Honda has some eye-catching cars lined up to be shown off to the crowd at the upcoming 2017 Tokyo Motor Show at the end of the month, including some that will make their first in-the-flesh appearances in the automaker’s home market. But what will be premiering on the global stage will be something called the Sports EV Concept.
As far as straightforward car names go for this year, this one ranks quite near the top. And from what we can glean from the early teaser sketch, we’re expecting the unveil of a somewhat compact two-door coupe that’s - obviously - a fully electric car. Yes, it’ll be sporty too. Given its projected dimensions and its general silhouette, Honda may be paying tribute to their S800 Coupe from the mid 1960s.
It’s been a little while since we’ve heard much about a two door sporty Honda ever since the intriguingly bite-sized S660 came onto the scene, as well upon learning that the Civic Type R will be a 5-door only affair for this generation.
Apart from that - and in addition to sharing its platform and other components - we also expect to spy some retro-inspired styling cues in the same vein Honda ran with on their Urban EV Concept that broke cover in September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. While that car used the inherent packaging advantages of an electric powertrain to create a larger cabin than any current car with its footprint has any right to have, the Sports EV will take the opposing view of cocooning the driver into a more exciting experience behind the wheel.
In their own words, they explain how the car is meant to realise: “a feel of unity with the car, combining EV performance and AI with a compact form. While sharing the platform with Honda Urban EV Concept, its unforgettable silhouette, friendly front fascia that naturally blends into any lifestyle, and supple surfaces make it a next-generation sports car that brings joy and emotional attachment in ownership.”
Drive will likely focus on single electric motor that’ll drive the rear wheels fed by banks of lithium-ion batteries arranged along the vehicle’s floor. Should it go into production soon, it’ll go against other small coupes such as the Toyota 86 and Mazda MX-5 RF, set apart by its segment-unique hybrid drivetrain.
For more on Honda cars, check out our Showroom.
