Designed for Driving Enjoyment

Honda announced the new S660, a kei mid-engine sports car, on March 30. This long-awaited open-top kei sports car is the successor to the Beat, released in 1991, which still enjoys enduring popularity.

The S660 originates from the "S660 Concept" unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, and is a mid-engine sports car within the kei car regulations.S660 ConceptIts short front and rear overhangs push the wheels to the very corners, while the low nose and wedge line emphasize the open body.the "S660 Concept" displayed at the showThis is essentially a production version of the "S660 Concept" shown at the exhibition.

The S660 was developed primarily by a young team, led by 26-year-old chief engineer Ryo Mukunoki. At the project's inception, the team reaffirmed their shared vision of "what they wanted to create," ultimately aiming to "realize the joy of driving and handling a car, straightforwardly and in true Honda fashion."

The layout emphasizes a sense of unity between the driver and the car, employing a mid-ship configuration. By maximizing the tread within the kei car dimensions and ingeniously placing components like the battery and fuel tank, the center of gravity is lowered, stabilizing the car's roll characteristics.

The chassis was developed to achieve both high rigidity and light weight. In addition to using high-tensile steel sheets, technical improvements were made, such as designing the center tunnel as a two-story closed section instead of the usual U-shape. This resulted in torsional rigidity that surpasses that of the S2000.

The suspension features MacPherson struts at the front and a dual-link independent suspension at the rear. The tires are dedicated high-performance units, with different sizes front and rear: 165/55R15 at the front and 195/45R16 at the rear. The car also incorporates the "Agile Handling Assist" system, which lightly applies the inner brake during cornering to improve turn-in response—a first for a kei car.

The engine is a 660cc inline three-cylinder DOHC unit, based on the engine from the N-One and N-Box, but specifically engineered for the S660 with a newly designed turbocharger. It produces a maximum output of 47 kW (64 ps) at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 104 Nm (10.6 kgm) at 2,600 rpm. The turbocharger's intake noise has been intentionally left audible, adding to the enjoyment of the engine's sound.

Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a specially tuned 7-speed paddle-shift CVT. The CVT offers two selectable modes: "Sport" and "Default."

In Sport mode, the CVT adjusts accelerator pedal response and transmission settings. The digital speedometer illuminates red, and the instantaneous fuel consumption gauge switches to a boost gauge. As the engine approaches the rev limit, the meter's outer ring flashes as an indicator. This mode can also be selected for the MT via the Select Mode switch.

The optional center display is compatible with smartphone-integrated navigation systems. This display also features a G-meter, showing the vehicle's acceleration forces in all directions, throttle opening, and brake pressure during driving.

Unlike the electric retractable roof of the similarly sized kei sports convertible, the Copen, the S660 features a simple, manually removable "Roll-top" roof.CopenThe top can be easily detached by releasing the latches, rolled up, and stored in the utility box located in the front nose. The rear window, situated behind the seats, can be lowered electrically, allowing occupants to experience the wind and engine sound.

The S660 lineup consists of two grades: the higher-spec "α" and the base "β," each available with either a CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission. The α features chrome accents on switches and knobs, leather for the steering wheel, shift knob, and seats, and offers asymmetrical seat color options. The price for the α is ¥2.18 million, and the β is ¥1.98 million.

Limited Edition "S660 Concept Edition"

Coinciding with the launch, a limited edition "S660 Concept Edition" will also be available. This special edition features a red roll-top, two-tone side mirrors, a specially finished exhaust pipe finisher, and a water-repellent coating on the body. The interior boasts exclusive seats with red stitching, a dedicated steering wheel, a special shift knob for the MT, and a special shift boot for the CVT. The smartphone-integrated navigation compatible center display is standard. This limited edition of 660 units includes an aluminum plate with a serial number from 1 to 660, located in front of the shift knob. The price is ¥2.38 million.

Honda S660
Body Dimensions: Length 3,395 x Width 1,475 x Height 1,180 mm
Wheelbase: 2,285 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,300 / 1,275 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance: 125 mm
Weight: 850 kg (CVT) / 830 kg (MT)
Engine: 658 cc Inline 3-Cylinder DOHC
Bore x Stroke: 64.0 x 68.2 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2
Maximum Output: 47 kW (64 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 104 Nm (10.6 kgm) / 2,600 rpm
Transmission: CVT with Manual Mode / 6-Speed MT
Drivetrain: MR
Suspension Front/Rear: MacPherson Strut / Dual-Link Strut
Tires Front/Rear: 165/55R15 75V / 195/45R16 80W
Brakes Front/Rear: Disc
Minimum Turning Radius: 4.8m
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode): 24.2 km/ℓ (CVT) / 21.2 km/ℓ (MT)
Price: (α MT/CVT) ¥2.18 million / (β MT/CVT) ¥1.98 million

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