Autoblog

Worth the Paper Cuts: Cardboard Honda NSX racer assembly shots are awesome

Zach Bowman — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Honda, Design/Style, Racing

Epson papercraft Honda NSX build - Click either image for high-res gallery

We were never the kinds of kids who could sit down and crank out a plastic model with any sort of aplomb. In fact, we have a stack of half-finished kits in the hall closet that fire disapproving glares at us every time we go for a fresh towel. Paper models, on the other hand, we can do. Few things are more entertaining that transmuting a flat piece of heavy stock paper into a 3D interpretation of, say, a Honda/Acura NSX racer.

You may recall that the printing gurus at Epson rolled out a full-scale cardboard replica of the Honda halo beast at the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year. Now a gaggle of photos detailing the construction process have surfaced via the web-scouring folk over at Jalopnik.

Now, here's the really cool part. The whole build process is nearly identical to what you'd expect out of stitching together a much smaller papercraft model. How identical? Printer company Epson was kind enough to supply 1:24 scale design plans so that the rest of the world can crank out its own version of the car. Now if you'll excuse us, it's time to bust out the X-Acto knife.

Gallery: Epson Papercraft NSX Racer

[Source: Epson via Jalopnik]

Worth the Paper Cuts: Cardboard Honda NSX racer assembly shots are awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Remember, Honda?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Honda, Design/Style

Honda/Acura NSX remembrance film - click above to watch the video

Up until the last few years, Honda was known for being one of the most engineering driven companies in the world. Soichiro Honda instilled a remarkable spirit of innovation in his staff, driving the company to spawn amazing ideas like the CVCC engines of the mid-1970s, the oval-piston NR750 race bike and the fuel cell powered FCX Clarity. As of late, though, the Japanese automaker has been looking a bit 'behind the curve' with models like the Insight, Accord Crosstour and CR-Z lacking the cleverness, spark, and class-leading competence that made past Honda models so iconic.

Thus, it might be a good time to take a look back at what made Honda so great. One of the all-time highlights of the company's road car portfolio remains the Honda/Acura NSX. Although both Nissan and Toyota toyed with the idea of building mid-engine exotics, only Honda actually put one into production. The influence of the NSX on its market segment extended far beyond its commercial success. The NSX was the first "exotic" to demonstrate that you could combine everyday driveability and reliability with supercar performance. Before the NSX, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and the like forced drivers to make all sorts of compromises in order to have their performance at one's disposal. It's fair to say that the supercars of today are far better all-around drivers today thanks to the lessons taught by the NSX. Unfortunately, Honda shelved plans for a successor model, so in many respects, one could argue that the spirit of the everyday supercar remains alive in the Audi R8.

Perhaps Honda's product planners and beancounters alike would do well to take a stroll down memory lane and revisit what once the company great. We can't think of a better way than to check out the dramatic video tribute to the NSX after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips.

Gallery: Acura NSX

[Source: Format67 via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Remember, Honda?

Video: Remember, Honda? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: Italianate 1991 Acura NSX

Zach Bowman — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Acura, Lamborghini, Design/Style

Acura NSX meets Lamborghini - Click above for high-res image gallery

Full Disclosure: We have loved the Acura NSX since long before we were all smelling like teen spirit. The car will always hold a special place in our hearts, so the car you see above is particularly blasphemous in our eyes. Someone, at some point in history, looked at their reliable, capable near-supercar from Honda and thought, "You know what this needs? A little more Lamborghini Diablo."

That person, then, evidently commenced to slather the lightweight Japanese hellion in enough fiberglass to convince your average passer-by that the car actually hails from Italy. As far as body kits go, this one is the real deal. The builder even went so far as to badge the brake calipers with Lamborghini script and plop a faux twelve-cylinder intake on top of the Japanese V6, even though it doesn't appear to be bolted to anything.

Is it bad? Well, outwardly at least, it appears far more convincing than one might reasonably expect. But would we have been less insulted if were a Pontiac Fiero under that orange skin? Undoubtedly - but the builder at least gets points for creativity, as this is evidently a one-of-one proposition. If you dig it, you can find this creation on eBay Motors with a Buy-It-Now price of $49,000 in Branson, Missouri. The seller is willing to entertain offers. Thanks for the tip, Jesse!

