Dog-friendly Honda Element Concept Transforms SUV into Pet-hauling Champ

New dog transportation features turn Element into the alpha dog of pet travel

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., April 8, 2009 - New dog-friendly transportation concepts designed for the Honda Element add canine-specific enhancements to one of the most dog-friendly vehicles available, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced at the New York International Auto Show.

Developed specifically for the Element, the Dog Friendly™ components demonstrate the potential for a dedicated pet restraint system designed to meet the needs of dog owners. A finalized version of the Dog Friendly Element is scheduled to debut this fall. Major components will likely include:

·a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform;
·second row and cargo area pet restraint systems;
·an extendable cargo area load-in ramp;
·a 12V DC rear ventilation fan;
·second-row seat covers with a dog pattern design (matches the bed fabric);
·all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern;
·a spill-resistant water bowl; and
·Dog Friendly exterior emblems.

"In an interesting turn of events, cars are now chasing dogs," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "Factory integration of a cushioned pet bed, restraint systems and other components is intended to transform the Element into the ultimate dog car."

The Dog Friendly equipment, engineered specifically for the Element, is designed to accommodate the transportation of dogs in the second-row passenger seats or in the cargo area. The restraint system concepts were designed and fabricated by Takata Corporation, one of the world's leading automotive safety systems suppliers, exclusively for display on the Dog Friendly Honda Element concept vehicle. The restraint concepts are intended to complement the potential of the vehicle's existing restraint systems by helping to protect the dog and helping to prevent injuries to other vehicle occupants due to an unrestrained dog impacting them in a collision. For convenience, a ramp is included to help dogs access the rear cargo area. The ramp stores underneath the bed platform and can be conveniently accessed when the rear tailgate is down.

"In-vehicle pet restraints should be part of every dog owner's safe travel practices," said Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "The expanded availability of manufacturer-based restraints and features can help elevate pet comfort and convenience for owners. Good ventilation and access to water on longer trips should also be primary concerns."

The Element has long been recognized for its dog-friendly interior with an easy-to-clean urethane floor and expansive, flat cargo area (up to 74.6 cu-ft. with rear seats removed), wide-opening side cargo doors, low lift-in height, and accommodating dimensions for tall items. The consumer pet travel advice Web site, Dogcars.com, honored the 2007 Honda Element with its first-ever "Dog Car of the Year" award.

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc., 39 percent of all households own at least one dog with an estimated total U.S. dog population of 74.8 million. All pet purchases and related products and services comprise an estimated total market value of more than $43 billion (2008 est.).

Substantially restyled for the 2009 model year and available with new features, the Honda Element builds on its spacious and versatile SUV character with a more chiseled exterior appearance and a refreshed interior design. Three unique Element styles are available that range from the rugged and simple Element LX, to the more refined Element EX, to the sporty Element SC.

Powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine, the Element is available with either a 5-speed manual transmission (standard) or an available 5-speed automatic transmission. Available Real Time 4WD™ can enhance all-weather traction. The interior provides seating for up to four people along with a cargo area that adapts to large items with its flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether (64-plus seating arrangements). The Element EX has a water resistant urethane-coated utility floor that wipes down for ease-of-cleaning and seat fabric that resists moisture.

For 2009, all Elements incorporate significant exterior styling changes that include new front grille and bumper designs, restyled front fenders (now metal, previously composite material), a new hood design, squared wheel arches, and new headlight and taillight configurations. Interior enhancements include revised dashboard color combinations with titanium-look side linings, new fabric patterns, and enhanced switchgear designs and instrument panel meter graphics. The Element EX exclusively adds a new convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box.

Source;

http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4090408Dog-friendly-Honda-Element-Concept/

Honda unveils “dog-friendly” Element

Torrance, California - Honda has introduced several new dog-friendly transportation concepts designed for the Honda Element at the New York International Auto Show, adding to one of the most pet-friendly vehicles available.

Developed specifically for the Element, the Dog Friendly components demonstrate the potential for a dedicated pet restraint system designed to meet the needs of dog owners. A finalized version of the Dog Friendly Element is scheduled to debut this fall, and will likely include a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area, second-row and cargo area pet restraint systems, extendable load-in ramp, rear ventilation fan, second-row seat covers with dog pattern design, all-season rubber floor mats with toy bone pattern, spill-resistant water bowl, and Dog Friendly exterior emblems.

