Tag Archives: Pilot

Watch This Abandoned Mustang Fire Up For The First Time In 18 Years

This first-generation Ford Mustang was bought new by a pilot who labored for United Airlines, and purchased by the present proprietor round 2002. After a number of years the automotive was tucked right into a nook of a storage and left untouched… till now. 

The of us at WD Detailing met up with the proprietor to get the automotive cleaned and prepared for the street. Having been ignored for the higher a part of twenty years, it is in determined want of consideration. In addition to the thick layer of mud sitting on the paint and glass, the chrome has light and there is a few rust spots starting to kind. The inside is not in one of the best form, both. 

The Mustang brightens up considerably as soon as the WD workforce does a correct wash. After sharpening the chrome wheels and bumpers, there is not a lot visually that offers away this automotive’s sedate life-style for the previous 18 years. We’re glad the rust spots weren’t addressed; they provide the automotive some well-earned patina.

 

The inside appears pretty wholesome at first look, nevertheless it would not take lengthy earlier than the WD Detailing workforce finds proof of infestation. In complete, they discover 4 mouse carcasses and a handful of nests. Gross.

Following its beauty revival, the WD workforce invitations a father-son duo of mechanics to assist get this Mustang began. Following a handful of gasoline points, they’re lastly capable of get the classic muscle automotive idling—one thing it hasn’t finished for practically 20 years. 

Instead of stashing it again in his storage, the proprietor decides to reward the Mustang to his daughter as a school commencement current. Hopefully this implies it’s going to get the mechanical consideration it deserves so it may possibly get again on the street for years to come back.

The Honda Pilot Now Costs $40,000

When the third-generation Honda Pilot was new in 2016, the three-row SUV began at $30,875 with vacation spot. Fast ahead to 2025, and Honda’s greatest SUV has gotten considerably pricier. Now in its fourth technology, the Honda Pilot begins at $41,295 with vacation spot.

Honda launched pricing for the evenly up to date SUV, which incorporates six trim choices for 2025. A brand new Black Edition mannequin joins the lineup with a gloss black grille, black mirror caps, and blacked-out 20-inch wheels. The inside provides red-accented leather-based seating and pink stitching. The Pilot Black Edition is the priciest of the group at $55,675, however it comes commonplace with all-wheel drive.

2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition

The entry level of the up to date Pilot vary is the bottom Sport mannequin with two-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive is an additional $2,100. Honda is ditching the earlier entry level from 2024, the Pilot LX with FWD, which will increase the bottom value by $2,810. That model began at simply $38,485.

The rugged Trailsport mannequin—launched in 2023—sits close to the highest of the lineup with a $50,495 beginning value, and that model comes commonplace with AWD. It’s the second priciest trim behind the Black Edition. Honda nonetheless provides its HPD look package deal for 2025, which provides black- or bronze-colored wheels, HPD middle caps, and particular HPD graphics. It’s a $2,000 add-on on all Pilot trims.

Here’s how all the pricing construction for the 2025 Honda Pilot breaks down:

  Price (FWD) Price (AWD) 
Pilot Sport $41,295 $43,395
Pilot EX-L $44,595 $46,695
Pilot Touring $48,595 $50,695
Pilot PathSport $50,495
Pilot Elite $54,175
Pilot Black Edition $55,675
 

2024 Honda Pilot: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

Red 2024 Honda Pilot-08
2024 Honda Pilot

Expert Opinion: The fourth-generation Honda Pilot is a jack of all trades however a grasp of none. It’s an ideal household car and each day driver however can also be able to hitting the lesser-traveled highway every now and then. The daring putting design can flip heads and the inside, even on the base degree, is greater than ample for most individuals. Those who need bigger screens or leather-based upholstery must transfer excessive up the trim degree, however a lot of the options one would need or want might be discovered within the early- and mid-range trims.

