Two-seat design study unveiled at British International Motor Show Honda’s low-emission sportscar study model has been revealed at the British International Motor Show, at ExCel, London.
The lightweight roadster design study displays one of Honda’s core engineering principles – to design stylish and exciting cars that are also environmentally responsible.
Named the OSM (for Open Study Model), the two-seater joins the confirmed-for-production CR-Z sports hybrid and FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell car on the Honda stand at the show.
“We’re trying to show that low emission cars can be attractive,” says Andreas Sittel, Project Leader for OSM. “There is no reason why a car that’s more environmentally friendly can’t look great too – and be sporty and fun to drive.”
The concept for the project was ‘Clean and Dynamic’ – and this direction was followed for both the exterior and interior design, ensuring a joined-up, consistent ‘language’ between the two. One example of this can be seen at the rear of the car, where the body actually extends into the cabin between the seats.
The exterior design is a balance of smooth, rounded curves and sharp lines to provide definition in key areas. The headlights are cleverly integrated into the front end, stretching from the nose to the top of the wheel arches to look more like a part of the original body.
Inside, this uninterrupted, fluid approach is continued, with long sweeping curves extending from both door panels to form a frame for the instrument display. The concept for the dashboard was to avoid creating the traditional block of ‘heavy’ colour and material in front of the driver; in keeping with the clean and lightweight theme. For that reason, the dash is broken into sections, with the most important instruments in direct line-of-sight of the driver.
Key information is displayed in a rounded, enclosed central binnacle, with levels and figures in bright blue on a black background. This matches the trim inside the car, with the seats and door furniture trimmed in a new, gloss-effect blue leather, accompanied by white leather sections, in line with the exterior body colour, a one-off paint called Mystic Pearl.
The driver’s main controls and functions are distributed in an intuitive layout, close at hand on a panel that curves downwards to the right of the driver. A centrally-mounted semi-sequential gear-shift points towards a fun-to-drive transmission, along with paddle shifts either side of the steering wheel. Integrated into the gearshifter itself is a red ignition ‘start’ button, which reinforces the sporty direction of the car.
The Honda OSM was designed by Honda’s R&D facility in Offenbach, Germany. It’s the latest example of the young talent being developed within Honda’s design studios in Europe – following the Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept (Geneva 2007) and the Accord Tourer Concept (Frankfurt 2007).
At present, the Honda OSM is a design study model, and there are no plans for it to enter production.
I'm not 100% warm to it, but I'm sure as I look at it more and more, it will grow on me. There are parts I like, and some I don't care for.
Quote, originally posted by Turbiodiesel! »
While the young Fiesta gains strength, the Focus must protect it from the F-150 Raptors that stalk the water holes. Fiestas are able to drive from birth, but are weak and slow, and until they are three months old they are vulnerable to predators. Soon, though, they will join their parents to follow the coming of the rains.
Interesting - though I don't see this as a followup to the S2000. Also interesting that I don't see anything about where the article makes mention of the powertrain layout or details about the mechanical setup.
Kinda like. I dunno why, but I'm seeing a touch of M100 Elan in there. (Just a touch, and I'm not at all saying they copied it.)
It's not just you--I was about to post the same thing.
I think it's how the front fenders meet the windshield pillars--it's got a similar look--along with the generally wedge-shaped front end.
Personally, I like it!
"Everyone knows that the Car Lounge Car of the Year is the E36 M3, the answer to all transportation problems. Need to haul a family of 8 - M3! Tow a boat trailer - M3! Have only $15k to spend and want a Japanese car - M3!" -- Tom
It's not just you--I was about to post the same thing.
I think it's how the front fenders meet the windshield pillars--it's got a similar look--along with the generally wedge-shaped front end.
I thought the same thing as well, obviously not a copy, but some very nice similarities. Very interesting, and to me, appealing car.
You smug faced cowards with kindling eye, who cheer when soldier lads march by. Sneak home and pray you'll never know the hell where youth and laughter go. - Siegfried Sassoon.
The essence of a free life is being able to choose the style of living you prefer free from exclusion and without the compulsion of conformity or law. -- Eleanor Holmes Norton
I guess I'm in the minority as I just don't really like it. From a straight side view the rear end gives off the Solora effect, that of a melted bar of soap. The front end isn't bad, but why do the headlights extend past the lower lip? It looks awkward and just plain silly. The rear end is also a mix-n-match of styles that don't really come together very well. I get a G6 coupe feel with that odd hump over the trunk and I thought that tail light fad died in the 90's. I thought I'd like it when I saw the first picture, but it went kamikaze from there.
Once I get the the interior it doesn't get much better. I've never been a fan of Hondas dual dash approach (such as the Si) and the iDrive dial in the center only seals the deal. Given the size of the information screen that's off center and too deeply recessed I can't imagine why Honda thought that would be a good idea. Less isn't always more.
Oh well, perhaps in a different light & color the car would look better?
We need a TCL Regional Forum so CLICK HERE and vote in favor of it.
Hey did you guys hear about the Honda OSM concept? I think I'm going to make a thread about it, stay tuned.
If you were really trying, you'd make a thread about the Dodge Tomahawk instead.
"Everyone knows that the Car Lounge Car of the Year is the E36 M3, the answer to all transportation problems. Need to haul a family of 8 - M3! Tow a boat trailer - M3! Have only $15k to spend and want a Japanese car - M3!" -- Tom
The essence of a free life is being able to choose the style of living you prefer free from exclusion and without the compulsion of conformity or law. -- Eleanor Holmes Norton
They're both roadsters... you really can't do to much to the profile
theory rejected:
The essence of a free life is being able to choose the style of living you prefer free from exclusion and without the compulsion of conformity or law. -- Eleanor Holmes Norton
"No, honey, you don't look retarded at all! I'm soo happy you cut your hair like I told you to [the girls will love this one. For my next trick I'll have him jump off the Brooklyn Bridge]"
Interesting! At first glance of the profile I thought it looked like the fusion of a S2000 front end and the rear of a SC430. I'm not so keen on the center exhaust, but the lines from front to back, and the taillight design really catch my eye. Then again, I'm a huge sucker for the "wrap around" taillights of the older porsche 911s.
Is it me, or does Honda make some of the coolest interior dash layouts of late?
Quote, originally posted by Spinnaker, on the 5-stroke engine »
Yeah but the reality of it is, Honda actually has the balls to release something like this, where VW will drag their @$$ for another 5 years trying to make up their minds...
Yeah but the reality of it is, Honda actually has the balls to release something like this, where VW will drag their @$$ for another 5 years trying to make up their minds...
i love the Beat. It's one of the JDM cars that I would have killed for if they'd brought it over.
I think that this car looks pretty bitchen and if they did try to produce it, they'd sell a decent amount. If they come-up with a business model that will make money for them, then I hope they build it. neat car.
I think that's the thing with Japanese cars in America. They're no longer 'Japanese enough' for me to want them over their competition. Obviously they're doing something right, but they're not selling to me, they're selling to Susie Homemaker and Joe Blow. Not that there aren't some great cars (S2000 / Miata spring immediately to mind) but mostly it's volume stuff now. You know, like the Germans are doing.
Quote, originally posted by Burnin8r »
thumbs down (to wooden steering wheels) unless its a car that you drive while wearing a leather helmet + goggles while yelling "tally ho, chocks away!"
Quote, originally posted by patrikman »
A restoration to me is some sort of exorcism/brainwash for a car. /rant.
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