Fans of the Honda S2000 may soon have a reason to rejoice. Why, you ask? Because the Japanese carmaker is secretly working on an all-new, mid-engined sports car that’s tipped to be the S2000’s modern-day successor.

Positioned between the pint-sized Honda S660/S1000 Roadster and giant-killing NSX supercar, the junior NSX fills a void for those wanting a more affordable sports car to battle against not only the Porsche Cayman, but possibly even certain versions of Nissan’s 370Z, Ford’s Mustang, Chevrolet’s Camaro and Audi’s TT.

As revealed by leaked patent CAD drawings originally filed at the European Patent Office and digitally remastered by myself; styling follows in the footsteps of its larger hybrid supercar. Cue dramatic sweeping and angular bodywork, large front, side and rear top intakes with horizontal blade detailing.

Front-end aesthetics have a strong S660/S1000 resemblance with a large roadkill-eating mouth and slim LED headlights that trail below the hood’s leading edge. The view from the rear is as equally dramatic with full-width LED taillights that frame the back of the car, whilst a large diffuser adds visual punch.

An interesting talking point is the black floating roof; it rises steeply at the A-pillars, falling ever so gently towards the raised B-pillars/rear haunches. From here, it intersects with twin, top-mounted vents, with a central recess that also may house a small rear window or high-mount rear vision camera.

Powertrain-wise, it’s been rumored to utilize a hybrid system similar to the NSX’s. Main combustion power could arrive via a higher output version the Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC mill; aided by two electric motors up front and one at the rear incorporating a nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Total system output is tipped to approach the 400hp mark.

Making use of this potent hybrid powertrain will be a light and very driver-focused chassis. Reports suggest extensive use of aluminum and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic to keep weight below the 1400kg/3086lb mark, and which will help everything from performance, handling and fuel economy.

Honda’s yet-to-be-named sports car is likely to be produced alongside its larger NSX stablemate, with a debut tipped for 2018. 
Tell us what you think of the design and whether it should wear an Acura or Honda Badge in the comments below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

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