Honda missed the greatest opportunity in automotive history

[dswartz]

The HSC (alleged to be a Hybrid Sports Car powered by a mid engine V6 and a front mounted electric motor) would have been the right car at the right (perfect) time. It would have clearly distinguished itself as distinctive in design and leading edge in power train. It could have carried the NSX-h logo and no one would have questioned its lineage.

The current proposal is the ASC (or what ever it’s called) is just another expensive GT car. To me the NSX (or HSC) is to the ASC as the F430 is to the 599 Fiorano. The 599 will go mostly unnoticed by most people, the F430 will not. Both are comfortable cars to drive every day (albeit expensive) but the F430 is more fun on the track and gets more looks everywhere. However, both are considered by most as a little over the top. Some feel it says “in your face with my real expensive car”. On the other hand the HSC would have been hailed by the car nuts and ecology nuts alike. It would have distanced itself without ever lapping the Nurburgring. It was politically correct.

It appears that Honda has lost their way and is floundering for a direction. In most cases, your first gut instinct is correct and Honda should have gone with it. The NSX failed (not in our hearts and minds) but on the corporate balance sheet because it tried to be better than the Ferrari. While it may have bee a better car, it can never compete with the name “Ferrari”. It should instead have focused its sights on Porsche. Hmmm lets see, rear engine V6 and evolutionary styling and improvements for 45 YEARS!!!! And it’s the most successful sports car on the planet for its drivers and Porsche’s balance sheet.

In the end, to satisfy us performance nuts, there could have been an HSC-hR with a twin turbo V6 and a High Torque Electric Motor. Talk about eliminating turbo lag, this would have been the greatest stop light monster in history! In a world of ever improving electric motors, batteries, and solar power from paint, Honda missed the greatest opportunity in automotive history. Now I wonder who will recognize this and bring it to market first.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[docjohn]

I don't know nuthin bout that,,but I do know you did a 12.5 sec run in the quarter mile without power adders:biggrin: You da man!

 

[NSXDreamer2]

with myself selling honda, I couldn't agree more. I'm surprised by the 09 Pilot launch, Honda is getting lucky right now, but if they didn't choose the bigger Accord and Pilot way, I guaranteed it will be even better now.

Felt like Honda had changed directions since couple years ago, and following others... I still don't understand what kills the HSC, I never liked the taillight personally but every other parts of the car is so nice and cool. Even that new Hybrid thingie, why does it look so much like the stupid Prius...??

 

[BD]

I still don't understand what kills the HSC

Modified NSX platform - Couldn't hold any thing bigger than a small V6.

Honda like to think the NSX is above 911 and inline with V8 Ferrari, but without the V8 engine. Porsche is one of those interesting creature with a much bigger audience instead of a small cult like following. The truth is, HSC would have been the biggest mistake Honda will make if they made car, few would have bought it.

The R & D cost on the new Honda (ASC?) will be cheaper by different priority - Engine first, platform second. By using existing RL/Legend Platform, Honda will be able so save huge amount of money and be able to bring the price down.

Unlike the NSX Platform first, engine second approach, which left very little room for them to improve the engine. It's nice to see an engine that is made strickly for the ASC. C block came from the old Legend and even though it was one of the best V6 in the world, it was also very heavy.

MR dreamers will always have plenty of other options. Keep the NSX of buy a Ferrari/Lambo. They're pertty good car now-a-days.

 

[johnnymo]

Modified NSX platform - Couldn't hold any thing bigger than a small V6.

Honda like to think the NSX is above 911 and inline with V8 Ferrari, but without the V8 engine. Porsche is one of those interesting creature with a much bigger audience instead of a small cult like following. The truth is, HSC would have been the biggest mistake Honda will make if they made car, few would have bought it.

The R & D cost on the new Honda (ASC?) will be cheaper by different priority - Engine first, platform second. By using existing RL/Legend Platform, Honda will be able so save huge amount of money and be able to bring the price down.

Unlike the NSX Platform first, engine second approach, which left very little room for them to improve the engine. It's nice to see an engine that is made strickly for the ASC. C block came from the old Legend and even though it was one of the best V6 in the world, it was also very heavy.

MR dreamers will always have plenty of other options. Keep the NSX of buy a Ferrari/Lambo. They're pertty good car now-a-days.

