On July 22 we’ll be able to lay eyes on Honda’s newest concept car, the open-topped OSM. While the lack of roof and sporty proportions may suggest that the OSM is a forerunner to the new S2000, don’t get too excited: Honda say that it’s only a concept and in no way intended to replace the aging roadster.

Like the CR-Z hybrid sports hatch, the OSM (or Open Study Model) is designed to incorporate a low emissions powerplant with a lightweight and capable chassis. Honda are remaining coy on engine specs and refuse to say whether the OSM will have a hybrid, electric or diesel powerplant, but they do say that the primary objectives of the OSM project were “to couple sleek looks with exciting driving dynamics and more efficient engine technology, to give lower exhaust emissions.”

So could it be the new S2000? Despite Honda’s protestations, the overall layout is too similar to the S2000’s to be a coincidence. Then again, the relatively set-back front axle also gives the impression that this car is front-wheel-drive, and possibly very different from the RWD S2000’s we’ve all love. Honda will be gauging the public’s reaction to the OSM throughout the show “to guide any future developments”, so the OSM is clearly not one of those ‘just for kicks’ concept cars. Indeed, Honda spokesman Steve Kirk hinted strongly at a solid future for the OSM when he said:

“At present the OSM is just a design study, a clay model. It is definitely not confirmed for production at the moment.”

The timing of the OSM’s debut also hints at an S2000 replacement. The AP2 S2000 is getting a bit long in the tooth these days and is due for a replacement next year. Considering the AP2 was a very mildly revised version of the 10-year-old AP1, Honda would probably want to give the S2000 a thorough redesign to bring it into the next decade.

We’ll have more news on the OSM once it makes its debut at the British Motor Show in London on July 22.

[Source: Automotive News (subscription req'd)]
[Image courtesy of Honda]