Honda has officially taken the wraps off a new concept at the London Motor Show. Dubbed the OSM – which stands for Open Study Model – the concept is a light-weight, two seat drop top designed with maximum efficiency in mind.
Although the OSM looks like an S2000 replacement at first glance, Honda officials say that the show car is not the successor to Honda’s popular sports car.
Moreover, the OSM is little more than a clay model with no current plans for production. “At present the OSM is just a design study, a clay model,” Honda spokesman Steve Kirk told Automotive News. “It is definitely not confirmed for production at the moment.”
Although not directly related to Honda’s CR-Z project, Kirk did say the OSM was designed as a “low-emission, lightweight sports car”, the same concepts that will find their way into the 2009 production version of the CR-Z. However, since the OSM is a clay model, there is no powertrain to speak of.
The interior of the OSM follows the two-tier dash design of the current Honda Civic.
While the OSM itself is not heading for production, look for some of its design cues to find their way onto future Honda models.
07/22, 12:59 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Solara, anyone?
07/22, 1:02 PM
posted by:
dallascarjunkie
They need to take those wheels and put them on the ‘09 Si models.
07/22, 1:06 PM
posted by:
macabre
Not digging the proportions. With long front overhang its probably a FF–not a proper sports car. I would agree that this is not the replacement for the S2000.
07/22, 1:11 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
I hope it’s a sign of things to come.
07/22, 1:26 PM
posted by:
zeeck
macabre, the whole point of this car is to maximize efficiency, which isn’t rwd, and aerodynamics actually prove to really affect fuel efficiency, which explains the odd proportions. and with that in mind, i think they did a great job at it
07/22, 2:14 PM
posted by:
xyunya
I hate that Civic digital double decker. What was wrong with speedo and tach side by side? It’s also short on pedals and gear selector.
07/22, 2:15 PM
posted by:
chester
agreed zeeck…
07/22, 3:02 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
This is like the Civic Del Sol of the 90’s
LOL
07/22, 3:17 PM
posted by:
jonmiles
And the ripping off of the Audi LED headlights begins…
07/22, 3:30 PM
posted by:
chester
they are not ripping off the Audi LED’s… Audi did not invent LED technology… They are designing this car with MAXIMUM EFF. in mind… LED’s use less electricity which will not load the motor as much.
07/22, 4:30 PM
posted by:
Jordan
concept cars have had leds for years… you could say audi ripped off ford europe in that respect.
also, solara had a backseat, this doesn’t. this is more like a civic del sol (unfortunately). it looks way better.
07/22, 6:50 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
“solara had a backseat” - IF you can even call it that.
This isn’t the Solara, but it sure has a very similar profile. That’s all I was saying.
07/22, 7:04 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
I’m guessing if you merge the general hatchback shape of the CR-Z concept with the less aggressive front end of this concept, you have what will become the 2010 CRX.
07/22, 11:28 PM
posted by:
MugenSentraKen
====>>xyunya, i hate the double deck design of the civic too…from my seating position in my brother’s old ‘06civic(he has a TSX now), i could NOT see my current speed what-so-ever because the top rim of the steering wheel was directly blocking the view of the speedometer, and i HATED it….now he has an ‘04 TSX, i HATE the 160mph motorcycle style speedo in it too! From my seating position in it, i almost have to literally lean up and look down to see if i’m going not 25, but 55mph because of how the numbers are situated in the circle. I can’t tell my speed with a quick glance-n-drive sorta way.
07/22, 11:37 PM
posted by:
VictorRaikkonen
“And the ripping off of the Audi LED headlights begins…” Comment by jonmiles
^^^ I wish idiots like that would stop making posts. Audi was not the first company to use LED’s in a production auto, and neither was Lexus even though they pumped them out in the LS before Audi did in the R8. Research before you post jackarse.
On a much happier note. I actually like the front end of the car and the profile, however the rear, more specifically those tail lights, needs a little work.
07/23, 1:52 AM
posted by:
Kanucko
Hideous…same designers as that horrid NSX from Detroit ! They must have picked up some pens from Subaru or something… Honda ! pick it up ! Design a nice lookin sports car dammit !
07/23, 5:57 AM
posted by:
Mr.Lude
This OSM concept from Honda is gorgeous minus the rear tail lights. This should be the next S2000 but if Honda sees this as a Ultra Low emission/high mpg car than I’d say no to it being the next gen S2000 because more than likely it will be underpowered and front wheel drive. Honda is on the right track with this concept car and the CR-Z!!
07/23, 6:48 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
Not bad… I quite like it…
07/23, 7:44 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Not bad. Tons of girls would be interested if it cost little more than a Civic
07/23, 2:39 PM
posted by:
ktulu
this car is very vhappy
07/23, 5:34 PM
posted by:
motornerd
No word on drivetrain, but the design indicates Hybrid with the “Charge/Assist” indicator in the gauge pod..