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  • Report: Next-gen Honda NSX could get 'Super Hybrid Sports' badge

    Report: Next-gen Honda NSX could get 'Super Hybrid Sports' badge July 21st, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 21st, 2009 Kenneth Hall 4 Comments

    Report: Next-gen Honda NSX could get 'Super Hybrid Sports' badge Last year Honda - or more specifically, Acura - confirmed the NSX replacement would be on its way by 2010 as a 2011 model. Since then the global car market has fallen through the floor, and Honda had canceled the NSX replacement, but the car could still make its target debut date. A report emerging today says it may arrive with the name 'Super Hybrid Sports'.

    Talk of canning the V10-powered NSX-replacement project may have been overblown, with Honda instead simply shifting gears to a greener approach, reports 7Tune. Instead of a 550hp, 5.5L V10, the new car could get a 3.5L V6 and the hybrid system from the next-generation Acura RL rated at... Last year Honda - or more specifically, Acura - confirmed the NSX replacement would be on its way by 2010 as a 2011 model. Since then the global car market has fallen through the floor, and Honda had canceled the NSX replacement, but the car could still make its target debut date. A report emerging today says it may arrive with the name 'Super Hybrid Sports'. Talk of canning the V10-powered NSX-replacement project may have been overblown, with Honda instead simply shifting gears to a greener approach, reports 7Tune. Instead of a 550hp, 5.5L V10, the new car could get a 3.5L V6 and the hybrid system from the next-generation Acura RL rated at about 450hp combined output. While this makes a lot of sense taken together with Honda's recent statements on Acura's lack of a need for V8s and RWD powertrains, it will also mean a lot of additional weight - as will fitting Acura's SH-AWD drive system. On the other hand, the image and reality of a hybrid sports car may be just what Honda needs to help maintain its solid position in American fuel economy standards as well as a strong competitive offering to counter the Toyota FT-HS hybrid Supra revival. How that will bear out the claims that the NSX would be faster than the Nissan GT-R, and compete directly with Ferrari on performance, however, is yet to be seen.Honda NSX prototype spied at Nurburgring Read More

  • New focus on R&D expected at Honda with announcement of new CEO

    New focus on R&D expected at Honda with announcement of new CEO February 23rd, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, February 23rd, 2009 Jeremy Weber 1 Comment

    New focus on R&D expected at Honda with announcement of new CEO Honda, like most major carmakers, is experiencing one of its worst performance slumps in decades. Shrinking demand worldwide for new vehicles and a strengthening yen have had disastrous effects on the company’s bottom line, with the most recent profit warning predicting a $3.7 billion operating loss for the past year.

    In the midst of this turmoil, the company has sought a new savior in the form of Takanobu Ito. The current senior managing director will step into the role of president and CEO in June this year. Ito joined Honda in 1978 and began his career in the R&D labs.

    The man was also in charge of developing the original NSX... Honda, like most major carmakers, is experiencing one of its worst performance slumps in decades. Shrinking demand worldwide for new vehicles and a strengthening yen have had disastrous effects on the company’s bottom line, with the most recent profit warning predicting a $3.7 billion operating loss for the past year. In the midst of this turmoil, the company has sought a new savior in the form of Takanobu Ito. The current senior managing director will step into the role of president and CEO in June this year. Ito joined Honda in 1978 and began his career in the R&D labs. The man was also in charge of developing the original NSX supercar, and it this R&D focus that will become the company’s new goal under the guidance of Ito. Sadly, there has been no mention of plans for a NSX successor being reinstated or a replacement for the S2000 sports car ever being introduced. Takeo Fukui, the current chief, will remain on the board and assume the post of director and advisor to Honda. This management succession will occur following the final decision of the Honda board of directors after the company's annual shareholders' meeting, scheduled for late June. Read More

  • Acura forges ahead with tier 1 luxury plans, NSX could be revived

    Acura forges ahead with tier 1 luxury plans, NSX could be revived February 2nd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, February 2nd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 6 Comments

    Acura forges ahead with tier 1 luxury plans, NSX could be revived Apart from Lexus, Japanese luxury brands still pale in comparison to their German rivals in terms of the number of models they produce and the prices they can command. Overall image in the marketplace and status on the street have likewise proven difficult to develop. That's why Acura is making a hard push specifically to boost its image and achieve 'tier 1' luxury carmaker status.

    The Acura plan for becoming top-tier doesn't focus on the cars, however. "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... Apart from Lexus, Japanese luxury brands still pale in comparison to their German rivals in terms of the number of models they produce and the prices they can command. Overall image in the marketplace and status on the street have likewise proven difficult to develop. That's why Acura is making a hard push specifically to boost its image and achieve 'tier 1' luxury carmaker status. The Acura plan for becoming top-tier doesn't focus on the cars, however. "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," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. in an interview with Automotive News. But that doesn't mean that new, better cars aren't part of the plan. In fact, the door remains open on whether the NSX will eventually see production. The car's development is "mostly done" according to Colliver, and that means it would be a quick move to market if given the green light. The reasoning behind dropping the NSX plan in the first place was largely centered around the weak economy and Honda's plans to cut costs. If the market turns around, there's no reason not to bring the NSX out of mothballs. More every-day cars will be part of the brand push as well. Acura previously announced its intent to move toward tier 1 status at a dealer conference last year, and has since been working toward that with its new model run. The first of these new models include the RL and TSX sedans, plus the new - though oft-maligned - 2009 TL. If Acura is really serious about competing with brands like BMW and Mercedes it will also likely need to more premium options such as RWD powertrains and high-output engines - both of which make a strong argument for revival of the NSX program. The next model likely to come from Acura won't be a RWD sedan or a next-gen supercar, however. Instead, it is likely to be a mid-sized crossover, fitting between the current RDX (read our review here) and MDX.2009 Acura TLAcura RL 092009 Acura TSX Read More

  • Honda NSX Mugen RR makes Tokyo Auto Saloon appearance

    Honda NSX Mugen RR makes Tokyo Auto Saloon appearance January 13th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, January 13th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Honda NSX Mugen RR makes Tokyo Auto Saloon appearance This year’s Tokyo Auto Salon saw a string of modified Nissan GT-Rs grab all the attention, not to mention the king of them all, the all-new GT-R SpecV, however, Honda still had one very special concept sitting on its stands at the show. The concept is the NSX Mugen RR, a race-inspired version of the supercar modified by Honda’s in-house tuner, Mugen.

