Honda EV-STER Concept at the Geneva Auto Show

Honda's EV-STER electric sports car concept is no stranger to the auto show stands, having debuted at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show.

The car has now made its European debut at Geneva, accessible to all rather than placed high on a turntable - so we've got some more live shots for you.

Though the EV-STER isn't intended as a replacement for Honda's much-missed S2000 sports car, it's hard not to draw comparisons. It's a small, relatively light weight, rear-drive roadster with sharp styling.

That's where the similarities end however. Rather than a revvy, inline-four combustion engine, the EV-STER gets an electric motor. Performance is a little more modest too - 5 seconds to reach 37 miles per hour, and a top speed of 100 mph.

Range on the Japanese test cycle is 100 miles from the 10 kilowatt-hour battery pack, though you could expect much less if the car was ever tested by EPA standards - probably as little as 50-60 miles.

The interior is suitably high-tech - not only does the driver get a rather conspicuous, lime green seat, but direction is controlled by an aircraft-like twin-lever steering system.

There are still no plans for production, but the concept shows that Honda hasn't forgotten about sports cars just yet - and the company is still clearly thinking about full-electric vehicles, as well as its wide hybrid range.


Source: Green Car Reports

Honda Designs Electric Sports Car, Considers Gasoline Version

Before the Tokyo Motor Show, we talked a little bit about Honda’s electric sports car concept, which Honda is calling the “EV-STER.” Honda is indeed taking their idea to production, likely starting in 2012. Check out the gallery below for pictures of Honda’s design.

Quick and Electric (Mostly)

The electric version of the EV-STER has a 100-mile range with a top speed of 100mph, according to Honda. Note use of the phrase “electric version” – Honda CEO Takanobu Ito told Auto Motor und Sport that a classic gasoline-powered version of the car is also potentially viable.

Honda isn’t stopping there – they’re also expected to introduce an economical all-wheel drive compatible with electric motors at the Detroit Auto Show in January. A V6 combustion engine and a 30 kW electric motor combine to power the front axle, while the rear axle is driven by two separate 20 kW electric motors. The all-wheel system is installed in a Honda Accord while in development, but its premiere in Detroit is supposed to be in a new super sports car.

It’s All About the Green

The EV-STER and the all-wheel drive are part of a marketing campaign that should significantly reduce Honda’s fleet consumption over the next few years. Ito also said that CO2 emission reduction is Honda’s greatest challenge, adding that Honda also wants to be number one in minimal fuel consumption over the next three years. The goal? To reduce CO2 output by another 30% by 2020.

Other models expected to help Honda meet its goals include the small Honda Jazz – available in both Japan and the USA in 2012 – and a plug-in hybrid version of the Accord coming in 2013. New economical engines will be coupled with these low-consumption vehicles.

Source: Gas2.0

Honda premieres EV-STER next-generation electric small sports concept

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is unveiling the EV-STER, a next-generation electric small sports concept model, at the 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011.

The adoption of carbon materials made it possible to reduce the vehicle weight contributing to the vehicle’s high driving performance and range of approximately 160km. The new concept model, which features twin-lever steering, enables the driver to make his/her own adjustments to some vehicle characteristics such as motor output and suspension settings.

The instrument panel includes the vehicle information display as well as a network display used for the audio and navigation systems and also for internet access.

The concept is equipped with a 10 kWh battery pack with maximum output of 58 kW.