Honda S660 Roadster Spied Undisguised

[streetwaves]

I don't care that it's a bit funky looking - I want one. Give me tiny sports cars. I respect Honda for even doing another car in the Beat's spirit.

I hope that the S1000 rumors are true, but frankly I'd take an S660 in a heartbeat.

[Sideways&Smiling]

I still think it's a bit ugly, but I'm semi-excited for a US/Euro spec model with a bigger engine. I hope it rapes the Miata simply because of the mid-engine design. New autocross gokart king!

Has the suspension been detailed anywhere yet? I don't believe I've seen that yet. Wondering if it uses macpherson struts like modern, lazy Honda or more old school, classic, no-compromise double wishbone Honda?

[Sigh-on-Rice]

Originally Posted by Sideways&Smiling

Has the suspension been detailed anywhere yet? I don't believe I've seen that yet. Wondering if it uses macpherson struts like modern, lazy Honda or more old school, classic, no-compromise double wishbone Honda?

All the detail is on Honda.co.jp. But it's in Japanese...
Front is macpherson and rear is dual link

[Sideways&Smiling]

Originally Posted by Sigh-on-Rice

All the detail is on Honda.co.jp. But it's in Japanese...
Front is macpherson and rear is dual link

Hmm, I kinda figured. Seems to be the go-to for more inexpensive cars nowadays.

[themadscientist]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

I think it's funny how much time and attention we give to things that will never exist in the country we live in.

I've watched a decade of fanbois FAP over the GT-R and now that 25 years have passed they are snapping up rusty R32s with half-blown motors for double the price. The heart wants what the heart wants.

[SVTSHC]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

As I suspected, it looks much better with the top off.

You were spot on with that. Truth be told with better power output and that 6-speed I'd be interested.

[miosaki]

I am so, so, SO sad to say that my dad has pre-ordered one of these and was excited to break the news to me.
His reasoning was that he's "getting old" (he is barely 52) and wanted something easy to drive.

Doesn't make sense to me, seeing that there's currently a BMW 1series, Cayman, and multiple motorcross and motorcycles in our garage...

Will test drive and post pics when i return to the homeland this summer.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Honestly I was pretty skeptical until watching this video, it looks like a fucking blast, <$20k USD for a mid engined RWD car with a manual transmission, 45/55 weight distribution, <1,900 lbs roadster? It'd be an amazing city car or commute vehicle that would be a hoot on the weekends with the occasional AutoX or track day for the talented, the aftermarket would be massive if they brought it over here because it's a smaller, cheaper, lighter, mid-engined Miata built by Honda, hopefully it would gut the Smart/ Fiat 500/Scion iQ/Mitsubishi imiev market with something fun to drive.

It probably doesn't pass crash testing but holy shit, do you see the g meter in the video you linked? That thing is sustaining 1.1g stock with wimpy looking tires and a super narrow track!

[themadscientist]

The smile says it all. That dude was enjoying the drive. What a concept.

[Packofcrows]

Besides the MR-2 Spyderman, it reminds me of the old Del Sol's.

Anyone?

Del Sol 2.0?

[strat61caster]

Don't mind me with a quote from a Honda of America executive...

http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/hond...on-for-us.html

[wbradley]

Kei cars will never be sold in North America unless gas gets REALLY high and we agree with the Kyoto Accord (never). THere was a Honda Beat on the lot of a local RHD dealer where I live. It was sooooo small (but cool). Japan is a very different part of the world.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by wbradley

Kei cars will never be sold in North America unless gas gets REALLY high and we agree with the Kyoto Accord (never).

Why do you assume that the only appeal of the S660 is it's gas mileage? This is a country where you can build a car in a shed and get it licensed for the road, all it takes is the willingness for an OEM to import, will it be worth it? Time will tell, but one thing is certain, Honda marketing is exerting a significant amount of effort to recapture the enthusiast market here with the new NSX and Type R's.

I don't think it's likely either but the fact that Honda PR is playing into the interest is promising.

[wbradley]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Why do you assume that the only appeal of the S660 is it's gas mileage? This is a country where you can build a car in a shed and get it licensed for the road, all it takes is the willingness for an OEM to import, will it be worth it? Time will tell, but one thing is certain, Honda marketing is exerting a significant amount of effort to recapture the enthusiast market here with the new NSX and Type R's.

I don't think it's likely either but the fact that Honda PR is playing into the interest is promising.

Safety probably the biggest cost. If they never tried previously, its probably for good reason. People here don't have tax or registration incentive for Kei cars. Granted the S660 is probably the .most appealing yet but still on the whole the money is probably in bigger cars here. THATS why.
PS Smart cars are a flop in the US but very successful in Europe. Even Canada had them years before the US.