Honda Motor Company is pulling out all the stops at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, debuting entirely new engine families, transmissions, hybrid tech – and now a sporty electric car concept.
This all-electric roadster goes by the name of EV-STER, which the automaker is referring to as a “next-generation electric small sports concept model,” boasting proper rear-wheel drive, just two seats and battery-only power.
Honda says that this concept is intended to show off what it feels is a dynamic and innovative styling design, coupled with excellent “environmental performance,” all the way coming packaged in a form typically reserved for the least miserly cars on the road.
To help keep weight down and to offset the added weight of the car’s batteries, Honda made extensive use of carbon fiber materials – giving a total driving range of 100 miles. While the range seems standard enough, in true show-car form the EV-STER eschews the standard steering wheel and instead makes use of a video game-like twin-lever steering system.
Honda says drivers have access to a computer system that allows for user-dictated, preset suspension settings. (For the eagle-eyed viewers out there, cut Honda a little slack as the translation department either fell a bit short, or someone with a sense of humor set out to steal the crown from the “all your base are belong to us” punchline).
The concept also features internet access through the telematics system, as well as navigation and audio.
While Japan’s second largest automaker did not say whether or not the EV-STER previews a future production model, it did drop a hint that it could at least provide the basis for a similar product in the future, “Honda remains committed to developing sports models beyond the expectations of its customers and offering exciting and thrilling mobility products.”
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