The five-story tall Asimo will make it’s way down Pasadena streets behind the Hydrogen fueled Honda FCX Clarity, and flanked by an army of choreographed dancers – whose purpose is to distract onlookers while Asimo tramples and demolishes buildings and shoot laser beams at the crowd.

Ok, we may be exaggerating a little. Honestly, how dangerous can a giant robot be? Especially one dressed like that Dancing Frog from The WB:

Following in Honda’s footsteps, Comedy Central will introduce a three-story tall Eric Cartman Awesome-O Robot float, powered by a Cheez-it fueled vehicle.

Honda’s Official Asimo Float Press Release:

Today Honda tested its unique Rose Parade float as part of a rehearsal of the parade’s opening show, conducted for media and invited guests in Pasadena, Calif., revealing the float design and giving parade fans a glimpse of this year’s event. Honda’s Rose Parade float, a 49-foot replica of Honda’s ASIMO humanoid robot, and the parade’s first-ever hydrogen-powered fuel cell pace car, the Honda FCX Clarity, will lead the 120th Rose Parade as well as kick off Honda’s 50th anniversary of U.S. operations.

In front of the millions of viewers watching from around the world on Jan. 1, 2009, Honda’s float will evolve from an opening ceremony stage into an animated replica of Honda’s ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility), standing about 12 times the height of the actual ASIMO humanoid robot. Honda’s float creation called “Hats Off in Celebration” will be completed with natural materials like lettuce seed, rice, carnations and strawflower. The float will be joined by the Prairie View A&M University Marching Band, a past participant in the Honda Battle of the Bands which features the music programs of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. A few members of the band will ride on the float, which will be immediately followed by the entire marching band. In addition, during the parade the FCX Clarity pace car will be accompanied by the Honda Super Cub motorcycle, the first model sold in the United States.

“Honda always brings a great amount of innovation to the Rose Parade and what a fantastic way for the company to kick off their 50th anniversary in the U.S.,” said Bill Flinn, chief operating officer, Tournament of Roses. The Honda float includes a variety of flowers, plants and seeds that will later be ground up for mulch after the parade activities are concluded. The surface of ASIMO will be covered with super fine ground white rice and super fine ground everlasting; it is accented by fine cut blue statice and fine cut red static as well as silverleaf to create accents and “shadows.” Fine cut everlasting, whole red carnations and white chrysanthemums will bring vivid color to Honda’s 50th anniversary logos, which will be decorated by Honda associates (employees) on December 27.

“We’re honored to be celebrating our first 50 years in America by continuing our participation in the Rose Parade,” said Stephan Morikawa of American Honda Community Relations. “We’re thankful that so many customers have placed their trust in our products and services, and we are looking forward to surpassing their expectations during the next 50 years.”

Honda is one of the parade’s longest-running corporate sponsors, and its Rose Parade entries have captured major awards in 13 out of the last 14 years. Honda is the official Tournament of Roses vehicle. This year, the company will provide 115 vehicles, including the Honda FCX Clarity pace car; 166 Metropolitan scooters; and, 12 generators for use by Tournament of Roses personnel. The 120th Rose Parade, themed “Hats off to Entertainment,” will take place Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2009 at 8 a.m. (PST).

Inside, the Ridgeline has everything you would expect in a Honda, from technology to comfort. With easy seating for 5, the Ridgeline is trimmed with leather seats and the driver’s seat comes with an 8-way power adjuster. With Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, you’ll never have to worry about directions on the open road, and if more cargo room is ever needed, the power sliding rear cabin window and 60/40 foldable rear seats are there to help. For the rugged soul with a love for music, the Ridgeline has 160-watts of power, a 6-disk in-dash CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, MP3/Aux Input Jack and an astounding 7 speakers plus subwoofer.

It’s plain to see that this rugged truck has it all, from technology to comfort to incredible power and versatility, and is a must test-drive if you’re searching for a new truck in 2008.

For the courageous who like to take on life’s challenges, the Element offers functionality that can be found no where else. With its clamshell tailgate and its side cargo doors, the Element can provide the perfect spot to hang out and socialize with friends at a day on the beach or a tranquil resting place overlooking a magnificent view after a long climb. As an added bonus, the 2008 Honda Element allows your to lift off the removable skylight to take a breather, or simply stand up and enjoy the beauty around you, wherever you may roam.

