2012 Honda CRV website up and running

Shrawan Raja of the sites below was kind enough to send a 'heads up' to the new 2012 Honda CRV teaser site up and running here http://automobiles.honda.com/2012-cr-v/

http://indianautosblog.com
http://indianmotosblog.com
http://steeringnews.com
This is straight from Shrawan's site;

Here’s what the website says -

With a new design—both inside and out, new features and new possibilities, the 2012 CR-V will set a new standard for the class. As a top-selling crossover for over five years, expectations for the 2012 CR-V are high and we’re confident they will not only be met, but exceeded. Much more will be revealed over the next several months so be sure to sign up on this page to receive updates.

The new CR-V is a crucial model for Honda in India as the 20-30 lakh rupee crossover/SUV space is prone to a lot of tussling. The Chevrolet Captiva, BMW X1, Toyota Fortuner and the Renault Koleos are very desirable cars and feature-packed and stylish enough to take away limelight away from the Honda. The lack of a diesel engine is hurting its sales in India. In America however this won’t matter as the market share of diesel cars is not considerable.
It is said that the new CR-V (codename 2WS) will arrive with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 180 – 220 horsepower. A hybrid variant is reportedly another development exclusive to the Japanese and American markets

The incoming model according to reports online will be marginally shorter (4,535mm x 1,820mm x 1,685mm as opposed to the current model’s 4,575mm x 1,820mm x 1,680mm (L*W*H respectively) ) and slightly more fuel economical.

Source:
http://indianautosblog.com/2011/06/2012-honda-cr-v-microsite-live#ixzz1QTwURi00

2012 Honda CRV and Volvo XC60 Similarities

Nice read, and shocking how similar the CRV and the Volvo XC60 really are....
This, we are told, is the new 2012 model year Honda CR-V, known internally at Honda as the 2WS. Yes, that wedge shaped rear does remind us of a Volvo XC60. According to the folks at Autoblog, the elongated D-pillar suggests a third row seat. We think that's quite a possibility given that the CR-V's main rival, the Toyota RAV4, comes with a third row seat option in the US. Although it needs to be noted that US market RAV4 is slightly longer than their Japanese / European market equivalents.

On critics saying that the CR-V apes too much of a Volvo XC60 - give the same brief to two different designers working separately, to design a mid size urban soft-roader SUV that appeals to the masses, I reckon that both will still come to a similar solution. Being a mass volume product, cost is imperitive, so tail lamps stretching horizontally across the tailgate will be ruled out due to assembly and wiring harness cost. The only way left to go is for the tail lamps to be stacked vertically. Fuel economy concerns will dictate that a gradually slopping rear is favoured to reduce aero-drag. Plus the side windows profile and overall silhoutte needs has to project a youthful-sporty appeal. Hence that pronounced shoulder line that rises upwards to the rear to give the illusion of motion. Thus explains similarity. Sure there are other ways to achieve the same, but one needs to consider the complexity of the design which will then affect the steel stamping, logistics (flat body panels are favoured as they take up less space) and assembly take time.

On this side of the world, punitive taxes on imported vehicles coupled by the fact that the aside from China, Japan is the only source for right hand drive Toyota RAV 4 meant that Honda's hold on the passenger car based / unibody SUVs is uncontested. Nissan X-Trail is a bit more utilitarian, and the local distributors of Nissan Edaran Tan Chong Motor have sort of dropped the ball with the second generation X-Trail. In its heydays, Nissan used to shift almost 300 units of the first generation X-Trail a month. Now it registers just barely above 100 units a month. So by default, it is going to be another winner. Those in the know however, who are brave enough to break away from the herd mentality will opt for the Hyundai Tucson / ix35. Brilliant car in our opinion. It's cheaper and backed by a 5-years warranty.

Powertrain for the 2012 CR-V will be carried over from the current generation model, meaning a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and in some markets, a 2.4-liter as well. European markets will receive a diesel option. Expected public launch will be in the coming 2011 Tokyo Motor Show this December. Local market launch should start sometime around Q2 2012. That is of course, assuming that the Mayans were wrong about the world collapsing by 2012.

