2004 Honda SUT Concept

Honda SÚT Concept Debuts at 2004 North American International Auto Show
Next-generation truck concept sets direction for new Honda

Detroit, January 4, 2004 --- The Honda SÚT Concept made its world debut today at the 2004 North American International Auto Show as American Honda announced plans for the launch of an all-new sport-utility truck slated for introduction in calendar year 2005. The all-new model will be based on Honda's Global Light Truck Platform and will be produced by Honda Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario.

The Honda SÚT Concept is a next-generation truck concept that takes a clean slate approach to the light-duty truck segment by combining a roomy and practical SÚV-style interior and a pickup-style cargo bed with traditional Honda strengths including refined styling, superior ergonomics, innovative design and world-class build quality. Taking advantage of its unibody underpinnings, the Honda SÚT Concept offers superior packaging efficiency, ride comfort and handling dynamics versus traditional truck-based vehicles in the class.

"The pickup market is evolving to meet the changing tastes of a new generation of truck buyers," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Honda SÚT Concept takes this evolution to the next level with higher levels of refinement and sophistication in a sporty and socially responsible package with Honda durability, quality and reliability."

A Next Generation Truck with a Únibody Chassis

The SÚT Concept features a refined and spacious cabin with seating for five adults and a five-foot long cargo bed with reduced intrusion of the real wheel arches for maximized cargo hauling capabilities.

Built around the image of an active young father, the Honda SÚT Concept represents a fusion of this "cool dad's" family life stage and active life style - where everyday work life and family responsibilities are combined with weekend sports, hobbies and family activity in one highly practical, rugged and functional vehicle.

The Honda SÚT is also designed as the ultimate vehicle for bringing together Honda's diverse line of products, including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), personal watercraft, marine engines and power equipment. "This vehicle serves as the hub of Honda activity," said Dave Marek, chief designer of the Honda SÚT Concept.

Billet Machined Aluminum Design Theme

The styling theme for the SÚT Concept was "billet machined aluminum" capturing the idea of a vehicle that has been machined from a single block of metal. From its wide stance and bold face, down to the smallest interior and exterior details, the SÚT Concept's next-generation styling conveys a look of strength and agility with a modern, technical appearance. The design also takes advantage of its unibody frame to deliver the first fully integrated cab and bed, lending the SÚT Concept a twenty-first century truck appearance.

"People will recognize this as a new kind of truck," said Marek. "We wanted to express the unique character of Honda in a vehicle that we think will take all trucks into the next generation, stylistically."

Design details include a roof with a four-paneled skylight; a cargo bed with integrated lights and speakers; seats featuring a roll bar appearance; storage bins made with climbing rope; and front door liners with integrated Mag-Lite, flashlights.

High Performance, Low Emissions, Sporty Handling

Combining fun-to-drive performance with environmental responsibility, the concept vehicle is powered by a high performance, high torque all-aluminum VTEC V-6 engine 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.

With its wide track and sophisticated four-wheel fully independent suspension, the SÚT Concept also delivers a new level of ride comfort and handling prowess to the light truck segment.

Safety Leadership

In addition to offering a high level of handling stability, the SÚT Concept also offers a full array of advanced safety technology. In keeping with Honda's "Safety for Everyone" concept, the Honda SÚT Concept integrates safety features such as side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), front-side airbags with the Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), four-wheel anti-lock brakes and pedestrian safety features. With its unibody frame design, the SÚT Concept provides a high level of occupant protection along with reduced aggression toward other vehicles in a frontal collision.

Key Features and Specifications

- High output VTEC V-6
- Advanced electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system
- Reinforced unibody chassis design
- Billeted aluminum exterior and interior design theme
- Spacious five-passenger cabin
- 5-foot cargo bed with integrated lighting and bed tie downs
- High-power audio system with exterior bed speakers
- Next generation Honda Navigation System
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- Dual Stage, dual threshold front airbags
- Front side airbags with OPDS (Occupant Position Detection System)
- Side curtain airbag system with rollover sensors
- Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters

Source - Honda Media