Shanghai 2009: Guangzhou Honda Linian roadster concept is messing with our S2000-loving heads
Guangzhou Honda Linian roadster concept - Click on the image above for a gallery
Guangzhou Honda surprised everyone at the Shanghai show with this tidy little roadster, its second Linian concept in as many years. While the 2008 Beijing show concept was a more pedestrian five-door, this two-seat droptop has us wishing for a proper S2000 successor.
Oh, one can quibble over some of the design details (oversized grille element, the showcar-only airplane yoke-style steering wheel, etc.), but fundamentally this is an interesting package.
Sadly, according to our compatriots at Autoblog Simplified Chinese, Honda's domestic partner was mum on specifics, including driveline configuration, powerplant, and so on. That said, the shape does look quite production friendly. Add in a stronger windshield header, some larger mirrors, and do away with that Knight Rider steering wheel, and the rest seems plausible enough.
Rest assured, we are angling for more information on this car as we speak, but for now, enjoy the possibilities... and the gallery below.
Gallery: guangben linian coupe
Photos copyright © 2009 IceBin / Weblogs, Inc
[Source: Autoblog Simplified Chinese]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
ken_aisin 12:04PM (4/21/2009)
Hey Honda, give it an all aluminum body, the current S2000's powertrain, and a MSRP that's the same as the current S2000, I'll put myself on the waiting list right away.
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ken_aisin 12:07PM (4/21/2009)
By the way, please give it a normal steering wheel. I don't think I can drive with that concept wheel. If possible, give it a dual clutch transmission because I have tendinitis in my left knee.
revvo 12:11PM (4/21/2009)
Give it both, a dual clutch for broken left legs and a 6 speed. Don't you dare change my driving habits
Sektor 12:16PM (4/21/2009)
Linian is the lovechild of GAC (Guangzhou Auto Group) and Honda, but not a subsidiary of HoMoCo. There are even rumors floating around that they'll spin off as an independent brand. So I don't think Honda would (or could ?) ever bring this to the US.
ken_aisin 12:18PM (4/21/2009)
"Don't you dare change my driving habits"
Let me rephrase, "If possible, please bring it over with an optional dual clutch transmission." ;~)
Taglane 12:04PM (4/21/2009)
So is this like an angrier OSM?
it works. except there is quite a bit of front overhang, imo
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ken_aisin 12:10PM (4/21/2009)
I agree about the overhang. But I won't complain too much before they give it a chrome grill that resembles the one on the current Acura TL.
Quattroporte 12:11PM (4/21/2009)
本田需要S2000以避免成为家电品牌。目前S2000仍然可能还可以，只是需要一个良好的清爽。总的来说，我认为这个小跑车具有良好的设计。
http://translate.google.com/translate_t#
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ken_aisin 12:18PM (4/21/2009)
非常同意 :~)
Sektor 12:20PM (4/21/2009)
Hondas are already appliances, what are they talking about?
Quattroporte 12:24PM (4/21/2009)
The translator didn't get that quite right.
chineyz954 1:26PM (4/21/2009)
This is America speak American...lol
tekd 7:38PM (4/21/2009)
Did you write that in Chinese yourself or did Google translate do it for you? If it was google it's getting ridiculously good.
But yeah this is hot. I wonder if maybe the Chinese market will help spur Honda to finally make a decent successor.
Quattroporte 12:49AM (4/22/2009)
@tekd
Google translated my comment into Chinese. Odd thing is, it's not translating back into English quite so well. It's still impressive and close enough.
Serge 12:18PM (4/21/2009)
I don't know... this looks more Saturn Sky than S2000. While I prefer the Sky styling over the S2000, Honda fans probably think othewise.
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j 1:39PM (4/21/2009)
this really doesn't look much like the Saturn Sky at all... it looks much better.
LX builder 12:39PM (4/21/2009)
Hey Saturn called... they said you haven't bought them yet... so they want the Sky's ass back, Thanks!
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J Who 12:55PM (4/21/2009)
I'm not quiet sure that those headlights peel back far enough along the fender for me.
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Kill The Fanboys 1:36PM (4/21/2009)
Who is taking these pictures at these shows? They SUCK. I want shots of that interior!
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iScream 1:40PM (4/21/2009)
Anyone else see the infinit essense concept in the front????
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