2011 honda pilot reviews

The Pilot is Honda's mid-size crossover utility vehicle, offering a rugged look combined with a very passenger-friendly package and surprisingly good on-the-road performance.
Four-wheel-drive models can tow up to 4,500 pounds.
From a practicality standpoint, the interior of the 2011 Honda Pilot interior brims with cubbies, holders, and bins for accoutrements of all sorts.

The 2011 Honda Pilot’s strengths are a spacious third-row seat, lots of storage cubbies, and a powerful engine, but it can’t keep up with competitors when it comes to interior quality and braking performance.

Along with its spacious third row and excellent safety scores, the Pilot boasts a powerful V6 engine and impressive towing capacity. It also comes with three rows of seats (though it seats seven rather than the Pilot’s eight) and boasts a better 19/25 fuel economy rating.

At a glance, the "2011 Honda Pilot" would seem to do a fine job as a family hauler. In sum, we think the 2011 Honda Pilot is an adequate choice for a midsize or large crossover SUV. The 2011 Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Each is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. The EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, painted body molding (versus black plastic), roof rails, heated exterior mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat (with two-way power lumbar), steering-wheel audio controls, tri-zone automatic climate control, an in-dash six-CD changer, and satellite radio. Optional on the EX-L is a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a voice-activated navigation system bundled with Bluetooth, an iPod interface and a 10-speaker premium audio system.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2011 Honda Pilot is motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all Pilot models are available with an all-wheel-drive system that automatically apportions power to the rear wheels -- up to 70 percent -- when front slippage occurs. This system also has a driver-selectable "lock" feature that routes maximum torque to the rear wheels at speeds below 19 mph.

Still the Pilot's EPA estimates of 17 city/23 highway mpg and 19 mpg combined (16/22/18 for AWD models) are merely average for this segment.

Safety
Standard safety equipment includes stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In the government's new, more strenuous crash testing for 2011, the Pilot earned an overall rating of four stars out of a possible five, with four stars for overall frontal crash protection and five stars for overall side crash protection.The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety likewise awarded the Pilot its top "Good" rating for both frontal-offset and side-impact crashes.

Interior Design and Special Features
Mimicking the 2011 Honda Pilot's utilitarian exterior styling, the interior features a rugged and blocky theme. The Pilot also keeps stride with the competition with its roomy third-row seats.

Driving Impressions
In terms of performance, the 2011 Honda Pilot is burdened by a lack of power and a hefty curb weight. On curvy roads, the Pilot also feels rather cumbersome. In our testing, however, that positive feel ran counter to the Pilot's rather long stopping distances.

Tata Pixel to be unveiled at Geneva Show

Tata Motors unveiled the new Pixel concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The PIXEL will be powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder diesel engine. With clever technology, the city car will have class leading turning circle radius.

This car which is at its premature stage will be primarily made for the European market. It features three Gull winged doors (doors which open in the direction of the sky) and is built on the Nano base which means it’s around 3 meter but comes with better equipped and large interiors keeping in mind the European market. The unveiling will be done by Chairman Mr Ratan Tata.




Press Release

The Tata Pixel, a new city car concept for Europe

• Most package efficient four-seater in the world
• 'Zero turn' drive maximizes manoeuvrability when parking
• Innovative 'scissor' door system allows entry and exit in the tightest of spaces
• CO2 emissions of just 89 gm/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 3.4 litres/100km

The Tata Pixel, with 'Zero Turn' drive and an innovative diamond-shaped door system, is a new city car concept for Europe from Tata Motors. Based on the Tata Nano, the Pixel - at just over three metres in length - is the most package efficient four-seater in the world, comfortably accommodating four adults, unlike a typical city car which is either a two-seater or can accommodate two adults and two children only.

The Tata Pixel's ability to manoeuvre and park in the tightest of spaces is made possible by its Zero Turn toroidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT). This highly efficient, cost-effective system assists rotation of the outer rear wheel forwards and the inner rear wheel backwards during low-speed manoeuvres, while the front wheels turn at acute angles. The result is a turning circle radius of just 2.6 metres. The glass area on the scissor doors provides excellent visibility even in the most extreme turning manoeuvre.

The 'scissor' doors rotate upwards from the front to allow all four passengers to effortlessly enter or exit the Tata Pixel, even in the tightest of spaces, while the doors' large glass area provides excellent visibility.

A forward sweeping roofline, with minimal front and rear overhangs, accentuates the youthful styling, while the window graphic features an interchangeable island that can be used to change the exterior appearance whenever desired.

The Tata Pixel also introduces 'My Tata Connect' -- the first integrated human-machine interface (HMI) concept from Tata Motors for its new generation programmes. 'My Tata Connect' enables seamless integration of the user's smartphone or tablet with the vehicle's infotainment system and also allows controlling key functions of the car. This provides a customised, user friendly, all-in-one touch screen display, while also allowing the driver to remain seamlessly connected to the external world in much the same way as they would be when at home or in the office, listening to favourite songs, internet news and sport or stock updates. In addition to serving as the infotainment display when docked in the instrument panel, the tablet also allows temperature, ventilation and air-conditioning settings to be adjusted through its touch screen, as well as displaying information on the vehicle's performance.

A 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, positioned at the rear of the Tata Pixel, gives lively performance. The engine is a low-friction design, featuring variable coolant and oil pump and rapid warm-up technologies. With optimised aerodynamic drag, low rolling-resistance tyres, stop-start technology, and intelligent battery charging, the Tata Pixel returns European combined cycle (NEDC) fuel economy of 3.4 l/100km and CO2 emissions of just 89g/km.