Model
2024 Honda Pilot
Engine:
3.5-Liter V-6
Torque
262 LB-FT
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic
Driveline
2WD | AWD
MSRP
$37,090 – $52,480
Towing Capacity
3,500 – 5,000 Pounds
Fuel Economy
Up To 22 MPG Combined
Horsepower
285 HP
Pros

  • Striking exterior design
  • spectacular security options
  • Most versatile Honda Pilot ever
Cons

  • The greatest geared up fashions fall into premium pricing territory
  • Not as succesful off-road as some rivals
  • Pricing will get costly shortly if you don’t need a decrease trim degree

The Honda Pilot went by a generational shift for the 2023 mannequin yr that led to an all-new, modernized look and heaps of new technology. This mannequin is now boxier and extra in keeping with the competitors, but it surely’s additionally sportier than ever and makes extra of an announcement on the highway than it ever has. 2024 marks the fourth-gen Pilot’s second yr within the oh-so-competitive mid-size SUV market.

Despite the intense competitors, the Pilot doesn’t set itself aside by excelling at anyone factor. Instead, you’ll discover that it’s able to doing a little bit of every little thing, properly above passable degree, however to not the purpose that it’s going to wow you indefinitely over some other mannequin in the marketplace. There’s rather a lot to be stated about its easy V-6 engine, nonetheless. And, with direct competitors just like the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade, acutely aware patrons would possibly discover selecting one over the opposite a tricky resolution.

Related

Here’s How The 2023 Honda Pilot Stands Out In The Crowded Mid-Size SUV Segment

As one of many top-sellers within the mid-size SUV house, discover out what massive adjustments has the Pilot acquired with the intention to assist it keep forward of its rivals

In order to provide the most recent and correct info attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Honda, Fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and IIHS.

What’s New For 2024

With the brand new fourth-gen Honda Pilot launching for the 2023 mannequin yr, it ought to come as no shock that it carries over unchanged from final yr. The 2024 Honda Pilot is obtainable with the identical single gasoline engine, similar choices, and similar trim vary. Prices might have fluctuated marginally however to not the purpose that anybody can actually discover.

2024 Highlights

  • V-6 engine runs easy and with out lag
  • Trailsport mannequin for off-road functionality
  • Car-like highway manners in a bigger SUV
  • Perfect for hauling individuals and cargo
  • Seating for as much as 8
  • Customizable seating
  • Decent gas economic system

Exterior Dimensions

Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot Trailsport

Length

199.9 Inches

200.2 Inches

Width

78.5 Inches

72.0 Inches

Height

70.9 Inches

72.0 Inches

Wheelbase

113.8 Inches

113.8 Inches

(Source: Honda)

Related

2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2023 Honda Pilot

Here’s how Honda’s latest-gen Pilot stacks up in opposition to the ever-popular Toyota Highlander

Engine Specifications And Performance

2024 Honda Pilot-23
Honda

The Pilot could also be supplied in six completely different trims, however every single one has the same engine lurking under the hood: a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired completely to a 10-speed automated transmission that’s managed with shift-by-wire know-how and consists of paddle shifters for people who really feel like they wish to have a bit extra management.

Having pushed a 2023 mannequin shortly after launch, we discovered that the Pilot isn’t notably fast, however that’s not likely its objective anyway, in order that’s not likely a sacrifice. Acceleration is easy and regular, virtually linear in such a vogue that pace could be very predictable. The transmission (it is a second-generation 10-speed), shifts very easily and doesn’t make itself as recognized to the driving force in comparison with earlier fashions.

Overall the expertise of driving the Pilot is nice. As lengthy as you retain your expectations in verify, you received’t be left wanting for extra, with driver engagement being precisely what you’d anticipate from what’s virtually the epitome of a family SUV. Steering, even throughout fast maneuvers, and braking encourage confidence, whereas the suspension absorbs highway hazards higher than you would possibly anticipate.

Performance Specifications

Engine

3.5-liter V-6

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

285 HP @ 6,100 RPM

Torque

262 LB0FT @ 5,000 RPM

Fuel Economy

Up To 22 MPG

Towing Capacity

Up To 5,000 Pounds

(Source: Honda)

Off-Road Capability And Towing

2024 Honda Pilot Trailsport Off-Road
Honda

The Honda Pilot, regardless of its boxy, truck-inspired look, isn’t actually meant for severe off-roading. The Trailsport mannequin, nonetheless, does provide a bit additional in the best way of hitting the less-beaten monitor and might be your greatest wager if you wish to enterprise off the pavement every now and then. This mannequin contains a completely different stabilizer bar setup within the entrance and rear, completely different turning ratio (14.8:1 vs 15.0:1), and all-terrain tires.