You're a bit off with the "Couldn't hold any thing bigger than a small V6" idea. A V8 could have fit. Remember way back in the 80's, Honda considered the V8 option with the original NSX, targeting 280 hp from it, but scrapped it because it weighed an additional 70 pounds. Clearly, weight was a big concern for the design team back then, and their target of only 250-280 hp was enough to beat the competition then. Problem was, the competition moved on, we didn't.

 

[BD]

You're a bit off with the "Couldn't hold any thing bigger than a small V6" idea. A V8 could have fit. Remember way back in the 80's, Honda considered the V8 option with the original NSX, targeting 280 hp from it, but scrapped it because it weighed an additional 70 pounds. Clearly, weight was a big concern for the design team back then, and their target of only 250-280 hp was enough to beat the competition then. Problem was, the competition moved on, we didn't.

Consider vs solidifying the idea is a completely different story. Why do you think the HSC had a 3.5 V6 instead of a V8?

Yeah, the story also goes, they had a V12 as well as a turbo V6. I have never seen any pictures of these prototype engines.... Maybe they exist only on Paper.

 

[NetViper]

Consider vs solidifying the idea is a completely different story. Why do you think the HSC had a 3.5 V6 instead of a V8?

Yeah, the story also goes, they had a V12 as well as a turbo V6. I have never seen any pictures of these prototype engines.... Maybe they exist only on Paper.

I read on article that said the 3.5L motor was turbocharged in the HSC. I have no idea if that is true or not, but Honda certainly could have come up with a 450HP Turbo HSC without too much trouble. Lovefab does it all day long.

 

[BD]

I read on article that said the 3.5L motor was turbocharged in the HSC. I have no idea if that is true or not, but Honda certainly could have come up with a 450HP Turbo HSC without too much trouble. Lovefab does it all day long.

Other than 288GTO and F40, Ferrari refused to make FI cars. Those two vehicles were made during Turbo F1 era.

The truth is, if they can achieve the HP figure without FI, what's the point of VTEC?

Just imaging this, when this ASC? Come out, with SHAWD and stock 600HP, some one will simply slap two giant turbos on it and give it over 1k HP. Or CTSC and give it 800HP without having to built all internals, would that be some thing?

 

[Russ]

It's tough to imagine that Honda engineers, if they were asked to, could not fit a V8 into a car like the HSC.

 

[NeoNSX]

IMHO it wouldnt have been impossible to fit a V10 in the rear of the HSC -- having seen the HSC in person, it was fat and wide; Plenty of room for a big engine.

 

[BD]

IMHO it wouldnt have been impossible to fit a V10 in the rear of the HSC -- having seen the HSC in person, it was fat and wide; Plenty of room for a big engine.

So are all the wide body NSXs out there. I don't think any one have seen the open hatch engine bay. If there are pictures out there, I like to see them.

Honda indicated the HSC chassis was simply a modified NSX chassis. It was simply a prototype/case study.

 

[AR]

Other than 288GTO and F40, Ferrari refused to make FI cars. Those two vehicles were made during Turbo F1 era.

The truth is, if they can achieve the HP figure without FI, what's the point of VTEC?

Just imaging this, when this ASC? Come out, with SHAWD and stock 600HP, some one will simply slap two giant turbos on it and give it over 1k HP. Or CTSC and give it 800HP without having to built all internals, would that be some thing?

Don't leave out the 208 made comply with italian tax regulations.

 

[AR]

The 599 will go mostly unnoticed by most people, the F430 will not. Both are comfortable cars to drive every day (albeit expensive) but the F430 is more fun on the track and gets more looks everywhere. However, both are considered by most as a little over the top. Some feel it says “in your face with my real expensive car”.

I can honestly tell you after hearing one ( 599 ) on the motorway, that it sounds great and has the looks to embarass almost all other cars on the road.

To me the 599 is better looking than the F430.

Cheers,

AR

 

[Doc C]

I can honestly tell you after hearing one ( 599 ) on the motorway, that it sounds great and has the looks to embarass almost all other cars on the road.

To me the 599 is better looking than the F430.

Cheers,

AR

+1 :smile:

 

[WingZ]

I can honestly tell you after hearing one ( 599 ) on the motorway, that it sounds great and has the looks to embarass almost all other cars on the road.

To me the 599 is better looking than the F430.

Cheers,

AR

Another +1 The 599 is drop dead gorgeous in person and idle or full acceleration makes wondrous sounds. I'd take a 599 or F430 any day! I was at a Ferrari meet and most people there agreed.

