Honda Cars : Honda’s EVster Concept Needs to Be the New Honda Beat in 2014 | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

by Joe Borras of www.gas2.org

This is the Honda EVster concept … and, after seeing it myself, I am ready to go on the record. The Honda EVster needs to be the new Beat.

For the uninitiated, the Honda Beat was the last Honda to be overseen by the great Soichiro Honda himself. It was a tiny, 600 cc roadster that topped out at speeds that might have gotten it crushed on US highways, but on a tight and twisty mountain road on a sunny day, it was (by all accounts) a sublime piece of simple, light-handling fun. Back in 1991, it looked like this …

1991 Honda Beat

… the EVster above, though, is a bit more exciting. It’s looks a bit heavy on the Michael Bay, I know, but the photos don’t convey how tiny this thing really is. It’s cute and adorable, it’s fun and light and breezy and if you don’t want one you’re probably dead inside.

I know there’s some debate on the new Beat, which Honda has been promising (threatening?) for a decade or so, now. Other outlets are pointing to the CRZ roadster concept and saying that’s the new Beat – but, if it is, then Honda has truly lost its way. A new Honda Del Sol? Sure, make this thing a new-age Del Sol, if you must. No one misses that frog-eyed runabout … but the Beat? The Beat, like the NSX, is a legend, and Honda needs to get this one right.

How right does the EVster get? Honda’s electrics are proven, reliable, and deliver 100% of their torque off the line, making for a new-age Honda Beat that will be quick and squirty in heavy traffic, where the diminutive Kei cars compete with scooters for the title of “fastest way to get from A-B in rush hour”. In other words: it will be perfect.

EVster for 2014 Honda Beat.

Source;

http://gas2.org/2013/02/18/honda-evster-is-the-new-honda-beat/

Honda Cars : Honda Beat on Track for Production | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

by Noah Joseph

 

New roadster from Honda could be based on Fit/Jazz. 

 

Back in the early 90s, Honda made a small mid-engined, rear-drive roadster called the Beat, a tiny Kei car roadster designed by Pininfarina. It was the last car overseen by company founder Soichiro Honda before he died, when Honda's current president Takanobu Ito was working on developing the original NSX. "I was kind of envious of the little cute sports car," admitted Ito in a recent speech in the United States, in which the Japanese auto exec revealed that Honda would bring revive the Beat with a new compact sports car.

 

We first reported on plans for a Honda Beat revival back in June 2011, when it seemed that the roadster would be based on the CR-Z hybrid sport-hatch. Now it seems, however, that the Beat will more likely borrow its underpinnings from the Fit with a design derived from the EV-STER and OSM concepts, though its powertrain could go either conventional or hybrid. One way or another, don't expect the Beat to retain the mid-engine/rear-drive layout of its predecessor, as the new roadster is more likely to go front-drive. Whether that proves enough for Honda to take on the likes of the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S, or even the Mazda MX-5 Miata, remains to be seen.

Source;

http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2012/10/15/Honda-Beat-on-Track-for-Production-7711168/

Honda Cars : Japan Car Design Corner: Honda may be readying a Small Convertible (Honda BEAT?) | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

This is not a new rumour and Japanese Best Car Magazine has revealed another rendering of Honda's upcoming open top sports car. It seems that the new sports car won't be a Kei car, but instead, it will be based on the CR-Z. Also, Honda is also about to reveal an updated CR-Z

Source;
http://jp-cardesigncorner.blogspot.ca/2012/09/honda-readies-small-open-top-sports-car.html

Honda Cars : Honda EV-STER headed for production - report | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The Honda EV-STER concept was one of the stars at the Tokyo Motor Show and now it appears destined for production.

In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito said the roadster could be offered with electric and petrol powertrains. Additional information is limited, but the magazine speculates the vehicle could be launched as early as 2012.

As we have previously reported, the EV-STER could accelerate from 0-60 km/h (0-37 mph) in 5.0 seconds and travel approximately 160 km (99 miles) on a single charge.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/111121439030/honda-ev-ster-headed-for-production---report

Honda Cars : Honda EV-Ster Concept - Tokyo Motor Show 2011 | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Cars : Honda Exhibits World Premiere of EV-STER the next-generation electric small sports concept | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

TOKYO, Japan, November 30, 2011 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will exhibit the world premiere of the EV-STER, the next-generation electric small sports concept model, at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011, which will take place at Tokyo Big Sight from Saturday, December 3 through Sunday, December 11, 2011.