With customary AWD, an additional inch of floor clearance, revised entrance and rear tracks, and completely different method/breakover/departure angles, it’s essentially the most able to the trims off-road. Other fashions are able to hitting the dusty path, positive, however the Trailsport will take you further. Just don’t anticipate any of those fashions to be doing any severe mountain climbing or main off-roading.

Honda Pilot Off-Road Specifications

Honda Pilot Trailsport

Honda Pilot

Approach Angle

19.8 Degrees

18.3 Degrees

Departure Angle

19.0 Degrees

21.1 Degrees

Breakover Angle

19.6 Degrees

16.0 Degrees

Ground Clearance

7.3 Inches

8.3 Inches

Front Track

67.2 Inches

67.5 Inches

Rear Track

67.4 Inches

67.8 Inches

(Source: Honda)

Honda Pilot Towing Capacity

The Honda Pilot is able to some fairly spectacular towing figures for what it’s. Models geared up with 2WD are capable of pull as much as 3,500 kilos when correctly geared up. If you go for AWD (obtainable on all trim ranges), you then’ll be capable to pull as much as 5,000 kilos when correctly geared up.

Honda Pilot Fuel Economy

The one place the place proudly owning the Honda Pilot would possibly damage is the gas economic system division. Fuel economic system for 2WD fashions is available in at 19 mpg within the metropolis, 27 mpg on the freeway, and 22 mpg mixed. AWD fashions differ a bit relying on the trim however you’ll be able to anticipate 18-19 mpg within the metropolis, 23-25 mpg on the freeway, and 20-21 mpg mixed. EPA-estimated annual gas value ranges from $2,100 to as a lot as $2,300 for individuals who follow a regular driving routine.

City

Highway

Combined

Honda Pilot FWD

19 MPG

27 MG

22 MPG

Honda Pilot AWD

19 MPG

25 MPG

21 MPG

Honda Pilot AWD Touring/Elite/Black

19 MPG

25 MPG

21 MPG

Honda Pilot PathSport

18 MPG

23 MPG

20 MPG

(Souce: EPA)

Related

2023 Honda Pilot Is Better And More Off-Road Ready Than Ever

The Honda Pilot now comes with an off-road-ready PathSport mannequin for the primary time

Interior Technology And Comfort

2024 Honda Pilot Interior
Honda

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Honda Pilot

  • Spacious cabin
  • On-demand in-trunk seat storage (Touring and Elite solely)
  • Head-up show on range-topping mannequin (Elite solely)
  • Comfortable seating
  • Basic audio system is first rate
  • 10.2-inch driver info interface (Elite solely)

Honda got down to make the Pilot a household SUV, and that’s the place it excels essentially the most, particularly on the within. From the bottom trim as much as the range-topping Elite, the Pilot can seat eight individuals. The third row isn’t essentially the most nice place to be for adults, however anybody underneath the age of 14 must be comfy sufficient again there. EX-L fashions might be optioned with second-row captain’s chairs, which is able to scale back the seating capability to seven however will make the cabin extra spacious and comfy in case you don’t want eight seats. The higher trim ranges additionally function the power to take away the middle part of the second row and retailer it within the cargo space (on-demand seat storage).

2024 Honda Pilot-21
Honda

Front passengers are handled to comfy and supportive seating even on the base degree. LX and Sport fashions come customary with fabric upholstery all through. EX-L and Touring trims include leather-trimmed upholstery, whereas the Trailsport options double artificial leather-based with orange stitching and the range-topping Elite mannequin comes with Perforated leather-trimmed upholstery. During our testing of the 2023 mannequin, we did discover that the fabric upholstery wasn’t solely thick and supportive however gave the sense that it could final, so it will not be essential to maneuver up the trim vary for a unique materials if that could be a concern for you.