“In an interesting turn of events, cars are now chasing dogs,” said John Mendel, executive vice-president of American Honda. “Factory integration of a cushioned pet bed, restraint systems and other components are intended to transform the Element into the ultimate dog car.”
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 39 per cent of all U.S. households have at least one dog, with an estimated total dog population of 74.8 million across the country.
I am guessing that the Element add's will be more accomodating then this backseat.

Source;

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/04/08/honda-unveils-dog-friendly-element.htm

IIHS adds new rating for roof strength

Above are some pic's I picked up from Autoblog.com on the same test, the last one is of the poor Kia. Yikes!

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) created a roof strength rating system to help customers assess a vehicle's safeness. Roof strength is critical to keeping passengers alive and in the car in the event of a rollover accident, according to a press release issued by the IIHS. The stronger the roof, the less likely it will deform.

More than 10,000 people die in rollover-related accidents. While any vehicle can roll in a crash, SUVs are three times as likely to roll in an accident than a passenger car.
To earn a good rating, the vehicle must have a roof that is more than twice as strong as minimum federal safety standards requirement.

IIHS evaluated 12 2008-2009 SUV models, and found that the Volkswagen Tiguan, Subaru Forester, Honda Element, and Jeep Patriot earn good ratings--the institute's highest rating. Earning an "acceptable" rating were the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Mitsubishi Outlander. However, the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape--two of the most popular crossover SUV--roofs rated "marginal," and the Kia Sportage earned a "poor" rating.

Source;

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10203701-48.html

Official Press Release of 2009 Honda Element Information

Restyled 2009 Honda Element Offers New High-tech, Functional Features

Available features now include a navigation system, a removable storage cooler and an improved overhead storage console on select models

10/29/2008 - TORRANCE, Calif. -

The restyled 2009 Honda Element entry-level SUV builds on its spacious and versatile character by adding a more chiseled exterior appearance and a refreshed interior design with an expanded selection of available high-tech and functional features. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP1) starts at $20,175 for the 2009 Element 2WD LX, plus a destination and handling charge of $670.

For 2009, Honda has enhanced each of the three unique Element styles that range from the rugged and simple Element LX, to the more refined Element EX, to the sporty Element SC. Available new features on the Element EX and SC include the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System2 with Voice Activation and a rearview camera (automatic transmission-equipped vehicles only); USB digital media connectivity; and improved overhead console storage areas with modular compartments.

Significant exterior styling changes include a new front grille and bumper design, restyled front fenders (now metal, previously composite material), a new hood design, squared wheel arches, and new headlight and taillight configurations.

"The Element's key strength is a spacious, versatile and rugged interior that adapts quickly and conveniently to people and cargo," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "For 2009, the enhancements strengthen the totally unique original concept with more refinement and functionality."

New interior changes include new, brighter color schemes with titanium-look side linings, new fabric patterns, and revised switchgear designs and meter graphics. A restyled low-profile center console is standard on the Element LX.

The Element EX adds a new convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box while the Element SC retains its exclusive center console. For additional storage, the Element EX and SC are equipped with a modular three-compartment overhead console based on the Railport™ Vehicle Personalization System, expanding the vehicle's hidden storage versatility compared to the previous version. The new overhead console includes two large storage bins that can accommodate CD cases and similar items and a rear storage area for sunglasses.

The 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine is available with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 5-speed automatic transmission. Real Time 4WD™, available on the Element LX and EX, enhances all-weather traction. The Element LX and EX continue to be available in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, while the sport-tuned Element SC continues to be available exclusively in two-wheel-drive. EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings3 range from 20/25 for two-wheel-drive models with an automatic transmission to 18/23 for manual transmission models with either two-wheel-drive or Real Time 4WD.

Versatile and Accommodating Interior with Available High-tech Features

The interior provides seating for four people along with a cargo area that quickly adapts to large items with its flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether (64-plus seating arrangements). The Element LX and EX have a water resistant urethane-coated utility floor that quickly wipes down and seat fabric that resists moisture; the Element SC has a carpeted passenger area. Air conditioning with micron air filtration is standard on all models.

