BESTCAR Front Cover: Next Gen Honda Beat Rendering

Let's hope that if they do 'green light' something like this that we see this here in North America.

Source;

http://jp-cardesigncorner.blogspot.com/2011/07/latest-rendering-of-upcoming-honda-beat.html

Next Gen Honda Beat getting closer?!?

Straight from www.woodyscarsite.com ;

"Only 33,600 sold from 1991-1996. It is already a classic by Honda standards and the last model to be approved from Mr. Honda himself. The Beat's aim was to challenge the Suzuki Cappuccino and the future Smart Roadster if the model would have continued. It's failure might have been the lack of power. No turbo or supercharger was ever offered to its 656cc engine. Can you blame customers?20 some years later with the advancement of VTEC, Honda can easily afford to spawn a newer version. With the S2000 out of the spotlight, it is an easy win."

Source;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2011/06/revival-new-honda-beat-convertible.html

Below are some earlier sketches of the vehilce. I think this would fit nicely into Honda's lineup.

Honda's Next Sportscar?

Stumbled across this in a recent S2000 fan site forum, interesting, they say that they found it in Road & Track; "According to R&T, this will be a 3.5 liter V6 based on the JDM Accord. The speculation is that the car will have 200 - 250 bhp and will sell in the $25,000 to $30,000 range. They say the car will hit dealers next year!" hmmm, wouldn't be too excited about seeing this car next year.... Source; http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/850960-s2000-replacement/

Road & Track: Honda Contemplates a CR-Z Convertible

September 24, 2010 by Sam Mitani

We have reported about the possibility of an S2000 successor for many months, and now we’re hearing reports that it may indeed happen, but not in the way we previously imagined. Our sources in Tokyo have told us that Honda is putting a priority on adding a sports car in its lineup; the execs feel that a sports car is a necessity to uphold its brand image. While there have been many debates and arguments within the walls of Honda HQ’s Aoyama-based offices buildings about the details of the car, many believe that the best first step may be to use the CR-Z hybrid car’s platform. Despite its front-drive layout, performance will be increased via a stronger engine and lighter weight. If such a car can be created, it would go up against the likes of the Mazda MX-5. After this car is established, then Honda would move on to create a rear-drive high-powered sports car, probably with a hybrid powerplant. We’ll keep you up to date as news develops.

Source (via autoblog);
http://blog.roadandtrack.com/honda-contemplates-a-cr-z-convertible/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Next Gen Honda S2000/S3000 Rendering

Not sure what to think about a Honda logo on the front of a 'Mazda Smile'.... not the prettiest front end renderings that I've seen but the rest of the car looks hot....
Source;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2010/09/20-honda-s2000.html

Honda S2000 successor to be a mid-engine hybrid

Patent filings in Japan by Honda suggest that the automaker is working on a new roadster to take over where the Honda S2000 left off, according to Autocar. The application says the car will use "an engine being fitted to a centre frame," suggesting that the rear-wheel drive car will be mid-engined.

The magazine believes this model will be a hybrid, though that is speculation based on Honda's ever-changing corporate strategy. As S2000 sales dwindled in recent years, Honda will need to produce something that is both unique and competitively priced. Their push towards vehicles with reduced direct emissions does support the possibility of a hybrid roadster from the Japanese automaker.

After cancelling the Honda/Acura NSX successor, eliminating niche models across both brands, and reducing their motorsports spend -including the cancellation of the F1 team - the company was believed to only be in the "mass-market" game. A successor to the S2000 could keep in line with this strategy, if it is built to directly compete with the Mazda MX-5/Miata.

According to the patent application, the company would use parts and a frame from existing models, though these could be modified. Look for aluminum to be used in an effort to keep weight low. Current speculation suggests the car will be built on a similar platform as the Honda Jazz.

Autocar is hoping for the best, imagining a drop-top with a 50/50 weight ratio, well-geared electric motor, and petrol engine with more power than the CR-Z. Such a model would be capable of sprinting to 100 km/h in six seconds flat, writes the magazine.But until 2014, when the car would be released, we will just have to dream.

Source;

http://www.worldcarfans.com/110062226951/honda-s2000-successor-to-be-a-mid-engine-hybrid

Honda to Fuse S2000 and Beat Into One

Small, Rear-Drive, Mid-Engine Roadster on the Drawing Board

The Honda S2000 was recently killed and the Honda Beat 660cc minicar of 1991 all but forgotten, but in a strange comeback story, they both may live again -- fused into the one car. We have just caught word from a source close to Honda that the company is busy at work 'molding' the two together in a radical new project that is taking shape inside the halls of Tochigi's R&D Centre just north of Tokyo. Dropped onto a modified Fit (Jazz) platform, the new roadster will apparently employ a rear mid-engined layout. An illustration of what the new car could become is depicted.

It's an intriguing new sports car plan from a company that doesn't really have much left in that genre short of the Civic Si and the hybrid CR-Z (the Civic Type R will cease production in August). We did some background research and discovered that Honda has lodged a patent pending in Japan to build a roadster using a subframe and parts from current cars but adding technology to lower curb weight and reduce production costs. The patent actually refers to the "engine being fitted to a center frame" which translates from Japanese to mid-engined and rear-wheel drive. So it will no doubt be lightweight and have good front-rear weight distribution at the same time.