Interior Dimensions

Front

Middle

Rear

Headroom

40.5 Inches

40.2 Inches

39.3 Inches

Shoulder Room

61.9 Inches

61.7 Inches

59.5 Inches

Hiproom

58.4 Inches

57.4 Inches

44.6 Inches

Legroom

41.0 Inches

40.8 Inches

32.5 Inches

Cargo Capacity

111.8 Cubic-Feet

59.5 Cubic–Feet

21.8 Cubic-Feet

Passenger Volume

158.4 Cubic-Feet

(Source: Honda)

Related

2023 Honda Pilot Vs. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The all-new Grand Highlander from Toyotas stands tall within the three-row mid-size SUV section, here is the way it stacks up in opposition to the Honda Pilot

Safety And Reliability

2024 Honda Pilot-15
Honda

Like all new Hondas offered right now, the 2024 Pilot comes with the manufacturers Honda Sensing Driver Assistance System. The options you get nonetheless, depend upon the trim, although it must be famous that even the bottom mannequin consists of the majority of options Honda has obtainable.

Standard Honda Sensing Features

  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)*
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)*
  • Road Departure Mitigation System* (RDM)
  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*
  • Traffic Jam Assist*
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow*
  • Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)*
  • Auto High-Beam Headlights
  • Driver Attention Monitor

Moving as much as the Sport trim will unlock the blind spot info system and cross-traffic monitor system. From the EX-L trim degree on up (together with the Trailsport, Touring, and Elite), you’ll additionally get low-speed braking management and entrance/rear parking sensors. Needless to say, you don’t have to spend so much of additional cash to maneuver up the trim vary for an important security options.

NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings

The IIHS gives the fourth-gen Honda Pilot rave reviews, with it scoring “Good” scores (the perfect you may get) throughout the board throughout preliminary testing. Mid-year, nonetheless, the IIHS launched an up to date testing process for reasonable overlap crash testing. In this check, the Pilot was awarded a “Marginal” ranking, largely as a result of potential head and neck accidents to rear passengers. Most fashions examined acquired a decrease rating within the IIHS’ updating testing nonetheless, so this isn’t an unusual outcome amongst automakers. The Honda Pilot was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ award for 2023.

The NHTSA has but to check the fourth-gen Honda Pilot, although there is one recall that affects a total of 519 models in regard to the steering system. According to the recall, these fashions might expertise a lack of steering management or steering wheel lock-up that might outcome within the danger of a crash. The trigger is a free bearing throughout the steering field, and proprietor notification letters have been despatched out on December 18, 2023. This recall mustn’t have an effect on any new Pilot that’s constructed or at the moment sitting on a vendor lot.

IIHS Crash Test Video

  • Recalls: 1
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • NHTSA Customer Complaints: 7
  • Awards: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ 2023

Warranties

All Hondas include a fairly customary guarantee that’s similar to most of its competitors in the marketplace right now. The fundamental bumper-to-bumper guarantee consists of 3-year, 36,000-mile protection, however the powertrain is backed by a 5-year, 60,000-mile guarantee. Beyond this, Honda alternative components are coated by a one-year guarantee whereas remanufactured components are coated by a 3-year, 36,000-mile guarantee assuming they’re put in by a Honda vendor or licensed service middle. A 5-year, unlimited-mile corrosion guarantee can also be included.

If you need Honda Care VSC, you’ll be able to enroll throughout the first 3 years and 36,000 miles (the earlier the higher) whereas Honda Care Maintenance is accessible for fashions which are lower than one yr outdated and have lower than 12,000 miles.

Related

The Best Three-Row Mid-Size SUV Yet?

As one of the vital eagerly awaited mid-size SUVs in current instances, learn how this upcoming three-row household hauler is ready to dominate its class

2024 Honda Pilot Versus Its Competitors

The mid-size SUV section is virtually stuffed to the brim with rivals gunning for the highest spot. You might think about something from the Dodge Durango to the Ford Bronco and even the Jeep Grand Cherokee. To combine issues up a bit, although, we discover that vehicles just like the like Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade actually match into the identical mildew because the Honda Pilot, and these are two fashions that ought to undoubtedly be thought-about when searching for a brand new mid-size SUV.

