Honda S660 Roadster Spied Undisguised

[Re_Invention]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

You could slightly stretch the chassis, which if I understand correctly is not hard to do. The extra displacement would be for us 'Muricans. That also wouldn't be hard to do, the turbo and intercooler take up quite a bit of space.

I also freely admit I'm being overly optimistic because I desperately want a newer car that's like my MR2 Spyder.

I'm just ribbin' ya. Although I'm sure there is a certain experience Honda was gunning for with a 0.6 liter turbo cranking out all of 63 hp. Maybe the flat torque curve makes it better over a commuter 1.5 unwilling to put out 130. Or better yet just bring the S1000 here with 127 hp and call it done, all the packaging is already sorted. It'll be the adopted younger brother to the 4C.

Smart did something similar; mid engine 0.7 liter turbo with 80 hp 1800 lb and 0.9x skidpad back in the aughts but I don't remember how it was received. I see a few driving around Trier when I'm in Germany.



One of my best driving experiences was a 1986 or 87 Toyota MR2 with 240k miles on it. Rusted out, struggling to put down 60 hp I'm sure, and with mismatched tires! Holy hell it was fun.

Why not nab a first gen Cayman/second gen Boxster to replace the MR-S?

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Re_Invention

Smart did something similar; mid engine 0.7 liter turbo with 80 hp 1800 lb and 0.9x skidpad back in the aughts but I don't remember how it was received. I see a few driving around Trier when I'm in Germany.



One of my best driving experiences was a 1986 or 87 Toyota MR2 with 240k miles on it. Rusted out, struggling to put down 60 hp I'm sure, and with mismatched tires! Holy hell it was fun.

Why not nab a first gen Cayman/second gen Boxster to replace the MR-S?

I thought very hard about a 987.2, because it's basically a mass produced track car (quadruple oil scavenge pumps, lots of oil/water heat exchangers to manage heat, decent brakes, decent shocks), while having a very nice interior at the same time. Compared to something you throw lots of aftermarket parts on, you pay more for replacement parts, but save some unexpected trouble and thinking.

The issue is that the car is really quite big, and that makes driving a little more stressful. The MR2 Spyder is really small, so it has no luggage space, but you also feel very secure when throwing it around since you have a few extra inches around you to avoid hitting stuff. The shorter wheelbase, fast rack, and low hood make it very exciting.

[Mvhs09]

I dig Honda. I like that car too.

[venturaII]

If the turbo 1 liter made it here with the same bodywork of the base S660, I'd consider it. Making it look any more aggressive is bordering on ridiculous and would be a total deal killer for me. I just wish Toyota would build the SF-R for us...that one is a no-brainer.

[vh_supra26]

Strict regulations killed it

Honda announced it will end production of the S660, a nimble two-seater convertible powered by a mid-mounted engine, in early 2022. It will send off the roadster with a limited-edition model named Modulo X Version Z.

Released in April 2015 as a follow-up to the Beat, the S660 was developed primarily for the Japanese market, and it was designed to comply with the kei car regulations that give motorists several tax advantages. Honda has sold over 30,000 units of the S660 during the past six years, and it will make the last example in March 2022.

Honda didn't shed light on why it's putting the S660 out to pasture, but Japanese website Response unsurprisingly blamed the decision on ever-tighter regulations. Government officials in Japan are forcing carmakers towards electrification by enforcing strict fuel economy, emissions, and noise regulations. Adding automatic emergency braking to a car like the S660 is easier said than done, too. It's simpler for Honda to give the roadster the axe. This is a prime example of a phenomenon we've written about in the past: Electrification could mean the end of the kei car tradition.

Based on the Modulo X variant, the Version Z is available in a special color called Sonic Gray Pearl. It also gains tinted emblems, black alloy wheels, and specific rear spoiler also painted in black. Inside, the Version Z receives an array of carbon fiber-like trim pieces, suede and leather upholstery, plus a metal plaque on the center console.

Honda made no powertrain modifications, so power comes from a 658cc three-cylinder turbocharged to 63 horsepower and 77 pound-feet of torque. Mounted behind the passenger compartment, it spins the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission; the standard car's continuously variable transmission (CVT) is not available on the Z. While a 63-horse rating might sound puny, keep in mind the S660 tips the scale at merely 1,830 pounds.

Pricing for the Honda S660 Modulo X Version Z starts at 3,150,400 yen, which represents about $29,000 at the current conversion rate. It's on sale now, though nothing suggests it will be available in the United States.

Globally, the S660 is one of two standalone sports cars left in the Honda range. Some markets still get the NSX, which is sold as an Acura in the United States. And, the Civic Type R remains available in many regions, but it's an evolution of an existing model, not a purpose-designed performance model. While details about what's next haven't been released, we'd guess that enthusiasts waiting for the S660's replacement shouldn't hold their breath.

https://www.autoblog.com/2021/03/12/...-discontinued/

[gymratter]

[Jordanwolf]

I would have one of these right now if they were sold in NA.

[Ultramaroon]

There was clearly a couple extra inches of headroom. I could make it work.

[Jordanwolf]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

There was clearly a couple extra inches of headroom. I could make it work.

Depending on configuration, headroom should not be an issue.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Jordanwolf

Depending on configuration, headroom should not be an issue.

I drove a MK1 MR2 targa that way once. It was comical with the roof line right at eye level.

[Jordanwolf]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

I drove a MK1 MR2 targa that way once. It was comical with the roof line right at eye level.

Do they have wind burn creams for 5heads?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Jordanwolf

I would have one of these right now if they were sold in NA.

I would consider it since my need for a back seat is pretty much done now.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Jordanwolf

Do they have wind burn creams for 5heads?

Do you have any idea how much he would need to cover that head?

Maybe he could get it in bulk with an applicator.

[Jordanwolf]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

I would consider it since my need for a back seat is pretty much done now.

Currently my backs seats are unused basically, but that could change at a minutes grace...

They would be such an awesome second car even. I dream of them being more fun that miatas or 86s, but no one talks about them much because we don't have them