    It measures in at 4.52m in length, 1.95m in width, and just 1.32m high, but beneath its mix of metal and carbon-fiber panels is an empty engine bay. The NSX Mugen RR is purely a show car and was created as a way to celebrate the last of the series of production.

    Honda is yet to... This year’s Tokyo Auto Salon saw a string of modified Nissan GT-Rs grab all the attention, not to mention the king of them all, the all-new GT-R SpecV, however, Honda still had one very special concept sitting on its stands at the show. The concept is the NSX Mugen RR, a race-inspired version of the supercar modified by Honda’s in-house tuner, Mugen. It measures in at 4.52m in length, 1.95m in width, and just 1.32m high, but beneath its mix of metal and carbon-fiber panels is an empty engine bay. The NSX Mugen RR is purely a show car and was created as a way to celebrate the last of the series of production. Honda is yet to reveal any of the specs but from the images we can gather that the concept features extensive aerodynamic modifications, include a new vented hood, a wide-bodykit, an oversized GT wing, a new rear spoiler and diffuser, and a roof scoop similar to the unit found on the NSX-R. The car also sports a set of uprated brakes.Honda NSX Mugen RR supercar concept Read More

  • Report: Honda cancels next-gen S2000, V8 program and CR-Z convertible

    Report: Honda cancels next-gen S2000, V8 program and CR-Z convertible January 6th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, January 6th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 8 Comments

    Report: Honda cancels next-gen S2000, V8 program and CR-Z convertible Tough times in terms of sales and profits are hitting the entire industry hard, but Honda appears to be taking it particularly badly if the latest report from Japan proves true. News of the cancellation of Honda's V8 program, its CR-Z convertible, and perhaps most lamentably, its next-gen S2000 roadster, has emerged today.

    The report indicates that Honda's drastic reshaping of its future product lineup is being done with an eye to a leaner, greener brand image, according to AutoWeek. These factors would certainly toll the death knell of a planned RWD Acura V8 - possibly a heavily redesigned RL due around 2015, just as the V10-powered NSX... Tough times in terms of sales and profits are hitting the entire industry hard, but Honda appears to be taking it particularly badly if the latest report from Japan proves true. News of the cancellation of Honda's V8 program, its CR-Z convertible, and perhaps most lamentably, its next-gen S2000 roadster, has emerged today. The report indicates that Honda's drastic reshaping of its future product lineup is being done with an eye to a leaner, greener brand image, according to AutoWeek. These factors would certainly toll the death knell of a planned RWD Acura V8 - possibly a heavily redesigned RL due around 2015, just as the V10-powered NSX has met its demise. The S2000 replacement, however, would seem to be somewhat less subject to abuse from an anti-green sentiment, with its small-displacement and efficient four-cylinder engine. Nevertheless, it, as well as a convertible variant of the future CR-Z hybrid are also thought to be dead. A car that's caught between the two, envisioned as a low-emissions drop-top sports roadster, the Honda OSM Concept, gave a taste of what we may never see. The savings in development costs alone will likely be substantial, but the cost in fans and excitement about Honda's products will be immeasurable.2008 Honda OSM Roadster conceptHonda CR-Z Concept Read More

  • Honda cancels development of V10-powered NSX successor

    Honda cancels development of V10-powered NSX successor December 17th, 2008 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, December 17th, 2008 Jeremy Weber 10 Comments

    Honda cancels development of V10-powered NSX successor Amid the announcement of its third profit warning of the year, Honda has confirmed that it has canceled plans for the launch of a successor to the NSX supercar. The new V10-powered model was expected to arrive in the United States next year as an Acura, but sadly all development work on the car has come to an end.

    Honda CEO Takeo Fukui confirmed the plan in his end of year speech, saying that all development of the car would cease. Fukui also revealed that plans to introduce the Acura brand to Japan in 2010 have all been canned, reports Automotive News.

    The news comes less than two weeks after Honda announced that it planned to pull out... Amid the announcement of its third profit warning of the year, Honda has confirmed that it has canceled plans for the launch of a successor to the NSX supercar. The new V10-powered model was expected to arrive in the United States next year as an Acura, but sadly all development work on the car has come to an end. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui confirmed the plan in his end of year speech, saying that all development of the car would cease. Fukui also revealed that plans to introduce the Acura brand to Japan in 2010 have all been canned, reports Automotive News. The news comes less than two weeks after Honda announced that it planned to pull out of next year’s Formula One season, citing financial constraints as the main reason. Honda also announced today that it is lowering its annual operating profit forecast by 67% - its third profit warning of the year. The carmaker now expects its operating profit for the business year to March 31 to be ¥180 billion ($2 billion) - down 81% from last year. Instead, Honda will focus on developing more fuel-efficient hybrid and diesel models, especially in the compact car segments. Plans for a minicar positioned below the Fit (Jazz) are still on track, as are plans for the CR-Z hybrid sports car.2010 Honda NSX-replacement renderingHonda NSX prototype spied at Nurburgring Read More

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