How The Honda Pilot Compares To The Kia Telluride

  • 2024 Honda Pilot 2024 Kia Telluride
    Model 2024 Honda Pilot Kia Telluride
    Engine: 3.5-Liter V-6 3.6L V-6
    Torque 262 LB-FT 262 LB-FT @ 5,200 RPM
    Transmission 10-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic
    Driveline 2WD | AWD Front Engine, AWD
    MSRP $37,090 – $52,480 $36,190
    Towing Capacity 3,500 – 5,000 Pounds 5,500 Pounds
    Horsepower 285 HP 291@ 6,000 RPM

The Kia Telluride is an fascinating providing within the mid-size SUV section, particularly after the mid-cycle replace that occurred for the 2023 mannequin yr. The Telluride now has a extra fashionable look that’s extra in keeping with Kia’s present design language, however the spotlight is the twin 12.3-inch screens that function the instrument cluster and infotainment system and are customary throughout the lineup. Obviously a play borrowed from luxurious manufacturers, but it surely actually helps give the Telluride a real edge. Like the Honda Pilot, the Telluride gives seating for 8 and comes with a variety of security and driver help options.

The Kia Telluride is accessible in 10 completely different trim ranges, nonetheless, there is just one engine choice. This is a 3.8-liter V-6 that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Telluride does lose out to the Pilot within the transmission division, although, because the Telluride can solely be had with a CVT transmission. In equity, opinions have stated the transmission isn’t exhausting to reside with, however in case you’ve pushed a automobile with one, . Towing capability for all fashions is available in at 5,000 kilos when correctly geared up, whereas gas economic system maxes out at 26 mpg on the freeway for FWD fashions and 24 MPG on the freeway for AWD fashions. The Telluride begins out at $36,190 and climbs to as a lot as $53,385 for the range-topping SX Prestige X-Pro.

How The Honda Pilot Compares To The Hyundai Palisade

  • 2024 Honda Pilot 2024 Hyundai Palisade
    Model 2024 Honda Pilot 2024 Hyundai Palisade
    Engine: 3.5-Liter V-6 3.8-Liter V-6
    Torque 262 LB-FT 262 HP @ 5,200 RPM
    Transmission 10-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic
    Driveline 2WD | AWD 2WD | AWD
    MSRP $37,090 – $52,480 $36,400 – $53,600
    Towing Capacity 3,500 – 5,000 Pounds Uo To 5,000 Pounds
    Fuel Economy Up To 22 MPG Combined Up To 26 MPG
    Horsepower 285 HP 291 HP @ 6,000 RPM

The Hyundai Palisade is yet another strong contender in the mid-size SUV market, and whereas it could be a sister mannequin to the Telluride we mentioned above, it has a unique identification past the powertrain. The Palisade contains a barely extra rugged, grown-up look, and the inside is outlined by the high-resolution 12.0-inch infotainment show. The Palisade comes very properly geared up from the manufacturing unit, however in case you’re somebody that doesn’t like massive grilles, you would possibly wish to look elsewhere, as a result of this SUV has an enormous outdated nostril.

Under the hood sits the identical 3.8-liter V-6 that powers the Kia Telluride. It delivers the identical 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The cool factor right here, nonetheless, is that the Palisade comes with an eight-speed automated vs. the Telluride’s CVT. Fuel economic system is available in at 19 mpg within the metropolis, 25 mpg on the freeway, and 21 mpg mixed. Pricing for the Palisade begins out at $36,400 and climbs to as a lot as $53,600 for the range-topping Calligraphy Night that was added this yr.

Related

Here’s Why The Three-Row Mid-Size SUV Market Is On Fire Today

As crossovers and pickup vehicles proceed to dominate auto gross sales, we take a look at the numerous causes that make three-row Mid-size SUVs so fashionable

How Much The Honda Pilot Costs

Silver 2024 Honda Pilot Going Full Throttle Up A Massive Sand Dune
Honda

The Honda Pilot begins out fairly reasonably priced for the mid-size SUV market at $37,090, although, there are six trim ranges above the rise to a most value of $52,480. The sweetspot within the lineup is absolutely the EXL at $42,500, although, when you’ve got the additional cheddar, the $48,800 Pilot Trailsport is absolutely the mannequin to have.

