Autoblog

Is Tony Stark's new Acura a precursor to next NSX?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Acura, Honda, Rumormill

When the upcoming Marvel reunion The Avengers hits the silver screen, it promises to be packed with action. Action heros like Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America... and a new Acura NSX.

Wait, what? That's right: if the latest rumors from Auto Express prove true, that mystery Acura supercar that Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) has been spied driving on the set of the upcoming superhero flick will be our first glimpse at the new supercar from Honda's premium marque.

The neo-NSX will reportedly pack the through-the-road all-wheel-drive hybrid drivetrain from the 2001 Honda Dual Note concept, encompassing a 3.5 to 3.7-liter V6 driving the rear wheels and an electric hub motor in each of the front wheels.

Tipped to be priced to take on the Nissan GT-R, the new NSX could be the Honda supercar we've been waiting for. For its part, Honda officials continue to deny that Tony Stark's car is representative of a new NSX, so we'll believe it when we see it (and we don't just mean at the movies).

Is Tony Stark's new Acura a precursor to next NSX? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda confirms NSX, again, again

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Acura, Honda

The original Acura NSX was an enthusiast's dream car come true. It had supercar looks, a lightweight aluminum chassis and a big chunk of Honda engineering soul. Unfortunately, the original NSX went through life without many adjustments, and Honda's supercar dream died quietly in 2005.

To be more accurate, the dream may only have been deferred, since Honda announced in 2008 that a next-generation NSX would arrive with a pavement-punishing V10 nestled under the hood of a far more contemporary shape. But just as we started to get our hopes up, the market for new premium sports coupes collapsed, and the NSX was shelved when it was reportedly very close to production-ready.

Rumors have persisted that the NSX was still under consideration for future production, and Autocar now claims that Honda President and CEO Takanobu Ito confirmed the speculation. Ito reportedly pointed out that the forthcoming NSX would focus on power-to-weight performance, adding "we don't want to copy Ferrari for power, but to also chase efficiency as well."

If a new NSX does see the light of day, we're guessing Honda would need to improve upon the original's 290 horsepower, but a 500-horsepower V10 is probably out of the picture, as are looks like the 2007 Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept shown here. Assuming that's the case, we'd happily take a lower sticker price and curb weight in exchange.

Honda confirms NSX, again, again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda NSX development soldiers on

Zach Bowman — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Honda, Rumormill

Automotive News reports that the long-dead NSX is back under development after its spiritual successor was sent to the round file in 2008. We've heard an increasing chorus of rumors that the project has been taken off the shelf, but this is the first time we can recall reading direct quotes from higher-ups within Honda confirming its existence. Takanobu Ito, Honda's President, reportedly disclosed that his company is currently working on a successor that will be both entertaining to drive and efficient, which likely means buyers can expect to be met with a hybrid drivetrain when the supercar launches. When will that be? Ito didn't give specific details on when the new-generation NSX will land, though he did say that the racer will be the brawnier bigger brother of the company's CR-Z hybrid.

That means that we can kiss the luscious V10 mounted in the old HSV-010 goodbye. That vehicle was intended to be the most recent take on the NSX, but was scrapped after the auto market at large began circling the drain back in 2008. While fans of the Japanese supercar were up in arms over the fact that the HSV-010 abandoned the mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive finesse of the original NSX for an all-wheel drive platform, we have to imagine many NSX loyalists might not have kind words for a hybridized version of the bruiser.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Honda NSX development soldiers on originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #216: Superbowl ads, Kubica crash and Honda NSX with Dave Kiley

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Podcasts, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Autoblog Podcast #216 is a retrospective of Superbowl Ads, rumination on the Kubica crash (yes, we know we mispronounced his name) and rumors of restarted effort on Honda's new supercar, picking up where the NSX left off. Chris and Dan are joined by Chris Paukert and AOL Autos/Autoblog contributor David Kiley for the hour and nineteen minute extravaganza. We wrap with your questions and comments, as always, and we'll see you next week. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #216: Superbowl ads, Kubica crash and Honda NSX with Dave Kiley

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Honda Accord Special Edition
2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
2011 Toyota Camry

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert

Runtime: 01:19:05

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Autoblog Podcast #216: Superbowl ads, Kubica crash and Honda NSX with Dave Kiley originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda confirms NSX development has restarted

Zach Bowman — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Honda, Rumormill, Luxury

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

Heads up, Hondaphiles - it looks like the NSX has been dug out of storage and plopped back on the table as a candidate for production. Company president Takashi Ito has announced that he's jump-starting development on the supercar. As you may recall, the beast was unceremoniously put to bed after the global economy gutted itself back in 2008. At the time, the project sailed under the HSV-010 moniker, and Honda even went so far as to campaign a version of the machine in the Japanese Super GT series.

Since then, the supercar segment has all but exploded with new metal. Mercedes-Benz jumped into the action with its SLS AMG, Lexus came to the party with the high-tech LFA and old-timers like the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Nissan GT-R have been enjoying their own slice of supercar territory. We're all for the notion of a resurrected Honda fighter, but we're still going to treat this one with a healthy dose of skepticism.

We've been burnt before.

Gallery: Honda HSV-10 GT

[Source: Japanese Nostalgic Car]

Report: Honda confirms NSX development has restarted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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New SuperGT contender from Honda in the works?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST

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

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

When we sat down with a few Honda execs at SEMA, we were told to "watch out for something big" from the automaker's motorsports efforts in Japan early next year. It didn't take much to deduce what they were hinting at: Honda plans to fill the vacuum left by the recently departed NSX-R in SuperGT with an all-new vehicle for the 2010 season.

As you'd expect, the Japanese media has hopped all over the recent rumors, with BestCar putting out a rendering of the fabled GT500 class contender. Unfortunately, beyond a possible V10 powerplant, details on the vehicle are scarce and the demise of the production version leaves more questions than answers. According to 7Tune, Honda is campaigning SuperGT organizers to give the automaker a pass on its homologation requirements, allowing the front-engined coupe to enter the series without a road-going version available to the public. Considering SuperGT's stringent requirements, we're not sure how that's going to play out, and since we haven't seen development mules testing since June of last year, we're all the more skeptical about Honda's triumphant return to the GT500 ranks. We're hoping to know more before the end of the year, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: BestCar via 7Tune]

New SuperGT contender from Honda in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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VIDEO: Three minutes of NSX goodness

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Videos, Supercars, Acura, Honda

Click above to view video after the jump

At this rate, by the time Honda actually releases the production version of the successor to the NSX, we may well have seen more video and photos of the prototypes running at the 'Ring than we ever saw of the original. Thankfully, for those of us into really fast cars, the Nürburgring is a public place with a variety of roadside vantage points where people can view the latest and greatest supercars in action. The crew at Germany's Auto Motor und Sport seem to have staged videographers at all the available viewing locations to capture three minutes of footage that they have posted on YouTube for the rest of us to enjoy. There's some good stuff here, including the last few seconds where the driver is clearly pushing the new Honda as the back end slips a little wide before coming back. We're all waiting anxiously to see how this one matches up against the GT-R, ZR1, and LF-A. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Continue reading VIDEO: Three minutes of NSX goodness

VIDEO: Three minutes of NSX goodness originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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