Honda Customises CR-V: SEMA 2006

Motoring Channel Staff - 3/Nov/2006

Las Vegas, America — The 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, America, is the biggest aftermarket and tuning exhibit in the world, which is attended by more and more mainstream manufacturers who hope to get a slice of the multi-billion dollar industry.

Simply put, SEMA is the Holy Land for tuners.

Today, Honda of America revealed more than a dozen project and concept vehicles for the first time at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) show, including a daft-looking (but stove hot)  Honda Element-D mini van outputting 500 horsepower, or 373kW of power.

Other vehicles Honda revealed at its exhibit at the SEMA show in the Nevada included a prototype Civic MUGEN Si Sedan equipped with high performance suspension, aerodynamic body styling and a sport exhaust system. In addition to the MUGEN vehicle, Honda Factory Performance (HFP) showed its new line-up of dealer-installed accessories for the new-for-2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan.

"The Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan elevates the already-impressive Civic Si Sedan into new performance territory," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "Performance and racing are part of Honda's heritage and the Civic MUGEN Si Sedan along with the rest our vehicles at SEMA demonstrate that passion."

In addition, Honda-customised concept vehicles included the Honda Fit Sport Extreme Concept and Sport Concept CR-V with custom versions of accessory body kits, interior accessories and wheels. A Honda Element-D drift racecar also debuted with a radical powertrain consisting of a 500 horsepower V6 engine and rear-wheel-drive transmission.

Here's a taster of some of Honda's hardware at the massive tuning event:

Fit Sport Extreme Concept
Envisioned as an entry-level performance car, the Scorched Orange Metallic and matte black Fit Sport Extreme Concept features an aerodynamically styled front bumper fascia with carbon fibre components along with HID fog lights and LED daytime running lights. Large fender flares and low, aggressive side skirts accent its ultra-low profile. A rear carbon fibre diffuser with a center exhaust outlet along with an extended rear aero wing helps enhance style and high-speed downforce. The factory Japan Domestic Market (JDM) rear LED taillights and side mirrors with integrated turn signals further accent the high-tech feel of the vehicle. An advanced, track-tuned suspension package lowers the Fit Sport Extreme Concept ride height and enhances the vehicle's handling dynamics. Brembo brake components on all four wheels provide amazing levels of stopping force.

Graphite black wheels (17-inch) incorporate Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tyres (215/45 R17). Interior modifications focus on the creation of a high-tech, performance-oriented driving environment with carbon fibre accents that match the exterior styling. The interior features custom Recaro sport seats with Civic Si-style synthetic suede. A dashboard-mounted prototype portable navigation system accessory is also shown.

Sport Concept CR-V
Following the theme of "urban sport," the Sport Concept CR-V (pictured) is designed to increase the athletic feel of the already sophisticated CR-V. Highlights include aerodynamically styled front and rear bumpers along with a sports suspension package that lowers the Sport Concept CR-V for a customized presence. Custom 19-inch wheels are shod with Bridgestone Potenza tyres (245/45 R19). Interior modifications focus on the creation of a high-tech, performance-oriented driving environment with the addition of Civic Si synthetic suede fabric on the seating surfaces. Carbon fibre trim panels further accent the interior. Outside, the Sport Concept CR-V is painted in Agile Blue.

Honda Element-D
The Honda Element-D ("D" for drifting) racecar shows what can happen when enthusiastic Honda associates raid the company parts bin. Built for the racing sport of drifting, the Honda Element-D racecar replaces the stock 4-cylinder 4WD drivetrain with a custom-designed and longitudinally-mounted 3.2-litre Honda V6 and rear-wheel-drive. Producing 500 horsepower or about 373kW of power, the lightweight twin-turbocharged powerhouse is guaranteed to light up the rear tires and accelerate sideways at full opposite lock. Associates from Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in Ohio plan to campaign the Element-D in the 2007 Formula Drift Series.

Full List of Tuner Project Vehicles Displayed at the Honda Booth:

AEM/Memphis Car Audio Drift S2000
A&L Racing Element SC
SCORE Ridgeline Racing
Super Street Magazine Fit of Fury
Thunderhill Civic Si Racecar
DSO Eyewear Element
DVS/Drag Cartel "Get In Where You Fit In" Fit
King Motorsports Super Fit
Forever Orange Fit by Ryan Shutt
Hasport Civic Sedan
Skunk2 Racing Fit R
TJIN Edition Unique Fit
H&R Springs Fit Sport

Related articles:

- Honda Civic: Road Test
- Honda Civic Hybrid: Road Test
- Honda Accord V6: Road Test
- Honda Accord Euro: Road Test
- Honda Jazz: Road Test
- Honda CBR600RR