2007 Honda CR-V -- Body

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Overview

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

* Upscale image and styling
* ACE Body Structure
* Larger doors and lower step-in height by 1.25 inches, (32mm)
* Dimensions: height -0.1 inches, width +1.4 inches and length -3.1 inches
* Lift-up tailgate and hidden spare tire
* Improved aerodynamics (+5 percent)
* Extensive use of high strength steel (+24.5 percent)

Body Highlights

* Unit body platform
* 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 compartment.

CR-V ACE Body
Structure (Profile)

Offset Rear Collision Design

The new FMVSS 301 regulation for offset rear collisions is strengthened compared to the previous standard. This regulation begins its phase-in starting September 2006 and must be applied to all production vehicles after September 1, 2008. In the new requirements for the FMVSS 301, a 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs.) deformable barrier strikes 70% of the vehicle's width at 80km (50 mph). In contrast, the previous FMVSS 301 used a 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs.) flat rigid barrier that struck the full width of the vehicle center-to-center at 48km (30 mph). The new standard requires more body energy absorption than before.

Door Construction

For safety, all CR-V driver and passenger doors feature a side impact protection beam. For quality, the doors are built on a robust structure that provides a solid feel and sound when closing. The door latches are carefully engineered to latch securely with a light closing pressure, and to emit a quality sound. Sound insulation performance was enhanced by connecting the ends of a door-opening seal, doubling the door seals and adding a layer of sound absorption material. Additionally, the CR-V's front doors use the lower step-in height, the wider opening angle of the rear door from 67 to 80 degrees, and triple-stage stopper construction, for ease of ingress/egress in tight parking situations.

Pedestrian Safety Design

The CR-V takes the wellbeing of pedestrians into account in its safety engineering. Accordingly, engineers optimized certain structures in the front end of the vehicle to help absorb energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Research shows that these features can dramatically improve a pedestrian's chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle.

Key pedestrian safety features include:

* Hood designed to deform if contact is made with either an adult or a child pedestrian
* Energy-absorbing fender mounts and supports located under the hood
* Sufficient clearance between hood and hard engine parts
* Deformable windshield wiper pivots
* Crushable hood hinge