In addition to the changes heaped upon the Honda Element LX and EX, the new Element SC gets a long list of modifications designed to resonate with those young, educated, cool dudes that the company has identified as its target demographic. Half are cosmetic, half are mechanical, and the result – as with the original Element – is likely to appeal to a much wider cross-section of the American populace than Honda expects.

Starting on the outside, the Element SC gets revised styling in the form of a unique grille as well as bumpers, side sills, and side roof garnishes that are all painted the same color as the body. Projector beam headlamps and dark chrome taillights identify the special status of the SC, but most observers will notice the gray-painted 18-inch alloy wheels before anything else. And, if you happen to see an Element painted Root Beer Metallic, it's the SC, which gets that color exclusively.

Inside, the Element SC receives its own gauge faces with copper-colored backlighting, copper or titanium interior trim, and piano black dash appliqués. The seat and door panel fabric is unique to the Element SC, and includes copper or titanium highlights depending on what interior trim is selected. The most useful addition to the SC's interior, however, is the giant center storage console that houses an auxiliary input jack for an iPod plus a 12-volt electrical outlet. Honestly, this feature should be added to the Element EX, too, as useful and practical as it is.

Honda says the Element SC's chassis is “completely re-engineered.” Translated, that means the suspension is 25 percent new. Stiffer and lower than stock, and combined with quicker steering and meatier tires, the Element SC is made for improved handling, if not acceleration. Look for the Element SC to arrive in showrooms on September 28, starting at $23,290 with a manual transmission and commanding $24,090 with an automatic (including the $595 destination charge).