2024 Honda Pilot Price

LX

$37,090

Sport

$39,600

EX-L

$42,400

Traisport

$48,800

Touring

$46,900

Elite

$52,480

(Source: Honda)

Is It Worth Buying The Honda Pilot?

2024 Honda Pilot-18-1
Honda

The Honda Pilot doesn’t impress dramatically in any single respect, particularly compared to the competitors, but it surely makes up for that by being one of the vital well-rounded mid-size SUVs in the marketplace right now. Some rivals would possibly provide barely higher tech and even barely higher functionality, however the Honda Pilot is unquestionably value consideration – particularly if you consider Honda’s long-running fame for reliability and beautiful exterior appears to be like.

BT converts kerbside sign cupboard into EV charger

A brand new pilot scheme from the BT Group has begun work to transform streetside sign bins into electric car chargers.

Run by subsidiary Etc, the programme will quickly set up its first charger at a cupboard in East Lothian, Scotland.

The first part of the pilot scheme, which can comprise a small (however unconfirmed) variety of transformed bins, might be used to assist BT perceive tips on how to scale an EV charging enterprise.

It believes that it may convert round 60,000 of its 90,000 cupboards throughout the UK into chargers.

This would deliver a big enchancment within the abundance of public chargers. According to charger-mapping service Zap-Map, there have been 53,029 public chargers throughout the UK on the finish of November 2023.

Of these, 42,941 supplied charging charges of between 3kW and 22kW – typical of kerbside chargers, reminiscent of these built-in into lamp-posts.

Etc senior product supervisor Vishal Kaduthodil defined: “The cupboards at the moment present broadband to every particular person family, however they’re utilizing previous know-how. They’re gonna be decommissioned as we progress full fibre [broadband] throughout the nation.

“As they’re already linked to an influence supply, this reduces the necessity to set up a brand new energy connection, growing deployment velocity.

“We retrofit a tool to separate the prevailing energy, permitting us to proceed utilizing the prevailing broadband while now additionally supporting a brand new cost level.”

Once an space has been upgraded to fibreoptic connectivity and surplus broadband cabling is eliminated, the cupboards may host a number of cost connectors.

That the sign cupboards are already linked to {the electrical} grid is a big benefit, in contrast with constructing a bespoke charger.

Charger operators have repeatedly raised issues in regards to the gradual tempo of getting new gadgets linked to the grid.

Gridserve boss Toddington Harper told Autocar last April that “almost every issue of speed of implementation is down to the speed of grid connections”.

He added that grid connections may typically delay the activation of a charger by “months or more”.

Next-Gen Honda Passport Spotted and Interior Details Revealed

The new Honda Passport, a smaller version of the Pilot, is currently being developed as part of the latest generation. We now have our first glimpse of this redesigned SUV as it is being tested on the roads of Detroit.

The next-generation Passport is still heavily disguised, with a combination of fabric and concealment panels covering the entire body. The only visible part at the front is a square sensor in the center of the nose. The headlights, seen through the mesh, seem to have a rectangular shape.

Honda Is Racing Colorful Passport And Pilot Trailsports At Rebelle Rally

Honda will be participating in the 2023 Rebelle Rally with two vibrant Pilot Trailsports and equally eye-catching Passport Trailsport SUVs. This exciting event spans 1,500 miles of challenging off-road terrain in California and Nevada and will run from October 12 to 21.

Each of the three SUVs sports a distinctive body wrap that incorporates shades of pink, yellow, and blue. Upon closer inspection, you can admire stylized representations of dust, water, and rocks. The creative mind behind these captivating designs is Lili Melikian from the Honda Design Studio. She drew inspiration from the iconic pop art style.

Strong performance under extreme conditions: the BMW iX5 Hydrogen undergoes test drives in the desert.

Munich/Dubai. The vehicles in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, which launched in February this year, have completed an intensive round of hot-weather testing in the United Arab Emirates for the first time. The car’s fuel cell drive system performed impressively in the face of temperatures rising to 45°C, as well as sand and dust, varying gradients and significant fluctuations in humidity.