Source;
http://www.theautoindustrieblog.com/2011/05/honda-cr-v-2012-spyshot.html

Autoblog: Spy Shots: Is this 2012 Honda CR-V test mule packing a third row of seats?

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/is-this-2012-honda-cr-v-test-mule-packing-a-third-row-of-seats/

Out of respect to Brenda Priddy and Co, I supplied the link to the photo above, not much to look at right now, but I imagine that Brenda will be coming out with more soon.

Here's straight from Autoblog....
"While Honda may have to delay rolling out the successor to the current CR-V crossover, a shortage of parts resulting from the crisis in Japan doesn't mean it isn't still working on the project. And while we hadn't seen any prototypes running before, we've now received our first glimpse.

The test mule in this solitary spy shot is wearing a bra over the front end and some taping around the hind quarters, but is otherwise fairly naked for all to see. So what are we looking at? Heavily revised styling for a start, with tail-lights that extend up the D-pillar like the current model but with a rather Volvo-like shape to them. Our intrepid auto spies also suggest the extended rear end could be making room for a third row of seats (wonder what that D-pillar tape job is hiding?), but from where we sit, it looks mighty cramped.

Beyond the design, we can expect a slightly more powerful and more efficient version of the current model's 2.4-liter VTEC four. Expect production to begin in Ohio and Ontario before winter rolls back around."

Another 2012 Honda CRV pic

Well, the pic above was on Woody's Car Site;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2011/03/201213-honda-crv.html
obiously the pic is a shrunken version of the pic below.
I gotta say, I have seen this pic a few times now, and where there's this much smoke, usually there's fire, in other words, look for this to be a strong indication to what the 2012 CRV will indeed look like.

Honda CR-V Wins Vehix Small SUV Comparison Test

Really in depth comparison test, great read, I just put the basic's from the article, make sure you you read the full article....

1ST Place: 2011 Honda CR-V
Overall Score: 7.3 out of 10
Likes
-Comfortable seats
-Simple yet innovative interior packaging
-Lively driving character in urban environments
-Top quality and dependability ratings
-Holds its value over time
Dislikes
-Limited availability of technology features
-Accessing engine power means revving the engine
-Transmission regularly exercises its hunting permit
-Choppy highway ride
-We’re thinking, we’re thinking…
The Vehix View
Honda appeals more to the head than the heart with the 2011 CR-V, an utterly practical, extremely comfortable, exceptionally reliable, and genuinely fun-to-drive crossover SUV.

2nd Place: 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
Overall Score: 7.2 out of 10
Likes
-Styling
-Comfort
-Ride and handling
-Safety features and crash-test scores
-Impressive warranty coverage
Dislikes
-Fuel economy
-Powertrain refinement
-Confusing controls
-Visibility
-Narrow cargo area
The Vehix View
Thanks to a solid middle-of-the-road performance, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox slips into 2nd place in our comparison test. All it really needs is a more fuel-efficient and refined engine, minor reconfiguration of the interior, and better quality scores to lead the pack.

3rd Place: 2011 Toyota RAV4
Overall Score: 7.1 out of 10
Likes
-Impeccable build quality
-Lots of fun to drive
-Simple controls and displays
-Roomy cargo area
-Impressive gas mileage
Dislikes
-Few frills, premium price
-Cheap interior materials
-Seat comfort, front and rear
-NHTSA crash-test results
-Silly cargo door with spare tire stuck to it
The Vehix View
The fun-to-drive Toyota RAV4 is due for a redesign, and we hope the next version features improved interior materials, better crash-test scores, and more comfortable seats. Toyota can ditch that rear cargo door, too.

4th Place: 2011 Hyundai Tucson
Overall Score: 6.8 out of 10
Likes
-Interior design, materials and layout
-Lots of technology for the price
-Engine, transmission, and fuel economy
-Killer warranty and assurance programs
-IIHS Top Safety Pick
Dislikes
-Front styling
-Rear-seat comfort
-Rear visibility
-Steering feel
-Ride quality
The Vehix View
With improvements in rear-seat comfort, steering, ride quality, and independent ratings for quality, reliability, and expected depreciation, the Tucson would dominate the competition.
Drawing Conclusions
It may sound trite to admit, but based on our four-vehicle comparison test, there’s no clear winner or loser among this group. Each of the CUVs we drove gives the consumer a compelling reason to purchase, and each one possesses a potential flaw that a consumer might find impossible to live with. Despite this, we’ve driven the miles, crunched the data, and determined which of these four is the best of the bunch.

