Honda Releases Artists Rendering of All-New Concept Pickup

New Honda SUT Concept Heading for Detroit Auto Show Next Month

Honda will finally let the proverbial cat out of the bag with the introduction of its much anticipated pickup truck at next months North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but only in concept form at first.

Due to launch during the shows first official press day on January 4th, the Honda SUT (sport utility truck) concept wont follow in the full-size footsteps of rivals Toyota and Nissan with their respective Tundra and Titan pickups.

Rather, the concept and production vehicle to follow are expected to be based on Honda Odyssey/Pilot (Acura MDX) architecture. While the production vehicle wont be suitable for heavy hauling or tough off-road terrain, it should offer best-in-class driving dynamics.

Adding to on-road performance the Japanese automaker stated that the new model will "set a new standard for fuel efficiency, low emissions and safety performance in the light-duty truck segment."

The SUT concept features four conventionally opening doors and a small but still serviceable pickup box. While only Hondas inner circle staffers know for sure how close the SUT concept will be to the real thing, speculators believe the production model will at least feature 4-door functionality.

On this subject Honda further stated, "This new and innovative truck concept will provide the world with its first glimpse of the direction Honda will take with a future production sport-utility truck model."