The pure electric roadster model is very compact in size measuring just 3,570mm (140.5-in.) long, 1,500mm (59.0-in.) wide and 1,100mm (43.3-in.) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,325mm (92.5-in.). That makes it slightly bigger than the Beat, Honda's mid-engined, two-seat roadster kei car that was produced from 1991 to 1996.

But unlike Beat's conventional 0.66-liter gasoline engine, the EV-STER is motivated by a an unspecified electric motor that draws energy from a 10kWh lithium-ion battery powering the rear wheels (nope, that's not a typo) and allowing for a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of just 5 seconds and a top speed of 160km/h (100mph).

The battery can be charged in under 3 hours using a 200V source and in less than 6 hours with a 100V source, offering a maximum driving range of 160 kilometers (100 miles).

Honda says that the EV-STER makes liberal use of carbon fiber materials to reduce the two-seater's weight, while other highlights include a twin-lever steering system, multi-information instrument panels and a system that allows the driver to make his or her own adjustments to certain vehicle characteristics such as motor output and suspension settings.

The Honda EV-STER concept was unveiled 2011 Tokyo Auto Show, at the end of last month. At that time, the EV-STER was considered just an engineering exercise, which might see the light of day sometime in the future. However, today our German sources are reporting that the Honda EV-STER might go into production as early as next year. Honda's officials said that the EV-STER will be an electric vehicle, just like the concept, but it will probably be offered with a conventional petrol engine too.

Production model due in 2015, to be sold only in Japan

Honda is previewing the S660 concept ahead of a public debut set for next month at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Described as an "open-top sports-type mini-vehicle", the S660 looks a lot like the EV-STER concept from 2011 but with a conventional engine in the form of a small 660cc three-cylinder turbocharged motor outputting 64 bhp (48 kW) linked to a seven-speed CVT. An exact weight figure has not been released but it's most likely somewhere in the 900 kg (1,984 lbs) region.

The concept will emerge into a production version with a fully retractable roof sometime in 2015 but it will be sold only in Japan. However, some reports are indicating an export version equipped with a bigger 1.0-liter turbo engine rated at 100 bhp (74 kW) could happen sometime in the future.
The S660 concept will be exhibited at Honda's stand along a production model of the Urban SUV and the recently revised Acura NSX concept.