Honda Motor Co. will show off a prototype of the next-generation Pilot sport utility vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month, the Japanese automaker said Wednesday.

Honda said the new Pilot is sleek and futuristic-looking and will have advanced safety and fuel efficiency technology.

Details about the technology and other features will be released during the auto show's media previews, said Honda spokesman Chris Martin. The previews run from Jan. 13-15.

Martin said the new version will have the same functionality as the current vehicle, which seats eight and has medium-duty off-road and all-weather capability.

``We'll basically be sticking true to what the current product does,'' he said.

The current boxy-looking Pilot made its debut in June 2002 as a 2003 model. The base price for the two-wheel-drive model currently is $27,595.