I had a conversation with someone who offered an interesting position on the debate about the "next generation NSX". We have all seen the moves Honda has made recently with the NSX facelift as well as the Dual Note and DN-X concept cars. We assume that some of the technology from the concept cars or a rumored V8 for the RL/Legend will make its way into the NSX's successor.
But what if there were no successor to the NSX?
I have thought about this for a while since having the conversation, and am starting to think that it is a realistic possibility.
It isn't all that unreasonable a proposition, really. The NSX was built as a proving ground for new technology that eventually made its way into the whole Honda/Acura product line. It was also a way to get people into the dealerships, especially in the US where Acura was a new marque.
In recent years, the new technology from Honda is making its way into other vehicles first... S2000, RSX, etc., and not into the NSX. Furthermore, it is vehicles like SUVs (like the MDX and Pilot in the US) and minivans (like the Odyssey (and Lagreat) and Stepwagon in Japan) that are getting people into new car showrooms. Therefore, is producing a low volume car which is sold at a loss a smart thing to do, especially if the original intended goals are now being served by other vehicles in the manufacturer's lineup?
Think about it - the manufacturing facility in Tochigi is now also used to produce the S2000 and the Insight. Honda may no longer have the manufacturing capacity in this factory to produce a larger number of NSXs (or its successor). Also, if Honda decides to discontinue the car, they don't have to worry about what to do with the factory - it's already in use, and the capacity currently used for the NSX could be put to use producing cars like the S2000 which have a higher demand.
Thoughts?
EDR
But what if there were no successor to the NSX?
I have thought about this for a while since having the conversation, and am starting to think that it is a realistic possibility.
It isn't all that unreasonable a proposition, really. The NSX was built as a proving ground for new technology that eventually made its way into the whole Honda/Acura product line. It was also a way to get people into the dealerships, especially in the US where Acura was a new marque.
In recent years, the new technology from Honda is making its way into other vehicles first... S2000, RSX, etc., and not into the NSX. Furthermore, it is vehicles like SUVs (like the MDX and Pilot in the US) and minivans (like the Odyssey (and Lagreat) and Stepwagon in Japan) that are getting people into new car showrooms. Therefore, is producing a low volume car which is sold at a loss a smart thing to do, especially if the original intended goals are now being served by other vehicles in the manufacturer's lineup?
Think about it - the manufacturing facility in Tochigi is now also used to produce the S2000 and the Insight. Honda may no longer have the manufacturing capacity in this factory to produce a larger number of NSXs (or its successor). Also, if Honda decides to discontinue the car, they don't have to worry about what to do with the factory - it's already in use, and the capacity currently used for the NSX could be put to use producing cars like the S2000 which have a higher demand.
Thoughts?
EDR