The Hyundai Tucson (view photos) smells like a bargain, thanks to impressive features, a competitive sticker price, and an industry-leading warranty. Add a high-quality interior, a Top Safety Pick crash-test award, and a best-in-test real world fuel economy number, and we understand why it’s hard to fathom its fourth-place finish. The trouble with the Tucson is that it is a chore to drive. The steering requires constant correction and maintenance, the ride is busy and bouncy, and visibility to the rear is poor. Plus, rear seat occupants – especially those old enough to talk but not tall enough to see past the Tucson’s towering door panels – are likely to squawk about claustrophobia.

The Toyota RAV4 (view photos) is a popular choice because it is roomy and simple, delivering impressive gas mileage and build quality for a low price. But that low price is deceiving, because you’re not getting many frills, and the Toyota’s interior looks and feels the cheapest of the group. Seat comfort is merely adequate, the cargo door is unwieldy, and the NHTSA’s new battery of crash tests reveals potentially inadequate passenger protection in some types of accidents. Negatives aside, perhaps the most surprising thing about the RAV4 is that it is fun to drive. Most people think Toyotas are nothing more than sleeping aids on wheels. When it comes to this CUV, that’s definitely not the case.

The Chevy Equinox (view photos) offers a compelling blend of emotional and practical reasons for purchase, from its good looks and comfortable interior to its impressive warranty coverage and favorable crash-test scores. However, based on our driving we think the EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the unrefined four-cylinder powertrain are out of line with reality. Plus, it’s hard to see out of the Equinox, the controls are often a source of confusion, and the cargo space is almost too narrow to accommodate a full-size stroller. While there is certainly room for improvement, the Equinox is definitely worth investigation.

The Honda CR-V (view photos) is the small crossover that we would recommend to friends and family, because it makes life easier. Brimming with practicality, the lively little CR-V is deceptively roomy inside with very comfortable seats, innovative cargo and storage solutions, and simple controls. Add top quality and dependability ratings and the ability to hold its value over time, and the Honda CR-V makes a clear case for purchase. All Honda really needs to do is make Bluetooth standard across the board, and we can forgive the CR-V’s relatively minor flaws.

Source;
http://www.vehix.com/articles/reviews/small-suv-comparison-test/1

2012 Honda CRV Rendered Speculation pt2

This is another from Japan Car Design Corner, a really good site for Japanese car enthusists! Second time I have seen this pic, this would be something that I'd have to warm up to, the front end is not grabbing me. Anyway, they say style is subjective....

Source;
http://jp-cardesigncorner.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-honda-cr-v-coming-this-autumn.html

Update on the 2012 Honda CRV

Well, I have confirmation that the next generation CRV is indeed pretty much ready to go, however won't be released until the fall this year. Your guess is as good as mine as to what this incarnation is going to look like, however I have been told that this won't be a dramatic departure from the current formula. It would sure be nice to see the 2.2l diesel engine make it's way here, but as far as I know that's not even on the table.

Honda has been doing a great job of keeping this one under wraps, I have found a few drawings out there as to what the vehicle may end up looking like (Crosstour front end?), and when I asked a Honda Canada rep (who had seen the 2012) about the Crosstour front end they just looked at me and said 'nope'. That doesn't mean much to me, due to the fact that this is the same person that said the spyshots of the 2012 Civic a few months back were inaccurate (bang on).

Anyway, when I find out more, I'll let you know!

Source;
Honda Canada

Vancouver Sun: CRV Review: A compact sport-ute evolution

First introduced in 1997, the Honda CR-V is nearing the end of what has been a successful third generation of this compact utility vehicle. It was the first utility vehicle produced by Honda and has been an unqualified hit both for this auto maker and with its owners . . . just ask one.

Outstanding in terms of its reliability and excellent resale value retention, the CR-V has evolved over the years and the 2011 edition has also embraced a more stylish cross-over design trend.

Yet, it still retains excellent interior functionality and off-the-beaten track driving capability.

