Honda SSM

Vehicle Overview

The Honda SSM, which stands for Sports Study Model, was a notable 1995 show car designed by Pininfarina and served as a precursor to the iconic S2000. This concept vehicle showcased advanced design and engineering features that influenced Honda’s future sports car development. The SSM employed NSX-style aluminum construction, ensuring both lightweight and structural integrity. Its front-engine, rear-drive layout contributed to exceptional handling characteristics, with Honda claiming a perfect 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles. This balanced setup enhanced the car’s agility and driving dynamics, aligning with the performance-focused goals of the concept. One of the most innovative features of the Honda SSM was its central “spur,” a design element that separated the driver’s and passenger’s compartments. This structural component was claimed to significantly improve the car’s rigidity, contributing to a more responsive and engaging driving experience. Powering the SSM was a 2.0-liter five-cylinder VTEC engine, a notable choice that combined performance with efficiency. The engine was paired with a new electronic sequential-shift automatic gearbox, an advanced system derived from the NSX’s transmission technology. This combination provided smooth and precise gear changes, enhancing the vehicle’s driving pleasure. The interior of the SSM featured a modern instrument pack with an LCD display, reflecting the car’s cutting-edge technological ethos. Additionally, it incorporated a card-style ignition system and a push-button starter, highlighting Honda’s commitment to innovative user interfaces. The SSM was part of a broader collaboration between Honda and Pininfarina, following the Argento Vivo, the second spider car designed by Pininfarina for Honda. Together, these vehicles exemplified Pininfarina’s expertise in creating visually striking and technologically advanced show cars that paved the way for future production models.