Just to go a little further
http://www.gtchannel.com/content.php?cid=6165

 

[Accord-R]

I can honestly tell you after hearing one ( 599 ) on the motorway, that it sounds great and has the looks to embarass almost all other cars on the road.

To me the 599 is better looking than the F430.

Cheers,

AR

I think he was talking about stand out looks...meaning the F430 is the stand out brazen car (and the stradale is quicker than the 599 on the track anyways). But look at cars like the Maranello and even the 612, they just simply don't stand out anymore. I don't know if that was the intention, but they age quickly. I think in comparision, the 599 will age better.

Plus the original poster and I got to watch them being assembled in the factory and they sound insane with no exhaust!

I also believe that a twin turbo HSC was the way to go. If the GT-R can do what it does at an obese 3800lbs and a twin turbo V6, I'm sure the HSC could have done the same...and kept the price point around what the NSX was. Plus the NSX is such a great handling car, I'm sure the tweaks they intended for the HSC to have would have put it up there with any car on the road.

 

[NSXGMS]

I also believe that a twin turbo HSC was the way to go. If the GT-R can do what it does at an obese 3800lbs and a twin turbo V6, I'm sure the HSC could have done the same...and kept the price point around what the NSX was. Plus the NSX is such a great handling car, I'm sure the tweaks they intended for the HSC to have would have put it up there with any car on the road.

That would have worked but the bottom line is that Honda should have been developing a V-8 a long time ago. 450 hp from a 4.0-4.2L is child's play for Honda these days and the V-8 would probably have been no larger than the existing C32. Honda could have easily kept the cost under $100K using much the existing NSX platform.

The other option could have been the ~350 hp 3.5L V-6 they were considering and offering a Type-S/R with a factory CTSC C32. That would have kept costs way down and put power around 400+ hp.

With extensive aluminum/CF the weight could have been kept near 3,000 lbs. even with the SH-AWD.

Obviously Honda didn't want to play this game for whatever reason. There won't be another MR performance car coming from Honda for a long time.

 

[UxiNSX]

Nah a V8 isn't enough. At most you're playing with the Vettes. V10 or V12 in an NSX-evolved MR chassis would have been something to wonder at and competing with the likes of the Ferrari and Porsche that were the NSX's original target!

The awkward opportunity of the NSX is just a symptom of a greater problem, thoug... Honda of America just doesn't appreciate Honda's sporting heritage. All they're interested is in the $$$ in selling Civics and Accords and a bit in their green image. Honda of Japan does great things with their numerous Type-R, etc but HoA just doesn't seem interested....

Honda's biggest problem is in letting the NSX get so static, though. The NSX should have been continually evolving: The NA2 upgrade should have included the RL interior / nav pod for the standard model along with radar cruise control. It should have also included an evolution of the C-series motor, incorporating lessons learned with the S2000 development. For NA2, this could have been a modest increase... say 3.5l with a target of 350hp. Make the Type-R aero-kit and lighter weight coupe STANDARD for the US, instead of the bloated Targa, which should have been order on demand or something only for the auto slushboxes. Offer a Type-R and/or GT stripper model for competition purposes.

The ultimate goal should have been an S2000 and NSX successor program. NA3 could/should have been hitting around 08. As an option, the green V6 + IMA etc could have been a varient but shouldn't have been the main car. That should have been a new motor Honda experimented with during S2000 development. Remember, the original idea for S2000 was a 5 cylinder. NSX could have stayed MR, taken 2 of these new 5-cylinder heads and mated them to a common motor in an NA3 chassis. NSX gets the V10 with an optional V6+IMA for the green weenies. S2000 has a new motor for AP3 revision and Honda's sporting heritage thrives as they do in 2008 what they did in 1991.

That would have been the Honda of Soichiro.

 

[NSXGMS]

Nah a V8 isn't enough. At most you're playing with the Vettes. V10 or V12 in an NSX-evolved MR chassis would have been something to wonder at and competing with the likes of the Ferrari and Porsche that were the NSX's original target!

The awkward opportunity of the NSX is just a symptom of a greater problem, thoug... Honda of America just doesn't appreciate Honda's sporting heritage. All they're interested is in the $$$ in selling Civics and Accords and a bit in their green image. Honda of Japan does great things with their numerous Type-R, etc but HoA just doesn't seem interested....