Last year, CR-V received a mid-life cycle refit, receiving more power out of its one and only engine without compromising fuel economy. Its 2.4-litre four-cylinder powerplant employs variable intake valve timing and can now produce 180 horsepower. That’s an eight per cent increase in power, plus a four per cent improvement in fuel economy was also achieved.

Engineering tweaks used to achieve the power boost included a higher compression ratio, larger intake valves, lower-friction piston rings, and fuel injectors that deliver a finer spray. The engine’s maximum torque is unchanged at 161 lb.-ft, but it’s achieved at a slightly higher 4400 rpm.

All 2011 models come with a five-speed automatic transmission and drive is sent to the front wheels or all four, via Honda’s Real Time 4WD. It’s a system that doesn’t involve any driver decisions and defaults to front-drive for best fuel economy.

Built on a rigid unit-body structure, the CR-V has no noteworthy changes for the 2011 model year, unless you count some new paint colour choices. Buyers also get to choose from three models: the basic LX; mid-range EX; the top-line EX-L, which comes with leather-upholstery and there’s a navigation package option.

The Looks
The requisite two-box utility design configuration is almost unrecognizable in the 2011 CR-V. Long gone are the days when its spare wheel hung on the rear door. It sports a cleaner, more car-like design these days, with prominent fender flares that give it a solid and planted appearance on the road.

Tapered side windows add to the sporty fast-back look of CR-V and at the rear there are distinctive tall high-mounted taillights. The rear liftgate design is also unique in that this door spills over into bumper. The idea is that it provides a lower cargo entry way, which lines up with a perfectly flat cargo floor. That said, the liftgate does look like it`s more venerable to rear-ender damage.

The Inside: The big inside pull-handles on the doors, which look like engine connecting rods, fit-in with the decidedly practical personality of the CR-V’s interior. There`s no third-row seat to expand seating to seven or even eight people, like some competitors. Instead, the CR-V offers comfortable seating for five and lots of cargo room.

Head and leg room in the rear seat are generous; passengers can also slide their feet under the seat in front, and the split (60/40) seats have high backrests that recline. To increase cargo space the rear seatback first folds and then the entire seat tumbles forward against the back of the front seat.

Up front, there’s a second and smaller (upper) glove box with a multimedia USB connection inside. The transmission shift lever on a pedestal sticks out from the centre stack and there’s storage underneath. In fact, there are all kinds of storage nooks and pockets in the CR-V.
And my top-line EX-L trim came with a centre console between the front seats.

Safety
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) in the US has introduced tougher crash test program with a more stringent new 5-Star Safety Rating system that’s no longer comparable to 1990–2010 vehicles.

The 2011 Honda CR-V received four-star ratings (out of five) in front, side rollover and overall ratings. That’s as good, if not better, than any other small compact utility vehicle that the NHTSA has tested to date.

An electronic stability system, called Vehicle Stability Assist, is standard on all CR-Vs. It’s also coupled with four-wheel disc brakes (vented in front and solid in the rear), ABS, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution.

The Drive
It’s easy to understand why this size of utility vehicle has become so popular. It’s small enough to park with ease and use in an urban environment. The seat height makes it easier for many people to slide in or out and that extra height also gives occupants better all-around vision.

Driver vision in the CR-V is very good, the back window is large and the side mirrors are also an extra-large size. My test CR-V came with a backup camera, which comes with the optional navigation system package.

You sit tall in the driver’s seat in a more chair-like seating position, looking down at the instrument cluster, and a wide left-foot dead pedal is a welcome feature. In addition to the added comfort, it can be used to brace the left leg in an emergency braking situation.

Honda has, commendably and like some of its competitors, resisted chucking a V6 engine in to the CR-V to get more power. It’s a move that should pay off in the long run, if as predicted we are moving into a season of higher fuel costs.

A five-speed automatic transmission matches well with the four-cylinder engine. There`s an overdrive on/off button on the side of the shift lever that gives the driver limited control over shift functions, as manually down-shifting with the level is cumbersome.

The CR-V handled better than expected and is more stable while cornering than most in this class. The steering is on the light side, a little too much assist for my taste, but it is precise. Most impressive was low level of interior noise, even a highway speeds.

