Elliot did play up the fact that the SUT's planed all-aluminum DOHC V6 will be coupled with an advanced, electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system for "outstanding all-weather handling performance and medium-duty towing and off-road capabilities, along with ultra-low emissions and class-leading fuel efficiency."
Production Slated for Ontario
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| The production SUT will be built in 2005 at the Honda Canada Manufacturing Plant in Alliston, Ontario. (Photo: Honda Canada) |
While the example unveiled in Detroit is a "concept," the production SUT will be built in 2005 at the Honda Canada Manufacturing Plant in Alliston, Ontario, on its global light truck platform that is shared with the Pilot SUV and the Acura MDX, which are also built at the plant. The Honda Odyssey minivan, which is built at the factory, will be moved to the Honda Manufacturing of Alabama plant to make room for SUT production.
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| Although Honda isn't talking about the SUT's engine, it will probably be similar to 240-hp 3.5-liter SOHC 24-Valve, VTEC V6 found in the 2004 Pilot SUV. (Photo: Honda Canada) |
Honda is not releasing much information on the SUT's engine displacement, though the 2004 Pilot features a 3.5-liter SOHC 24-Valve, VTEC V6 that produces 240 hp at 5,400 rpm and 242 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm with gas mileage of 13.8 L/100 km (17 mpg) in the city and 10.8 L/100 km (22 mpg) on the highway. The Acura MDX, with a similar engine to the Pilot, gets a boost of 25 hp and 11 more foot-pounds of torque, while squeezing out an extra 1 mpg (0.4 km/L) on the highway. Expect the SUT's powertrain capabilities to be somewhere in the range of the Pilot and MDX.