US Honda Exec says NSX might not be dead

Never say never. Dick Colliver, executive VP for American Honda Motor Co., told the Automotive News, "development is mostly done" on the Acura NSX. He also said the project could be revived at any time.

Colliver was speaking out in an interview about the company's plans to wedge further in to the public mindset as a top luxury vehicle producer. Following a meeting with representatives for Acura's North American dealers, Colliver said, "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."

Dealers expressed concern following Honda CEO Takeo Fukui's end-of-the-year speech. In that speech Fukui announced the end to many niche market vehicles. Fukui said Honda's new direction would be to appeal more to the mass market with more environmentally-friendly vehicles showcasing the latest in technology.

The result of this new path was the death of the Honda NSX, sold as an Acura in the States. Several rear-wheel-drive Acura models, meant to better compete with BMW, were also killed off. Development on a new V8 engine was subsequently halted.

"Acura is still dedicated to moving the plan forward," said Valery Voyles. Voyles owns an Acura dealership, and runs the dealer advisory board. Other dealers expressed the same confidence in Honda's management of the luxury brand.

Bringing back the 550hp V10 Acura NSX might make those dealers, and many customers, a little happier.