The Honda S660 concept car has been revealed at the Tokyo motor show.
The spiritual successor to the cult Honda Beat will make it into production next year - powered by a mid-mounted 660cc three cylinder turbo engine allied to a seven speed paddle shift transmission.
Rumours also persist that the S660 is capable of accepting Honda’s newly announced three cylinder 1-litre turbo engine, currently generating around 105bhp and heading this way in the 2015 Honda Jazz. The engine is believed to be in a modest state of tune, raising the possibility of a more powerful variant being used should the decision be made to export the S660.
However, the S660 has been conceived as a Kei car, designed to fit within strict domestic size limits, and not officially intended for sale outside Japan. Kei cars are exempt from crash test procedures that would prohibit their sale in Europe and the US.
Senior designer Ryo Sugiura said: "I cannot tell you if it will or will not. It’s a secret. The car would certainly need some re-engineering".
Described by Honda as 'an open-top sports-type mini-vehicle', the S660 is also the spiritual successor to the manufacturer's original S600 sports car of the 1960s.
The Tokyo concept uses an automatic transmission with paddle shifts mounted on the steering wheel.
Honda recently confirmed it would be bringing the Beat roadster back for the modern age, while a reveal for any such model at the Tokyo show was also discussed. Daihatsu is also planning a return for its Copen sports car.
The original Beat was built between 1991 and 1996 and is said to have been one of the influences behind the MGF.
Honda has also shown its NSX concept, a new Urban SUV concept, and a personal mobility vehicle named Uni-Cub as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Accord.
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Yes please
My brother sold his Cappuccino this summer and we both miss it terribly! This Honda looks fun and accessible and I hope they sell it in the UK. It's a good looking motor that will be fun to take out. If my wife ever permitted me to buy a weekend car then this is the one for me!
fun
would be wonderful to own one of these, small, agile, affordable open top experience and most likely economical
Honda Beat
The Beat definitely was an influence on PR3 = MGF - I well remember a yellow one being in great demand to borrow by the petrolheads in various departments at Rover, and being driven round the Solihull site in it.
Odd that Honda is doing a new Beat and NSX but not a midrange one to replace the much missed S2000? Oh that they could one as a JV with SAIC MG...