Honda’s New Open Air Vehicle Concept Is A Ridgeline-Based Buggy

Honda is taking the 2018 SEMA Show by storm with a new concept called the Open Air Vehicle.

Based on the same platform as the Ridgeline pickup, it benefits from some of the features of the Pioneer 1000, which in the company’s own words, “creates the ultimate open-air off-road Honda adventure vehicle”.

It may be nothing more than a show car with no chances of entering production, but the Open Air Vehicle uses some of Honda’s existing components.

Also Read: First Drive: The 2017 Honda Ridgeline Is Just Enough Truck

In addition to the Ridgeline underpinnings and suspension, the off-road concept has the same doors as the Pioneer 1000 side-by-side. Additionally, it features a custom-designed bed and tailgate panels said to have been modeled after the Pioneer.

The rugged characteristics of the exterior are being carried over inside, where the automaker has prepped the entire cockpit “for a life exposed to the outdoors”. This is where Honda adapted the Pioneer 1000 steering wheel to the Ridgeline’s steering column, and added some durable paint-on surfaces that protect the exposed instrument panel from the elements.

Moreover, the study uses the same seats as the Civic Type R, reupholstered in waterproof Pioneer 1000 material, and has smartphone holders from RAM Mounts.

Honda’s Open Air Vehicle Concept can haul up to four occupants, who will be strapped in by the racing-style harnesses, but the only thing welcomed inside for now will be the artificial light at the Las Vegas Convention Center.