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, Honda announced today at the New York Auto Show. 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. The Element SC has fully-painted exterior panels and trim pieces, projector-beam headlights and an aero-enhanced black grille. The interior features a more “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 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.
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.
04/13, 11:18 AM
posted by:
Anonymous
Big improvement, reminds me of the concept souped-version I saw at the NAIAS in 03′, might defeat the purpose of this vehicle if pricing it too high though.
04/13, 11:31 AM
posted by:
Mike
still one of the ugliest vehicles ever built… right up there with the scion xb, pontiac aztec, and jeep compass.
04/13, 11:40 AM
posted by:
Scott
Sounds like you don’t like this class of vehicle much, since all those are in the same class. They’re meant to be practical, keep in mind. These aren’t meant to be sports cars, and they do have their place. It’s difficult to make a vehicle like this look pleasing to the eye, and as far as I’m concerned they’ve done a nice job here, lose a couple inches on the wheels for production and we’re set.
04/13, 11:48 AM
posted by:
Mike
Not entirely Scott, The Matrix/Vibe looks good. The Caliber looks good. The Patriot looks good. I am still in LOVE with the 84-01 XJ (Jeep Cherokee) which is FAR more of a workhorse than anything in the segment today.
The xb is ugly as sin, and very few peope disagree. The Aztec has a firm grip on the ugliest vehicle ever produced…although the element and compass are not far behind.
04/13, 12:05 PM
posted by:
Matt
I confess – I’m a big element Fan, even with the grey molding. I would definitely seriously look at this if it came out.
I also confess that I don’t like the Matrix / Vibe / Aztec / Caliber / Patriot. But then again, the uniqueness and functional side of the Element is what makes me like it! (Whereas I feel the other mentioned cars just seem too cookie-cutter for me with little-to-no value-ad…)
04/13, 12:24 PM
posted by:
Maverick
As they say, you can’t polish a turd. This does look ok though. I’m guessing it’ll be too expensive to sell in any strong volume. They should’ve had this from day one though.
04/13, 12:50 PM
posted by:
Ahk-Med
The fully painted exterior should have been included from the start.
The Element is cheap, reliable, pratical transportation. Accept it for what it is.
04/13, 2:23 PM
posted by:
junkie
“As they say, you can’t polish a turd.”
Actually, you can polish anything…though you may not like the result.
Perfect vehicle for the right demographic.
04/13, 2:24 PM
posted by:
Mike
cheap, yes. low priced, compared to what?
reliable? maybe, but I know it would not be for MY use.
practical? once again, depends on use…
I accept it as an ugly marketing attempt to look “urban” It may have use to some, but I for sure am not one of them.
04/13, 2:28 PM
posted by:
Saud
Isnt this gonna steal some sales from the RDX?
04/13, 6:05 PM
posted by:
Dallas
so you think this is ugly? Have you ever seen a Fiat Multipla? THE ugliest car ever produced. Without question
04/13, 8:38 PM
posted by:
mike
I just vomited in my mouth.. oh jeez
04/13, 10:41 PM
posted by:
nick
I might as well drive a UPS truck. Horrible.
04/13, 11:52 PM
posted by:
Scott
Fiat Multipla, isn’t that name forbidden by some law?
04/14, 12:43 PM
posted by:
Peter Graves
Mike, why are you worrying about reliability? it’s a Honda, enough said.
04/14, 9:58 PM
posted by:
monts
http://www.laurocar.it/…/ MACCHINE/FIAT%20MULTIPLA.JPG
04/17, 1:46 AM
posted by:
Jim Carter
I currently own a 2005 Element and think it is a great little car. I would really look into this vehicle if it is produced.
06/04, 12:02 AM
posted by:
Looove it
I disagree, I love it and always have, what held me back from buying one is the cheesy looking plastic panels, now that they have the all painted panel option, I might just have to buy one. I personally think that the SC is to “urban” but I do like the new options like carpet inside.
I think they will have to tone it down a bit to make it a little more affordable for the audience they are targeting.
For all of you that think it is so ugly, just go buy yourself an Explorer or Escape.