Featuring a dynamic and innovative styling design and excellent environmental performance, the EV-STER, an electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car, will propose a new way to enjoy a sports type model which is unique to the electromotive mobility. The adoption of carbon materials made it possible to reduce the vehicle weight contributing to the vehicle's high driving performance and range of approximately 160km. The easy-to-operate twin-lever steering was adopted for the thorough pursuit of the joy of driving. Moreover, the new concept model enables the driver to make his/her own adjustments to some vehicle characteristics such as motor output and suspension settings, to embody the joy of maneuvering to the fullest extent.

Furthermore, the instrument panel features not only meters, but also the vehicle information display which enables the driver to enjoy driving as well as the network display used for the audio and navigation systems and also for the internet access. The well-designed layout of the meters and displays enables the driver to concentrate on driving and enjoy the comfortable space.

Honda remains committed to developing sports models beyond the expectations of its customers and offering exciting and thrilling mobility products.

Key specifications of the EV-STER

Vehicle length 3,570mm

Vehicle width 1,500mm

Vehicle height 1,100mm

Wheelbase 2,325mm

Maximum speed 160km/h

Acceleration (0-60km/h) 5.0 sec

Maximum range Approximately 160km (JC08 mode)

Battery 10kWh lithium-ion battery

Maximum battery output 58kW

Charging time

200V: under 3 hours

100V: under 6 hours

Source;

http://www.hondanews.info/news/en/auto/4111130eng

Honda Cars : Honda & Daihatsu ready roadster Kei cars! | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Here's a nice illustration on the cover of Japan's Best Car Magazine of Honda's potential successor to the Honda Beat roadster, with Daihatsu's (Toyota owns 51%) next offering of the Copen successor. Looks nice.

Source;
http://jp-cardesigncorner.blogspot.com/2011/11/honda-daihatsu-ready-roadster-kei-cars.html

Honda Cars : Another Next Gen Honda BEAT Illustration? | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda has been working on a next gen Beat and here could be one redition of the car....
Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2011/09/hondas-miata-fighter-coming-up.html

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Beat Update | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

www.vtec.net member: Terencemunro



According to the German Car Magazine AUTOBILD, Honda is developing a new version of the Honda Beat which will be introduced in 2013. They say it will base on the CR-Z platform an has up to 170 hp. Honda will also offer a dualclutch transmission from the Honda Bike VFR1200F Starting price is 14'000euro



Source;

http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-message?message_id=995950

http://www.autobild.de/artikel/honda-beat-neuauflage-1875765.html

Honda Cars : BESTCAR Front Cover: Next Gen Honda Beat Rendering | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

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

Honda Cars : Honda Beat Successor Rumored With Dual-Clutch Transmission | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Beat it, just Beat it! Honda is looking to revive its adorable, legendary (adoregendary?) kei-class convertible, the Lilliputian Beat, this time with motorcycle technology.

The last Beat was built from 1991 to 1996 and featured a 650cc engine in the middle, three cylinders, 63 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and a name that endlessly amuses Westerners. The next Beat, however, will presumably be bigger than that. It will also feature a dual-clutch transmission—for the first time in a Honda—borrowed from the “Shamu” VFR1200F, and attached to a 1.3- or 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder.

Rumors have it that the car would resemble the OSM concept shown above and also share a chassis on the CR-Z, which might diminish some of the Beat’s original tiny cuteness. As long as it’s not saddled as a hybrid, the next Beat should still be fun. Gotta Beat ‘em while you can, Honda.

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/06/honda-beat-successor-rumored-with-dual-clutch-transmission.html

Honda Cars : Don't Call it a Comeback....Honda Beat | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Well, where there's usually this much smoke, there's fire....
Successor to tiny Nineties’ drop-top is on way

By Peter Lyon
10th June 2011

The Beat goes on, Auto Express can reveal. Sources in Japan say that Honda will combine the best of its car and motorcycle technologies to create a front-wheel-drive, two-seater sports coupé successor to the Nineties Beat.

The original was a 3.3-metre-long drop-top, produced between 1991 and 1996, that had a 660cc engine to take advantage of Japanese tax breaks. The reborn Beat coupé will be based on the platform of the petrol-electric CR-Z two-door, but employ a smaller body with shorter overhangs, and is likely to take cues from Honda’s OSM concept car.

It is rumoured to incorporate one of the firm’s next-generation petrol engines: either the 1.3 or 1.5-litre advanced VTEC, due to appear in the company’s production cars from next year. Our spies tell us that a hybrid is not being considered for the coupé, although stop-start will feature.

