This is information Honda faxed to me:
HFT transmission (Hondamatic)
*Operation:Hydromechanical continuously variable with electronic controls. Totally sealed from dirt, water, requires no maintenance, lubricated by engine oil. Weighs no more than standard transmission. Provides eingine braking. Sport mode offers brisk acceleration, Utility mode is econimical, takes advantage of torque. ES mode mimics shifting.
*Left-side mounted shift lever has Hi, Lo, N, and R positions.
*Center-mounted gear change **** has Sport, Utility and ES positions (the names could change).
They said they stayed with straight axle over independent rear suspension because: although the independent suspension has some positive traits, Honda engineers felt they need to find ways to overcome the negative traits such as stability in "side hill" operation, turning roll, weight, cost and durability.
Disc brakes--concerns over bonding of the disc to the pads through rust or corrosion when left parked over time, and the performance concern in situations like backing down a steep hill and a a disc brake grabbing too abruptly and causing a rollover. With a drum brake, the trailing edge angle of the brake shoe can be designed so that braking force in reverse is different than while moving forwards. They say that as these concerns are overcome, they will expect to apply them to more applications.
And, for what it's worth, the Rubicon will have aluminum wheels, instead of steel.
Hope this is helpful to some.