan to demonstrate viability of hydrogen vehicles International project HyFive pioneers hydrogen fuel cell technology A pioneering GBP31 million deal will be struck today (3 April) to make hydrogen vehicles a viable and environmentally friendly choice for motorists across Europe. Leading motor manufacturers, hydrogen fuel suppliers, the Mayor of London's Office and energy consultancies from around the globe are signing up to the HyFive project, the largest of its kind in Europe, at City Hall in London today.

Honda Baja race truck previews 2017 Ridgeline at SEMA [w/video]

Honda is heading to this year's SCORE Baja 1000 with a mean-looking, race-prepped Ridgeline Baja Race Truck in the unlimited class. The tube-framed pickup makes a grand debut at the 2015 SEMA Show, but take a good look at the styling on display here. While it's a lot more aggressive than the real thing, it previews the production model that arrives in the first half of 2016. The race truck looks seriously tough with huge fenders, chunky off-road tires, and tons of LED lighting. According to Honda, "the front fascia, hood, roof, bed, and side profile" all feature elements that are inspired by the upcoming production version. Based on the version here and earlier teases, those cues suggest a more traditional, pickup-like appearance than the previous Ridgeline. Of course, any Baja truck needs serious power, and for this Ridgeline that comes from Honda Performance Development's HR35TT racing engine. The twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 makes around 550 horsepower in this application. Look closely at the front to find a hidden hood scoop that sends cool air to a custom intake plenum. Check out the gallery above for a look at the Baja Ridgeline at the SEMA Show. The video below shows off the tube-frame chassis underneath, and offers a great look at the engine, too. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Honda Announces Return to Baja at 2015 SEMA Show, Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Hints at Styling Direction for All-New 2017 Ridgeline Pickup Nov 3, 2015 - LAS VEGAS Today at the 2015 SEMA Show, Honda revealed its Ridgeline Baja Race Truck, a purpose-built racing machine that marks Honda's return to off-road truck racing, while also providing an early glimpse at the styling direction for the all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup that will hit dealer showrooms in the first half of next year. The Honda exhibit also showcased a multifaceted display of personalized Honda cars, SUVs, powersports products and two- and four-wheeled racing machines. The Honda Ridgeline Baja Race Truck, in red, white and black Honda Racing livery, will compete in this year's running of the SCORE Baja 1000. The tube-frame unlimited class off-road truck is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 developed by Honda's U.S.