Honda P-NUT concept
Introducing the lastest car to cost peanuts to run...If ever there was a name to inspire drivers, this is not it: P-NUT. The new Honda concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles motor show and the P-NUT name stands for Personal-Neo Urban Transport.
But don't laugh too hard because it could form the basis for the next generation of compact city cars from the Japanese manufacturer.
The rear-wheel drive Honda P-NUT has the potential to be a precursor to a new ultra-compact city car. Dave Marek, the director of advanced design for Honda R&D (Americas), said: "The objective of the exterior and interior designers was to explore the potential for a new type of small-segment-category vehicle that overcomes many of the objections for existing micro-car designs.
"While the Honda P-NUT concept introduces function-oriented concepts, it also shows that small cars don't have to compromise on style or amenities," added Marek.
Apart from opening itself up to widespread lampooning, the compact concept car is smaller than the Fiat 500, measuring just 3.4 metres long and 1.75 meters wide. Yet Honda claims leg room for all three occupants is on par with a mid-sized sedan.
This is due to the seating layout, a la McLaren F1, with the driver located centrally and the two passengers sitting behind and out wide.
Power will come from any number of rear-mounted motors, as Honda has left the door open for traditional combustion, combination hybrid and pure electric powertrains, ensuring it'll cost peanuts to run.
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