Honda's new concept debuts in Las Vegas

Japanese brand's autonomous roadster offers a "driving experience"

Honda introduced the advanced driving concept as a four-seater roofless car with fully autonomous capabilities.

The prototype was developed “for the cultural transition to autonomous vehicles” and offers drivers the choice between full control or the ability to drive a car on their own.

There are eight control modes that offer varying degrees of access to the car, and Honda claims a smooth transition between each through a switch. There are also a number of built-in sensors that can automatically determine the appropriate level of interference depending on the behavior of the driver.

The concept has a minimalist interior with an emphasis on space. A conventional steering wheel has functions, but it performs many functions in addition to steering. Double-clicking on the steering wheel starts the car, and pressing it back and forth controls the acceleration.

Honda says: “In an autonomous future, Honda believes customers will enjoy mobility in a new way when they are relieved of responsibility for driving. At the same time, consumers may still want to experience the emotions and sensations of driving. "

It is unclear whether the concept is electric or traditional, but the style of the front of the car, influenced by the new Honda E supermini, suggests that the display technology was developed for the EV.

Speaking together at CES in Las Vegas with a smartphone concept called Honda's Brain, which allows you to control your smartphone using the switches on the steering wheel or steering wheel, as well as a new voice recognition function, which aims to minimize distractions while driving.