X

Honda's 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer prototype (pictures)

How many motors does one car need? Honda's given this prototype one for each wheel.

Tim Stevens
Tim Stevens got his start writing professionally while still in school in the mid '90s, and since then has covered topics ranging from business process management to video game development to automotive technology.
Tim Stevens
Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
1 of 13 Tim Stevens/CNET

TOCHIGI, Japan -- This is Honda's 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
2 of 13 Honda

It is a 250-horsepower, all-wheel-drive monster in the shell of an economy car.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
3 of 13 Honda

One motor spins each wheel, offering an amazing amount of grip and agility.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
4 of 13 Tim Stevens/CNET

If that weren't enough, all four wheels steer, making for fantastic handling.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
5 of 13 Tim Stevens/CNET

The cockpit is very cramped, but everything you don't need has been stripped out.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
6 of 13 Tim Stevens/CNET

Fender flares are crudely riveted on, but that just adds to the charm.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
7 of 13 Tim Stevens/CNET

On the track, the concept car had fantastic handling.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
8 of 13 Tim Stevens/CNET

It tends toward understeer, but it's still a joy to drive.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
9 of 13 Tim Stevens/CNET

Honda's R&D facility is looped by a massive, high-banked oval.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
10 of 13 Tim Stevens/CNET

Unfortunately, one lap around the circuit was all I got.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
11 of 13 Tim Stevens/CNET

But that was enough to convince me that this concept needs to be built.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
12 of 13 Tim Stevens/CNET

But it'll need more range. The concept can only manage about 60 miles on a charge.

Honda 4-Motor EV with Precision All-Wheel Steer
13 of 13 Tim Stevens/CNET

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos