The Beat is on

Sources in Japan are revealing that Honda is considering bringing back the Beat roadster. The two-seater would be powered by the updated versions of either the 1.3 liter or 1.5 liter four-cylinder VTEC engines that Honda will begin using next year and would use the same platform as the Fit/Jazz, CR-Z and Insight. 

It would likely be front-wheel drive.

Honda is planning to introduce a dual-clutch transmission developed from the unit used in VRF1200F motorcycle. The new car would available in the US and Europe unlike the previous model.

The new Beat will probably be based on the Honda OSM concept from a few years ago. 

Its primary competitor will be the Mazda MX-5, which has about 50 more horsepower and is rear-wheel drive. However, it is likely that the car would cost slightly less than a MX-5. 

The original Beat was a two-seat roadster powered by a 660cc three-cylinder engine, which made 63hp, to put it in the Japanese Kei car class. 

Source: Motortrend