The Score
The Honda CR-V is a sturdy vehicle and a benchmark in the compact utility class . . . a “can’t go wrong” purchase.
The Specs
2011 Honda CR-V
Trim levels: LX, EX & EX-L
Sticker Price: $26,290 to $35,590
Power (SHO): 2.4-litre I4, 180-hp
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Fuel consumption (fwd):
9.8/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway)
Fuel consumption (awd):
10.1/7.5 L/100 km (city/highway)
Basic Warranty: 3 yrs / 60,000 km
Powertrain Warranty: 5 yrs / 100,000 km
Rust Warranty: 5 yrs / unlimited km

The competition
Ford Escape: $24,499 - $34,549
Hyundai Tucson: $22,995 - $34,449
Kia Sportage: $21,995 - $35,995
Mazda CX-7: $26,495 - $36,690
Nissan Rouge: $23,198 - $33,098
Toyota RAV4: $24,345 - $34,390
Source;
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/compact+sport+evolution/4328232/story.html#ixzz1EnXnlyqJ

Rendered Speculation: 2012 Honda CRV

Not sure where they dug up this sketch, but it's here none the less....
Source;
http://cheapsportscars.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-honda-cr-v-coming-this-autumn.html

All-new Honda CR-V coming this Fall

Honda looks to be hanging its recovery hopes on the U.S. light truck market. According to Automotive News, North America was the only market to see sales growth for the company during the last quarter. The six-percent jump was fostered largely by the Odyssey and the CR-V, and Honda hopes to be able to keep up that momentum with a new version of the popular CUV. Reportedly set to debut by fall of this year, the 2012 CR-V will be a complete generational model change, though the company hasn't revealed too many details about the new vehicle just yet.

Globally, Honda has seen its sales fall off by around seven percent, with operating profit declining by 29 percent. The company hopes that focusing on light trucks will help boost the company's total U.S. volume to 1.28 million vehicles by the end of its fiscal year.

News of the next-generation CR-V goes a long way toward explaining why the 2010 and 2011 models received such skimpy updates. Engineers managed to pull another 14 horsepower from the engine and designers slapped on a slightly adjusted grille, but otherwise the vehicle has stuck pretty close to its 2009 recipe. Keep your ear to the ground for more information on the next-gen crossover.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/report-all-new-honda-cr-v-coming-next-fall/

Road and Track: 2013 Ford Escape

Wow, is this ever an improvement over the current Escape, which I think is still very nice....

What was once the Vertrek concept will become the 2013 Ford Escape.
By Matt DeLorenzo

While this sporty crossover was introduced as the Vertrek concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it’s assumed that the production version will have the more recognizable (and easier to pronounce) Escape nameplate.

The Vertrek styling influences represent a major change in crossover design at Ford. While the new Explorer has a tough truck look, the new Escape, taking its cues from the concept, promises to be sleeker and more wagon/carlike, something along the lines of a Honda CR-V.

Now our spies have captured an early development mule of the Vertrek/Escape, which is based on Ford’s Global C-platform that underpins the new Focus and Transit Connect as well as related crossovers sold in Europe as the C-Max and Kuga. Speaking of the Kuga, Ford uses some of that vehicle’s bodywork on the mule, since it is much sleeker than the current boxy Escape sheetmetal.

While this vehicle does not represent the final design of the 2013 Ford Escape, it does show us that testing well under way. We can see a large piece has been tacked onto the front clip, likely to make room for components related to turbocharging. At the rear, the fascia has been modified to make room for a new exhaust system.

The Escape will follow the industry trend of doing away with V-6 engines, instead sporting a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder for the base model and an Ecoboost 4-cylinder for the upmarket model. Also a possibility is a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine as a fuel-economy leader, plus a 2.0-liter turbodiesel currently being developed primarily for Europe.

Source;
http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-cars/spy-photos/spied!-2013-ford-escape

Smaller Toyota Rav4 (Rush) coming to North America?