The engine bosses eventually choose will be hooked up to the company’s first-ever dual-clutch transmission for cars. This set-up is borrowed and adapted from Honda’s VFR1200F motorcycle.

Targeting coupés such as the next Mazda MX-5 and recently launched Renault Wind, the newcomer is due in dealers in late 2013. It’s expected to cost less than £20,000, and will be sold in the US as well as Europe.

Source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/268912/beat_is_back.html#ixzz1Pdhoh8OJ

Honda Cars : Next Gen Honda Beat getting closer?!? | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

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 Cars : Honda to Fuse S2000 and Beat Into One | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

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/

Honda Cars : New Honda Beat: Next-Generation Kei Roadster Speculated | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Remember the original Beat, Honda's pint-sized, two-seater roadster with the mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout of the 1990s? Well, Japan's Best Car magazine is doing what it does best by speculating on the return of the Beat in Honda's car range.

Our knowledge of the Japanese language is non-existent so we can't share any details from the article (any help would be hugely appreciated) but we assume from the side air-vents that the design proposal is for a rear-engined roadster - something like the poor man's Porsche.

We don't know if the rendering / story is based on actual inside information or pure speculation, but it would be interesting to hear your say about whether or not a model like this could be successful in markets outside Japan in today's world of downsizing and greener cars.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/12/new-honda-beat-next-generation-kei.html

Honda Cars : Honda Japan and UK; Mini Honda Jazz variant by 2011 | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Below is a concept drawing of what the Next Gen Honda Beat may look like....
The successful Honda Jazz is aiming for bigger things. Reports have emerged that a smaller replica of the Honda Jazz is likely to enter Asian and subsequently European markets from 2011.

The new small car from Honda will rival Toyota's iQ and Smart's Fortwo. As per the reports last week, Honda would use the engineering talent in India to a large extent in bringing out this small car. The mini Honda Jazz could use the kei car 'Life' as its underpinnings.

As this is a Honda, irrespective of its price tag, the mini Jazz will be filled with technology. A hybrid variant is planned, but to start with a small turbocharged petrol engine could be utilized.

The car would be marketed as a city car. Honda's Chinese facility could yield this model while talks about Honda's high capacity production line in India, which is currently being constructed, cannot be ruled out as a potential production site.

Can you say....Honda Beat?

Source;

http://www.automotoportal.com/article/mini-honda-jazz-variant-by-2011

Honda Cars : Toyota planning new compact sports car based on iQ | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Yes! It is true! The era of compact sports cars is almost here! The latest reports from the Japan’s Best Car Magazine indicate that Toyota is planning a new vehicle based on the iQ city car which will make its debut next year.

According to our sources the upcoming car will be fun to drive and will carry a 1.3-liter gasoline engine, which in our opinion, will be more than enough to enjoy the small convertible. The new car will come with a price tag of $20,300 (2 million Yen). But this is not the only good news we have: Honda is also planning a successor for the old Beat! Now we have to wait and see the response from Mazda! More details to be revealed!

Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/toyota-planning-new-compact-sports-car-based-on-iq/

Honda Cars : Original Honda Beat Information | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

With all this talk about the Honda Beat making a 'comeback' (don't know if this car would be destined for North America or just Japan like the original), I thought I'd do some digging in to the Original Beat.
The Honda Beat is a small sportscar, that fits the regulations of a keicar. It is a convertible and has a midengine. The production began in May 1991 and finished in February 1996. The total number of cars produced was around 33,600. Most of the production (around 2/3) occurred in the first year, and then production and sales reduced drastically. There were two different models of Beat (PP1-100 and PP1-110), although there were a couple of different limited edition versions as well. Variations on the first model were just cosmetic updates. Only the second model had any real mechanical differences. All cars were offered with the option of a drivers-side airbag. In typical Honda Fashion, the Beat's engine did not utilize a turbocharger or supercharger. The 660 cc engine was modified with the MTREC system, which included one throttle valve for each of the 3 cylinders, to produce 64 horsepower (48 kW). Only manual transmission was available. The MTREC design will filter down to the 1993 Honda Today keicar. The Beat is part of a wave of keicar-sized sports cars in the late 80s -- its competitors included the Suzuki Cappuccino and Mazda's Autozam AZ-1. Together they predicted the arrival of the Smart Roadster over a decade later, while Japan wouldn't see a new model of the genre until the recent Daihatsu Copen.

Source;
http://www.hondabeat.dk/