Honda's biggest problem is in letting the NSX get so static, though. The NSX should have been continually evolving: The NA2 upgrade should have included the RL interior / nav pod for the standard model along with radar cruise control. It should have also included an evolution of the C-series motor, incorporating lessons learned with the S2000 development. For NA2, this could have been a modest increase... say 3.5l with a target of 350hp. Make the Type-R aero-kit and lighter weight coupe STANDARD for the US, instead of the bloated Targa, which should have been order on demand or something only for the auto slushboxes. Offer a Type-R and/or GT stripper model for competition purposes.

The ultimate goal should have been an S2000 and NSX successor program. NA3 could/should have been hitting around 08. As an option, the green V6 + IMA etc could have been a varient but shouldn't have been the main car. That should have been a new motor Honda experimented with during S2000 development. Remember, the original idea for S2000 was a 5 cylinder. NSX could have stayed MR, taken 2 of these new 5-cylinder heads and mated them to a common motor in an NA3 chassis. NSX gets the V10 with an optional V6+IMA for the green weenies. S2000 has a new motor for AP3 revision and Honda's sporting heritage thrives as they do in 2008 what they did in 1991.

That would have been the Honda of Soichiro.

A V-8 putting out 450 hp would have fit Honda's philosophy very nicely. I know this is speculation but let's keep it real. Honda, particularly under Soichiro, was never about overpowering the competition. The NSX did quite fine with their 3.0L V-6 compared to the Ferrari's ~3.5L V-8.

A V-10 is a seriously stupid idea, particularly before the development of a V-8. It's for bragging rights only. The experts know it's an inherently difficult design to work with and keep running for 100K+ miles. There are only two high-output V-10s in production (and only three ever produced in the modern era) for a reason. Many experts claim that these two engines will not last more than 60K before a rebuild becomes necessary. A V-12 is certainly a better starting point but why? More cylinders does not necessarily equal a faster car. And you still have to stuff a V-10 or V-12 in the car. Much easier with a V-8.

There are always going to be faster cars in a straight line and also faster cars on the track. Do you think 911 buyers are going to defect because the GT-R is faster around the Nordschleife? The NSX was about ease, feel, reliability, looks and style and could hold it's own--but not necessarily beat--the doubly expensive big boys. A masterpiece of a V-8 from Honda would have given any of the modern V-10s a run for their money. Unfortunately, I think Fukui agrees with you and is hell-bent on developing this V-10 albatross and stuffing it into the front a bloated 350Z clone...:frown:

I do agree with the rest of your post. Honda failed the NSX, not the other way around. Failure to market and update the car spelled doom for the NSX (and S2000). Now, Fukui could care less about the NSX and Soichiro's passion. He just wants to sell Civics and Fits.

The progression of updates the NSX should have received is fairly easy to see. The NA2 should have debuted in 1994 or 1995 with the introduction of the NSX-T. The introduction of the Type-S/R to N. America should have followed and continued. The 02+ updates should have occurred in 1997-1998. A power bump would have been nice but the previously introduced Type-S/R options with a balanced & blueprinted motor and beefier suspension would have kept the speed-hungry happy for the time being.

The NA3 should have debuted in the form of the HSC in 2002. Either a 350 hp "C35" engine or a B & B C30 with better headers and exhaust with a factory CTSC chould have been used. The NA3 should have been significantly quicker than the F360. If the SH-AWD also could have been implemented at that time the NA3 would have almost certainly been even faster than a 360CS and at a full 2 years before the F430 was introduced it would have stood alone once again as it did in 1991. The NA4 would have already been out, probably in 2007 or 2008, incorporating paddle shift and better SH-AWD, suspension updates more streamlining, body updates and maybe another power boost (ideally the 450 hp V-8) to put it right there with the F430 or even the Scuderia.

It would really not have been hard for Honda to follow that timeline. They wouldn't have even had to bump power until 2002 at which time they could have just slapped a CTSC on and called it a day. How hard is that? I think 15 years to develop a V-8 is plenty of time.

We can dream...

 

[MvM]

We can dream...

Yes, we can. Have done so many time.

Makes me think of this old thread.... :smile:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48245

 

[liftcontrol]

...all this would have, could have and should have is useless griping.....

A V-8 putting out 450 hp would have fit Honda's philosophy very nicely. I know this is speculation but let's keep it real.