Gallery: Acura NSX-Lamborghini Mashup

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Italianate 1991 Acura NSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Honda to build road-going HSV-010 next year, pigs to take flight in 2012

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Honda, Luxury, Racing

Honda HSV-010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Straight out of the Snowball's Chance and Swine Aeronautics department comes a report from Autobild that says the Honda HSV-010 is headed for production next year.

Why are we so skeptical? Aside from the fact that taking the HSV from the tracks of Japan to the streets of tomorrow would be a task of epic proportions, the last time we talked about the GT500 racer with Honda's high performance team they began tearing up about the NSX successor's stillborn status.

Regardless, ze German rag reports that the HSV-010 will undergo a slight makeover in the transition from race car to road car, with a slightly narrower track, more sculpted sides and the removal of the Cessna-sized rear wing.

A V8 will supposedly still be nestled up front, but instead of the SuperGT car's 3.4-liter V8, a 500+ horsepower 5.0-liter will take its place.

So, is the Lexus LFA finally going to get a worthy competitor from it's cross-town rivals? We'll continue our regularly scheduled breathing regime until we get an official word from Honda, but the possibility of an NSX revival - for real this time - has us panting a little bit harder.

Gallery: Honda HSV-10 GT

[Source: Autobild]

Rumormill: Honda to build road-going HSV-010 next year, pigs to take flight in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Need for Speed SHIFT Exotic Racing Series DLC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Playstation3 gamers: If you were disappointed that only XBox 360 players got the Ferrari DLC package for Need for Speed SHIFT, take heart, because the next one's got your name on it, too. The Exotic Racing Series pack is being released by EA for both platforms (though not for PC, PSP or mobile platforms) on March 18, with some of the most alluring machinery this side of Maranello.

Included in the downloadable content package are the McLaren MP4-12C and SLR Stirling Moss, the Alfa 8C Competizione and Maserati GranTurismo S, BMW M1 Procar, Gumpert Apollo and Acura NSX. The DLC costs $10 (or equivalent points) on either XBox Live or PlayStation Network, and also includes an array of new events and track layouts. Video and press release after the jump, screen shots in the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Andrey!

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT Exotic Racing Series DLC

[Source: EA via rpmgo.com]

Continue reading Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video]

Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Honda finds loophole, new NSX to run in SuperGT

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Acura, Honda, Specialty

Honda NSX Prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

We knew it was coming and now we've got details. According to the latest reports out of Japan, the Honda NSX will live on, but mere mortals will never get a shot behind the wheel.

As previously reported, Honda has been actively petitioning the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF) -- the organizing entity behind Japan's Super GT series -- to run a new front-engine racer in the touring car championship. A cursory reading of the rule book states that vehicles campaigning in SuperGT must be production vehicles (think GT-R, MR2, SC430). However, Honda's found a loop-hole.

Just as Toyota has done in recent years with the Supra (it's out of production), the Super GT rules specify that a vehicle's specs and design must be submitted to JAF to be approved. That means that a vehicle can be "production ready," if not actually in production. So for the 2010 SuperGT season, Honda will bring out an all-new race car based on the NSX prototype (seen above), reportedly packing a 3.4-liter V8.

So... Lawyers: 1. NSX's lovers: 0. But at least we get to see it race...

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: Insideline]

REPORT: Honda finds loophole, new NSX to run in SuperGT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Honda Racing finally puts NSX out to pasture as SuperGT tweaks regs

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Japan, Honda, Specialty

The Honda/Acura NSX has had a good run. The mid-engine supercar developed with input from the legendary Ayrton Senna first hit the market in 1990 and didn't cease production until 2005, giving it one of the longest production runs in the business. But even after Honda stopped selling the NSX, it was still being campaigned in Japan's SuperGT racing series. No more, says Honda, as the 2010 regulations switch exclusively to the use of front-engine, rear-drive chassis, forcing the NSX into retirement after nearly two decades of duty.

