REPORT: New Honda president says we don't need V8s, rear-wheel drive
2009 Acura TL - Click above for high-res image gallery
Honda Motor Co.'s new president, Takanubo Ito, has said in no uncertain terms that V8 power and rear-wheel drive motivation aren't in the automaker's future.
Ito, who took the reigns from Takeo Fukui last month, said during his first press conference, "I don't think we need a classic front-engine, rear-drive car. It would be meaningless to emulate what other companies have done for more than five decades."
Honda's new president went on to say that, "We are considering incorporating new engines, motors, transmissions and chassis into mid- to large-sized hybrid vehicles," and confirmed that his predecessor's plan to create a V8 and a new rear-wheel drive architecture have been killed after Honda reassessed its priorities amidst the tanking economy. Instead, expect Honda's future premium offerings – primarily those from Acura – to adopt fuel-efficient inline-four and V6 engines, equipped with hybrid motors, and all-wheel drive.
Gallery: 2009 Acura TL
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
Taglane 2:33PM (7/20/2009)
lolz
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zamafir 3:14PM (7/20/2009)
As much fun as it is to laugh at the fail brand which is acura (double digit declines since pre-carpocolypse) they may have a point. Look how little audi's sales have been declining compared to BMW/Infiniti/Merc. No RWD and a massive shift towards fuel efficient six's and 2.0Ts (canceling the non tupercharged 6 in the A6 and A4 for example).
Dude 3:23PM (7/20/2009)
Audi is known for its sporty AWD. That helps keep up its street cred. Acura had an engineering street cred that was blown when they replaced the Legend and the Integra and allowed the NSX to sit around for 15 years without a change. They are in the hole and need to prove themselves bigtime.
xmdfmk7x 6:31PM (7/20/2009)
There you have it folks, even less reason to buy a Honda now.
naggs 6:55PM (7/20/2009)
wow, so basically honda is the new toyota...
if you are willing to sacrifice several whole classes of cars to fuel economy, then how can they possibly justify the over-hyped sh-awd?
adrian 7:20PM (7/20/2009)
The story on the next generation S2000 was a signal. There must be a reason why other companies are still using RWD for more than five decades Mr Ito.
If your future luxury cars don't sell well because of your changes you will realise this and it will cost you more in the long run.
Judy Zik 9:08PM (7/20/2009)
This is pretty sad. Honda needs to learn from Toyota's current problems. You can't build a company out of two models (Civic, Accord). Where exactly is the Halo car that shows what Honda is capable of? Acura's shield grill is bad enough but it's lack of engineering differences over the Honda makes it a joke.
usingthelou 2:34PM (7/20/2009)
AAAHHHH HONDA!!! People want both of those things!!! What happened to the customer is always right?!?!
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geo.stewart 2:45PM (7/20/2009)
i dont think Honda has had much problem dumping their product to date so I guess they have a decent read on it.
And, be honest, who DIDNT see this coming. Its not like its not what every other non-niche mftr says their focus is going to be. a RWD vehicle is a luxury or niche product anymore and Honda can combat it with AWD without any real issue.
Ben 2:51PM (7/20/2009)
Good! Honda can stay boring for all I care! LOL
Throwback 3:55PM (7/20/2009)
Honda might as well stick to what they know. FWD fuel efficient cars. With the coming CAFE rules this is a sound strategy. They certainly can change their minds down the road.
kal326 4:21PM (7/20/2009)
Well I guess what that says is I'll consider buying a Honda again when then decided to offer AWD and a manual to replace what use to be available as RWD and a manual.
Aloysius Vampa 2:34PM (7/20/2009)
No V8? Okay, I can understand that.
No rear wheel drive? Yep, I think the S2000 would have been a much better car if the engine drove the front wheels.
And, hey, the Acura RL is doing so well, right?
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akboss302 2:58PM (7/20/2009)
I'm sure they will keep RWD around for low-volume fun stuff, but Acura is the technology/innovation luxury division, what purpose do they have for RWD architecture? Enthusiasts are more than happy with Integras, RSX's and Type-S FWD cars, and everybody else just wants a tech-ridden luxury car, for which AWD is perfect. The RL may be a slow seller but you'll notice Acura isn't bankrupt...
chuck 3:24PM (7/20/2009)
If Honda went exclusively FWD they'd be a joke, but the article mentions AWD instead of RWD. If they can keep the weight down, I'm all for it
Aki 3:38PM (7/20/2009)
Staying with FWD isn't THAT bad per say (look at Audi), but Audi backs it up with style. Audi also has nice engines like the V10. Acura... Acura has no style.
A.N.E. 3:15PM (7/20/2009)
Lame, but probably a smart business move.
Count me out as a customer. With the S2000 out, there's no car left in Honda - just appliances. Nice to know you're following Toyota for blandness.
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Tyler 2:36PM (7/20/2009)
Whatever happened to Japanese cars being fun?
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Sean Eagen 3:12PM (7/20/2009)
There are a few that are still fun. You just have to go to a Nissan dealership to find them.
pedantic 3:15PM (7/20/2009)
technically, Hondas have never really been fun.