2012 Roof Strength

[azpilotfan]

Does anyone know if Honda changed/strengthened the roof in the 2012 Pilot? I guess the 2010-2011 did poorly on the roof crush test with IIHS.

Thanks.

[Scotty V]

I'm not sure, but it would take something drastic to flip a Pilot. I'd be more concerned with frontal/side impact performance if you're looking to purchase one.

[FiremanMike]

I'm brand spankin new here so you can choose to believe me or not. With that said, I live in Central Ohio and know quite a few people who work at Honda R&D, including a good friend of mine who was involved in the redesign of the 2012 Pilot A-pillar which involved incorporating more high-strength boron into it's design. This would clearly strengthen the a-pillar and would likely improve rollover crash tests.

[azpilotfan]

Thanks Mike,

I thought I read this fact but now I can't find it.

[Arizonaadam]

I, too, remember something along those lines. Something about "more high strength steel."

[BigBlu]

I've checked all the usual websites, C&D, R&T, Autoblog, Jalopnik and haven't found a thing about an upgraded roof. Nothing from Honda's Media News Room either.

If they have made updates to the roof area, it doesn't appear to have been tested by IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) yet. Here's a link to the vehicle roof strength test results:

IIHS Rollover Evaluations

For what it's worth, it only shows the 2009-2011 Honda Pilots.

[1YESfan]

Always best to keep Pilots on all four wheels and away from David Letterman when he's dropping watermelons off tall buildings.

When in doubt, duck or use your arm as a brace when preparing to roll or flip over.

[mudbog]

Originally Posted by FiremanMike

I'm brand spankin new here so you can choose to believe me or not. With that said, I live in Central Ohio and know quite a few people who work at Honda R&D, including a good friend of mine who was involved in the redesign of the 2012 Pilot A-pillar which involved incorporating more high-strength boron into it's design. This would clearly strengthen the a-pillar and would likely improve rollover crash tests.

I would love to get a tour of a Honda R&D facility. Do they ever do tours?

[iggibar]

The Honda Pilot already had high-strength boron on the main cabin structure before the '12 model. Actually, most cars available as '11 or '12 year models use boron to decrease the chance of inner-cabin intrusion, and deformations during accidents,

[FiremanMike]

Originally Posted by mudbog

I would love to get a tour of a Honda R&D facility. Do they ever do tours?

Not really.. And by not really I mean not at all. Several years ago I was lucky enough to attend an auto extrication class held at the r&d track (formally called TRC). 40+ new model year cars to cut, pry, pull, and just generally have fun with. Over the 4 day training I took several great pictures of new stabilization ideas for wrecked cars and good techniques for gaining access. Eventually someone noticed and my camera was confiscated. I was assured they would send me any pictures that were deemed "non proprietary".. That was 7 years ago, lol.

I have also been on several emergency runs at r&d, but never past the nurses station.

The neatest thing about living near Honda is the occasion to see pre production cars on the road, of course they are heavily taped to mask lines and such. Just last week I caught a 2012 crv in my neighborhood

[FiremanMike]

Originally Posted by iggibar

The Honda Pilot already had high-strength boron on the main cabin structure before the '12 model. Actually, most cars available as '11 or '12 year models use boron to decrease the chance of inner-cabin intrusion, and deformations during accidents,

They either added more or changed the configuration of the boron in the a-post which was a new change for the 2012 pilot.

[iggibar]

Originally Posted by FiremanMike

They either added more or changed the configuration of the boron in the a-post which was a new change for the 2012 pilot.

Can you show me some links? I haven't been able to find ANYTHING that says that.

[FiremanMike]

Originally Posted by iggibar

Can you show me some links? I haven't been able to find ANYTHING that says that.

Unfortunately no.. My friend is the engineer who helped design the a-post improvements.. Alas, I cannot link a person to person conversation..

Like I said, I know I'm brand new here so my credibility is questionable, I was just sharing the info from that conversation..

[iggibar]

Originally Posted by FiremanMike

Unfortunately no.. My friend is the engineer who helped design the a-post improvements.. Alas, I cannot link a person to person conversation..

Like I said, I know I'm brand new here so my credibility is questionable, I was just sharing the info from that conversation..

Of all companies, Honda is one that is obsessed with safety and the strength of their cars. When they introduce added safety measures, or bolster their vehicle strengths, they go out and say it to the public, because the public is aware of the safety associated with Honda and Acura. So, sorry, but until I see it, I don't...

[FiremanMike]

Originally Posted by iggibar

Of all companies, Honda is one that is obsessed with safety and the strength of their cars. When they introduce added safety measures, or bolster their vehicle strengths, they go out and say it to the public, because the public is aware of the safety associated with Honda and Acura. So, sorry, but until I see it, I don't...

Ok....