The interior revisions include such cosmetics as restyled controls and gauges. But if you don't like using your hands, we're told the Ridgeline now has Bluetooth HandsFreeLink optional. The loaded-up RTL model also has satellite navigation, a 115-volt power outlet, and an MP3/auxiliary input jack. And all Ridgelines will now receive active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights.

So what about the power? Well, the 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine now has a new camshaft and a higher-flowing dual-stage intake manifold. That means a huge bump in power. Yes, 3 HP. OK, so 250 HP at 5,700 rpm and 247 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm isn't bad, just not exactly massive. But to make the most of the grunt, Honda also played with the gears of the 5-speed slushbox to enable slightly better acceleration. If all this makes you excited, you'll be happy to know the 2009 Ridgeline is expected to go on sale next month. [via CarScoop]

Lincoln is also getting some new product to make up for Odyssey/Pilot decreases, as Honda Ridgeline pickup production will be consolidated there from Alliston, Ontario. The Ontario plant will then concentrate on cranking out more Civics.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: Honda has one thing going for them the U.S. automakers don't have — a lineup that includes a wider variety of small, fuel-efficient vehicles. Boosting Civic production is the right move at the right time. But, how far over the "comfort line" is Honda with Odyssey/Pilot supply? Automotive News claims, as of July 1, they have a 78-day supply of Odysseys and a 99-day supply of Pilots. The company wants between a 45- and 60-day supply. In contrast, the F-150, one of the vehicles hit hardest by the truck slowdown, had about a 104-day supply. In other words, Honda screwed up its production forecasts almost as much as Ford. USA! USA! [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

This implausible scenario will be acted out during the 119th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

The Ridgeline is mostly made from yellow starflower with accents made from red carnations and silver leaf standing in for the chrome. After the parade, the float will be ground up and used for mulch. [Source: Honda]

Related:
Odo Problem Causes Honda to Extend Warranties; Robot Down: The Untold Story Of Honda Asimo's First Fall; Oy, Robot: Asimo Down! Asimo Down! [internal]

Press Release:

Honda Reveals Customized Concepts for Civic, Fit and CR-V at 2006 SEMA Show

LAS VEGAS 10/31/2006 —

More than 15 Honda project and concept vehicles made worldwide debuts at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

Honda-customized concept vehicles included the Honda Fit Sport Extreme Concept and Sport Concept CR-V with custom versions of accessory body kits, interior accessories and wheels. A Honda Element-D drift racecar also debuted with a radical powertrain consisting of a 500-horsepower V6 and rear-wheel-drive. Project vehicles built by aftermarket accessory companies on display included numerous Fits, Civics, an S2000 and a customized off-road racing Ridgeline.

Honda's announcements at SEMA coincide with the on-sale date of the new-for-2007 Civic Si Sedan. The Civic Si Sedan embraces the style and performance of the Civic Si Coupe and marks the first time that "Si" performance has become available in a sedan body style. Similar to the existing Civic Si Coupe, the Civic Si Sedan serves as another performance halo for the Civic line-up with a 197-horsepower, 16-valve, DOHC 2.0 liter i-VTEC(R) 4-cylinder engine with an 8,000 rpm redline - all mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission and a helical-type, limited slip differential.

Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan
The name MUGEN symbolizes Honda performance throughout Asia and around the globe. MUGEN, under license by M-TEC Co., Ltd., of Japan, has been closely associated with Honda for decades in the design and manufacture of racing and premium performance components. The Civic MUGEN Si Sedan draws inspiration from a "Formula Sport" concept, adding an aggressive dimension of performance to the Civic Si Sedan with a track-tuned suspension, aerodynamic body styling and a performance exhaust system. The track tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches (15mm) with highly aggressive spring and damper tuning for enhanced handling performance. The full-vehicle aero-package adds a front spoiler and sports grille, side spoilers, a rear diffuser and a rear wing. The lightweight MUGEN forged alloy wheels measure 18x7.5 inches and are shod with high grip 215/40R18 summer tires. The sports exhaust system reduces back pressure from the catalytic converter back resulting in an enhanced power curve. Additional accoutrements include front and rear MUGEN emblems along with a serial number placard on the instrument panel. A spherical 50 mm MUGEN aluminum shift knob replaces the standard aluminum and perforated leather shift knob. Planned for production in a limited quantity of 500 units a year, the Civic MUGEN Si will be available at U.S. Honda dealers starting in spring 2007 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of less than $30,000 and includes a full factory warranty.

Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Civic Si Sedan
As a dealer installed accessory, Honda's in-house HFP products carry the same 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as the rest of the vehicle and are designed to genuinely enhance the ownership experience. Similar to the Civic Si Coupe HFP package on sale since spring 2006, the Civic Si Sedan HFP package includes a wide range of performance- and style-enhancing products. High-performance springs reduce ride height by about one-inch and lower the vehicle's roll center. High-performance dampers enhance road handling characteristics and decrease body roll. Larger wheels and tires include 18x7 alloy wheels (plus 1-inch diameter) designed for high-performance 215/40ZR-18 tires (sold separately). A chrome sport muffler emphasizes performance and enhances engine sound. A full aerodynamic body kit (front, sides and rear) further elevates the style quotient of the entire vehicle. Interior and exterior HFP emblems complement the package. The HFP package for the Civic Si Sedan goes on sale in the spring of 2007 with an estimated MSRP of $3,800 plus installation (estimated at 5.6 hours). HFP components can also be purchased individually. American Honda launched its performance accessory program in 2002 with the introduction of a Honda Factory Performance package for the Civic EX Coupe.

