(18 Feb 04)

Honda is bringing two of its latest sports car concepts to Europe for display at the Geneva Show.

The HSC (pictured above and below) is a high-performance affair with carbon fibre panels over an aluminium body frame, alloy race wheels, Brembo brakes and double wishbone suspension all round.

Power comes from a mid-mounted lightweight 300bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine, with gear changing done either via a one-of-a-kind "dial shifter" on the centre console, or a paddle shift on the steering wheel.

The race theme is continued in the cockpit, with its black leather upholstery and aluminium trim elements, thick leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminium pedals.

A different approach to sports car design is taken by the IMAS concept (pictured below), a car with a phenomenally low drag coefficient which Honda has measured at 0.20.

Lightweight construction in carbon fibre and aluminium, faired-in rear wheels and an interior inspired by the look of a racing bike go - as the model name suggests - with one of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist petrol/electric power trains, as in the Civic IMA.

The Geneva display will also feature "study models" of the Civic five-door and Accord Tourer Diesel, which Honda is showing to gauge public reaction to "a more sports-orientated approach to the current model range".

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