NAIAS Highlights: Concepts
Model X unlike any other Honda
Designed to attract the 25 and younger male, Honda's Model X concept - presented without an engine - will serve as a consumer-interest gauge. "This is all just pure concept stuff, but it's not outrageous stuff. We don't feel it couldn't be done. But we would certainly be pushing engineering if we decided to do this vehicle," said Eric Schumaker, Exterior Design Manager with Honda R&D Americas.
Model X hallmarks include side doors with 90° openings, no B-pillars, a rear roof that slides open, and a forward windshield that shortens access to the engine compartment - all of which present a challenge to engineering.
"If it makes it to production, it has to have all of these attributes or the concept loses its definition," said Tim Benner, Manager of Advanced Product Planning & Market Analysis for Honda R&D Americas. Other features include a flat floor, good vehicle ride height and ground clearance, wide-open side doors, and a pickup-truck-influenced open roof.
The Model X's interior features a flip-up video screen that emerges from atop the instrument panel. The unit accesses a GPS navigation system, provides wireless Internet connection, and offers a DVD player link. A three-in-one center stack stereo features digital satellite radio, a CD player, and MP3 access for downloading and playing music from the Internet. A rally-styled five-speed manual transmission gear shifter is the lowest item on the center console.
- Kami Buchholz
