Honda came up with a genuine global surprise at the London motor show 2008 – with the OSM concept car that previews a potenital successor to the S2000. The Open Study Model is a junior roadster that bears an uncanny resemblance to the CR-Z concept. We suspect this could translate into a convertible version of the CR-Z, itself bound for production in 2010 as a hybrid coupe.
What’s new on Honda’s London motor show stand?
The Open Study Model dominates the Honda stand, which occupies a dominant corner of the northern hall. The low-emissions roadster sat near the FCX Clarity hydrogen car, that was on show in the UK for the first time. Honda had also taken over the live action arena. Called Honda Dreamscape, it was motoring theatre aimed at walking people through the firm’s 60-year history. CAR staffers who attended thought it rather like sitting through a half-hour car commercial, however. You have been warned.
CAR’s Honda highlight
One of the highlights of the show – as well as the firm’s stand – was the Open Study Model. Essentially a topless version of its CR-Z hybrid coupe, it’s a design study of a low-emission sports car. However, detail on the OSM was sorely lacking; Honda calls it a design concept, pure and simple – and it refused to divulge any mechanical details.
Looking like a shrunken Nissan 350Z in profile, let’s hope Honda confirms this for production as it has the CR-Z.
What were they thinking?
Having stand staff dressed in the uniform of its stunningly unsuccessful F1 team just served as a reminder that all in the world of Honda isn’t that rosy.
In a nutshell
Great effort from Honda with as much for adult enthusiasts as younger members of the family.
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