Honda CEO demands NSX be faster around 'Ring than GT-R
By now we've all seen the spy shots showing Acura's NSX revival bombing around the Nürburgring in Germany. There's a reason those drivers are pushing their prototype hard enough to get air through the turns. Inside Line is reporting the Honda CEO Takeo Fukui wants his NSX to toast both the Nissan GT-R and the Lexus LF-A around the Green Hell. Considering that the GT-R has posted lap times on the 'Ring that utterly defy what it should be able to do on paper, and that the LF-A is still a moving target that's trying to best the GT-R too, Honda engineers have some serious work to do developing the NSX over the next two years. IL suspects the next NSX will get a 5.5L V10 producing 550 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that's derived from a V8 that's slated for the next-gen, rear-wheel-drive Acura RL. They also surmise that it will use an 8-speed auto with paddle shifters, feature an advanced version of Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system and use lots of aluminum in its construction to keep weight down. Unfortunately, by the time the NSX arrives, the GT-R V-Spec will have moved the bar again.
Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX
[Source: Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
ASEVENSEE4 12:01PM (6/18/2008)
Acura always trys to outdo somebody but they fail in certain major aspects (RL, RDX) are good examples of what Acura did wrong.
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Todd 12:15PM (6/18/2008)
Acura dude hasn't done his homework. NSX way too heavy with luxury items.
Wrong market anyway...retired golfers driving the NSX don't know what the "Ring" is, don't care.
Frank 12:20PM (6/18/2008)
yea they should really fix their ugly grills before they try to beat the GTR.
Pat 12:28PM (6/18/2008)
What? The original NSX was competitive with the Ferrari's and Porsche's of the day when it came out. And I've met enough NSX owners at track days to know that their not all retired golfers.
The RDX has so far been a great seller.
The RL I'll give you. While 99% of 5 series and E-Class owners don't need more than 6 cylinders, or 4 for that matter, (that's your retired golfer demographic), they want the V8 for no good reason.
Chris 12:30PM (6/18/2008)
You guys obviously have no idea about Honda's sports car history. Marketing and sales is second to engineering and performance, they're trying to create the best car possible. The S2000 was never intended to be as successful as it was or be produced for more than a couple of years. Honda made no money on the original NSX. You must be confusing Honda with Toyota.
Steve Henderson 12:37PM (6/18/2008)
As an RDX owner, I think you are off base with this comment. Motor Trend seems to agree:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0708_midsize_luxury_crossover_comparison/results_future_models.html
ASEVENSEE4 12:38PM (6/18/2008)
The RDX failed epically, it sold about 24K? They expected 40K, and they couldn't meet that with HUGE discounts (under invoice or slightly above quickly after it was released).
The RDX rides too rough to be a luxury SUV, can't compete with the X3 because of the 4cyl-turbo, no optional manual, doesn't have that BMW nameplate, and it's just not well balanced.
They need to fix the replying system soon.
ASEVENSEE4 12:44PM (6/18/2008)
Motortrend matters why? That entire test is off base, comparing the RDX to a LR2 and MKX which are clearly in another class. The only real competition is the X3 and upcoming compact SUV's. Since when did the RDX become a soft-roader luxo crossover (MKX) and have EXCELLENT off-road capabilitys too(LR)
Sales shows if they hit home or not, and by them missing the mark THEY set, it proves that they didn't expect it to sell so "Exclusively".
Pat 1:17PM (6/18/2008)
Oops. Thought the RDX was selling better than that. Thought I read it somehwere on Autoblog too...can't seem to find it. I still like it though.
Not sure if NSX will hold true to the pattern though. Any car with over 500 hp is going to stand out. And while it may not conquer the GTR, it will definitely offer itself up as an alternative. Although, personally I'd like to see a RWD car with a real transmission. They probably couldn't beat the GTR with that configuration, but it would be a lot more fun to dirve.
Richard 1:10PM (6/18/2008)
The RL is a great car!
It doesn't have the V8 that all the style-conscious, polo-shirt wearing DINKs seem to think they need. But, do a +1 on the wheels to improve the handling, improve the brakes to compensate for the increase in unsprung weight and this is a fine, go anywhere performance sedan. Much more practical and dependable than any of its German competition.
JZeke 1:55PM (6/18/2008)
While I disagree that Acura's products are failures, especially as a response to competitors products I DO agree that chasing a lap time is a terrible idea.
What Honda achieved with the original NSX was nothing short of a radical wake-up call to an industry that traded heavily on style, and practically nothing on substance.
Of course this car needs to be impressively fast, but there are plenty of other fronts to win battles on. Chasing a ring record is like sending all your troops to Russia, you're just not going to win that war.
Torrent 2:36PM (6/18/2008)
I agree the RL and RDX are fugly, but they are really good cars once you experience them, and their slight resemblance of an eggplant seem to fade with time.
dibbage 6:06PM (6/18/2008)
RDX is a great vehicle. The turbo 4 more than holds its own vs the 6 in the X3. The interior blows away the X3. And the ride isn't as rough as you suggest.
Franz 12:03PM (6/18/2008)
Very, very tall order, but I wish them well.
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zamafir 12:59PM (6/18/2008)
x2 best of luck honda, though i thought the nsx was slated to retail for over $100,000 per current rumblings which would put it on par with the more hardcore GTR spec V or whatever nissan badges it... the brilliant thing is, if either honda or toyota manage to usurp the GTR or it's faster version they'll also leapfrog the R8, several of porsche's best, the SLR, etc etc... which is pretty insane.
inteller 1:29PM (6/18/2008)
Considering the car will probably cost 1.5 times more than the GT-R, they must beat it.
I think it is hilarious that all of these makers were expecting to compete with the price point of a Ferrari with sub par performance, and now they have to compete with the GT-Rs price point AND performance.
Will Saake 12:06PM (6/18/2008)
i hope they can. if they do the nsx will be so sick
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BigMcLargeHuge 12:09PM (6/18/2008)
550hp is more than the V-spec will have (reportedly). It looks smaller than a GT-R, so it might be lighter.
If it can do V-spec performance for its estimated price point (~125K?) I'll like it. But I'm sure they have their work cut out for them.
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xpolarx 12:08PM (6/18/2008)
Good luck...10 bucks says they don't do it. Anyone?
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2004m3driver 12:28PM (6/18/2008)
I'll take that bet. The new NSX will be awesome. Not to mention if it stays true to its form, which is mid engine two seater, it should weigh less than the GTR. Its also known for its potent handling and reliability. It was also much easier to maintain than its supercar rivals.