http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=247636
Is Honda cooking up a V-8?
_Date:_June 27, 2004 09:51
_Submitted by:_ Jeff
_Source: GlobalAuto.net
_Credibility Rating: 6
In a brief on their website, Global Auto Systems is suggesting that the prospect of a V-8 is once again on the table for Honda, possibly destined for use in several Acura models.
The brief references Automobile magazine's recent report of the HSC's demise, and suggests that despite a quote (from an unnamed Honda Vice President) regarding the failure of the HSC's interior to meet Acura standards, the V-8 may find a home in the next NSX. Also mentioned is slotting the V-8 into a (long-rumored) premium sedan and the MDX. This seems logical, as the dimensions of the upcoming RL will keep it from competing with the likes of the Lexus LS430, BMW 7-series, and Mercedes S-Class. The MDX currently sells well with its 265hp 3.5L V-6, but there are probably further profiteering opportunities with an optional V-8.
Now if I might editorialize for a moment, this is probably the direction Acura needs to go if they seek to reach true "premium" status, if not to escape the never-ending criticism and howls for a V-8. But the question is: why have they resisted for so long? All of these notions have been suggested in the past (and several times we have heard that V-8s are "on the way"), and whether fair or not, the criticism Acura has endured has been unending. For a company that prides itself on being a "Motor Company" it seems a little odd that they don't offer one of the most common configurations in the world. We think that Honda already builds the best 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder motors in the world, so we can only imagine how their V-8 would turn out. If these new rumors bear fruit, hopefully they are developing a high revving flat-plane crank version for the NSX; of course, the MDX and sedan should get a standard cross-plane crank in their V-8.
Is Honda cooking up a V-8?
_Date:_June 27, 2004 09:51
_Submitted by:_ Jeff
_Source: GlobalAuto.net
_Credibility Rating: 6
In a brief on their website, Global Auto Systems is suggesting that the prospect of a V-8 is once again on the table for Honda, possibly destined for use in several Acura models.
The brief references Automobile magazine's recent report of the HSC's demise, and suggests that despite a quote (from an unnamed Honda Vice President) regarding the failure of the HSC's interior to meet Acura standards, the V-8 may find a home in the next NSX. Also mentioned is slotting the V-8 into a (long-rumored) premium sedan and the MDX. This seems logical, as the dimensions of the upcoming RL will keep it from competing with the likes of the Lexus LS430, BMW 7-series, and Mercedes S-Class. The MDX currently sells well with its 265hp 3.5L V-6, but there are probably further profiteering opportunities with an optional V-8.
Now if I might editorialize for a moment, this is probably the direction Acura needs to go if they seek to reach true "premium" status, if not to escape the never-ending criticism and howls for a V-8. But the question is: why have they resisted for so long? All of these notions have been suggested in the past (and several times we have heard that V-8s are "on the way"), and whether fair or not, the criticism Acura has endured has been unending. For a company that prides itself on being a "Motor Company" it seems a little odd that they don't offer one of the most common configurations in the world. We think that Honda already builds the best 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder motors in the world, so we can only imagine how their V-8 would turn out. If these new rumors bear fruit, hopefully they are developing a high revving flat-plane crank version for the NSX; of course, the MDX and sedan should get a standard cross-plane crank in their V-8.
