By Honda’s three-row SUV is coming completely redesigned for the 2023 model year. It brings a lot of novelties and from what we can see, most of them are evolutionary. From the logical standpoint, that’s an expected move, considering that the previous version was already a pretty amazing vehicle. Honda improved a few aspects that needed changes, but the overall design approach remained largely the same. That will certainly keep the regular customers but our insiders also suggest that the Japanese company has the plan to gain new, more demanding customers. For that, it will introduce a high-performance version, which would come as the 2024 Honda Pilot Type R.
At this point, there is still no official confirmation but rumors suggest various kinds of upgrades for this particular model. One of the first things that come to mind is the engine, which would probably be turbocharged, though some sources even speculate about a plug-in hybrid setup. Of course, we would also expect to see further enhancements in terms of the chassis and suspension setup, as well as various styling upgrades that will accentuate the SUV’s performance nature.
2024 Honda Pilot Type R Engine
The recent redesign didn’t bring significant changes under the hood. We saw the same, slightly upgraded 3.5-liter V6, which now features 285 horsepower, just 5 ponies more than the previous generation. Therefore, it’s obvious that the new 2024 Honda Pilot Type R would have to come with something much more powerful.
The first engine that comes to mind is the potent 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which already powers a couple of Acura’s performance models, such as the MDX Type S and the TLX Type S. That engine is tuned to 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. So, we presume that such an engine would be a perfect choice for a high-performance Pilot. The engine would come coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters, while we also believe that the company could install its well-known SH-AWD system with torque vectoring.
Some sources also speculate about a plug-in hybrid setup, but we don’t see such a scenario as particularly likely.
2024 Honda Pilot Type R Design
Of course, the engine wouldn’t be the only upgrade in the 2024 Honda Pilot Type R. We also expect to see upgrades in terms of chassis and suspension. For example, the chassis may get further reinforcement, in order to improve torsion rigidity. On the other hand, the suspension would get new components, such as performance dampers and similar things, which would stiffen the ride and reduce the ground clearance, which results in less body lean in corners, more precise handling etc. Another thing we could see is bigger brakes.
The 2024 Honda Pilot Type R would also come with a lot of exclusive details that would accentuate its performance nature. One of the first things that come to mind is the new body kit, with more aggressive bumpers, side skirts and similar things. Furthermore, we also expect to see bigger wheels, along with lower-profile tires. Naturally, the grille would come with upgrades, while we would also see exclusive color options, exclusive badges etc.
Interior
The Pilot is primarily a family hauler, so it would be really interesting to see how the implementation of typical Type R elements would look in a vehicle like this. We presume that the focus would be on the front end of the cabin, where the dashboard would be upgraded with new materials, exclusive color schemes and similar things. Furthermore, we might see upgrades seats, with better side support and new upholstery. The whole cabin should get a new color scheme, with Type R’s typical red details.
At the same time, this will remain a three-row SUV, with the ability to accommodate up to eight passengers. The front and second-row seats are very generous with space, while the third row, although tighter, also offers a decent level of functionality. Traditionally, the Pilot offers one of the largest cargo areas in the class.
Since we are talking about a version that would be the most expensive Pilot in the lineup, there is no doubt that the list of standard equipment would be pretty long. We count on various tech features, starting from the bigger 9-inch infotainment system, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, premium audio system etc.
We also expect to see a long list of standard safety features, which would include things like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control etc.
2024 Honda Pilot Type R Release Date and Price
We presume that the 2024 Honda Pilot Type R could arrive by the end of the year. It’s still early to talk about price, but we estimate it could start around 55.000 dollars.
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