Summary
- The rumored new electric roadster from Honda will be the company’s first EV sports coupe and will challenge the Mazda MX-5 Miata
- The new EV is expected to be a successor to Honda’s S660 roadster with a fully electric powertrain and similar styling
- The S660, Honda’s Japan-only mid-engined coupe, will be reinvented with an enlarged size and an electric powertrain
- Honda’s lineup of electric cars currently consists of the Honda e and the Prologue SUV, with the new roadster being the brand’s first EV offered in the U.S.
- The new electric roadster from Honda is expected to have either a 212-hp single-motor front-wheel-drive setup or a 288-hp two-motor all-wheel-drive setup, with a range of around 300 miles and a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds, set to debut in 2026.
Article
Honda’s rumored new electric roadster, which is said to be the successor to the Japan-only S660 roadster, is poised to challenge Mazda’s popular MX-5 Miata. Reports from Best Car suggest that Honda will increase the size of the car to match the dimensions of the Miata, making it more appealing to an international audience. The new roadster will feature a fully electric powertrain, in contrast to the gasoline-powered S660, signaling a significant shift in Honda’s lineup towards electric vehicles.
The S660, a K-car coupe powered by a 660cc gasoline engine, went out of production in 2020. It was known for its compact size and mid-engined layout, similar to Honda’s NSX sports car. The decision to reinvent the S660 with an enlarged body and electric powertrain indicates Honda’s commitment to expanding its electric vehicle offerings. With the success of the Honda e and the limited edition Clarity, the new electric roadster will be a significant addition to Honda’s lineup, especially in the U.S. market where the brand has been lagging behind in terms of EVs.
While specific details about the new roadster’s powertrain remain unclear, there are rumors that it could utilize a revised version of the Prologue SUV’s powertrain. The Prologue offers a choice of a 212-hp single-motor front-wheel-drive setup or a 288-hp two-motor all-wheel-drive configuration with a range of around 300 miles. With the new roadster expected to be lighter than the Prologue, it is likely to have impressive acceleration, possibly achieving a 0-60 mph time of under 5 seconds. This performance, combined with the electric powertrain, makes the new Honda roadster a competitive rival to Mazda’s MX-5 Miata.
Mazda’s MX-5 Miata has been a best-selling roadster since its introduction in 1989, with nearly 1.2 million units sold worldwide. Many carmakers have attempted to compete with the Miata by introducing their own sports coupes, such as the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, BMW Z3, and Mercedes Benz SLK, among others. While these competitors have enjoyed moderate success, none have been able to match the enduring popularity and sales of the MX-5 Miata, making it a formidable benchmark in the roadster segment.
The new EV roadster from Honda is expected to draw inspiration from the sleek design of the S660, featuring similar styling cues but with dimensions that rival the Miata. The decision to enter the EV sports coupe segment marks a bold move for Honda and signals their intention to compete on a global scale. With the growing demand for electric vehicles and the increasing emphasis on sustainability, Honda’s decision to introduce a fully electric roadster is in line with current market trends and consumer preferences.
Overall, the rumored electric roadster from Honda represents a significant step forward for the brand in terms of electrification and innovation. By leveraging the success of the S660 and incorporating an electric powertrain into a new, larger model, Honda is poised to challenge established competitors like Mazda’s MX-5 Miata in the sports coupe segment. With a focus on performance, efficiency, and modern design, the new Honda roadster is expected to appeal to a wide range of consumers seeking a stylish and environmentally friendly driving experience.
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