Tata Pixel, new city car concept for Europe, displayed at the 81st Geneva Motor Show

Tata Motors today presented at the 81st Geneva Motor Show the Tata Pixel, a new city car concept for Europe. Based on the Tata Nano, the Tata Pixel - at just over three metres in length - is the most package efficient four-seater in the world, comfortably accommodating four adults, unlike a typical city car which is either a two-seater or can accommodate two adults and two children only.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Carl-Peter Forster, Managing Director and Group CEO of Tata Motors, said, "Tata Motors holds true to its belief that there is an opportunity in Europe for a city car, which is optimal in space, manoeuvrability and environment-friendliness. The Tata Pixel is a reflection of Tata Motors' idea of what such a car should be."

The Tata Pixel's ability to manoeuvre and park in the tightest of spaces is made possible by its Zero Turn toroidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT), which assists rotation of the outer rear wheel forwards and the inner rear wheel backwards, while the front wheels turn at acute angles. The result is a turning circle radius of just 2.6 metres. The 'scissor' doors rotate upwards from the front to allow passengers to effortlessly enter or exit the Tata Pixel, even in the tightest of spaces.

A forward sweeping roofline, with minimal front and rear overhangs, accentuates the youthful styling. The Tata Pixel is also designed to provide a high level of connectivity. Key functions are controlled by the driver's smart phone, running 'My Tata Connect' -- the first integrated human-machine interface (HMI) concept from Tata Motors.

A 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, positioned at the rear of the Tata Pixel, gives lively performance. The engine is a low-friction design, featuring variable coolant and oil pump and rapid warm-up technologies. With optimised aerodynamic drag, low rolling-resistance tyres, stop-start technology, and intelligent battery charging, the Tata Pixel returns European combined cycle (NEDC) fuel economy of 3.4 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of just 89g/km.

Taking its pursuit of electric vehicles forward, Tata Motors is also displaying the Tata Indica Vista Electric Vehicle at the Motor Show's Green Pavillion. The Tata Indica Vista EV will be made available to fleet customers this summer in the UK. The four-seater family car has a predicted range of up to 160 km.

The Tata Indica Vista EV bagged two trophies for its performance at the Royal Automobile Club's Brighton-to-London Future Car Challenge. A special version, the Tata Indica Vista EVX, participated in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize contest, one of the world's most prestigious events for environment-friendly vehicles.

The company's displays also include the Tata Aria, the first Indian four-wheel drive crossover, which was launched in India recently to rave reviews, the Tata Indigo Manza, among India's best selling sedans scheduled for launch this year in select countries, and the Tata Indica Vista, a top selling hatch already launched in select geographies. In Europe, the Indica Vista has already been introduced in Poland and Italy, and is planned for launch in Spain. The Tata Aria too will be launched, further enhancing the company's portfolio in these markets.

2011 Geneva Motor Show: Ruf Rt 12R

The German tuning specialists RUF are ready with their new model called Rt 12 R – based on the latest Porsche 911. The car is exhibited in Geneva and will definitely catch the attention of the audience.

The RT 12 (for 12th generation of RUF-tuned 911 Turbos) has received a power boost for the R model, taking its output to 730hp and torque to 693lb ft. The car receives a prominent rear wing similar to the one fitted to the GT3 RSR race car, and also gets a carbon fibre bonnet and front bumper. Inside, a new grade of steel has been used for the integral roll cage saving 8kg and the interior is stripped of luxuries.

With an overall dry curb weight of 3,295 pounds, the Rt 12 R will hustle to 62 mph in under 4.0 seconds and go all the way to reach a top speed of more than 230 mph.

On the outside RUF details this racer with carbon components including a rear spoiler, bonnet and front mudguards. Also part of the outfitting are lightweight doors made of aluminum and side and rear windows out of plastic. Optional is the carbon roof.

The twin-turbo boxer engine with 3.8 liter engine provides 537 kW (730 hp) with maximum torque of 940 Nm. Power is transmitted via a six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel drive provides maximum driving dynamics. The weight-optimized R, with details of the racing, is ideal for racing. The suspension is adjustable.

The price of the RUF Rt 12 R is set at €279,000 or about US$386,400 at today’s exchange rates.




Press Release

The Rt 12 family has grown.

RUF presented at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 (03 - 13 March), the brand new Rt 12 R. The twin-turbo boxer engine with 3.8 liter engine provides 537 kW (730 hp) with maximum torque of 940 Nm. Power is transmitted via a six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel drive provides maximum driving dynamics. The weight-optimized R, with details of the racing, is ideal for racing. The suspension is adjustable.

Technical data:

Coupé body
Carbon rear spoiler
Lightweight front mudguard with carbon
Carbon bonnet
Carbon-roof option
Lightweight aluminum doors with door panels
Rear and side windows made of plastic
Carbon bucket seats
In the headliner integrated roll cage with cross brace (IRC)
Ceramic brakes, front disc diameter 380 mm, rear 350 mm
Forged aluminum wheels with central locking, front 9J x 19, Rear 12J x 19
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup, front 245/35 ZR 19, rear 325/30 ZR 19

Six-cylinder bi-turbo boxer engine
Capacity 3.8 l
Power 537 kW (730 hp) at 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque 940 Nm at 3,500 rpm
Six-speed manual transmission
Four-wheel drive (rear wheel drive optional)
Maximum speed of 370 km / h
Kerb weight DIN 1495 kg

Price: 279.000,00 € (plus VAT)