Based on the roadgoing supercar, the SuperGT-spec NSX-GT featured a heavily modified chassis that swapped the stock transverse V6 for a 500-horsepower competition-spec engine tuned by Mugen and mounted longitudinally. The car's been driven to three drivers' titles and three teams' championships in the Japanese touring car series.

No word yet on what, if anything, will succeed the NSX - or the Toyota MR-S for that matter - but Japanese automakers dropping out of motorsports like so many flies, we won't be holding our breath.

[Source: Honda via Jon Sibal]

Honda Racing finally puts NSX out to pasture as SuperGT tweaks regs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Grassroots Motorsports' Tim Suddard picks ten future Japanese collector cars

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Japan

First generation Mazda Miata - Click above to see entire list of future Japanese Collector Cars

"Everybody wants to go to the dance, no one wants to stay and clean up." So says Robert De Niro's Sam in John Frankenheimer's spy thriller/car porno Ronin. We mention the line, because it's not only well written, but nicely sums up most people's attitudes towards classic, collector cars. Yes, we'd all love a Boss 302 Mustang or a Maserati Bora, but no one wants to pay the tens of thousands of dollars it takes to procure and maintain them. But what if in the future collector cars weren't limited to American muscle or exotic Europeans? What if relatively cheap and reliable Japanese cars came to be collectors items?

Regardless of the answer, that's the exact future that Tim Suddard, publisher of both Grassroots Motorsports and Classic Motorsports, is predicting. In fact, here's what he has to say about it:

Right now Japanese cars are generally overlooked by the collector car world, but we expect that to change. A generation that grew up on Hondas, Datsuns and Mazdas is coming of age where they're after the icons of their youth. Where previous enthusiasts paid big money for the Mopars, Chevelles and GTOs that they couldn't afford when teens, we expect the same happen soon with milestone Japanese cars.

Which, if what Suddard is saying is true, means that both demand and price should increase. Which is probably... bad. Click here to see the ten cars (with captions) that Suddard claims are going to be future classics, plus our own two cents on each selection. And of course, what do you think? Also - like what you see? If you're in the Southern California area, don't miss the 2009 Japanese Classics car show this weekend

Gallery: Tim Suddard's ten most collectable Japanese cars

Grassroots Motorsports' Tim Suddard picks ten future Japanese collector cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: We cringe as Acura NSX does its best surfacing submarine imitation

Chris Shunk — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Acura

Acura NSX Submarine - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Acura NSX is rare enough that you rarely see them on the streets. When we saw a mint condition NSX trolling the streets of Woodward during the Dream Cruise, we were reminded of just how much road presence Acura's first and only supercar actually has. If we owned a a mint condition NSX, we might reasonably be tempted to avoid driving it the weather forecast even hinted at rain, but unfortunately not all drivers appear to exercise care in wet weather.

Hit the jump to watch a beautiful NSX as it trudges through what looks to be nearly two feet of standing water. At one point, the water, which came as the result of a torrential downpour in Orange Park, Forida, was up to the side mirrors. The real payoff, when the video goes from sad anger-inducing to hilarious comes about 33 seconds in, when you can clearly see water pouring out of the closed doors of the NSX. It stuns us to think that someone would think it would be a good idea to drive a low-slung supercar through a flood zone, but it probably shouldn't.

[Source: YouTube via: Autojunk]

Continue reading VIDEO: We cringe as Acura NSX does its best surfacing submarine imitation

VIDEO: We cringe as Acura NSX does its best surfacing submarine imitation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Acura NSX replacement will move downmarket in price, performance

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Acura, Honda, Rumormill

Acura Advanced Sports Car concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Late last year, Honda confirmed that it had halted development on the Acura NSX project as we had come to know it. While we're still mourning the loss of the promised front-mounted 560-horsepower V10 powerplant and torque-vectoring AWD setup, the boys at Car and Driver are reporting that the NSX may yet appear in some other form entirely.

Quoting John Watts, Acura's senior manager of product development, C&D says the NSX revival may still be in the works, just on a somewhat lower performance plateau. Says Watts, "For it to be fully effective [as a halo vehicle for the brand], it couldn't be too far removed" from Acura's other products.