A V-10 is a seriously stupid idea,

A masterpiece of a V-8 from Honda would have given any of the modern V-10s a run for their money. Unfortunately, I think Fukui agrees with you and is hell-bent on developing this V-10 albatross and stuffing it into the front a bloated 350Z clone...:frown:

Failure to market and update the car spelled doom for the NSX (and S2000). Now, Fukui could care less about the NSX and Soichiro's passion. He just wants to sell Civics and Fits.

The progression of updates the NSX should have received is fairly easy to see. The NA2 should have debuted in 1994 or 1995 with the introduction of the NSX-T. The introduction of the Type-S/R to N. America should have followed and continued. The 02+ updates should have occurred in 1997-1998. A power bump would have been nice but the previously introduced Type-S/R options with a balanced & blueprinted motor and beefier suspension would have kept the speed-hungry happy for the time being.

The NA3 should have debuted in the form of the HSC in 2002. Either a 350 hp "C35" engine or a B & B C30 with better headers and exhaust with a factory CTSC chould have been used. The NA3 should have been significantly quicker than the F360. If the SH-AWD also could have been implemented at that time the NA3 would have almost certainly been even faster than a 360CS and at a full 2 years before the F430 was introduced it would have stood alone once again as it did in 1991. The NA4 would have already been out, probably in 2007 or 2008, incorporating paddle shift and better SH-AWD, suspension updates more streamlining, body updates and maybe another power boost (ideally the 450 hp V-8) to put it right there with the F430 or even the Scuderia.

It would really not have been hard for Honda to follow that timeline. They wouldn't have even had to bump power until 2002 at which time they could have just slapped a CTSC on and called it a day. How hard is that? I think 15 years to develop a V-8 is plenty of time.

We can dream...

All this would have, should have , could have is purely a waste of time and is as mute a point as trying to figure out what the Dodo bird should have, could have done so that it would still be around
It makes me think of such argument as nothing more than a tantrum:
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v137/time2time/?action=view&current=torturemegan1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v137/time2time/torturemegan1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[picture taken from vancehu in a different thread].

Look instead at the fabulous machine HONDA is preparing and be happy:biggrin:

 

[NSXGMS]

Re: ...all this would have, could have and should have is useless griping.....

Look instead at the fabulous machine HONDA is preparing...

Did I miss something?

 

[liftcontrol]

Re: ...all this would have, could have and should have is useless griping.....

Did I miss something?

Did you miss something? Only a normally aspirated, screaming devil of a V-10 Honda engine, putting out in the neighborhood of 600hp, using light weight [carbon fiber, aluminum] body/chassis/suspension and F1 technology in the development of the chassis, suspension and aerodynamics.

Only that a V-10 engine is NOT a completely NEW developement for Honda. They have been racing this configuration during the 80's and 90's. And that a V-8 on the other hand would indeed be a completely new development for them.

Only this beast setting his predator eyes deep into your own.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v137/time2time/Personal%20Autos/?action=view&current=acura_nsx_july_08_21.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v137/time2time/Personal%20Autos/acura_nsx_july_08_21.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I feel that the time for second guessing and blaming HONDA is finally over. They are on the verge of giving the HONDA enthusiasts what we have been clamoring and sreaming for years. To continue to blame HONDA for what they could or should or might have accomplised had they continued to develop the NSX engine/chassis is a fruitless exercise now that the direction HONDA has taken is finally clear. To continue to long for what could have been done to the wonderful but now departed NSX over the past decade or so is not only a waste of energy, it takes away the focus from what is shaping up to be the most true-to-its-roots and the least compromised ultra performance machine that HONDA has ever developed for the road.

Why worry over spoiled and spilled milk when a feast that we could only dream of is becoming a reality right in front of our eyes.:smile:

So did you and many more on this forum who cannot seem to get over the fact that the NSX was wonderful BUT IT IS GONE, miss something? Yes, you are missing the entire point of the new HONDA super car. You are not realizing that HONDA is finally doing what it does best. They are doing what is in their genes and what comes naturally to them. They are making the best damned performance car they can build and they are doing that without the bean counters running the show.

Sometimes we can be so focused on a single tree that we miss the entire jungle.

 

[NSXGMS]

Re: ...all this would have, could have and should have is useless griping.....

Did you miss something? Only a normally aspirated, screaming devil of a V-10 Honda engine, putting out in the neighborhood of 600hp, using light weight [carbon fiber, aluminum] body/chassis/suspension and F1 technology in the development of the chassis, suspension and aerodynamics.

