The revival of the Japanese supercars has been fantastic, models such as the Toyota LF-A and Nissan GT-R have been a breath of fresh air on the industry and soon the Honda/Acura NSX will get in on the party. Unlike the previous mid-engined NSX, this prototype is running a front-mid engine, with its powerplant placed well behind the front wheels to ensure excellent weight distribution. This should also allow the new NSX to offer 2+2 cabin accommodation, broadening its appeal – particularly in the USA.
Under the hood we can definitely hear the bite of a V10, there are however questions over whether Honda will turbo charge this engine or perhaps leave it in its naturally aspirated form. Honda’s not as obsessed as many by big horsepower outputs, but even so an output of 450 hp seems likely. Should such an engine be fitted to the sort of lightweight body as the previous NSX, the performance would be exceptional.
Not expected until 2009, Honda’s supercar is aiming to compete against rivals like Porsche’s 911 Turbo, the Ferrari F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo.
