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Honda started its new electric vehicle strategy earlier this month at CES. The Japanese company displayed two electric concept cars, offering a sneak peek into Honda’s fresh design approach and revealing changes in their engineering philosophy. However, there are additional developments occurring behind the scenes, as they are also working on producing a battery-powered sports car.
The CEO of Honda, Toshihiro Mibe, announced the company’s plans to explore the development of electric sports cars. Mibe revealed that their Research and Development facility is currently focused on creating a high-performance vehicle that will play a crucial role in their 0 Series lineup of electric cars, which are scheduled to be released in 2026.
According to Honda’s CEO, Takahiro Mibe, the production version of their inaugural electric sports car remains shrouded in secrecy. However, he did confirm that the development process is moving forward steadily. This sports car will take the lead as the flagship model for the 0 Series, showcasing cutting-edge advancements aimed at optimizing interior room, minimizing battery weight, and improving overall efficiency. Additionally, the car will prioritize the “joy of driving” by placing a strong emphasis on driver engagement.
In line with the design principles of the 0 Series prototype revealed at CES, the upcoming sports car is said to possess a sleek and forward-canted appearance. The interior layout will have a simplistic approach, reducing any potential distractions. The battery size will be noticeably reduced compared to Honda’s existing electric vehicles, while power will be delivered through e-axle drive systems, which incorporate motors, inverters, and gearboxes into a streamlined unit to maximize interior room.
During an interview with Autocar, Mibe emphasized that Honda’s upcoming sporty EV will possess a “completely different taste” compared to any previous performance cars from the company. This serves as a reminder of the central focus of their research and development program, which aims to craft a unique personality that guarantees genuine excitement for drivers. Furthermore, Honda is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the current electric sports car market, although they have refrained from mentioning specific competitors.
Source: Autocar