The Honda Element SC prototype features an exclusive sport suspension, larger wheels and tires, unique styling and special features like a carpeted interior and a center console.

It rides 3-inches lower than stock with a sport suspension that delivers sports car-like handling.

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.

“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.’”

Exterior Design

A sketch of the Element Concept unveiled at Detroit in 2002A complete aerodynamic body kit lowers the vehicle’s stance, supplementing the new vehicle’s performance direction with a ground-hugging presence.

Among the other features are the fully-painted exterior panels and trim pieces, projector-beam headlights and an aero-enhanced black grille.

The exterior design expresses a performance-oriented attitude through styling elements such as projector beam headlights, custom front bumper, lowered suspension, large alloy wheels, custom grille and a slightly lowered roofline (trim effect).

	The Honda Element SC prototype at the 2006 New York Auto Show

Interior

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.

Additional exclusive features include trim accents that correspond to the copper-colored illumination.

Technical Features

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.

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 2006 Honda Element production model

2007 Honda Element - What's new

All 2007 Elements will provide extended safety equipment with side curtain airbags, driver’s side impact airbag, front passenger’s side impact airbag, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ABS and the new 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.

(Source: Honda)