London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!"

Alex Nunez — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Green, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Honda OSM

Honda says that the OSM roadster on display at the 2008 British Motor Show is merely a design study, but given that "design study" is frequently a euphemism for "future design language," we wonder if we're seeing the next iteration of Honda car styling. Frankly, we hope so, because this is worlds better than what we've seen from the automaker of late, from the Accord right on up to the bland and bloated Pilot. The OSM, short for Open Study Model, is a shapely two-seat convertible that we'd be happy to drive today. Well, maybe with headlamps that weren't lightsaber-sized. Other than that, we love the jaunty look, especially in back, where the taillamps sweep gently from one side of the car to the other. Since it's a styling exercise, there's no specific powertrain combination associated with it, but Honda assures us that the car is an indication that lightweight, low-emissions motoring needn't be boring. No kidding, guys. Inside, the cockpit basically evolves the two-tier instrument panel you'll find in the current Civic into a far more attractive driving environment that we hope to see in road cars sooner than later. While Honda says there's no plan to create a production sport/econo roadster like this anytime soon, somebody's obviously thinking about it. Future S2000 replacement, maybe? "Design studies" such as this don't happen by accident.

Gallery: Honda OSM Concept

[Source: Honda]

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London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda to reveal OSM open-top concept in London

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

The London Motor Show opens up on July 22nd and with it, comes a new concept from Honda, the Open Study Model or OSM. The lightweight, two-seater, open-air sports car is another design study by Honda that attempts to blend performance and sustainable motoring into a comprehensive package. Designed by Honda's R&D center in Offenbach, Germany, the OSM is a vehicle in the same environmentally friendly vein as the CR-Z concept unveiled in Tokyo last year, considered to be a low emissions alternative to the traditional sports coupe.

The CR-Z is still slated to be released sometime next year, but Honda insists that the OSM is strictly a design study and is not confirmed for production. However, as OSM (read: awesome) as it may be, it's not the next S2000, according to Honda spokesperson Steve Kirk.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Honda to reveal OSM open-top concept in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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