Michael Bettencourt reports on Honda offering a tricked-out version of the Element this fall in todays GLOBE AND MAIL.

Interested, I Google'd and came up with this:

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 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.





(click here for more pics: http://automobiles.honda.com/element-sc/index.aspx )

"Additional enhancements include drive-by-wire throttle control."

DBW is fucking hell. I hate it with a passion.

Kiss left foot braking byebye.

i saw this a while ago... not bad but still a lot to be wanted IMO.

Originally Posted by Silverstoned

"Additional enhancements include drive-by-wire throttle control."

DBW is fucking hell. I hate it with a passion.

Kiss left foot braking byebye.

The 2006 S2K's have drive by wire also. I guess Honda seems to like it.

Even though it still is a box on wheels I like this a lot more than a scion (no offense kdawg ur ride is pimptastic)

Originally Posted by destrukt

Even though it still is a box on wheels I like this a lot more than a scion (no offense kdawg ur ride is pimptastic)

OUCH!

(Just kidding...no worries...lol)

Originally Posted by Kace

The 2006 S2K's have drive by wire also. I guess Honda seems to like it.

so is mine.. i don't mind it that much



element is the car made by rubbermaid

Thats a diffrent place to put the shifter...

Originally Posted by 98BCR

Thats a diffrent place to put the shifter...

thats like in the newer mazda vans its kinda cool

Originally Posted by 98BCR

Thats a diffrent place to put the shifter...

its actually a great place for the shifter... i found it great.

As does the SI-R hatch.
The Matrix has it there too...

I guess id have to give it a whirl to know for sure.

Originally Posted by Silverstoned

"Additional enhancements include drive-by-wire throttle control."

DBW is fucking hell. I hate it with a passion.

Kiss left foot braking byebye.

tooooooo much control from the ECU.

Originally Posted by 2point2

tooooooo much control from the ECU.

Agreed. Might as well make the car drive its self....oh wait the new BMW 7er does..

My Sentra is DBW...and you honestly can't tell. It has the identical feel and response of traditional wired throttle. I drove one of the new civic's and found the DBW to be off...there was a time delay almost. If they get the feel right I think it's a good thing.

The SC looks pretty good...but it needs more power and still needs to be lower.

Me likes alot! Too bad I can't get 1

rice from the factory, just what we need more of! thanks honda

I like where it has its stick...my ex has a SI-R hatch and I really like driving it. Overall the thing is still ugly...