Honda Element Overview
The Element followed a concept vehicle called Model X, introduced in 2001. The Model X functionality was conceived with a cross-country road trip in mind, combining some features of a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle. The Model X was first conceived by a core group of young R&D engineers in 1998.
They wanted to develop a vehicle that they could use for their activities and conducted informal on-site focus groups at colleges, beaches, campsites and in the mountains.
The Element SC is a go for production in fall 2006 as a 2007 model. Honda calls the car we checked out at the New York auto show a prototype, which means some details might change, but overall, what you see is what you'll get.
The SC is simply a special edition or trim level of the Element, not a replacement for the current generation. Honda calls it "urban-oriented" — something of a silent cry to attract the buyers for whom the model was originally intended but who have been unmoved: young men.
Exterior
The main change here was expected: The gray plastic cladding has been replaced by body-colored panels. The car sits 3 inches lower on a revised suspension, and lower fascias and side sills make it seem lower still. Projector-beam headlights and a black grille give this version a more interesting look.
The prototype's wheels are 21-inch aluminum. The chances of these appearing on the final product are ... impossible is a strong word, but it's pretty close to that. You can expect the final wheels to be larger than those on the regular Element, though.
Interior
Inside, one of the Element's defining features is gone: Carpet appears where the regular model has a wipe-clean plastic floor. The dashboard is darker and less fanciful, with piano-black trim around the center control panel, the vents and on the steering wheel. Red accents appear on the gauges, steering wheel, ventilation controls and seats. Red stitching adorns the shifter boot and center armrest, which provides more covered storage than the regular Element.
Under the Hood
The Element's 2.4-liter four-cylinder has a modest power upgrade in the SC, with 10 more horsepower for a total of 166 hp, which comes from intake and exhaust modifications and different camshafts. The optional automatic transmission adds a gear here, with five compared to the existing model's four.
More attention was given to the suspension, which has sport tuning for improved handling. The prototype wears Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport summer performance tires rated P244/35/ZR21. The type could find its way into production. The size, not so much. The copper-colored Brembo brake calipers and cross-drilled rotors also are unlikely to appear on the final product.
Safety
The Element SC is well equipped with safety features that will carry over into the real product. Side-impact airbags for the front seats are included, as are side curtain-type airbags that cover the side windows in a side impact. Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are standard.
Honda Element
Honda Element
Honda Element
Honda Element
Honda Element Interior
Honda Element
2011 Honda Element is expected to attain the highest rank for front and side impact protection in upcoming crash tests. 2011 Honda Element valve shock absorbers use a low-pressure gas and heavy-duty, high-density compression bushings to absorb small vibrations control larger sharp movements for a more comfortable ride.
2011 Honda Element's chassis features a Toe Control Link McPherson strut suspension in front and a compact double-wishbone suspension in the rear. To add to the new Element, Honda Element has a unique braking system. As brake force is exerted on the rear wheel, it deflects the front of the trailing arm inward and rearward. The reactive link flexes in response to this force, but keeps the end of the trailing arm from moving inward.
This creates a twisting motion in the trailing arm that causes the rear wheel to angle in. This toe in increases vehicle stability under braking, vibration mounts for the engine help significantly reduce engine idle vibration, a fluid filled engine mount is used at the engine's axis mounting point. 2011 Honda Element EX models comes equipped with a 270-watt 7-speaker (with subwoofer) AM/FM/CD sound system and an auxiliary audio input built into the dash for digital media and MP3 players.
Once the reinforced side cargo doors gets close on The 2011 Honda Element, vertical beams add to the reinforced frame. Leaving the new Element with seriously tough passenger compartment and with features such as dual-stage front airbags and 3-point seat belts this new Honda proves to be safe and secure. Side cargo doors with no B-pillar open from the center and allow for easy loading of bulky items. For sports gear including mountain bikes, snowboards, surfboards and other equipment, the rear seats flip to the side to create a vast cargo area.
2006 honda element d drifting racecar front view 588x441 300x225 2011 Honda Element The standard seatback bungee cords on the EX allow equipment like skateboards to be stored conveniently behind the seats. The rear seats also lay flat to form a bed with the front seats, or can be removed entirely.
Standard equipment for The 2011 Honda Element DX includes 16-inch steel wheels and power windows. The LX models add an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers and air conditioning with micron air filtration. The EX models add alloy wheels, ABS, cruise control, power mirrors, a 7-speaker 270-watt audio system with auxiliary audio input and more as standard equipment. The rugged and worry-free interior features waterproof material on the front and rear bucket seats (front seat only on DX models). A urethane-coated utility floor resists water, dirt and scratches while providing easy clean up and easy cargo loading. A large rear skylight (on 4WD models) tilts or removes completely and stores inside the vehicle. The gear shifter for manual and automatic transmissions is located on the center of the instrument panel, within quick reach from the steering wheel.
Honda Elements are a sport utility vehicle that come in three different brands. The LX, EX, and SC. All three brands have either a 2 wheel drive or a 4 wheel drive choice. They have price ranges from $20,000 to $24,000. The Honda Element EX can come with a Honda satellite linked navigation system with voice recognition. The Element comes with many different features that include wipe down utility floors, a center console with a removable cooler, dog friendly packages, and 64 different seating configurations. The engine has 166 horse power and are five speed automatics with 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway. People who buy the Honda Element can choose their own features that they want added to the vehicle, such as wheel locks, bike attachment, ski attachment, roof rack, tailgate spoiler, short roof box, tailgate cabana, chrome exhaust finisher, and many other features. People can also choose a security system, six disc in-dash CD changer, and a cassette player.
The Honda Elements come with hundreds of different great features that include removable flip up rear seats, water resistant fabric, Rear view camera,
Vehicle stability assist along with traction control, day time running lights, side curtain airbags with a roll over sensor, and a 2.4 liter engine . The
Elements can come in tango red pearl, polished metal metallic, alabaster silver, crystal black pearl, omni blue pearl, citrus fire metallic, and royal blue pearl colors.
The standard features for the 2 wheel drive Element are a drive by wire throttle system, a level two carburetor admission rating, front and rear stabilizer bars, a
double wishbone compact rear suspension, no scheduled tune ups for 100,000 miles, and power assisted disc brakes.
The safety features for the Element are three point seat belts for all seating positions, front side airbags along with a passenger side occupant detection sensor, anti-lock braking system, brake assistance, and multiple threshold airbags for safety. The interior features are cruise control, tail gate locks, power door locks, power front windows with automatic up and down features, door pocket storage bins, heater ducts for the rear seats, and rear ventilation windows. The Elements are spacious vehicles that give a lot of freedom with cargo doors that open wide, a clam shell tailgate in the back, and with a 1500 pound towing capacity. The vehicle can also drive on rough terrain with ease with its sophisticated suspension system. The suspension system is a MacPherson strut system with an L shaped arm that is able to absorb the bumps and hills on a rough road.
Honda Element