The interior of the Element is just as versatile as the exterior. The configurable seating and the adaptable cargo design allow you to take out, flip or fold down the rear seats, adding up to 64 different space options! The black, scratch-resistant utility floor and comfortable yet water resistant seat fabric add to the flexibility of the easy-to-clean Element, so you never have to worry about dirt, stains, sand, or pets! The added natural feeling of the easy-grip shifter and the easy to read analogue gauges make you feel more at home, and the MP3 aux jack for music portability is the final touch on the versatile dream machine that is the Element. If you haven’t had the pleasure of driving or owning one of these beauties, I’d highly recommend it. The 2008 Honda Element truly is today’s perfect vehicle for the adventurous on the move lifestyles that so many of us have.

With Variable Cylinder Management, the Honda Pilot optimizes fuel efficiency to the highest level possible. Technological advanced safety precautions have been equipped to the power of the Pilot as well, including the Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive System, which automatically engages if it detects a possible loss of front wheel drive traction. Also, with a 5 star safety rating and over 10 internal and external safety features, you can’t go wrong.

In addition to power and safety, technology and comfort are the name of the game for the all new 2008 Honda Pilot. With room for seven passengers, it comes with leather seating for extra comfort, DVD entertainment system, satellite navigation, rearview camera for backing up, and so much more. And, at the status of Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle, you get great mileage compared to the competitors. This year, test-drive the 2008 Honda Pilot. You won’t be disappointed.

The Drive-by-Wire throttle system allows for the driver to control the power delivery and ensure that there is a smooth acceleration. These two engine features combine allow the Honda Fit remarkable fuel efficiency- up to 34 highway mgp! For those who opt for the 5 speed automatic over the manual, the Fit hooks you up with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters that give you even more control.

The interior comes with incredible audio features for music lovers, including 200 watts of power, an AM/FM/CD player, MP3/Windows Media Audio hookups, an MP3 AUX jack, and a whopping 6 speakers for ultimate sound. If you’re still concerned about the amount of cargo room in the 2008 Honda Fit, never fear. With 5 different configuration options available, you can get up to 41.9 cubic feet of extra space to fit all your stuff and up 7’10” lengthwise for those abnormally long items.

The inside of the Fit isn’t all fun and games, however. The Fit is equipped with a variety of safety features, 6 standard air bags throughout, and a 5-star crash test safety rating from the NHTSA. So, all in all, the new 2008 Honda fit really is the perfect combination of eye candy, versatility and safety.

The powerful look of the Odyssey is matched by the power under the hood. With a whopping 244-hp V-6 engine, it offers unmatched power by any of its competitors. It also has additional safety features that can mean all the difference in the world- including the Vehicle Stability Assist system with traction control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System to keep you in the know about your tires. The kicker, however, is the revolutionary Michelin PAX System which allows you to travel on a punctured tire for up to 125 miles at 50 mph. Inside, the list of safety features goes on. The Odyssey has earned a 5 star rating in frontal and side impact tests from the NHTSA, and with over 15 tried and tested safety features you can be sure the Odyssey is the best bet for your family.

Technology also is a huge feature in the 2008 Honda Odyssey. With Bluetooth HandsFreeLink Technology and the Satellite-Linked Navigation System you can concentrate on the road instead of your phone or a map. In addition, you also have access to the MP3/Aux jack and XM Satellite Radio. Comfort is in high priority with the new ’08 model, with passenger seat 4-way power adjustment and tri-zone climate control. In addition, you get the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System with 9-inch screen and an outlet that allows your kids to plug in their video games, laptop or other electronics that will keep them entertained for hours.

On top of the vast amounts of technology, the Odyssey accommodates you with cargo room for everything in your life, from pets, to beach accessories, to luggage for that long vacation. It features a 60/40 split that’s as versatile as your lifestyle, completing the perfection of the 2008 Honda Odyssey. So, if you’re looking for the safest, most technologically driven minivan on the market, I’d highly recommend test driving the new Odyssey. You won’t regret it.