Honda Ridgeline V-8

Honda is rumored to be testing a new aluminum-block V-8 in the Ridgeline pickup truck. The V-8 is in the 4.2- to 4.4-liter range, with VTEC and cylinder shutoff, and is slated to appear first the next Acura {{{RL}}}, a 2011 model launching in 2010. Honda also is adding the engine to the next-generation Ridgeline, slated for 2011 as a 2012 model. The exact configuration is unknown, but given the displacement, it's not based on the 60-degree 3.5- and 3.8-liter V-6s, so it's probably a 90-degree configuration, typical of eight-cylinder engines. Honda engineers take up the V-8 project as they complete work on a V-6 turbodiesel. It isn't designed just for the European market, which has embraced Honda's 2.2-liter diesel four, but also would provide needed low-end torque for the Ridgeline and Pilot SUV. Low-sulfur fuel required in the U.S. from 2007 will make the engine viable and will launch about the same time as a Mercedes-Benz diesel assault on our market. Honda also is reportedly working on a hybrid-powered Ridgeline for the 2009 model year.