Honda previews S660 Concept as spiritual S2000 successor
Honda has revealed the S660 Concept ahead of its 2013 Tokyo Motor Show debut, previewing a compact sports car with a 660cc turbo engine and retractable roof.
Honda has offered an early look at the S660 Concept, a compact roadster set for its public unveiling at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The S660 is widely viewed as a spiritual successor to the S2000, though it takes a different approach with a smaller footprint and engine, aimed squarely at the Japanese kei car market.
The S660 Concept is powered by a 660cc three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 64hp (48kW). This output aligns with Japanese kei car regulations, which limit engine displacement and power. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and the car is expected to weigh around 900kg. The combination of low weight and rear-wheel drive hints at the driving engagement Honda aims to recapture from the S2000, albeit with a much smaller engine.
Visually, the S660 Concept draws on the earlier EV-STER Concept, sharing its compact proportions and sporty stance. The concept features a fully retractable roof, and the two-seat layout reinforces its focus on driver enjoyment. Honda is positioning the S660 as a car for enthusiasts, though its performance will be modest compared with the S2000's high-revving 2.0-litre engine.
Production plans and market focus
Honda has not confirmed full production details, but the S660 is expected to reach the Japanese market in 2015. There is no indication that the car will be sold in Europe or North America. The production model is likely to retain the kei car-compliant 660cc engine for Japan, though previous speculation suggested a larger engine could be considered for export markets. As of the concept's unveiling, Honda has not announced any such plans.
The S660 Concept signals Honda's intent to revive its tradition of small, rear-wheel-drive sports cars, even if the result is more modest in scale and power than the S2000. For buyers in Japan, the S660 will offer a rare combination of compact size, open-top driving and rear-wheel-drive dynamics when it reaches showrooms.