The Element LX has a 4-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player. The Element EX and SC feature a 270-watt high-output audio system, an AM/FM tuner, CD player with MP3/WMA™4 capability, auxiliary audio input for MP3 players or other audio devices, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, seven speakers including a dynamic linear phase 6.5-inch subwoofer (located in the bottom center of the instrument panel). XM® Satellite Radio5 is standard on the Element EX and SC.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System becomes an available feature for 2009 on the Element EX and SC (automatic transmission models only), and includes a rear backup camera and a USB audio interface6. The navigation system features a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to an internal single-disc CD player and a digital audio card reader that can play MP3 and WMA® files from CompactFlash® cards. The navigation system contains more than 7 million points of interest and can control the audio system. The voice recognition is capable of recognizing and entering numbers, street names and cities.

Numerous storage bins and beverage holders provide places for cell phones, CDs and super-size drinks. Available storage areas include: a large three-bin tray above the glove box (ideal for mobile phones and portable music players); a modular 3-compartment overhead storage bin (EX, SC); seat back storage (EX, SC); six hooks for strapping down bikes or other bulky gear; and door storage pockets on all four doors.

Exclusive Element SC interior appointments include passenger-area carpeting, a center console with storage, piano black trim pieces and unique fabrics and patterns. The center console provides an enclosed storage area in the vehicle and integrates the auxiliary audio input jack and two beverage holders. Meter styling color on all Element SC models is copper-hue, replacing the blue backlit illumination on the other models.

For the rest of the news release follow the link and continue reading from the Refined Chassis Design segment....

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/804/releases/4843

2009 Honda Element Information

****UPDATE; October 02, 2008****
Here is a link to the post on all the information that I have on the 09 Element;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2008/09/finally-first-2009-honda-element-pic.html

I have been reading in a few sites that there is some confusion as to whether or not there is going to be a 2009 Honda Element, because information has been scarce.

YES, there is going to be a 2009 Honda Element, here are the trim levels;

Element LX
Element SC
Element EX
Element EX AWD


Here is a snipet from Vtec.net on the matter;
"The Element receives a major update for 2009 with significant exterior styling changes while also adding new and improved interior features. Additional details will be released in the fall."


Car and Driver says;
"The platform and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine remain unchanged."

Honda Element E-Camper

Ursa Minor has set out to replace the void left by the Volkswagen Camper. The company makes pop-up campers for the Honda Element. Ursa Minor can sell you a new Honda Element with the ECAMPER installed, or kits to retrofit your Element if you have a sunroof. The base ECAMPER will add at least $4300 to the price of your new Element, while the kits cost the same amount. There are a few extras available, like color-matched paint and Yakima or Thule rack mounts that can add to the price.

Ursa says its camper will sleep two people by simply popping the latch and climbing up. It features a 85″x50″ mattress with LED reading lamps for lighting. The shell of the camper is made from carbon fiber and lifted with gas struts. We think the best part of this camper may be the time saved not fiddling with tent stakes and chasing down the tent when it turns into a kite. For more details, check out Ursa Minor’s site below.

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/camper.htm

Source: http://news.windingroad.com/aftermarket/ursa-minor-ecamper/

Honda Element WINS First-ever DogCar of the Year Award

Here's one for all you dog lovers out there (me included). A website http://dogcars.com/ has rated the 2007 Honda Element as 'Best Overall' for being pet friendly. Here's what they had to say;

Best Overall: 2007 Honda Element

Love or hate the look, no matter: The Element is as good a DogCar as could possibly be imagined. From its versatile interior to its anti-noseprint windows, everything about the Honda Element has dog-lovers howling with happiness. The easy-to-clean Element is a near-perfect DogCar with just the right canine chemistry.
Available in three trim lines: the rugged LX, refined EX and the sporty SC — all of which features an inline four cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower. Easy on the fuel-sipping, too!

