It’s been speculated for some time that sales of Acura’s luxo-barge offerings may be hindered by the automaker’s lack of offering V8 power. According to Automotive News, this problem may be remedied soon.
In an interview with Honda’s president of R&D in the States, Hirohide Ikeno, he hinted that a new direction for Acura powerplants would debut at the upcoming Detroit auto show in January.
It’s already been confirmed that the new NSX, due in 2009, will likely get a mid-ship V10, drawing credibility from Honda’s 8- and 12-cyclinder racing mills. That kind of power is necessary in the supercar market and a V8 option is a necessity if an automaker hopes to compete with other luxury sedans.
Although development of the V8 will be carried out by Acura’s parent company, Honda, don’t expect a V8 option in the next Civic.
[Source: Automotive News — Sub. Req.]