As the original Acura NSX proved, Honda is capable of amazing things when it comes to performance-minded automobiles. As cool as another technological Tour de Force would be, the idea of a mid-level sportscar from Acura is certainly an intriguing prospect in its own right and would be something much more affordable for the average working stiff.

Gallery: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: Acura NSX replacement will move downmarket in price, performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Next Honda NSX could be dubbed "Super Hybrid Sports"

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Acura, Honda, Rumormill

Even though it's been going on for more than two years now, the tale of the Acura NSX is like a news story that just broke: you have to keep checking back for details, and each subsequent update could turn the whole story on its head. The V10 NSX that was going to own the sports car gods on Mt. Olympus was killed, and a rumored newly resurrected NSX is said to be a V6 hybrid that will challenge Toyota's own will-they/won't-they FT-HS/Supra.

Whereas Toyota's entry is reported to put out 400 horsepower to the rear wheels, the NSX will reportedly get about 450 horses going to all four wheels via Acura's SH-AWD system. Dubbed the "Super Hybrid Sports," sources claim it will be built on the same steel platform as the next generation Acura RL.

While this speculation sounds like an interesting car - at least, until the next update comes along - it is a redefinition of what NSX means to us and could take a while to get used to. And if Acura is truly intent on becoming a top shelf luxury maker, we can't help but find it a bit quizzical that they're taking their flagship sports car brand downmarket to compete with a Toyota Supra.

[Source: 7Tune]

Next Honda NSX could be dubbed "Super Hybrid Sports" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Acura continues to push for Tier-1 status, NSX could be revived

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Supercars, Acura, Honda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TL

Acura wants to assure dealers that its plan to become a Tier 1 luxury brand - able to hang with Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus - is still underway. But according to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., the key to playing with the big boys isn't limited to what's on showroom floors. Colliver told Automotive News, "Being a premium luxury brand is not just about product. It's the way dealers handle customers. You've got to earn your way into the segment. You don't necessarily have to have a $90,000 sedan to get there."

Even though that formula seems to have worked for Lexus, Acura has different plans. The recently released TSX, RL and TL have set the tone for the next few years, and another crossover, designed to slot in between the RDX and MDX, is currently under development.

Colliver also mentioned that work on the NSX replacement is "mostly done," so even though Honda shelved the V10 supercar to cut costs and keep an even keel during the economic downturn, the NSX could be pulled out of the corporate garage, dusted off and brought to market once conditions improve.

Acura's entry-level image could help the automaker weather the economic downturn better than its rivals from Germany and Japan, but when the market firms up, Acura will need products (with high-output engines and RWD) at the ready to compete with the stalwarts of the luxury set.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

Gallery: 2009 Acura RL

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Acura continues to push for Tier-1 status, NSX could be revived originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Undead: Will Acura show NSX in Detroit even after killing it off?

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Acura, Honda

Just two weeks after we learned that Honda had suspended plans to introduce a new V10 NSX sports car in 2010 comes word that we may see the car anyway. Sort of. The production program is still dead, but it is being reported that the previously scheduled "concept" will appear at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in a couple of weeks.

In typical Honda fashion, a concept version of a new model appears a few months for the street edition. In this case, the NSX was set to debut next fall at the Tokyo Motor Show with the conceptual preview at the Detroit auto show. Since the concept was already prepared before Honda made the decision to scrap the program, they will show it anyway. Honda's presence in Cobo will still be low-key however, with its press conference having been canceled. The NSX and the production Insight will simply appear on the show floor.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: AutoTeleGraaf.nl]

Undead: Will Acura show NSX in Detroit even after killing it off? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Banzai burned? Honda reportedly kills confirms NSX is DOA

Noah Joseph — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Acura, Honda

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Acura Advanced Sports Car concept

Amidst a troubled global economy, Honda is actively scaling back its operations, and its performance programs are sadly bearing the brunt. After canceling its participation in Formula One and the AMA motorbike road racing series, the Japanese automaker has reportedly announced that it is nixing development of the next-generation NSX supercar.

