Honda working on high-tech Boxster rival

Honda has again been caught patenting designs for what is clearly a rival to the Porsche Boxster.

The new images, posted on July 17 with the European Union Intellectual Property Office, appears to show a small, mid-engine roadster that's clearly inspired by the Japanese brand's recently launched NSX supercar.

Thought to be a direct rival for cars like the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT and the forthcoming BMW Z4-replacement, the mystery Honda concept is already being touted by enthusiasts as a spiritual successor for the old S2000.

The new roadster could to lift its technology from the NSX program. Expect a small turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol to be combined with a compact nine-speed dual-clutch auto that features a small electric motor encased within the gearbox.

The front axle, would be powered by its own electric motor

Total power could be as much as 300kW and thus the all-wheel-drive Honda could have the edge on Porsche for performance.

The images, discovered by Autoguide, appear to preview a near-production ready concept.

The car could debut at October’s Tokyo motor show or (more likely) as an Acura at the LA show in December.

That said, Honda has earned a reputation for registering patents for cars that never see the light of day. Back in October 2015 a similar patent for a wild 'baby NSX' concept was published but has yet to materialise.