Only that a V-10 engine is NOT a completely NEW developement for Honda. They have been racing this configuration during the 80's and 90's. And that a V-8 on the other hand would indeed be a completely new development for them.

Only this beast setting his predator eyes deep into your own.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v137/time2time/Personal%20Autos/?action=view&current=acura_nsx_july_08_21.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v137/time2time/Personal%20Autos/acura_nsx_july_08_21.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I feel that the time for second guessing and blaming HONDA is finally over. They are on the verge of giving the HONDA enthusiasts what we have been clamoring and sreaming for years. To continue to blame HONDA for what they could or should or might have accomplised had they continued to develop the NSX engine/chassis is a fruitless exercise now that the direction HONDA has taken is finally clear. To continue to long for what could have been done to the wonderful but now departed NSX over the past decade or so is not only a waste of energy, it takes away the focus from what is shaping up to be the most true-to-its-roots and the least compromised ultra performance machine that HONDA has ever developed for the road.

Why worry over spoiled and spilled milk when a feast that we could only dream of is becoming a reality right in front of our eyes.:smile:

So did you and many more on this forum who cannot seem to get over the fact that the NSX was wonderful BUT IT IS GONE, miss something? Yes, you are missing the entire point of the new HONDA super car. You are not realizing that HONDA is finally doing what it does best. They are doing what is in their genes and what comes naturally to them. They are making the best damned performance car they can build and they are doing that without the bean counters running the show.

Sometimes we can be so focused on a single tree that we miss the entire jungle.

There is absolutely no confirmation from Honda that any of these features will be incorporated in Honda's project: "screaming devil of a V-10 Honda engine, putting out in the neighborhood of 600hp, using light weight [carbon fiber, aluminum] body/chassis/suspension and F1 technology in the development of the chassis, suspension and aerodynamics"

The V-10 is still talk and Honda has not yet confimred it even has one ready to go. No use of CF or extensive Al has been confirmed and was, in fact, ruled out at the debut of the ASCC and quite frankly, the way Honda's F1 program is going, I don't want any F1 technology near the car. And by the way, an F1 V-10 that is built to last for one race isn't even in the same universe as a road going version that needs to last 100K+ miles. I'll believe it when I see it.

I'd love to focus on this car but it is far from reality and what I have seen is very disappointing. If you actually believe what Honda says anymore you are definitely being had. Honda has become a master of deception and secrecy and I simply do not believe that Fukui is willing--or even capable--of producing something to rival the GT-R.

It's already long overdue, there are no specs, no time frame and all we see is an ugly 350Z clone running on tracks. Every other month the car mags have a different take on the car. Their lack of support for the S2000 and NSX makes me doubt that even if they were to produce such a car that they would be able to support it. Besides, the cost of the car that you describe would be astronomical.

One could argue that we're both living in fantasy worlds. There's nothing wrong with looking back and analyzing mistakes but to speculate about something that may never happen is a complete waste of time.

 

[liftcontrol]

Re: ...all this would have, could have and should have is useless griping.....

There is absolutely no confirmation from Honda that any of these features will be incorporated in Honda's project: "screaming devil of a V-10 Honda engine, putting out in the neighborhood of 600hp,

The V-10 is still talk and Honda has not yet confimred it even has one ready to go. an F1 V-10 that is built to last for one race isn't even in the same universe as a road going version that needs to last 100K+ miles. I'll believe it when I see it.

I simply do not believe that Fukui is willing--or even capable--of producing something to rival the GT-R.

to speculate about something that may never happen is a complete waste of time.

No speculation here at all. Just a mean little critter with a honking screamer of an engine playing to its heart's content.

This should do wonders to change your mind:biggrin:
Clearly this is not any one's imagination. The S2000 mule that was running around the 'Ring needed no camo. This car does need a lot of camo. Good, it is nearing completion:wink:

You do NOT use an F1 engine built for one race in a road going car. You use the lessons learned and the technology from the F1 program in a road going car. That applies to all automakers, not just HONDA.

You do not think HONDA F1 engines are doing well? You clearly do not follow open wheel [F1] racing in the US. Incredible performance and bullet proof reliability.:biggrin:


And here is the car speaking for itself, loud and clear. No need to imagine anything.:smile:
Just play the video and listen to that symphony!

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/d...?tid=edmunds.il.futurelanding.latestnews..4.*

and here is another to add to your visual and aural pleasure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0OTEZDAb9c&feature=related