2000 Honda Spocket

Honda Spocket Provides Active Consumers With The Ultimate In Utility

Sport Coupe, Pickup and Convertible, All-In-One.

The Honda Spocket concept vehicle, designed in Torrance and making its North American debut at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, demonstrates how one vehicle can be a convertible, sport coupe and pickup all-in-one.

At the touch of a button, the Spocket's retractable roof slides back, transforming the car into a convertible. When the roof is forward, a jump-seat allows room for two more passengers, or folds flat converting the rear of the car into a pickup bed. The two-piece tailgate extends to the ground allowing for easy loading of heavy equipment.

'At Honda, we know that the market is never static and consumers are always looking for new ideas, so we asked our designers in Torrance to see what they could come up with,' said Tom Elliott, executive vice president, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 'The result is an innovative vehicle that works in the many different ways consumers use their cars.'

The sleek, aerodynamic body features gun-metal gray carbon fiber with distinctive bright-red highlights strategically placed to enhance the sharp angles incorporated throughout the body. Dramatic tilt-up doors and 19' wheels add to the Spocket's sporty appearance.

To add to Spocket's sporty feel and improve fuel economy, Honda uses Michelin's new Pax system tires, an innovative technology that includes a tire, wheel, run-flat insert and pressure loss sensor to offer driving up to 125 miles at 55 mph when the tire is flat.

Spocket's concept drivetrain features a 4WD system with in-wheel electric motors for the rear wheels. In addition, there's a semi-automatic, five-speed transmission with shift buttons located on the steering wheel.

The Spocket was inspired by Honda's T360 mid-engine pickup truck, the company's first mass-produced vehicle. Launched in 1963, the T360 featured a high-revving, 4-cylinder DOHC engine with four carburetors. Its mid-engine layout and cab- over design provided ample cargo and cabin space.

Design and construction of the Spocket took eight short months to complete. Like the T360, the Spocket is designed for maximum utility. The batteries that drive the rear motors are strategically positioned under the bed of the car for even weight distribution.

The interior features bucket seats, five-point seatbelts and is completely waterproof, allowing easy clean-up after a busy day of extreme sports. Additional interior features include Honda's GPS Navigation system and electric controls. Instead of sideview mirrors, the Spocket has cameras that project rear images to a heads-up display on the front windshield. Honda Spocket delivers not only sporty performance, but also versatility that lets you load up with sports gear and fully enjoy an active lifestyle.

Source - American Honda Motor Company