හුරුබුහුටි කෙලිපොඩ්ඩ අප්පා
What emerged was the original S500/S600/S800, collectively known as the S-Series, engineering marvels with 10,000 rpm redlines and chain-driven rear wheels. Now, after a 6-year hiatus since the demise of the S2000, itself a comeback after a 29-year hiatus of the original trio, the S-Series is back with the all-new Honda S660.
The starting price of the S660 is ¥1.98 million yen ($16,520 at current conversion rates), ranging in specification and fittings up to the ¥2.38 million Concept Edition ($19,850), limited to 660 units. A number of optional accessories are available, and the range comes in two trim variations, the Alpha and the Beta.
the 660cc engine puts out 63hp, which Honda then mates to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or CVT
The turbo three is shared with some more recent Honda kei cars, including the N-One and N-Box Slash. As such, it lacks that raw, naturally aspirated wail found on signature Honda sports cars past and trades it for an unobtrusive city car calm.
While the usual Japanese kei jidosha specification for capacity, power output, and vehicle size all apply, it’s Honda’s mid-engine engineering in an open sports car that makes the S660 an attractive package. The motor may generate just 77 lb-ft of torque, but the entire car weighs only 1,830 pounds and boasts a 45/55 front/rear weight distribution. What the S660 lacks in raw power, I hoped it would make up in straight smiles and fun-to-drive factor.
While the usual Japanese kei jidosha specification for capacity, power output, and vehicle size all apply, it’s Honda’s mid-engine engineering in an open sports car that makes the S660 an attractive package. The motor may generate just 77 lb-ft of torque, but the entire car weighs only 1,830 pounds and boasts a 45/55 front/rear weight distribution. What the S660 lacks in raw power, I hoped it would make up in straight smiles and fun-to-drive factor.
All S660 come with a removable roof. Much like the folding Targa top of an early 911, the S660 “temaki roof” is designed to stow in the trunk. Unlike the 911 though, which has a rigid collapsible frame, the S660 roof smoothly rolls into a tight bundle like something you might order at a sushi restaurant — hence the name temaki, meaning “hand-roll.”
Getting behind the small — only 350mm — steering wheel, I initially placed the seat in the full rear position. Being 6-foot-1, I thought space would be cramped, but upon re-adjusting the tilt steering wheel and mirrors it was apparent the seat did not need to be in the full rear position. A few clicks forward were available and my head still cleared the roof with no problem at all times. In fact, despite a four air-bag interior (driver, passenger, and two side) it has more space than my S800 Coupe — good news for taller folks who may one day be lucky enough to see the S660 sold in their local markets
Reversing lights are located behind a transparent panel bridging the rear taillights, and other standard fittings include LED headlamps. Additionally, safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist (utilizing auto-activated ABS), automatic collision avoidance (brake application on proximity to closing car at less than 30 kph), and automatic hazard lamp activation when you slam on the brakes. I avoided testing these last few items.
If the lack of exhaust note bothers you, however, there’s a smartphone app in development to rectify that. When connected to the USB port, it plays the engine sounds of a number of classic Honda sports machines through the S660’s speakers. Notes are matched with the engine revs and you have your choice of Civic Type R, NSX-R, or the Formula 1-dominating McLaren-Honda MP4/5.
