Why was the Honda S660 discontinued?
The Honda S660, a compact mid-engine roadster, was discontinued in 2022 after a relatively short production run. This decision was primarily driven by declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards larger, more practical vehicles.
Declining Sales and Changing Market Trends
The Honda S660 was introduced in 2015 as a successor to the popular Honda Beat kei car. However, the S660 struggled to gain traction in the market, particularly outside of Japan. Global sales of the S660 declined steadily over the years, with the model failing to attract a significant customer base beyond its niche appeal.
This decline in sales can be attributed to several factors, including the changing preferences of consumers towards larger, more practical vehicles. The rise of SUVs and crossovers, which offer more interior space and utility, has led to a decline in the demand for compact, two-seater sports cars like the S660.
Regulatory Challenges and Production Costs
In addition to the market trends, the S660 also faced regulatory challenges that contributed to its discontinuation. As a kei car, the S660 was subject to strict size and engine displacement limitations in Japan, which limited its appeal and potential for further development.
The production costs associated with the S660's mid-engine layout and specialized components also played a role in the decision to discontinue the model. With declining sales and the need to invest in new technologies and platforms, Honda likely determined that the S660 was no longer a viable long-term investment.
The Future of Honda's Sports Car Lineup
While the S660 is no longer in production, Honda has not abandoned its sports car heritage. The company continues to offer the popular Civic Type R and NSX models, catering to enthusiasts who seek more powerful and performance-oriented vehicles.
Additionally, Honda has hinted at the development of a new, larger sports car that could potentially fill the void left by the S660's discontinuation. However, the details and timeline for this potential new model remain unclear, as Honda focuses on adapting to the changing automotive landscape.
Is the Honda S660 fast?
The S660's top speed of 87 miles per hour is four more than the Beat's, but neither model meets American emissions or safety standards.
Is the Honda S660 legal in the US?
Kei car fans in the U.S. need only to be patient for a while if they want to bring an S660 stateside. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) allows you to import a car that is at least 25 years old, "without regard to whether it complies" with domestic safety or emissions laws.
Why aren't Kei cars sold in the US?
Since—obviously—the tiny Kei is not built to the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, only Kei vehicles that are older than 25 years can be imported into the U.S., because vehicles that elderly aren't subject to FMVSS. That's why the newest Kei vehicles you see for sale in America are typically 1999 models.
What is the fastest Honda ever?
10 Fastest Honda Sports Cars Ever, Ranked By Top Speed
- 8 1997 Honda NSX.
- 7 1990 Honda NSX.
- 6 2017 Honda Civic Type R.
- 5 2023 Honda Civic Type R. Top Speed: 171 mph.
- 4 2002 Honda NSX-R. Top Speed: 175 mph.
- 3 2005 Honda NSX-R GT. Top Speed: 180 mph.
- 2 2017 Honda NSX. Top Speed: 191 mph.
- 1 2022 Honda NSX Type S. Top Speed: 191 mph.
Are Kei cars legal in the US?
A kei car being imported to the U.S must be 25 or more years old at the time of its arrival in the states, and many states and counties have rules requiring them to pass emissions tests of varying levels of strictness in order to be registered for street use.
Is the Honda S660 discontinued?
Production of the S660 ended in March 2022. Partial production by year: 2015: 9,296.
How much does a Honda S660 cost?
Honda S660 Price. On used car market, the price of a Honda S660 for sale is now varying from $12,000 to $17,000 depending on model year, mileage and other condition of the car.
How much horsepower does a S660 have?
The sports car's turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder engine was peppy enough and happily revved to its 7,700-rpm redline, making the most of its 63 hp and 77 lb-ft of torque.
How fast can a S660 go?
about 87 mph
Top speed is 140 km/h, about 87 mph, and 0-60 mph times are irrelevant. Unlike its predecessor the Beat, the S660 is more a targa top than a full convertible. The removable soft top can be stowed away in a compartment in the “frunk.” With the roof on, the compartment where the roof is kept can be used to put things in.
Is the Honda Beat a kei car?
The Honda Beat is a kei car produced by the Japanese company Honda from May 1991 until February 1996. It is a two-seater roadster with a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