The unfortunate news will undoubtedly come as a stunning disappointment for the loyal legions of Honda/Acura sportscar fans. The new NSX, which looked to be nearing the end of its development on the road to production, was slated to be the most powerful car ever made by Honda, driven by an anticipated 560-horsepower V10.

According to Autocar, the goal-line audible came from none other than Takeo Fukui, Honda's CEO, who dropped the bombshell as part of a end-of-year speech to the troops. The news also means that Honda is suspending plans to finally bring the Acura nameplate to Japan, and it also calls into doubt the fate of the V10 engine itself, as well as any long-rumored V8 powertrains.

Honda hasn't ruled out the possibility of picking up where it left off once business is back in order, but in the meantime the original NSX, which ceased production in 2005 after fifteen years on the market, will have to remain without an heir.

Update: Acura spokesman Mike Spencer has confirmed to Autoblog that the NSX has indeed been canceled. We'll now never know how good it might have been.

Gallery: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Banzai burned? Honda reportedly kills confirms NSX is DOA

Banzai burned? Honda reportedly kills confirms NSX is DOA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Under the skin of the 2010 Acura NSX

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Supercars, Acura, Honda

We don't know what the next Acura (Honda) NSX will ultimately look like, but we do know that it will have a 5.5-liter V10 throwing down 560 hp through a torque-vectoring SW-AWD setup. The folks over at Auto Express have a cutaway view of the NSX's gizzards, and what lurks beneath the creased and chevroned skin of the next do-it-all-faster supercar could be good for a few extra heartbeats. We do hope, however, that these exterior renderings are quite a ways off. Otherwise, it might not be so bad if Acura offers a cutaway version of the actual car so that you don't have to see its body, because even under the camo, the new NSX is shaping up to be um, homely.

[Source: Auto Express]

Under the skin of the 2010 Acura NSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: Ferrari + NSX = Ferracura 360 NSX

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Auctions, Supercars, Acura, Ferrari

Click above for gallery of this Frankencar

Up for grabs and with 56 bids registered bids, we have eBay item number: 270287784055. The lucky top bidder gets a Ferrari 360 Modena and an Acura NSX, but only needs one parking spot. The product description explains the impossible, while almost making this thing sound appealing. "The best parts of both cars were used to build an exclusive new vehicle. The appearance comes from the Ferrari 360 Modena, the quality and reliability from [a] Honda NSX... this is definitely no comparison to the Toyota MR2, Peugeot 306, or Pontiac Fierro [sic] conversions..."

So you get a 94,000 km, 300 hp, Acura NSX with a custom body and interior that make it look something like a Ferrari 360. Lighter, more reliable, and cheaper to maintain than a Ferrari, presumably more lust-worthy than a stock-bodied NSX, and all for just EUR 25,500.

While the front and rear views might make you think it's a real Ferrari at first glance, that NSX greenhouse makes any other angle a dead giveaway. The builder didn't do a bad job, but it's just another project that has us scratching our heads and asking, "Why?" It's in Zurich, Switzerland if you're interested. Thanks for the tip, Emanuel!

Gallery: Ferracura 360 NSX

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Ferrari + NSX = Ferracura 360 NSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Acura 2+1 design study takes superman shield to next level

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Supercars, Acura

Click above for high-res gallery of the Acura 2+1 Concept

Acura's new design language, as seen on the 2009 TL, is fronted by a shield-like appendage that has received mixed reviews. The Acura 2+1 -- the numbers describe the seating arrangement -- by design student Leon Paz is what would happen if you took the shield theme to one natural conclusion. By maintaining the edge throughout the concept's "modern baroque styling," Paz has come up we something we kinda dig.

The body is fashioned from a plastic that is harder than fiberglass, and Paz has done a great job in creating lines that evoke skin stretched over a frame. The upper surface is one continuous window that shows off the twin-turbo V6 and the Acura logo for the cylinder covers. There is no hood -- at your yearly service, the dealer would lift the glass and perform any engine maintenance.

The 2+1 would be an aspirational step for those who want an NSX but can't afford one yet. Based on what we've seen of the NSX so far, we'd probably rather have the 2+1. However, our most pressing question about the car isn't about the design -- we really want to know what is the meaning of "OW AHH" scrolled in LED's across the rear? Check out the gallery of high-res images below, and maybe you can tell us...

