At first glance, we knew right away the Element wasn't going to be any sort of awesome trail machine. But after driving it around for a few days, hauling parts and storming dirt roads to reach photo shoots, we were certain it could exist in our stable of rigs as a multi-function vehicle. The rear seats are easily removed and can be flipped out of the way to create a spacious interior. The rear cab is even tall enough and wide enough to stack a set of 37x12.50R17 tires. With suicide-style side cargo doors, items can easily be stowed without having to pop the rear hatch, though you may want to just so you get a chance to fold down the tailgate. The flooring is coated with a durable, scratch-resistant urethane, and the front and multi-position rear seats are covered with waterproof fabric.
Though you certainly wouldn't tackle an extreme trail with the Element, we did get it in the dirt and snow with great results. Upon negotiating a rutted, snow-patched road, the toe-control MacPherson Strut front suspension and the compact double wishbone rear suspension easily flexed its way through. Plenty of power is transferred to the primary front wheel-drive system from the 160hp, 2.4L dual-overhead cam i-VTEC four-cylinder engine. When the front-wheel-drive system experienced slippage, however, the Real Time 4WD kicked in and automatically distributed torque to the rear wheels. The 4WD system, which is intended for lighter-duty use, consists of a power take off (PTO) from the four-speed automatic transmission that distributes torque to a propeller shaft that runs to the rear differential. Two hydraulic pumps circulate fluid through a multi-plate clutch system, which is activated when the flow rate of the fluid is increased upon detected wheel slippage. The system transfers 70 percent of the torque to the rear wheels in slick conditions and 30 percent in dry conditions. At time of publication, the Real Time 4WD system was only offered with the automatic transmission, but buzz among enthusiast Web sites indicate a 4WD five-speed manual transmission version of the Element is on its way.
As we mentioned, the Honda Element isn't going to be your next rockcrawler, but it can efficiently serve as a multi-purpose vehicle. It not only provides a great highway ride but can handle light off-road use as well. And when you're done hauling parts around for your other 4x4, the Element makes for a great around town or long haul cruiser. For more information, contact: American Honda Motor Co. Inc., www.honda.com.
Cooper Tire Buys Mickey ThompsonCooper Tire increased its market share in the tire industry with the recent acquisition of Max Trac Tire Company Inc., better known as Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels. The company and designs, develops, and distributes specialty tires for the street, strip, track, and off-road racing. The purchase included two well-known brands, Mickey Thompson and Dick Cepek, both of which are named after men considered legends in the off-road industry. Lee McMannis, owner of Mickey Thompson, said, "Cooper brings enormous opportunity and resources to our rich racing heritage, so the prospects are unlimited for Mickey Thompson employees and further penetration of our various markets." Mark F. Armstrong, president of Cooper's North American Tire Division, stated, "We will immediately start to identify areas in which we can take advantage of Mickey Thompson's expertise and name recognition to help promote Cooper's image in racing, performance, and off-road tire arenas." Armstrong concluded, "This Mickey Thompson deal, with its racing and off-road connections, will help us in these efforts."
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, and specializes in the manufacture and marketing of automotive products, including auto, motorcycle, and truck tires, inner tubes, tread rubber, and equipment.