With all the attention Toyota and Chevy got last year with their new full-size pickups, and all the recent noise Ford and Dodge made at the 2008 Detroit International Auto Show (and let's not forget about Nissan's plan to let Dodge build the next Titan), is it any wonder a small-time player like the Honda Ridgeline isn't getting much attention. But that could change real soon if the current excitement on the rumor mill is any indication.
We've seen a few blog and chat room postings guessing at what Honda will do with its next-generation Ridgeline, now that the new Pilot is out. We've seen everything from news that a V-8 will make it in the engine bay, to the release of a stronger and more capable towing package. If we had to guess, knowing what we do about how Honda likes to play this game, we'd say it'll certainly have some upgrades and even a few modifications, but nothing nearly as dramatic as the blogasphere might hope for.
With that said, if the new Pilot is any indication, there may be some new, more fuel-efficient technology under the hood, but we wouldn't put much stock in the V-8 rumors, especially with fuel prices climbing. If we had our way, a V-6 turbodiesel would be a much smarter way to go and one that could appease some truck enthusiasts who haven't been too enthralled with what the Ridgeline offers.
We're hoping to get time this summer with Honda engineers to see exactly what they have in mind for this next mid-model refresh. It'll probably be nothing drastic, but certainly cautiously calculated. We'll keep holding out for a heavier-duty chassis and adjustable rear springs and maybe even a new type of bed configuration, but until we know, we'll try to stay out of the rumor-mongering business. We'll have more later.