Honda Reportedly Developing New Electric Sports Car and Manual Transmission for Future EVs

(Photo credit: ev.iphonemod)

Honda appears to be reigniting its performance spirit as the brand works on a new electric sports car, potentially a successor to the legendary NSX.

During the Monterey Car Week, Jon Ikeda, Vice President and Brand Officer of Acura, hinted in an interview with The Drive that the company is preparing “another sports model” to follow the legacy of the NSX lineup.

“If you notice, we always keep our promises with the NSX. The first was gasoline-powered, the second a hybrid—and there’s one more to come,” said Ikeda.

His statement strongly suggests that the next-generation sports car will be fully electric, marking a new chapter in Honda’s high-performance evolution.

Next-Generation Electric Sports Concept Underway

Although Honda has showcased several electric sports car concepts in recent years, none have yet reached production. However, insiders indicate that a new prototype is under active development—potentially paving the way for a global debut in the near future.

Manual Transmission in EVs: Honda’s Unique Approach to Driving Fun

In a move that sets it apart from other EV makers, Honda confirmed it is developing a manual transmission system for electric vehicles. The goal is to retain the “classic driving experience” that sports car enthusiasts crave.

This innovation aims to replicate the tactile feedback and control of traditional gear-shifting, bringing emotional engagement back to the EV era—something few automakers have dared to attempt.

Honda’s Global Strategy: Hybrid Expansion and Affordable EVs

According to Toshihiro Mibe, Honda’s CEO, the company is also exploring the launch of a budget-friendly electric car priced around $30,000 (approx. 1.12 million THB).

However, Mibe admitted that political and policy uncertainties in the United States—especially under Donald Trump’s administration—have slowed the EV market’s progress by about five years.

As a result, Honda is temporarily shifting focus toward expanding its hybrid vehicle lineup, introducing next-generation hybrid models to better align with current market trends while maintaining long-term EV ambitions.

Media Access and Insights

The recent statements and development updates were shared during a media event hosted by Honda, where journalists had the opportunity to engage directly with engineers and executives to gain deeper insight into the company’s electrification roadmap.

A New Era of Honda Sports Cars

While Honda has not yet announced an official launch date, all signs point toward an exciting new chapter for the brand’s performance division—combining EV innovation with the soul of manual driving.

If realized, the upcoming Honda electric sports car could become the spiritual successor to the NSX, redefining what “fun to drive” means in the electric age.

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