Here's a link to the whole article if you're interested;

http://dogcars.com/blog/?page_id=33

How the Honda RealTime 4 Wheel Drive Works

The CRV and the Element both use the RealTime 4WD system, different from the Pilot and the Ridgeline's VTM-4 Lock (which I explained in an earlier article). Here is how it works (technical explanation);

The CR-V’s 4-wheel drive system is designed to best match the majority of driving situations that SUV’s realistically encounter. The fully automatic Real Time 4WD system enhances the CR-V’s all-weather and light duty off-road capabilities when driving in rain, snow, dirt roads and sandy conditions – without the significant weight, fuel economy and handling performance drawbacks of a conventional four-wheel-drive system. Enhancements have been made to the system for improved performance by optimizing materials and construction, resulting in a more rigid assembly with the capacity for up to 20 percent more torque transfer to the rear wheels.

The CR-V's Real Time 4WD system sends power only to the rear wheels when there is insufficient traction for the front-wheel-drive system. The system consists of the conventional front-wheel-drive system, a compact transfer case that distributes torque to a propeller shaft running the length of the vehicle, a dual-pump system with a multi-plate clutch, a cam unit mechanism, the rear differential, and left and right rear-wheel driveshafts.

The core of the system is the dual-pump unit. It consists of two hydraulic pumps, one driven by the front wheels via the propeller shaft and one driven by the rear wheels via the rear differential. A hydraulically actuated, multi-plate clutch, similar to the clutches used in Honda automatic transmissions, connects the propeller shaft to the rear differential.

When the CR-V is operating with the front and rear wheels turning at the same speed, for example on dry pavement, the front and rear hydraulic pumps operate at the same rate. Hydraulic fluid circulates between the two pumps; however, no pressure is generated. In effect, the fluid pressure created by the front pump is equalized by the rear pump.

If the front wheels begin to turn faster than the rear wheels, as would be the case if they were spinning on snow or ice, the two hydraulic pumps would turn at a different rate and hydraulic pressure proportional to the difference in their speeds of rotation would be generated. The resulting hydraulic pressure opens a valve body and feeds pressure to the multi-plate clutch, which engages the front propeller shaft to the rear differential. The rear differential then feeds the drive torque to the right and left rear wheels.

To provide a quick torque transfer response time for transparent 4-wheel drive operation to the driver, the multi-plate clutch is supplemented by a one-way ball cam unit mechanism. The cam unit mechanism consists of two plates separated by six ball cams (large bearings) that move within ramped grooves. When a slight difference in rotation speed exists between the rear wheels and front wheels when driving forward, the ball cams move within the ramped grooves and create pressure that instantly begins the engagement of the main clutch (prior to the build-up of sufficient hydraulic pressure). By engaging the main clutch at a sufficient force even before the hydraulic pressure is generated by the two hydraulic pumps, the driving torque is transferred without a hint of time lag.

Overall system operation is completely automatic; no electronics or driver action is involved. The greater the degree of front-wheel slippage, the greater the amount of torque fed to the rear wheels. Real Time™ 4WD is also low maintenance. The Maintenance Minder system will indicate that the dual pump fluid should be changed at about 100,000 kilometers.

Source: 2008 Honda Product Guide for the 2008 Honda CRV.

Some Cool Honda Element Pic's

Things have been pretty quiet as of late, at least on the Honda news front, so, I put together some cool pic's on the Honda Element. Enjoy.

A cool tuner with a logo H25.

Ah, a Element Woodie, brings back memories of the old 'Grilwald' Vacation movies.

I have a fever and the only cure is more wood paneling!

Surprisingly hot.

A pop up roof. Cool idea.

Some person on ebay had this wheelchair accessable Honda Element.

A full Moonroof would be a nice final touch to the Element.

A crazy Element sketch from a European site.

2005 Honda WOW Concept, a possible direction for the Next Gen Honda Element?

The Honda WOW (WOW stands for Wonderful Open-hearted Wagon) was a concept car. First introduced at the 2005 Tokyo Auto show and was designed to fit the needs of both a person and their pet.

Now don't get me wrong, this vehicle is a 'Concept' vehicle in the truest sense of the word (there are things in this vehicle that would never fly into a production version - wood floor!), but I can't help but notice the similarities between the WOW and what I would think the current Honda Element could evolve into. From the fact that it is a 'tall wagon' (SUV) to the way its doors open.

Here's a link to more info. if you're interested;

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/tokyo/0510_honda_wow/index.html