The new Honda Beat may incorporate stylistic designs from their 2008 concept car. 06/28/2011
Honda may soon be revisiting the past with a new release of an old model, the Beat. First produced in 1991, the lightweight roadster only saw five years of production before it was retired, according to Motor Trend. Recently, information was leaked that the Japanese carmaker is working toward an updated version of the two-seater convertible.
The original vehicle was nearly 11-feet long and had a relatively small 660cc engine to match its miniature stature, which made it small enough to be considered a kei car. Not a lot is known yet about the possible new car, but rumors are circulating that Honda plans to equip the vehicle with a dual-clutch transmission, a first for the carmaker. It is expected to weigh just over one ton and combine design elements of the Honda CR-Z and the company's open study model (OSM) concept car, according to Auto Express.
The OSM concept car, which was presented at the 2008 British Motor Show in London, was designed to demonstrate that low-emission, lightweight cars can be sporty and fun, Car and Driver reports. At the time of the show, Honda claimed that it had no plans to produce the vehicle commercially. However, the OSM has a similar design as the Beat, so if Honda is introducing a new car, chances are that it will take some its inspiration from the concept vehicle.
No official statements have been released by Honda about the launch of the Beat. However, the new car is rumored to be available starting in late 2013 for less than $20,000. The Frankfurt International Motor Show is coming up in September, so perhaps Honda will use the venue to unveil its Beat revival.