Honda EV-STER hints at electric S2000 successor

Unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda creative director Toshinobu Minami told UK website Autocar the EV-STER previews “the next generation of design language” from the Japanese manufacturer.

The Honda EV-STER concept is a spiritual successor to the S2000, sporting a compact rear-wheel drive two-seat convertible construction with an emphasis on being lightweight and fun to drive.

Powered by a lithium-ion battery with a maximum output of 58kW, Honda says the EV-STER accelerates from 0-60km/h (not a typo) in 5.0 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 160km/h. The concept has a driving range of 160km and takes less than three hours to fully charge.

At 3570mm long, 1500mm wide and 1100mm tall, the EV-STER’s wheelbase is just 85mm shorter than the S2000, despite the concept being more than half a metre shorter overall.

The concept incorporates a twin-lever steering system and allows the driver to make adjustments to the motor output and suspension settings, enabling them to “embody the joy of manoeuvring to the fullest extent”.

Honda says the EV-STER concept is evidence that it remains committed to developing sports cars that exceed expectations and mobility devices that excite and thrill.