The highly efficient fuel cell system, the two hydrogen tanks, the electric motor and the power battery teamed up with the central vehicle control unit to demonstrate their outstanding performance and state of readiness. The Munich-based development team examined both the functionality of all the electric systems under the extreme conditions and the provision of the cooling power to enable the full performance of the vehicle. The vehicles were able to ensure the driving dynamics for which BMW is renowned.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen goes around the world
Vehicles from the pilot fleet are currently in action in Europe, Japan, Korea, China, the USA and the Middle East. The aim is to shine a spotlight on the everyday usability of hydrogen-powered vehicles, and beyond that to gain important knowledge for the development of a potential series-produced model. The BMW Group is using the pilot fleet to provide support on a regional level for the development of a refuelling infrastructure which can be used with 700-bar refuelling technology across all categories of vehicle – from passenger cars and small vans to buses and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Synergies between different areas of application also offer important scope for developing a strong network of suppliers in hydrogen technology and reducing costs.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen combines long-distance capability and short refuelling stops with locally emission-free driving. Provided the relevant framework is in place, the hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to serve as another pillar in the BMW Group’s future drive system portfolio.

As part of its ongoing transformation, the BMW Group is applying a “technology-open” approach when it comes to drive systems. The company is therefore adapting to different customer requirements, infrastructure standards and political and regulatory landscapes in the various regions of the world. This flexibility puts the BMW Group in the position to respond quickly to changing requirements in the markets in any situation and to present an attractive offer for as many customers as possible at all times.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen has a fuel cell system generating output of 125 kW/170 hp and a highly integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology (the electric motor, transmission and power electronics are grouped together in a compact housing). The output of the overall drive system is 295 kW / 401 hp. The hydrogen needed to power the fuel cell is stored in a pair of 700-bar tanks made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together, these tanks can hold around six kilograms of hydrogen. This storage capacity gives the BMW iX5 Hydrogen a range of 504 km (313 miles) in the WLTP cycle. 

BMW iX5 Hydrogen: Consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 1,19 kg H2/100 km, CO2 emissions combined in WLTP cycle: 0 g/km
Electric range: 504 km (313 miles) 

Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 Challenges Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has long been considered the standard for high-performance summer tires. It performs well on both the track and the street. However, Continental has recently introduced the ExtremeContact Sport 02 series as a competitor to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. Tyre Reviews set out to determine which one is better.

There are two main criticisms of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: its price and age. Michelin launched the Pilot Sport 4S over eight years ago, which is quite old in terms of tire technology. Additionally, it is one of the most expensive performance tires, costing over $1,700 for a set of four. Michelin introduced the Pilot Sport S 5 this year as well, which is not a direct replacement but an evolution designed for high-performance hybrid and electric vehicles. Despite these factors, the Pilot Sport 4S still consistently performs well in comparison tests.

The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 is priced about $200 lower than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. While this price difference is significant, the performance difference between the old ExtremeContact Sport and the Pilot Sport 4S was always minimal. The Pilot Sport 4S had an advantage in terms of feel and steering response, which Continental claims to have improved with the new ExtremeContact Sport 02.

Tyre Reviews conducted a comparison using a new Honda Civic SI on both roads and tracks. Fitment Industry provided twelve sets of wheels for back-to-back testing. The goal was to evaluate both sets of tires in identical conditions both objectively and subjectively.

According to Tyre Reviews, there was no clear winner on the road. The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S had distinct advantages that balanced each other out. Overall, it was difficult to choose a definitive winner.

On the track, the competition was still quite close. Tyre Reviews was impressed with the Continental tires, noting their responsiveness in initial turn-in and their excellent performance in high temperatures and wear. They didn’t have as much time with the Michelin tires but found the Pilot Sport 4S to be more responsive in mid-corner and exit transitions, particularly when paired with the Honda Civic SI’s locking differential.

Ultimately, the choice between these tires depends on what is most important to the driver. If price is a significant factor, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 is the clear choice. However, brand preference and personal preference in terms of feel and performance in specific driving conditions will ultimately determine the best tire for each individual.