Los Angeles is fast and flashy, and that's just what Honda has brought to the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. For starters, Honda Senior Vice President of Automotive Operations introduces the Honda Step Bus concept vehicle. Its box design is reminiscent of the Nissan Cube (Tokyo Motor Show, 2002), Toyota's Scion xB, and Honda's own 77-cubic foot Element. This pastel, ocean blue 2-door concept vehicle takes to heart Honda's motto of "Man Maximum - Machine Minimum." Addressing the younger, urban market of car buyers, the Step Bus provides picture holders and a bulletin board dash that allow owners to really spice up the interior to take after whatever trend pop culture spews up next. With seating for 5, this multifunction new-age wagon can transport large items easily. All the seats fold back to create 180 degree surfaces to accommodate bicycles, band equipment , and even furniture. The sliding doors provide aesthetic satisfaction for the active youngster looking for a compact, mid-size engine vehicle good for a night on the down or a few weeks on the road. Too bad this vehicle's only a prototype. Pick up a Honda Element if you must.
Change is good, and with Honda's Remix at the helm, the next generation of car buyers should definitely be excited about what Honda will churn out in years to come. The Remix is a sleek silver coupe designed by Ben Davidson of Honda's Advanced Design Studio in Southern California. Davidson's youthful exuberance is reflected in this concept car's fluid design and geometrical representation. Simple, yet elegant. This 2-door sports car includes 7-spoke wheels to match the car's overall aggressive and stylish body. The rear of the car is reminiscent of Honda's first mass-produced hybrid, the Insight. That 1999 eco-friendly hybrid's looks take a back seat to the Remix's. Should this car ever become more than a concept, it may be a worthy adversary for Honda's own Civic and the Acura RSX. Saab may have been started by aerospace engineers, but the Honda Remix's aerodynamic design certainly take the cake here.
Honda's third prototype of the LAAS is the FCX. This revolutionary fuel cell vehicle is the first of its kind to be provided at an affordable price to the general public. It is the first fuel cell vehicle certified by the US and California governments to be street legal. With its new fuel cell technology, Honda looks to be ahead of the gas-alternative curve and is taking a large step in the right direction. Beginning Summer 2008, Honda will be leasing the refined FCX Clarity in limited quantities in Southern California, which is one of the few regions nationwide that can accommodate the FCX Clarity's hydrogen needs. Green machines have been all the hype and popularity has risen exponentially since OPEC started gauging our pockets. The FCX Clarity produces 0 emissions and runs on domestic fuel. Say goodbye to your reliable Toyota Prius and pick up an FCX Clarity this summer for $600/month for 3 years. This isn't your normal family sedan - its the first of the ensuing generation of energy-efficient, eco-friendly fuel cell automobiles.
