Honda Car Forum

Hard-body truck styling with composite body panels provides
rugged
and functional exterior

Overview

Element body styling centers on a bold two-tone theme with
integrated
composite body panels that will stand up to more wear and tear
than a
typical paint job. The composite body panels provide a worry-free
place to lean things like bikes or snowboards without
jeopardizing
the paint finish on body sides. The side cargo doors are free of a
B-pillar to provide easy loading of equipment.

In its early concept stages, a lifeguard station formed the
design
inspiration for the Element's general shape with upright angles
and
the arched roof follows the curve of a surfboard. The design
evolved
into a rugged two-box SUV shape with traits developed to
support a
young, active lifestyle. With its wide opening side cargo doors,
rear
tailgate, large interior and durable body panels, Element
provides
the right features to operate as a base camp and a general
hang-out
spot. Open the doors and the place becomes monkey island.
Lean stuff
against the sides. Sit on the tailgate or "sidegate." Stand out of
the rear skylight when stationary. The options are much greater
than
a typical SUV, truck or car -or anything currently on the market.

Key Body Design Features

• Hard-body styling



• Side cargo doors



• No B-pillar



• Composite body panels



• Removable rear skylight (Real Time 4WD models)



• Rear ventilation windows



• Roof mounted antenna

Side Cargo Doors

The cargo doors are designed for maximum utility and easy
load-in
with a best-in-class opening size of 55.5 inches. Because the
Element
does not have a B-pillar (the pillar mounted vertically between
the
top and the bottom of the vehicle in the middle) loading boxes
and
other bulky items is much easier than a traditional four- or
two-door
design. From a safety standpoint, the deletion of the B-pillar is
compensated for with a reinforced vertical beam in the structure
of
the rear door, reinforced lower side sills, and floor and roof cross
members. When shut, the base of the doors connect tightly to
the body
side sill with a hook and catcher system. Overall, the design is
anticipated to achieve a five-star side-impact rating, the highest
possible from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA).

The side cargo doors feature an "interlock" safety lever to
insure
that the front doors always open first. Rear passengers can
reach
forward and open the front door to exit the vehicle if nobody is in
the passenger seat. All seat belts have been specially
construced
into the design of the vehicle to not interfere with door
functionality The front doors offer 3-position opening, and can
reach
an opening angle of up to 78 degrees. The rear doors use a
forged
steel gooseneck hinge and can open at an angle up to 90
degrees.

Composite Body Panels

Composite body panels are used as fenders to guard against
scratches
and create a two-tone look. Element DX models receive a
standard gray
surface while EX composite body panels add a metallic-look.
Constructed of polypropylene and featuring no paint, the panels
are
useful for leaning equipment and gear against the vehicle sides.
The
fuel access door, located on the driver side rear fender, opens
manually like a traditional truck instead of by a remote lever -a
unique feature among all current Honda automotive products.

Tailgate

The rear tailgate drops down pickup truck style with the lower
section forming a continuous surface with the interior cargo area
when open. Perfect for tailgate parties, the tailgate can seat two
220-pound people (when the vehicle is parked, of course). The
glass
upper part of the tailgate hinges from the top of the roof, opening
up and out of the way. The long overhang provides shelter from
rain,
sun and snow -a useful feature for loading equipment during
inclement
weather.

Removable Rear Skylight with Tilt

Element EX and DX models equipped with Real Time 4WD
feature a rear
skylight that tilts up and can be removed. Measuring
approximately 20
x 30 inches, the skylight conveniently stores in a softshell case
behind the rear seats on top of the floor. It accommodates
ventilation, hauling tall objects and sleeping under the stars
among
other things.

Noise Insulation

Element incorporates extensive noise absorption materials and
vibration control technology to provide a quiet, refined driving
experience. At 60 mph Element registers a 65-decibel reading,
similar
or better than other vehicles in this price range. Road noise due
to
rough pavement is also minimized.

Xenoy Rear Bumpers

Element's rear bumper uses a highly efficient and resilient
internal
material called Xenoy in place of standard foam. Capable of
absorbing
more energy per stroke, this material helps achieve a short rear
overhang and reduce rear impact costs. Element is the first
Honda
product to incorporate a Xenoy rear bumper.

Exterior Accessories

Composite Body Panel Colors

Metallic Dark Gray (EX)

Dark Gray (DX)