Jun 20, 2011, 5:42pm ET

Honda said to be readying new global roadster

Looking to take on the Mazda MX-5, Honda is said to be readying a new global roadster.

The Honda S2000 may be dead and gone, but the Japanese automaker is said to be working on a roadster revival of sorts. Honda will reportedly dip into its motorcycle technology to produce a new compact roadster for global markets.



Combining the best traits of its former S2000 and Beat roadster models, Honda is said to be readying a new compact sports car that will be sold in several global markets, including the United States and Europe. The new coupe will ride on a front-wheel drive platform borrowed from the CR-Z sport hybrid.



Honda first teased such a concept with the OSM show car in 2008.



But despite those hybrid roots, the new car will arrive as a gas-only model. Honda is still deciding between a 1.3L and a 1.5L motor, but whatever unit is chosen will arrive with the company's next-generation VTEC system, along with automatic stop-start.



For the car's transmission, Honda will rely on its motorcycle division. Honda engineers will adapt the dual-clutch transmission from the VFR1200F motorcycle for the compact roadster, marking the automaker's first use of a semi-automatic transmission.



Hond's sporty roadster should arrive in dealer showrooms during the second half of 2013 with a price tag in the mid-$20,000 range.







References

1.'Beat is back...' view

2.'Report: Honda Beat...' view

