Finally answering the cult of Element enthusiasts (hey, we know a few), Honda is set to rock its Box with a
production version of SC prototype unveiled here in New York.
Lowered three-inches on a sport suspension and seen here on 21″ wheels and tires (245/35R21), the 2007 Element
SC prototype sports a full body kit, painted exterior paneling and trim, and most obviously, a reworked nose with
blacked-out grille and projector-beam headlamps.
The Element SC’s interior has received a light revamp as well, netting a reworked center console, full
interior carpeting (in place of the current Element’s washable flooring), ‘copper hue instrument panel’ with LED
backlighting and piano black trim.
Also indicative of the direction Honda is taking with its Element, the concept’s 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine gets a ten
pony bump to 166 horsepower, courtesy less-restrictive intake and exhaust systems, as well as high-lift cams. The
throttle will henceforth be drive-by-wire, and the automatic sprouts a fifth gear.
In the safety arena, the Element gets a new seat belt design that eases entry and exit to the rear seat– a common
complaint among H-Box afficianados. This, along with a side curtain airbags, stability control, and anti-lock
supervision.
A production version of the urbanized Element is set for this fall.
(full press release and tons of photos after the jump!)
[Source: Honda]
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
Dick 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.