Not only is team Corvette taking shots at the Nissan GT-R, besting its 'Ring time in the process, so is Acura with its well-publicized NSX replacement. Though we've seen more spy shots, renderings and videos than you can shake a stick at, there are a few more renderings over at 7Tune if you are so inclined. What's more interesting, though, is news that the 5.5L V10 engine expected under the hood of the supercar will include relatively aggressive cylinder deactivation technology. The V10 will reportedly be able to cut its cylinder count in half by running as a 2.75L inline five-cylinder when its full capacity isn't needed. We would imagine that would be quite often, as the car's expected power output of six-hundred horses attests. In what seems like a highly unlikely possibility, some sources are also reporting that a version of the V10 engine from the NSX could see duty in a future Acura RL sedan. Considering that the RL has never featured anything more than six cylinders underhood, this would be an extremely radical departure for Acura. In other words, don't hold your breath.
[Source: 7Tune]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Justin @ Jul 15th 2008 8:09AM
Kinda feels like someone made up a rumor for the same of having one.
Justin @ Jul 15th 2008 8:09AM
ugh, *sake*
Mitchttj @ Jul 15th 2008 9:07AM
i do feel that way about rumours sometimes
yacoub @ Jul 15th 2008 8:12AM
If so, this is the last nail in the coffin. This cyl. deact. stuff really needs to die in a fire. Just another mechanical nightmare begging for more service issues. No one (with a brain) wants ridiculous things like this on their engine.
Red @ Jul 15th 2008 11:21AM
According to your logic, Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari must have no brain. Acura's just taking a preemptive strike. Nearly every GT and/or supercar will have some sort of technology to help efficiency (and power on-demand) in the future, including the upcoming Ferrari hybrid models.
Dustin @ Jul 15th 2008 1:27PM
What are you basing this on? Most service nightmares today are related to electronics, like on BMWs, for example. There are very few "mechanical nightmares" on ANY car, let alone a Honda.
For the record, Honda's VCM uses nothing more than its existing VTEC system... a system that has never had a mechanical failure.
Typesbad @ Jul 16th 2008 2:58PM
"No one (with a brain) wants ridiculous things like this on their engine."
Right, all the brainy folks want to feed all 8 or 10 cylinders when cruising city streets at about 40 mph, or highways at a steady 70.
As said above, Honda's VCM has been around for a years now and has had no statistically significant issues. Jeez, whqat a dumb thing to gripe about.
ASEVENSEE4 @ Jul 15th 2008 8:18AM
Cylinder Deactivation in the Accord and new Pilot is WORTHLESS, it kills midrange torque and offers NO real improvement on fuel consumption.
MachinaDC5 @ Jul 15th 2008 9:35AM
No offense, but since when was Honda concerned with mid-range torque?
jh00d08 @ Jul 15th 2008 9:55AM
Amen to that, I have test driven a few Honda vehicles and simply left to other companies because the Hondas lacked torque in the mid to higher ranges.
JohnV @ Jul 15th 2008 10:34AM
Do you own an Accord or Pilot with this Cylinder Deactivation? I have owned two Honda Minivans - an 04' with the 3.5 without it, and now an 08 3.5 with deactivation. I guarantee the deactivation makes a difference - When cruising on the interstate at 75mph the difference is about 6-8 mpg shown directly on the in-dash indicator immediately when the "Eco" light comes on. However, it rarely comes on if you do not have your cruise control set. I regularly drive about 250 interstate miles with this vehicle - the new one gets at least 5mpg better numbers on a consistent basis. Over a 100,000 mile life of my vehicle it comes to over a $5000 difference at current prices (which are only going up) - I'll take that difference (oh and by the way - I have the 100,000 mile power train warranty on a certified used - so no maintenance issues to worry about).
ASEVENSEE4 @ Jul 16th 2008 11:36AM
I'm going by the new EPA numbers and real world numbers.
ALSO, the V6 Accord Coupe is much more livelier than the Accord V6 sedan because it does NOT have VCM! VCM reduces torque output infavor of MPG, and the MPG isn't even considerably better.
vkchu @ Jul 15th 2008 8:45AM
the best solution for fuel economy is a light right foot. jezza proved this w/ the m3 vs the prius (unscientifically of course). why cripple a supercar from the get go? more stuff to break as yacoub stated.
Bert @ Jul 15th 2008 8:54AM
And with the 800 mile run in an Audi A8 diesel!
rouse42 @ Jul 15th 2008 8:48AM
gives some hope for a small V8 in the TL Type S and the next CL
DCragtop @ Jul 15th 2008 8:58AM
they don't call em rumors for nuttin.
Johnny @ Jul 15th 2008 9:01AM
Yeah this V-10 sounds like just the thing to save ACura's ass. They better not put it in the accord tho
icu812ru469 @ Jul 15th 2008 9:41AM
V10 in an NSX I can see because the NSX is not being built for the "average Joe." In a RL I can't see at all. For Honda, who prides themselves on being ecologically and environmentally conscious, to go from a V6 to a V10 with today's fuel prices... would be crazy. I honestly don't see the RL ever getting even a V8 as standard, but more as an option.
nyoda @ Jul 15th 2008 9:55AM
The RL having the V10 found in the NSX is a high possibility. I say this because the new RL, as some should know, is said to have a much longer wheelbase to directly compete with the likes of the S-Class Mercedes and the 7-Series BMW. However, I think that the V10 whould come with the range topper, not so much the lower trim level, such as we now are seeing in the 2009 TL.
Sean Flanagan @ Jul 15th 2008 9:56AM
"Considering that the RL has never featured anything more than six cylinders underhood, this would be an extremely radical departure for Acura. In other words, don't hold your breath."
HONDA has never featured anything more than six cylinders underhood. If they're doing it with the NSX, they can do it elsewhere. Q.E.D.