But whether that "mid-engine" refers to a hybrid, fully electric or fuel cell is still unclear. In recent years, Honda has dabbled in all three alternative forms of propulsion, so it's anyone's guess which way they will lean. It's unlikely the automaker will build the car with a gasoline engine option as that would restrict its international application. And if there's anything the company wants, it's to make this car a global success. Don't expect to see this car on the road before 2014.

In other rear-wheel drive compact coupe news, as we've reported, Toyota too is in the process of developing a vehicle, but it will be a gas-powered, 1.5-liter two-door based on the hot hatch concept from GRMN that it debuted at last January's Tokyo Auto Salon. For those who haven't been paying attention to the company's racing exploits at Nurburgring recently, GRMN stands for Gazoo Racing - Meister of Nurburgring. Called a mini-FT-86 in Japan, the new compact coupe is expected in showrooms by early 2013.

Source;

http://www.4wheelsnews.com/honda-working-on-a-small-rear-drive-mid-engined-roadster/

More Rendered Speculation on Honda S2000's High Performance Hybrid Coupe Successor

Not sure what to think about this one....Truth to be said, we've lost track of the number of inside stories and rendered scoops concerning Honda's rumored, but never officially confirmed, S2000 successor that have made their way on the internet from various Japanese magazines the past year or so.

We've no idea if Best Car's latest story on a high-performance hybrid sports coupe that would essentially replace the S2000 is based on facts or fiction, but the Japanese magazine is once again claiming that Honda is working on what could be best described as the CR-Z's big brother.

Aside from the new rendering that has nothing in common with the magazine's previous S2000 CGI, Best Car this time says that the sports model will be a 2+2 coupe with a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5- or 3.0-liter engine to an electric motor.

No word if power will be transferred to the rear axle or as previously claimed, to all four wheels.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-rendered-speculation-on-honda.html

Honda S2000 successor independently rendered

Late yesterday, we showed you the handiwork of 3D rendering guru Lars Martensson (a.k.a. 'GRID'), who had applied his skills to a future vision of a new Subaru WRX STI. Today, we bring you the skilled Swede's take on what a next-generation Honda S2000 roadster might look like.While this concept has no basis in reality (and rumors of an S200 successor have thus far amounted to nothing), as with the Subie, we find a lot of merit in what we see.

Source;

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/grid-iron-honda-s2000-successor-independently-rendered/

Shanghai 2009: Guangzhou Honda Linian roadster concept is messing with our S2000-loving heads

Guangzhou Honda surprised everyone at the Shanghai show with this tidy little roadster, its second Linian concept in as many years. While the 2008 Beijing show concept was a more pedestrian five-door, this two-seat droptop has us wishing for a proper S2000 successor.

Oh, one can quibble over some of the design details (oversized grille element, the showcar-only airplane yoke-style steering wheel, etc.), but fundamentally this is an interesting package.Sadly, according to our compatriots at Autoblog Simplified Chinese, Honda's domestic partner was mum on specifics, including driveline configuration, powerplant, and so on. That said, the shape does look quite production friendly. Add in a stronger windshield header, some larger mirrors, and do away with that Knight Rider steering wheel, and the rest seems plausible enough.

Rest assured, we are angling for more information on this car as we speak, but for now, enjoy the possibilities... and the gallery below.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-guangzhou-honda-linian-roadster-concept-is-messin/

Honda Beat To Return In 2011, Based On Honda OSM Concept?

Not sure if this means anything to us in North America, but would look like what I would have thought a Honda S3000 would look like.
According to the news-makers at Japanese auto magazine Best Car, Honda is working on returning the Beat name to the streets of Tokyo after a 13 year absence.

The original Beat ran on a rear-wheel-drive platform and was powered by a 47kW 660cc engine, putting it in the ‘kei’ category – a class of car so small and with such a low environmental impact, that tax breaks and parking discounts are part of the benefits of owning one.

Best Car says that Honda is looking at the market closely and working feverishly to bring the new Beat – based on the Honda OSM concept – to showrooms at the right time, likely around 2011.

The ‘kei class’ 2011 Honda Beat will, according to Best Car, be powered by the same 660cc engine motivating Honda’s Life, Zest and Zest Spark kei cars, utilising the same front-wheel-drive platform.

While all-wheel-drive is an option, it is likely the new Beat will deliver its limited power to the front wheels only.

How much of this can be believed will remain to be seen, but as we’re unlikely to see the Beat in Australia it’s a moot point for Aussies anyway.

Source;
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/27369/honda-beat-to-return-in-2011-based-on-honda-osm-concept/

Could this be Honda's CR-Z in production form?

Well, don't know where Mr. Burlapp dug this up (he's always been great at finding stuff like this), but it's interesting none the less. Looks a lot like the Honda S3000 that was to be proposed to replace the S2000. If anything, I think it could be what the CR-Z could end up looking like in it's (close to) production form, although Honda has squashed any ideas of a convertible CR-Z last I heard.

Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2009/03/hondas-miata-fighter.html

Honda's Next Gen S2000 the Honda S3000 Speculation

With all the talk of the Honda S3000 being back on track, I figured it would be nice to post a couple of pictures floating around as to what the car might look like.

Enjoy!