Honda has announced that a production version of a concept it showcased at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show will be made available to buy. The Honda S660 is designed to be a fully-fledged sports car packed into a mini, two-seater form. A limited-availability Concept Edition will also be rolled out.
The S660 is a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive car powered by a turbo-charged three-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). It is designed specifically to be be fun to drive, with a low center of gravity for road-holding and a 45:55 front-rear weight balance that is configured with the vehicle's handling in mind. It also features Honda's Agile Handling Assist system.
According to Honda, the S660 is the world’s first mini-vehicle equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, although a 7-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) version with flappy-paddles is also available. Honda also promises a snappy response from the accelerator regardless of gear.
The driving position of the S660 is designed to be similar to that of a go-kart, to give the driver the sense of "unity" with the vehicle. Similarly, it features the smallest diameter steering wheel of all of Honda's mass market cars at 350 mm (13.8 in) to give a sense of responsiveness.
The Concept Edition features a variety of extras, including water-repellent coatings on the body and door glass, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an aluminum console-mounted plate with the serial number, and a center display unit. Only 660 units will be made.
The Honda S660 and S660 Concept Edition will go on sale in Japan from April 2nd. Pricing has yet to be announced.
Source: Honda
