Press Release
Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Body
Page 3: Chassis
Page 4: Interior Design
Page 5: Powertrain
The 2007 Honda CR-V follows a dynamic and emotional design theme that incorporates a sporty forward cabin and a sculpted lower body with modular and durable lower body trim. A new double grille and a side profile with an arched side window shape accent the CR-V's distinctive and upscale character.
A major safety innovation includes the introduction of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) Body Structure that builds on the CR-V's already class-leading reputation for safety performance. The ACE Body Structure is a key technology for the implementation of Honda's Safety for Everyone initiative that seeks to provide the highest levels of safety regardless of vehicle size or price.
Further innovations consist of sleek aerodynamics, large 17-inch wheels that minimize the gap between the tire and the body, and ultra-tight body panel fit. Adding to the clean lines, the spare tire now resides under the rear floor as opposed to the exterior of the tailgate, benefiting aesthetics and improving garage-ability. As the name implies, the lift-up tailgate opens upward (instead of to the side as in the previous CR-V), improving convenience while also providing a canopy when loading the vehicle or tailgating.
CR-V Body New Technology
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Upscale image and styling
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ACE Body Structure
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Larger doors and lower step-in height by 1.25 inches, (32mm)
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Dimensions: height -0.1 inches, width +1.4 inches and length -3.1 inches
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Lift-up tailgate and hidden spare tire
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Improved aerodynamics (+5 percent)
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Extensive use of high strength steel (+24.5 percent)
Body Highlights
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Unit body platform
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Pedestrian safety design
Design and Styling
Easily distinguishable as an entirely new CR-V, the 2007 model embraces curves and fluid design over the upright and traditional two-box SUV shape. This upscale and advanced concept merges a powerful lower body with large diameter tires to a dynamic and emotional forward cabin. The double grille creates a strong first impression and SUV strength is further expressed by the modular lower body trim. The arched side window shape emphasizes a sporty look and the rear end design with full-length taillights conveys a unique 3-dimensional look. The large 17-inch tires accentuate SUV proportions, also giving the vehicle an aggressive stance.
The CR-V Enters a New Dimension
Compared to its predecessor, the 2007 CR-V body is 3.7 inches shorter (largely due to the relocation of the spare tire) in overall length (177.9 inches), 1.4 inches wider in overall width (71.6 inches) and the 66.1-inch height is 0.1 inches shorter. Underneath, its 103.1-inch wheelbase is 0.2 inches shorter, the front track is 1.2 inches wider (61.6 inches) and the rear track is 0.8 inches wider (61.6 inches).
CR-V Body Structure
The CR-V has a completely new body structure that implements advanced construction technologies for enhanced safety, better rigidity, improved ride comfort and a quieter cabin. As such, the solid unit body of the CR-V was designed from the outset to define a new standard for torsional and bending rigidity in the entry crossover SUV segment, achieving a rigidity balance similar to a sedan for sedan-like handling performance.
Even with enhanced collision safety construction and larger dimensions, the overall vehicle weight remains similar to previous models. This has been achieved by optimizing the framework layout and sectional shapes, streamlining the joint structures, and utilizing 58 percent high-grade, high-strength steel (+ 24 percent).
The fundamentally rigid design along with components such as a rear floor cross member, rear damper gussets and increased rigidity for the rear opening increases bending rigidity by 84 percent.
ACE Body Structure for Frontal Collision Compatibility and Energy Management
Body construction now includes Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) Body Structure that enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing structures in the front of the vehicle. This newly developed front-end frame structure (similar to the ACE Body Structures on the Civic and Odyssey) incorporates newly-shaped upper and lower frame members to significantly enhance energy dispersion in a frontal collision throughout more load bearing channels in the body. The ACE concept differs from traditional crash designs that guide a high percentage of collision force through a vehicle's two lower channels in a collision.
The ACE design with its polygonal front structure helps reduce the potential for misalignment with the frame of the opposing vehicle. Taken together, these features are designed to increase compatibility between vehicles of different size categories for enhanced occupant protection in the event of a frontal collision.
The ACE Body Structure is configured for high energy absorption. In the event of a frontal collision, the body structure with its front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to prevent structural penetration while distributing forces evenly through multiple major load bearing pathways - and away from the passenger compartment. For comparison, a conventional body structure generally concentrates the loads from a collision through two pathways running longitudinally through the lower portion of the frame.
In the ACE Body Structure for example, frontal impact force can be distributed from the front of the vehicle through the side sill, floor frame and A-pillar in order to reduce the cabin deformation. The bottom line is that the ACE Body Structure enhances energy distribution during a collision because impact forces can be distributed through more of a vehicle's mass and away from the passenger compart
