Whereas the company’s new edgy EV has the “wow factor.”
The days when Chinese automobiles were derided by the automotive industry are long gone. The designs have also greatly improved in recent years, in addition to the quality. They required a considerable amount of time to cease emulating worldwide models and produce an original design. However, Honda believes that improvement is still possible.
Honda’s general manager and director of e-mobility design, DIVision creatiVe, was brutally honest in an interview with AutomotiVe News Europe. Daisuke Tsutamori commented, “You have seen a lot of further refinement of that kind of styling in China,” in reference to electric cars. However, it is incredibly surface-level. refined yet lacking depth. Honda intended to create something more basic and necessary.
Daisuke Tsutamori, Honda’s general manager and director of e-mobility design, highlighted his views on the evolution of Chinese automobile designs in a recent interview. He expressed his observation that Chinese electric cars have undergone surface-level refinement, acknowledging their improved aesthetics. However, he suggested that these designs might lack depth and originality.
Tsutamori specifically referenced a wedge-shaped EV concept showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier in the year, referred to as the “Saloon.” According to him, this concept aims to go beyond the surface and create something more fundamental and necessary. The “wow factor” of the Saloon concept lies in its sleek and unconventional shape.
He emphasized Honda’s intention to move beyond simply refining existing designs and strive for a more essential and unique approach. The production version of the Saloon concept is expected to arrive in North America in 2026, representing Honda’s commitment to innovative and distinctive electric vehicle designs.
It’s interesting to see how automakers approach design philosophies and strive to differentiate their electric vehicles in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. If you have further questions or if there’s anything specific you’d like to know, feel free to ask!
90 percent of the styling will be carried over from the concept to the upcoming road-going model, designer Toshinobu Minami stated in an interview with Autocar. As expected, the magnificent gullwing doors will not pass muster, but that front screen could.
The Honda Saloon has a resemblance to the Kiwami because to their comparable silhouettes. That’s not to imply the two are connected, though, as the other concept—having made its debut at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show—is older than 20 years. Tsutamori said that the renowned designer Marco Gandini served as an inspiration.
The classic Lamborghini Miura is one of the most gorgeous automobiles ever created by the Turin-born automotive designer. He also worked on more affordable vehicles including the BmW 5 Series (E12), Fiat X1/9, and the first Volkswagen Polo, in addition to the Countach, Diablo, and Lancia Stratos.
Tsutamori said to ANE, “We wanted to reflect Honda Values in a new way, but I love and respect Marcello Gandini.” This concept saloon car portends a production model that will be housed on an exclusive electric platform that will support the EV portfolio known as the “0 Series.” According to a press release from Honda, the flagship model would be a low-slung sedan with a “surprisingly spacious interior.”
