After Honda Kills Three EVs, Afeela Tries Something Shiny While It Still Can
- Sony Honda Mobility has quietly introduced two new art cars.
- Created in collaboration with Matt Copson and Hajime Sorayama.
- Afeela 1 starts at $89,900 and is slated to arrive late this year.
Just days after Acura and Honda killed three upcoming EVs, Sony Honda Mobility quietly announced a new art car based on the Afeela 1. It was created in collaboration with Japanese illustrator Hajime Sorayama, who is best known for creating sexy robots.
Thatβs an unlikely combination, but it spawned the dull sounding βAfeela prototype tuned up by Hajime Sorayama.β The model was unveiled over the weekend at a museum in Tokyo celebrating the artistβs work.
More: Honda Cancels 0 Sedan, 0 SUV, And Acura RSX EVs
SHM didnβt say much about the art car, but noted it βembodies the concepts of light, transparency, and reflection.β Thatβs not a lot to go on, but it appears the model has been given a chrome wrap as well as special Sorayama badging. We can also see deep tinted windows as well as gray tires and blue lights.
In a brief statement, Sorayama said: βIβve always been fascinated by machines, so it was a real pleasure to take part in designing a car. I aimed to give it an analog sensibility that hints at a near-future vision. Iβm especially proud of the moirΓ© effect on the wheels.β
Besides the art car, SHM used the event to launch Afeelaβs first-ever apparel item. Itβs a black silkscreen t-shirt that features layers of ink showing the car. The shirt costs Β₯11,000 ($69.15) and will be offered in limited quantities at the museum.
A Second Art Car
Closer to home, SHM teamed up with artist and director Matt Copson to introduce a separate art car at Frieze Los Angeles. Itβs been covered in a βreflective materialβ¦ commonly found on emergency vehicles and signage.β As a result, it looks like itβs been coated in glow-in the dark silly string.
The car was accompanied by limited-edition tote bags and will eventually be shown at Frieze New York in May.