The Honda Rugged Open Air Vehicle Concept surprisingly is not solely based on its side-by-side Pioneer 1000 ATV. The desert runner, which according to Honda, was built with existing components and is a variation of the Honda Ridgeline, a sports utility truck. Though the ROAV modifies the body and suspension of the Ridgeline, its bed and tailgate have been custom built.
The amazing vehicle, which would be right at home in a video game or in a Mad Max film, is not expected to actually be produced by the brand, but one can dream. Featuring no roof and a sun-resistant paint job, the concept car is making its debut at the Specialty Equipment Markets Association (SEMA) show, held in Las Vegas from Oct. 30, 2018, to Nov. 2, 2018.
Powered by a 280 hp 3.5-liter V6, which produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, the ROAV is capped by a six-speed automatic transmission. The steering wheel is a Pioneer 1000 unit that has been adapted to the Ridgeline steering column and the waterproof seats are taken from a Honda Civic Type R, the highest performance version of the Honda Civic. The interior includes several RAM mounts for smart devices.
The ROAV was designed in the US by Honda R&D Americas and according to the Japanese automaker is "a physical thought exercise of what the ultimate off-road Honda four-wheeled vehicle could look like."At SEMA, Honda is also showcasing the Honda Ridgeline Overland Project, which integrates several upgrades to the 2019 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition. Working with Jsport Performance Accessories, Honda modified the Ridgeline Overlander to strengthen its off-road and overlanding ability.
The HROP also adds skid plates, off-road wheels and tires, and a leveling kit to maximize Ridgeline’s i-VTM4™ four-wheel-drive system when going off-road. JSport provides sidesteps to facilitate access to the new Plateau roof rack system and the Mesa bed rack expands cargo flexibility. Also, incorporated into the roof rack is a lightweight yet formidable Honda EU2200i generator to power electrical accessories while camping.
Despite its Japanese heritage, Honda has been manufacturing vehicles in the US for more than 35 years. The company currently operates 19 manufacturing facilities in North America. Last year, more than 90 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the US were made in North America with domestic and globally sourced parts.