Fukui Tells Honda R&D: NSX Must be Faster Around the Nurburgring Than the GT-R

It's a tall order, and one that Honda hopes it can achieve through the use of a 5.5-liter V10 expected to make 550 horses, with a torque peak expected to top 420 pound-feet. The engine is essentially a slightly larger version of the V8 that Honda will use for the next-generation, rear-wheel-drive RL sedan, and it will use cylinder deactivation under light loads for maximum efficiency. Additional gains will come from the use of an eight-speed, paddle-shifted automatic.

Getting the power to the ground will be a modified version of Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system. Packaging could be tight, however, as this NSX will place its V10 up front. A combination of steel and aluminum will be used for the chassis that will form the basis of this 2+2 sports car.

What this means to you: The Acura NSX is less than two years away, and it's aiming to reclaim its title as Japan's ultimate supercar. — Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor
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BimmerGuyFL78 - 6/18/2008 10:06:47 AM

+3 Boost

I know Honda get's a lot of bashing because they have not made a lot of high performance cars besides the NSX and the S2000.

I will have to say that Honda does an excellent job on their Sports cars. The NSX for having been Honda/Acura's 1st performance machine was one hell of a car.

lenkun - 6/18/2008 2:06:48 PM

+2 Boost

Honda made plenty others besides the NSX and S2000.

Prelude Type-SH
Del Sol
CRX
Civic Type-R
Integra Type-R

S30GTR - 6/18/2008 11:27:19 AM

+1 Boost

ALL THEY CAN DO IS TRY. I DOUBT IT THOUGH.

mwrmmg - 6/19/2008 5:36:51 AM

+1 Boost

do not underestimate these japanese. They succeeded with their target 911 on the nurburgring... anything possible nowadays

Vantage - 6/18/2008 12:13:19 PM

0 Boost

Should be intersting. How much faster do we need to go? Soon Indy cars will be street legal.

PerformanceGuy - 6/18/2008 1:05:35 PM

+1 Boost

Still think the GT-R will take it down, and even if it doesn't the V-Spec will!!

thisismyname - 6/18/2008 5:50:56 PM

+1 Boost

The LF-A around the ring beats the V-spec around the ring by an unofficial second.. If the NSX will beat the LF-A... you do the math...

Both times were unofficial time recorded by bystanders, the LF-A in DEC-07 http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/214086/lexus_lfa.html
the V-Spec in APR-08... http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-cars/Search-Results/Spyshots/Nissan-GT-R-V-Spec/

Still sounds like the V-spec has some work to do keeping the LF-A in range..

I wouldn't count the NSX out this early into the party..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordschleife_fastest_lap_times

Star - 6/18/2008 2:11:45 PM

-2 Boost

If you cannot make them BETTER at least make them faster. That seems to be the approach of the Japanese car engineers. Fast is good I agree, but not at the expense of QUALITY.

Htay7500 - 6/18/2008 3:12:14 PM

+3 Boost

you could also say that to gm, when they released the c6 with that trash interior. where did you hear that the GTR had a bad interior? are you just bashing it with no thought without facts to back it up?

WorldofLuxury - 6/18/2008 5:54:15 PM

+1 Boost

Everyone should try...I want them to

I want Acura to do better, so Lexus would give me a better product (force Toyota to back off)

I want Mercedes to give them all they've got, so the standards for luxury cars would be...well...much higher. ...which results in better cheap cars because luxuries always move down the line from expensive cars.

Finally, I have this weird feeling that faster means more power, lighter weight, and better handling...before they end up using gas faster than the time needed to finish the Nurburgring.

Does that mean that...:
more power but from limited fuel = better mileage
lighter weight = cheaper carbon fiber and even cheaper aluminum for standard cars
better handling = better safety

hmm...I like the sound of that :D

mikeydred20 - 6/18/2008 9:21:12 PM

+1 Boost

8 speed trans is what is catching my eye!