In most places around the world, the words “sports” and “utility vehicle” don’t make much sense together.
However, there are some exceptions, notably Australia, which through Ford’s local division gave birth to the coupe utility category in the early 1930s and continues to be represented to this day by the Ford and Holden Utes, and of course, North America, with its most famous model being the Chevrolet El Camino.
To put it simple, a Coupe Utility vehicle is a passenger car model with two doors and an open cargo bed, the purpose being to bond (…or compromise) two different worlds into one automobile.
A Coupe Utility is what Daniel Pearson, a third year design student from the UK, had in mind for his Honda project aptly named the “Sports Ute”. The two seater study was designed to be 4.7 meters long (185 inches) riding on a lengthy 3,025mm (119.1 inches) wheelbase, all while looking like it belongs to the same family of cars as the NSX.
Pearson says he imagined the concept as a front-engine, rear wheel-drive model.
Here’s how Pearson describes the Honda Sports Ute:
“This concept was intended to be an all-in-one sports car/utility vehicle. As a 2 seater sports car owner myself, I understand how frustrating it can be at times when you need practicality.
My concept utilises all the benefits of a sports car, embraces them with practicality, and enables multiple user experiences from just one vehicle. A fully usable tailgate enables loading at the rear, and clip-on spoiler can be fitted to give rear downforce when used as a sportscar.
A meaty 2.0 turbocharged VTEC engine, with an electronic boost controller gives 3 levels of power for different modes of driving. 300bhp peak power, sent along a prop shaft to the rear wheels automatically puts this car into the Japanese sports car market, but with a twist.”
Design Credits: Daniel Pearson
PHOTO GALLERY