Fit Sport Extreme Concept
Envisioned as an entry-level performance car, the Scorched Orange Metallic and matte black Fit Sport Extreme Concept features an aerodynamically styled front bumper fascia with carbon fiber components along with HID fog lights and LED daytime running lights. Large fender flares and low, aggressive side skirts accent its ultra-low profile. A rear carbon fiber diffuser with a center exhaust outlet along with an extended rear aero wing helps enhance style and high-speed downforce. The factory Japan Domestic Market (JDM) rear LED taillights and side mirrors with integrated turn signals further accent the high-tech feel of the vehicle. An advanced, track-tuned suspension package lowers the Fit Sport Extreme Concept ride height and enhances the vehicle's handling dynamics. Brembo(R) brake components on all four wheels provide amazing levels of stopping force.

Graphite black wheels (17 inch) incorporate Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tires (215/45R-17). Interior modifications focus on the creation of a high-tech, performance-oriented driving environment with carbon fiber accents that match the exterior styling. The interior features custom Recaro sport seats with Civic Si-style synthetic suede. A dashboard-mounted prototype portable navigation system accessory is also shown.

Sport Concept CR-V
Following the theme of "urban sport," the Sport Concept CR-V is designed to increase the athletic feel of the already sophisticated CR-V. Highlights include aerodynamically styled front and rear bumpers along with a sports suspension package that lowers the Sport Concept CR-V for a customized presence. Custom 19-inch wheels are shod with Bridgestone Potenza tires (245/45R19). Interior modifications focus on the creation of a high-tech, performance-oriented driving environment with the addition of Civic Si synthetic suede fabric on the seating surfaces. Carbon fiber trim panels further accent the interior. Outside, the Sport Concept CR-V is painted in Agile Blue.

Honda Element-D
The Honda Element-D ("D" for drifting) racecar shows what can happen when enthusiastic Honda associates raid the company parts bin. Built for the racing sport of drifting, the Honda Element-D racecar replaces the stock 4-cylinder/Real Time(TM) 4WD drivetrain with a custom-designed and longitudinally-mounted 3.2-liter Honda V6 and rear-wheel-drive. Producing 500-horsepower, the lightweight twin-turbocharged powerhouse is guaranteed to light up the rear tires and accelerate sideways at full opposite lock. Associates from Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in Ohio plan to campaign the Element-D in the 2007 Formula Drift Series.

Tuner Project Vehicles Displayed at the Honda Booth
AEM/Memphis Car Audio Drift S2000
A&L Racing Element SC
SCORE Ridgeline Racing
Super Street Magazine Fit of Fury
Thunderhill Civic Si Racecar
DSO Eyewear Element
DVS/Drag Cartel "Get In Where You Fit In" Fit
King Motorsports Super Fit
Forever Orange Fit by Ryan Shutt
Hasport Civic Sedan
Skunk2 Racing Fit R
TJIN Edition Unique Fit
H&R Springs Fit Sport

It's a clean sweep for Honda over at Motor Trend. Earlier this month, the buff book named the Honda Civic its 2006 Car of the Year, now the Civic's truckish sibling, the Ridgeline, was named the magazine's 2006 Truck of the Year. The Ridgie, which hasn't been selling to Honda's satisfaction since its launch this year, beat out the Dodge Ram 1500, Dodge Ram Mega Cab, Honda Ridgeline, Isuzu i350, Lincoln Mark LT, and Mitsubishi Raider to claim the prize. MT editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie said the Ridgeline "is filled with innovation and clever solutions to everyday issues" and "encompasses all necessities a truck should have." (Except maybe a V8 and a full-length bed, but don't mind us.) The Ridgeline's independent rear suspension and novel lighting and storage solutions also helped win over the MT crowd, which considers value, class superiority and the level of "significant development on the new-truck scene" in their decision-making.

Motor Trend Names 2006 Truck of the Year [Motor Trend]

Related:
Honda Civic Nabs 2006 Motor Trend Car of the Year [internal]

You thought we'd forgotten about the poll we ran last week — in which we asked readers to select from the cars and trucks nominated for North American Car and Truck of the Year (ok, guilty). The turnout wasn't bad, but the results were a semi-shocker. Among cars nominated, you guys picked the 2006 Honda Civic as Car of the Year — with 20.1% of the vote — and the Honda Ridgeline as Truck of the Year — with 21.1%. Anyone care to comment on how the Ridgeline, which has yet to attract real interest among buyers, beat, say, the Land Rover Sport? We'll keep the poll open another month and see if anything changes before the real NACTOYs are announced in January.

Related:
Screw the NACTOY: You Pick the North American Car and Truck of the Year [internal]

You can almost see the vapor trails of desperation wafting from Honda's Ridgeline. So far for the ungainly SUVickup, things have turned out exactly how the naysayers said: pickup guys would be alienated by its short bed, Pilot underpinnings, lack of a V8 option and steep price tag; and SUV guys weren't won over by its, well, extreme unnecessity. That's why Honda, as Vehicle Manufacturer of the SEMA Show (ca-ching), is making sure a ton of tuned Ridgelines will be on display — an attempt to capture the focus of the enthusiast community (the final frontier). Honda's Street Sport (pictured) and All-Terrain concepts will be joined by a number of other modded specimens. We'll keep an eye out for signs of life.

Related:
Honda Disappointed With Ridgeline Sales [internal]

According to one Honda executive, sales of the company's Ridgeline compact pickup have been slow due to its high price compared to competitors. Although it's technically a compact pickup (actually a rebodied Odyssey minivan), the price is $10,000 higher than its average competitor. It didn't take a genius to predict that US truck buyers would laugh at the Ridgeline's $30,000+ pricetag for its miniscule bed space and V6. Though some serious bargains could be forthcoming.

Early sales of Honda's Ridgeline truck disappoint; high prices pegged as main problem [AutoWeek]

Related:
Honda Fights Declining Car Sales with Ridgeline Marketing Push [internal]