Why was the Honda S660 discontinued?
The Honda S660, a beloved kei sports car, captured the hearts of enthusiasts with its compact design, mid-engine layout, and spirited driving experience. However, despite its popularity among a niche audience, Honda made the decision to discontinue the S660 in 2022. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this decision and what it means for the automotive world.
1. Declining Demand for Kei Sports Cars
One of the primary reasons for the discontinuation of the Honda S660 was the declining demand for kei sports cars in Japan. While the S660 was a unique offering in the kei car segment, the market for such vehicles has been shrinking over the years. Consumers in Japan have increasingly shifted their preferences toward more practical and fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrid and electric cars, leaving little room for niche sports cars like the S660.
2. Stricter Emissions Regulations
Another significant factor was the tightening of emissions regulations in Japan and globally. The S660, with its turbocharged 660cc engine, faced challenges in meeting these stricter standards without significant redesigns or costly upgrades. For a low-volume vehicle like the S660, the investment required to comply with new regulations was likely deemed unfeasible by Honda.
3. High Production Costs
Producing a specialized vehicle like the S660 comes with higher costs compared to mass-market models. The mid-engine layout, lightweight construction, and unique design elements made the S660 an expensive car to manufacture. Combined with its limited sales volume, the financial viability of continuing production became increasingly challenging for Honda.
4. Focus on Electrification
Honda, like many other automakers, has been shifting its focus toward electrification and sustainable mobility. The company has announced ambitious plans to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce its carbon footprint. Discontinuing low-volume, internal combustion engine models like the S660 allows Honda to allocate resources toward developing EVs and other future-oriented technologies.
5. End of a Planned Production Cycle
Lastly, the S660’s discontinuation may have simply been the result of its planned production cycle coming to an end. Introduced in 2015, the S660 had a production run of approximately seven years, which is typical for many automotive models. Honda may have decided to conclude its production as part of its regular product lifecycle strategy.
Conclusion
The Honda S660’s discontinuation marks the end of an era for kei sports cars, a segment that has brought joy to driving enthusiasts for decades. While it’s sad to see such a unique vehicle leave the market, the decision reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, including changing consumer preferences, stricter regulations, and the push toward electrification. For fans of the S660, it will remain a cherished icon of Honda’s engineering prowess and a reminder of the fun that can be had behind the wheel of a small, spirited car.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Is the Honda S660 discontinued?
Production of the S660 ended in March 2022. Partial production by year: 2015: 9,296.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
