The new Honda SC Element

[Ridge1]

2007 Honda Element SC Prototype Emphasizes Style and Performance
Production version to go on-sale this fall



New York 04/13/2006 --

An all-new urban-oriented counterpart to the Honda Element will debut this fall with an exclusive sport suspension, larger wheels and tires, unique styling and special features like a carpeted interior and a center console, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today at the 2006 New York International Auto Show.

With performance more than skin deep, the Element SC prototype rides 3-inches lower than stock with a sport suspension that delivers sports car-like handling. A front-to-rear aerodynamic body kit further lowers the vehicle's stance, supplementing the new vehicle's performance direction with a ground-hugging presence. High on sophistication, the Element SC smoothly stands out with exclusive features such as fully-painted exterior panels and trim pieces, projector-beam headlights and an aero-enhanced black grille. The interior further complements the city performance demeanor with a driver-oriented center console, copper hue instrument panel lighting backlit with LEDs, piano black trim and a carpeted floor.

"The Element SC prototype is the city-dwelling, style-conscious brother of the original Element," said **************** Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "Instead of features that accommodate outdoor sports and similar activities, the Element SC injects a new dimension of sophistication into the lineup that can best be characterized as 'night performer.'"



The exterior styling expresses a sophisticated, performance-oriented attitude with SC-exclusive features that include projector beam headlights, custom front bumper, lowered suspension, large alloy wheels, custom grille and a slightly lowered roofline (trim effect).

To match the outside, the exclusive interior takes on an entirely new personality with a center console that has enclosed storage areas ideal for mobile phones and MP3 players. Additional exclusive features include trim accents that correspond to the copper-colored illumination.

The 2007 Element SC prototype has a 2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC engine that benefits from a 10 horsepower increase over the 2006 Element, bringing the total to 166 horsepower (SAE net revised 8/04). The increase is achieved primarily through the addition of high-flow intake and exhaust systems and high-lift camshafts. Additional enhancements include drive-by-wire throttle control. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and the available automatic transmission has five forward gears instead of four.

Fulfilling the goals of Honda's "Safety for Everyone" initiative introduced in 2003, all 2007 Elements will provide a core suite of standard safety equipment that goes beyond existing regulations and includes side curtain airbags, driver's side impact airbag, front passenger's side impact airbag, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and ABS.

The 2007 Honda Element also introduces an Integrated Seat Belt System on the front seats that allows rear seat occupants to exit the vehicle without the need for a front occupant to disconnect his or her seatbelt. In place of the existing B-pillar, door-mounted shoulder strap, the new Integrated Seat Belt System shoulder strap originates from the top of the seat and helps to enhance vehicle ingress/egress convenience for rear passengers.



The Element SC prototype features custom 21-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels, 245/35R21 high-performance custom tires, and 4-wheel disc brakes with large brake rotors and custom copper-appearance brake calipers. The combination of the sport-tuned suspension and aggressive wheel and tire package results in an urban utility vehicle that handles like a sports car. A production vehicle based on the Element SC prototype will go on sale this fall.

[rmodys]

This info was already posted. Personally, I hate the Element. This concept is no better.

[GapingOrifice]

imho, the original Element was quirky but cool in a functional way. Not liking this version at all, it's like an answer to a question nobody asked. I just find the 21 inch rims + 166hp very very disturbing...

[impala02]

Integrated seatbelts....CR didn't like them in a Cadillac, I wonder what they'll say about them in a Honda.

[griswold44]

I don't like the placement of the radio, it just looks awkward.

[TahoeMikeZ71]

I think the Element has a lot of weird features.

[King Riffle]

Originally Posted by Ridge1

2007 Honda Element SC Prototype Emphasizes Style and Performance
Production version to go on-sale this fall

That's kind of neat... the brown+boxiness makes it look like a UPS truck though. Have any pictures in a different color?

[TaHoE]

Whahahahaha...Wow...okay, that's is one ugly Mo-Fo. When will Honda re-design this thing?

[TahoeMikeZ71]

I think the front of it looks like the Scion XB.

[tomcat_cool17]

Originally Posted by impala02

Integrated seatbelts....CR didn't like them in a Cadillac, I wonder what they'll say about them in a Honda.

They'll say it is one of the best safety features ever!!

[1G6]

Faster, yet even uglier than the nasty original. It's a wash.

[Tiger]

I'd like the quirky Element if it weren't for its achilles heel. The lowest Cargo Capacity of virtually any vehicle on the road. Including economy cars!

This is NOT all new though. Great to see they gave it more horsepower. Not sure 10 will be enough though. What it needs is a baby diesel motor. Hopefully it will get one.

[CRBoyd91]

This is like putting make-up on a pig. It looks strange.

[grandam_man]

Gotta love high performance tires on a 160hp monster....

Gotta love "fully painted exterior panels"......

Gotta love "handles like a sports car"......

Gotta love "night performer".......

This is has got to be the funniest sh1t I have read in a long while....

Who's with me?

[SSrevolution]

How about a big no. Looks like an xB rip off if I ever saw one.