Honda surprises with Gear concept in Montreal

[warpath]

Autoblog: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/h...t-in-montreal/

It's not often that a major automobile manufacturer debuts a brand-new concept at the Montreal International Auto Show – mostly because it takes place concurrently with the massive show in Detroit – but here we are with the so-called Honda Gear Concept Study Model, which was just uncovered by our friendly neighbors to the north.

According to the automaker, the Gear "demonstrates Honda's innovative approach to providing the automotive answer for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles. Inspired by fixed-gear bicycles... Gear is simple and utilitarian, but also customizable, connected and full of personality." It is apparently "practical but fun, customizable, connected and affordable. Everything that young, discerning urban buyers would want in a car," according to Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas.

We don't know anything else – what might lie underhood, how it is "connected" or at what price point it might potentially be sold at. Check out our high-res image gallery above and the press release below and you'll know just about as much as we do.

Press release:

Honda GEAR Concept Makes Global Debut at the Montreal International Auto Show

MONTREAL (January 17, 2012) – At today's Montreal International Auto Show, Honda Canada provided the world with its first look at the new GEAR Concept Study Model – a vehicle that demonstrates Honda's innovative approach to providing the automotive answer for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles.

Inspired by fixed-gear bicycles, GEAR is a concept that represents an entirely new way of looking at the sub-compact vehicle. It is simple and utilitarian, but also customizable, connected and full of personality.

"Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring or they're fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for the Gen-Y buyer," said Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "GEAR Concept tears down those walls – it's practical but fun, customizable, connected and affordable. Everything that young, discerning urban buyers would want in a car."

[naimouasta]

two door honda fit si?

[torquemada]

ok, I admit, I like it

[bakadayo]

Yep, it looks kinda cute.

[SCRAPPYDO]

I love the stupidity of the writing of these aritcles.

...providing the automotive answer for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles...

...Inspired by fixed-gear bicycles.

...Gear is simple and utilitarian, but also customizable, connected and full of personality...

...Everything that young, discerning urban buyers would want in a car...

Behold the marketing BS. They said the exact same thing about the Honda Element and it became the poster child car for Senior citizens.

It is a nice car to look at. I can say that. It is not copying anything I can tell, which is a good sign from honda.

[E. Nick]

Maybe it IS a fixed-gear bicycle

[WRXHillClimb]

I'd be happy if they could continue to come up with unique styling like this and revise their entire lineup. They seriously need a sports car/coupe, and not some ridiculous halo supercar that 500 people will buy that they think they need because every other big manufacturer seems to have one.

This is interesting, but I hate the targeting of the hipster urbanite as a valid market that is seemingly large enough to produce exclusively for and yet the sports car segment is ignored.

[Calamity Jesus]

Originally Posted by WRXHillClimb

This is interesting, but I hate the targeting of the hipster urbanite as a valid market that is seemingly large enough to produce exclusively for and yet the sports car segment is ignored.

Harley Davidson is hitching the future of their stock price on the hipster urbanite.

It means they now have another excuse to not innovate.. irony.

[WRXHillClimb]

Originally Posted by Calamity Jesus

It means they now have another excuse to not innovate.. irony.

LOL! Maybe this was honda's plan all along! It all makes sense now!

[SCRAPPYDO]

no doubt, the hipster urbanite does not even want a car nor can they afford one or have one to park.

[CryderSpeed]

Originally Posted by SCRAPPYDO

no doubt, the hipster urbanite does not even want a car nor can they afford one or have one to park.

And with car2go and zipcar, there is almost no reason anyone living in a dense urban environment would ever need to take those responsibilities on in the first place.

[SCRAPPYDO]

Harley Radio Commercial...(TV is too modern)

Ever wanted a bike like your grandfather use to ride..

well we still make it, now with 24hr roadside assistance standard.

[sential]

Originally Posted by SCRAPPYDO

Harley Radio Commercial...(TV is too modern)

Ever wanted a bike like your grandfather use to ride..

well we still make it, now with 24hr roadside assistance standard.

Let Harley be Harley... They don't need a bunch of plastic bikes like everyone else...

[neko]

Originally Posted by sential

Let Harley be Harley... They don't need a bunch of plastic bikes like everyone else...

Yeah, its not like Japanese company like Honda could compete with Harley's styling, they only make bullet bikes... oh wait...



Suck it Harley. Suck it long & suck it hard.

[LUMBERZACK]

I find it hard to believe that this sub-compact needs drilled rotors like shown in the photo

[WRXHillClimb]

Originally Posted by LUMBERZACK

I find it hard to believe that this sub-compact needs drilled rotors like shown in the photo

I have a hard time believing it needs a rear diffuser, +0 offset wheels, and quad fake exhaust (? whatever those four silver things in the center are).

It's a concept, which always features awesome looking stuff that has no place on the end product.

[sential]

Originally Posted by neko

Yeah, its not like Japanese company like Honda could compete with Harley's styling, they only make bullet bikes... oh wait...

Suck it Harley. Suck it long & suck it hard.

Say what you will... I'd gladly ride the **** out of this Harley


Back on topic... The new front end on the Honda is awesome, reminds me of the early 80s civic...

Just wish they'd square up the back a bit

[WRXHillClimb]

Originally Posted by sential

The new front end on the Honda is awesome, reminds me of the early 80s civic...
Just wish they'd square up the back a bit

Wow, now THAT resemblance is uncanny. I clearly see their inspiration now, thanks for sharing.

[Calamity Jesus]

Originally Posted by sential

Say what you will... I'd gladly ride the **** out of this Harley

I guess a Harley is worth riding if you replace nearly every component on it.


I started with a much better platform.. too plastic-y for you, though.. I'm sure..

[HeroCrank]

Originally Posted by SCRAPPYDO

Harley Radio Commercial...(TV is too modern)

Ever wanted a bike like your grandfather use to ride..

well we still make it, now with 24hr roadside assistance standard.

Yesterdays technology at tomorrows prices.

[SCRAPPYDO]

Originally Posted by HeroCrank

Yesterdays technology at tomorrows prices.

I have been beaten...

kudos sir

[hi5.0]

Best looking Honda in a long while. Now, about Acura...

[IWantASuby]

Hey Honda! Whoever designed this concept...give him a bigger role in design, and put this thing into production without screwing it up!

[Zauri]

Def like this...

[TS656577]

I'm not feeling it. Looks like a Golf had sex with an ep3 si with the face of a frog. Not my cup of tea