Here's a nice find on Woodyscarsite.com, a proposed smaller version of the Rav4 coming to North America? Didn't see this coming, however, with the introductions from Nissan (Cube, Juke) and others coming it does make sense....
Source with more info....
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2011/01/new-smaller-rav4-toyota-rush.html

Honda to Phase Out the Element

Honda performed well in November, but this doesn't necessarily mean that all the models produced by the Japanese carmaker managed to exceed expectations. The Element for example remained the same not-attractive model we got used to, so the parent company decided to reconsider its future plans with this particular project. In fact, it seems like Honda has already decided Element's future: the car will be pushed out of production.

According to a report by AutoGuide, an official announcement on the matter is expected to be released today, but even without a confirmation, Honda seems to take the right decision. In the US, Honda sold a total of 939 Elements in November 2010, down from 1,017 units in the same month of the previous year.

To give you an idea on how low the Element sales have remained over the years, we must mention that the Accord, the company's best-seller in the US market, sold 19,025 units during the past month, up from 17,239 units in November 2009. For the sake of comparison, only 12,960 buyers chose the Element in the first eleven months of the year, while Honda Accord attracted a total of 279,000 people in the same period.

In the financial report rolled out yesterday, Honda has only praised the way both the Acura and the parent brand performed last month, saying that increased figures are expected to be registered by year end."

Our Acura Division sales continue to be strong, led by red hot year-to-date sales of our MDX and RDX SUVs," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "And with the newly released Odyssey minivan and CR-Z sport hybrid selling well, we look forward to a good year end."

As mentioned, Honda is expected to roll out an official announcement later today, so we'll keep you posted.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/honda-to-discontinue-element-27583.html

2011 Honda Element Provides Rugged Versatility Inside and Out

I've heard from a pretty reliable source that Honda is seriously considering taking the Element off the market, which would mean no redesign....
The 2011 Honda Element SUV stands ready for adventure with its wide-opening side cargo doors, a wipe-down utility floor and a multitude of seating configurations that range from lounge mode to maximum cargo mode.

The purposeful interior offers a low load-in floor with flat surfaces along with a tall interior ideal for hauling many types of gear. 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). Cargo space measures an impressive 74.6 cu-ft. with the rear seats removed. The Element has a water-resistant, urethane-coated utility floor that quickly wipes down and seat fabric that resists moisture.

Element models for 2011 include the rugged and simple Element LX and the more refined Element EX. All Element models are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. Available Real Time 4WD™ enhances all-weather traction. EPA city/highway/combined fuel-economy ratings1 are 20/25/22 miles per gallon for two-wheel-drive models and 19/24/21 miles per gallon for Real Time 4WD models.

The Element LX comes standard with a 4-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and remote entry. The Element EX adds a 270-watt high-output audio system, XM® Radio, CD player-based MP3/WMA™2 capability, an auxiliary audio input for MP3 players or other audio devices, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and seven speakers including a 6.5-inch subwoofer.

All models include numerous storage bins and beverage holders for items such as mobile phones, audio players and drinks. Storage areas include: a large, three-bin tray above the glove box; a modular three-compartment overhead storage bin (EX); seat back storage (EX); six hooks for strapping down bikes or other bulky gear; and door storage pockets on all four doors. The Element EX exclusively has a convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box.

The Element's fully independent suspension uses a front MacPherson strut and a rear compact double wishbone designs for responsive handling and a comfortable ride. A 101.4-inch wheelbase contributes to a compact exterior size. An ultra-tight turning diameter of 34.9-feet provides for excellent maneuverability in tight quarters. Element LX and EX models are equipped with 16-inch wheels (steel on LX, alloy on EX) with all-season P215/70R16 tires. Additional LX and EX standard features include power rack-and-pinion steering and front and rear stabilizer bars.

The all-aluminum Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine produces 166-maximum horsepower at 5800 RPM and 161 lb-ft. of maximum torque at 4000 RPM. The Element's i-VTEC variable valve timing system enhances low RPM torque while also delivering high RPM horsepower. The standard five-speed automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to minimize "gear hunting" on hilly roads. The available Real Time 4WD system enhance all-weather and light-duty off-road capabilities when driving in rain, snow, dirt roads and sandy conditions by sending power to the rear wheels when the front drive wheels experience a traction loss during acceleration.

Standard safety equipment includes: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®); a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); and active front-seat head restraints.

1 The Element is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

2 Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.Windows Media® Audio is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/2011-honda-element-provides-rugged-versatility-inside-and-out