Aha! So that’s where they’re going to use it. For those of you living under a rock for the past month, the Honda OSM Concept was a clay-model car that they showcased in the fairly recently concluded BIMS. Early reports had it that the OSM will be pretty similar to the CR-Z concept as a new low-emissions vehicle.

Now, with the launch of the new barely-facelifted 2009 Civic (thing didn’t even get a haircut, more like tweezed eyebrows), Honda is planning to redesign the next Civic incarnation and use the OSM as basis. And for those wishing for a new Civic hatch, prepare to rejoice.

The hatchback variant will get a mix of new elements as well as some carried-over ones from the current Civic. The front fascia, however, will be taken from the OSM concept. And yes, a new Type R is also in the pipeline! It will be powered by the 2.0L i-VTEC engine. And it might even be a hybrid too. Type R hybrid. Mmm…

What’s even more interesting is that Honda might even throw in a 1.5L gas engine + lithium-ion electric motor hybrid that will dish out a wicked 150 hp.

Source: AutoExpress

So Honda OSM seemed to be a hit at the British Motor Show. Standing for Open Study Model, the OSM is aimed to showcase the new design styles that Honda wants to implement in future models. For a more visual take, here’s a video courtesy of Autocar.

Now this surprised me a bit since I was expecting Honda to just continue working on their existing concept cars and get them into production. They had quite a lot of concepts unveiled these past motor shows already. But they managed to get this OSM Concept ready for this years British Motor Show. OSM stands for Open Study Model – a two-seater lightweight convertible.

Honda revealed that the OSM is just what the name stands for – a study with not current plans to be put into production. Like the CR-Z, the OSM is supposed to be a low-emission sports car and since it’s just a “clay model” car, there’s no engine and powertrain lineup available for this one.

What I think here, is that Honda’s designers are toying around with some ideas and is intent on getting some reactions from the show. Perhaps its an exercise to test their skills and the audience’s reception to the design. We might expect some of the elements from this car filtering down to their future concepts.

Source: Leftlane