Gallery: Acura 2+1 Concept

[Source: Diseno Art]

Acura 2+1 design study takes superman shield to next level originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Sep 2008 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spoon to recreate NSX Type-R in LHD trim for U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Supercars, Acura, Honda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Honda NSX-R.

Honda's decision to only offer one Type-R model in the U.S. - the DC2 Integra - is still considered a crime among Hondaphiles. And of all the models that could have benefited from a serious performance injection later in life, the NSX was a prime candidate.

Thankfully, Spoon Sports, a long-time motorsport partner with Honda, will rectify the matter by converting left-hand-drive US-spec NSXs into NSX-Rs. The conversion involves a long list of modifications, including stiffer springs and shocks, larger anti-roll bars, forged 17-inch wheels, a shorter final-drive gear ratio, slotted brake rotors, flat underbody trays and a rear diffuser. Part of the NSX-R's appeal was a product of Honda's desire to keep weight in check, so in order to get as close to the JDM version's 2,800-pound curb weight, Spoon will replace the hood, rear spoiler and seats with carbon fiber pieces, fit a smaller battery, manually-adjustable mirrors, thinner rear window glass, lightweight carpets and will rip out all of the sound deadening material and replace the spare tire with a can of expanding goo.

Spoon hasn't released details on how much the conversion will cost or when it will begin taking orders, but if it has Honda's blessing on the project, expect to see the first few models on the road just ahead of the new NSX's launch in 2010.

Gallery: Honda NSX-R

[Source: JPCNews]

Spoon to recreate NSX Type-R in LHD trim for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Inside Line does its thing on the $160k Acura NSX

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Acura, Honda, Rendered Speculation

The new Acura/Honda NSX may still be a couple of years away, but when talking about the sequel to such a dynamically legendary supercar, time won't stop speculation from ramping up and details from leaking. True to its name, Inside Line has put together what it believes is an accurate depiction - both visually and technically - of the newest challenger for Japanese supercar domination.

The first thing to know about the new NSX is that its emphasis will be on aerodynamics. Honda's F1 team may have yet to reach the pinnacle of success on the circuit, but that doesn't mean the company hasn't learned a few tricks in the process. For starters, the entire rear end of the car is tipped to act as a giant wing, generating prodigious amounts of downforce where soon-to-be archrivals Lexus LF-A and Nissan GT-R use heavy rear transaxles to keep the tail planted and the weight balanced. At an estimated 3256 lbs (you know, give or take), the NSX is also expected to come in a good 550 lbs lighter than Nissan's beast. Based on sources within Honda, Inside Line has come up with what they feel is an close prediction of how the NSX will look, and then proceed to call it boring. What lies underneath, however, is tipped to be a 5.5-liter V10 pumping more than 600 hp and 433 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and the company's Super Handling AWD system.

With an anticipated $160,000 price tag, the new Honda supercar will have some dangerous competition. However developmental test mules of the NSX have already reportedly managed to lap the vaunted Nurburgring Nordschleiffe in a blitzschnell 7:37 on their first attempt. Once everything's tweaked to perfection, though, the NSX is easily expected to drop below 7:30. How far below will remain to be seen. With Japan, America and Europe's best vying for the top slot, the heat is on.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line does its thing on the $160k Acura NSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Honda NSX interior caught at the 'Ring

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Acura, Honda

We've seen plenty of shots of the Honda/Acura NSX hangin' 'round the 'Ring, but unlike previous photos, the crew at Cartribe was able to catch a brief glimpse of the cloaked mule's interior. A clearer view of the gauges reveals a clean chronograph-like arrangement, with large numerals framed by chrome rings. Although the rest of the dash is covered by camera-proof camo, the three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel and integrated switchgear certainly speaks to the V10-powered super coupe's intentions. We're hoping to see the next NSX debut during the upcoming show season, reportedly packing over 500 hp and sending power to all four wheels.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: Cartribe via Carscoop]

Spy Shots: Honda NSX interior caught at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments