Spy Shots: 2009/10 Acura NSX

[BD]

Thanks Vance. This was extremely informative. Do you still think that, after all the NSX has done to prove itself worthy in the market, people will still think "It's just a Honda"?

Do you believe it is wise for Honda to go Front Engine as opposed to MID??

I all honestly, I am just happy that they are going somewhere, even though it's not the route most of us hoped:biggrin:

You see, it is not matter of "it's just a Honda." When I drive down Pacific Coast Highway and see a 911TT, or Ferrari 360, I say to my self "It's just another F/P car." I own a retail business and most of the kids go through my door will tell me that F/P cars are nice, but there are just way too many here!

People graduate from cars. For example, Civic/S2000 owner will move on to a used NSX because it is a better car. A Ferrari 308/328/348/355 owners may move up to a 360/F430 but most likely to a Maranello or F599. BMW cpe owners (M3) will most likely move up to a M5/AMG. And 993/996/997 owners who wants seating space will move up to a FR car such as AMG, M5, or more extreme, Bentley GT, etc.

I have no doubt that Honda focused on a FR platform such as ASC because they most likely believe that people who graduated from the NSX want something more “elegant” and easier to get in and out. Most of the NSX buyers back in the days were between the age of 30 to 45-ish, now they are in their 60's and want some thing faster, easier to work with, can travel a very long distance and still with utility value. That is why cars such as F599, SLR Vision, and Bentley GT are selling very well well. And Honda knows that owners who bought the NSX new years ago, they most likely want to stay with Honda because of the build quality and driving experience.

 

[clarknm]

Talk about catering to a small audience. I hope they have bigger plans than that, but I can't afford 150K no matter what it is so I guess I'm not their target

 

[BD]

Talk about catering to a small audience. I hope they have bigger plans than that, but I can't afford 150K no matter what it is so I guess I'm not their target

Yes they do have a bigger plan, it has been excercised. It is called S2k and used NSX. If you own one of them, they hit the target.

 

[Ponyboy]

Nurburgring test times for the photographed car are around the 8:20 mark. Not too shabby for a test mule.

Here's hoping the finished product can do it in the mid 7's.

 

[areout]

Sorry but 8:20 for supposed 500 HP sportscar is just...worthless

 

[BD]

8:03 - 153.540 km/h - Porsche 911 GT3, 360 PS/1391 kg (sport auto 08/99)
8:04 - 153.223 km/h - Lamborghini Diablo GT, 575 PS/1620 kg (sport auto 07/00)
8:05 - 152.907 km/h - Ferrari 575M Maranello F1, 580 PS/1820 kg (sport auto 12/02)
8:13 - 150.426 km/h - Lotus Esprit Sport 350, 354 PS/1324 kg (sport auto 05/99)
8:14 - 150.120 km/h - Mercedes SL 65 AMG, 612 PS/2049 kg (sport auto 01/05)
8:15 - 149.818 km/h - Porsche 997 Carrera 2, Walter Roehrl (WHEELS 06/04)
8:16.15 149.471 km/h - Honda NSX (Best Motoring video “Carrera Invasion”)
8:17 - 149.215 km/h - Porsche 911 Carrera, 320 PS/1399 kg (sport auto 06/01)
8:18 - 149.916 km/h - Chevrolet Corvette Z05 Commemorative Edition, 344 PS (sport auto 09/2003)
8:18 - 149.916 km/h - Ferrari F355, 380 PS/1350 kg (sport auto 06/97)
8:20 - 148.320 km/h - Audi RS6, 400 PS/ 1815 kg (sport auto 03/01)
8:20 - 148.320 km/h - BMW M3 E36, 321 hp (Autocar magazine 1997)
8:20 - 148.320 km/h - Porche 993 GT3, Walter Roehrl (Car magazine 10/99)
8:22 - 147.749 km/h - BMW M3 E46, 343 PS/1584 kg (sport auto 12/00)
8:22 - 147.749 km/h - BMW M Coupe, 321 PS/1445 kg (sport auto 10/98)
8:22 - 147.749 km/h - Mercedes-Benz C55 (sport auto07/2004)
8:22.38 147.617 km/h - Nissan Skyline R32 GTR (Best Motoring video “Carrera Invasion”)
8:23 - 147.435 km/h - Porsche Boxster S, 280 PS/1426 kg (sport auto 04/06)
8:23 - 147.435 km/h - Porsche 996 Carrera 4, 300 PS/1466 kg (sport auto 01/02)
8:24 - 147.143 km/h - Mercedes SLK 55 AMG, 360PS/1566kg (sport auto 04/05), http://speed.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=0&fID=2&tID=31462
8:24 - 147.143 km/h - Subaru Impreza WRX STi (sport auto 05/04)
8:25 - 146.851 km/h - Audi RS4, 375 PS/1675 kg (sport auto 10/00)
8:25 - 146.851 km/h - Corvette Callaway C12, 400 PS/1564 kg (sport auto 04/99)
8:26 - 146.561 km/h - Nissan 350Z, 280 PS/1526 kg (sport auto 10/03)
8:28 - 145.984 km/h - BMW M5, 400PS/1833 kg (sport auto 03/99)
8:28 - 145.984 km/h - Nissan Skyline GTR, 277 PS
8:28 - 145.984 km/h - Porsche 993 Carrera 2, 285 PS/1452 kg (sport auto 01/98)
8:28.93 145.690 km/h - Subaru Impreza WRX sedan (1992) “www.subaru.com.hk/pdf/SNW0404.pdf
8:29 - 145.697 km/h - Mercedes Benz CLK 55 AMG, 347 PS/1593 kg (sport auto 05/00)
8:29 - 145.697 km/h - Audi S4 4.2 Avant, 344 PS/1826 kg (sport auto 11/03)
8:31.- 145.130 km/h - 2006 CADILLAC STS-V, 440PS/1948 kg, www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=101519
8:31.42 145.008 km/h - Ferrari F355, 380hp (Top Gear magazine)
8:32 - 144.844 km/h - Lotus Exige, 192hp (sport auto 08/04)
8:32 - 144.844 km/h - BMW M Roadster, 321 PS/1410 kg (sport auto 09/97)
8:32 - 144.844 km/h - BMW Z4 3.0 SMG, 231 PS/1396 kg (sport auto 05/03)
8:32 - 144.844 km/h - Porsche Boxster S, 252 PS/1386 kg (sport auto 12/99)
8:32 - 144.844 km/h - Volkswagen Golf R32 Mk. IV, 250 PS
8:33.80 144.336 km/h - Honda NSX (6-speed) Coupe, 276 PS (Top Gear magazine)
8:34 - 144.280 km/h - BMW Z3 Coupé 3.0i, 231 PS/1350 kg (sport auto 04/01)
8:35 - 144.000 km/h - BMW M3 SMG E36, 321 PS/1515 kg (sport auto 03/97)
8:36 - 143.585 km/h - Porsche Boxster ´03, 228 PS/1370 kg (sport auto 02/03)
8:36.42 143.604 km/h - BMW M3 EVO, 321hp (Top Gear magazine)
8:37 - 143.443 km/h - Nissan Skyline GTR V-Spec, 350 PS
8:37 - 143.443 km/h - Honda NSX 3.0 (sport auto 07/91)
8:37.10 143.415 km/h - Nissan GTR V, 350 pS (Top Gear maagzine)
8:38 - 143.166 km/h - Honda NSX 3.2, 280 PS/1386 kg (sport auto 08/97)
8:38 - 143.166 km/h - Porsche 996 Carrera, 296hp
8:39 - 142.890 km/h - Honda S2000, 240 PS/1275 kg (sport auto 01/00)
8:40 - 142.615 km/h - Chevrolet Corvette C5 automatic, 344 PS/1505 kg (sport auto 07/97)
8:42 - 142.069 km/h - Audi S4, 265 PS/1592 kg (sport auto 08/98)
8:42 - 142.069 km/h - Audi TT 1.8 quattro w. ESP, 225 PS/1461 kg, (sport auto 07/01)
8:42 - 142.069 km/h - Lotus Exige, 179 PS/796 kg, (sport auto 11/00)
8:43 - 141.797 km/h - Honda Integra Type R (sport auto 12/00)
8:44.83 141.303 km/h - Chevrolet Corvette Coupe, 339 PS, automatic (Top Gear magazine)
8:46 - 140.989 km/h - Porsche 993 Carrera S, 285hp
8:47 - 140.721 km/h - Honda Civic Type-R, 200 PS/1246 kg (sport auto 11/01)
8:48.25 - 140.388 km/h - Porsche 911 Carrera, 285hp (Top Gear magazine)
8:49 - 140.189 km/h - Audi TT 1.8T quattro Coupé, 225 PS/1461 kg (sport auto 11/98)
8:51 - 139.661 km/h - Mercedes Benz C43 AMG, 306 PS/1571 kg (sport auto 12/01)
8:52 - 139.398 km/h - Mercedes Benz CLK 430, 279 PS/1564 kg (sport auto 09/01)
8:52 - 139.529 km/h - VW Golf GTI DSG, 200 PS/1421 kg (sport auto 11/05)
8:54 - 138.897 km/h - Porsche Boxster, 204 PS/1325 kg (sport auto 01/97)
8:55 - 134.579 km/h - Mini Cooper S Works, 200 hp (sport auto ??/04)
8:58 - 133.829 km/h - Lotus Esprit Turbo SE (sport auto 07/97)
9:07 - 135.576 km/h - Mercedes SLK 230, 195 PS/1356 kg (sport auto 05/01)

 

[NSXrebel]

What was the time for NA2 Type R?

 

[Ponyboy]

Sorry but 8:20 for supposed 500 HP sportscar is just...worthless

It's a test mule...a test mule...a test mule. W/o final suspension tuning, w/o final aero, w/o final drivetrain tuning. Plus I sincerely doubt that the car was being hammered on through all 14 miles of the Nurburgring.

But you're right the car is awful. :|

 

[BladesNSX]

How interesting. The 3.0 NSX ran a better lap (just by a second, but still) than the 3.2 NSX. I also would like to know what the Type-R ran. Those are impressive times for a..........Ponyboy....What's it called again?:biggrin:

 

[BD]

How interesting. The 3.0 NSX ran a better lap (just by a second, but still) than the 3.2 NSX. I also would like to know what the Type-R ran. Those are impressive times for a..........Ponyboy....What's it called again?:biggrin:

Best motoring documented with Gan San.

7:56.


And that suspension is now on my car:wink: :biggrin:

 

[Drag Limited]

As much as I'd like it to be a Mid-engine, from the photos, it appears to be empty behind the driver and passanger seats.

Also WHERE ARE THE ENGINE VENTS for a mid engine?

If it was mid-engine, there needs to be airflow to that area of the car, like in the NSX where it has 2 side vents and one behind the hatch.

Maybe Mid engine cars need intake vents.... seems to be that rear engine cars dont :wink: Although yes there are exhaust vents, i'm sure on a test mule and not a 100K mile potential car they can go with out them?

PS: I think the car that we're talking about does in fact have a front engine.

 

[BladesNSX]

Best motoring documented with Gan San.

7:56.


And that suspension is now on my car:wink: :biggrin:

LOL, Now all you need is Gan San behind the wheel:tongue:

 

[Doc C]

Interesting. I looked at the supercars website and my SL 55 AMG did an 8:06, which was faster than the NSX-R. I thought it felt nimble for the overweight beast that it is!!!! Still like to drive the NSX on the twisties, but the SL 55 is a hoot as well. I think that Jeremy Clarkson guy had one and it's time on their test track was in the top 2 or 3 cars ever tested on Top Gear at that time. It was also voted in the top 10 most gay cars as well, so you win some and lose some I guess!!! :biggrin:

 

[NSXrebel]

Interesting. I looked at the supercars website and my SL 55 AMG did an 8:06, which was faster than the NSX-R.

How is 8:06 faster than 7:56??

Best motoring documented with Gan San.

7:56.


And that suspension is now on my car:wink: :biggrin:

 

[areout]

You dont have a clue, its a merc...leet car, especially if its a diesel...

 

[Doc C]

How is 8:06 faster than 7:56??

Like I said, I went to the supercars.net website for a listing of Nurburgring times. I have copied and pasted a portion of the list for your convenience. The NSX-R has a slower time. Not the one driven Gan San or Ginsu or whoever.

3 kg (sport auto 01/06),
7:56 --- 155.798 km/h -- Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, 425 PS/1387 kg (sport auto 02/04)
7:56 --- 155.798 km/h -- Porsche 996 Turbo, 420 PS/1569 kg (sport auto 06/00)
7:56* - 155.798 km/h -- Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ,company chief engineer Dave Hill (*mfr.)
7:56.50 155.594 km/h -- Mercedes CLK DTM AMG, 582 PS/1678kg, Klaus Ludwig (AutoBild 02/06)
7:56.65 155.569 km/h – Lamborghini Gallardo SE, 520 PS/1560 kg, Tom Kristensen (AutoBild 02/06)
7:56.73* 155.569 km/h -- Honda NSX-R (*Best Motoring video "Carrera Invasion", lap not complete)
7:57 --- 155.472 km/h -- AC Schnitzer Tension, 552 PS/1797 kg (sport auto 04/07), www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=1&fID=1&tID=123445
7:57 --- 155.472 km/h -- Lotec Porsche 993 Turbo, 600 PS/1558 kg (sport auto 05/98)
7:58 --- 156.652 km/h -- Audi RS4 4.2 V8 FSI, 420 PS/ 1650 kg, Frank Stippler, (10/05) www.8200rpm.com/forum/read.php?f=10&i=16841&t=16841\
7:59 --- 154.822 km/h -- Porsche 997 Carrera S, PASM setting “Performance”, (Walter Roehrl WHEELS 06/ 2004)
7:59* -- 154.822 km/h -- Chevrolet C6 Z51, company test driver Dave Hill (*mfr.)
7:59 --- 154.822 km/h -- Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R, Dirk Schoymans (Autocar magazine 97)
7:59.41 154.690 km/h -- Subaru Impreza WRX STi spec.C "prototype" (2004), www.subaru.com.hk/pdf/SNW0404.pdf
8:01.72 153.984 km/h -- Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R, (Best Motoring video "Carrera Invasion")
8:01.84 153.984 km/h -- Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, 520 PS/1760 kg, www.autobild.de/test/neuwagen/artikel.php?artikel_id=14111&artikel_seite=1
8:02 --- 153.858 km/h -- Porsche 997 Carrera S, PASM setting “Sport”, (Walter Roehrl WHEELS 06/ 04)
8:03 --- 153.540 km/h – Aston Martin V8 Vantage, 385 PS/1636 kg, Pirelli P Zero Corsa (sport auto 10/05)
8:03 --- 153.540 km/h -- Porsche 911 GT3, 360 PS/1391 kg (sport auto 08/99)
8:04 --- 153.223 km/h -- Lamborghini Diablo GT, 575 PS/1620 kg (sport auto 07/00)
8:05 --- 152.907 km/h -- Ferrari 575M Maranello F1, 580 PS/1820 kg (sport auto 12/02)
8:05 --- 152.907 km/h -- Porsche 997 Carrera S, PASM settino “Standard”, Walter Roehrl (WHEELS 06/04)
8:05 --- 152.907 km/h -- Porsche 997 Carrera S, 355PS/1461kg (sport auto 05/05),
8:05 --- 152.907 km/h -- Ruf CTR, www.lad.lv/~martini/porsche/Videos/RUF-CTR_Nurburgring1.wmv
8:06 --- 152.592 km/h -- Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG (sport auto 04/02)
8:06.01 152.589 km/h -- Subaru WRX Sti C-spec (Best Motoring video "Carrera Invasion")
8:07 --- 152.279 km/h -- Ferrari 550 Maranello, 485 PS/1724 kg (sport auto 06/98)
8:07.76 152.041 km/h -- BMW M6, 507 PS/1761 kg, Prinz Luitpold von Bayern (AutoBild 02/06)
8:08.62 151.774 km/h -- HGP Golf R32 Turbo Stufe 3, 495 PS/1660 kg, www.autobild.de/test/neuwagen/artikel.php?artikel_id=14071
8:09 --- 151.656 km/h – Audi RS4, 420 PS/1728 kg (sport auto 06/06)
8:09 --- 151.656 km/h -- BMW M6, 507 PS/1761 kg (sport auto 12/05)
8:09 --- 151.656 km/h -- Honda NSX-R, 320 PS/1467 kg (sport auto 08/02)
8:09 --- 151.656 km/h -- Ferrari 360 Modena , 400 PS/1464 kg (sport auto 10/99)
8:09 --- 151.656 km/h -- Lamborghini Diablo SV, 520 PS/1590 kg (sport auto 12/97)



The two times I was comparing were done by Sport auto in '02. The 7:56 time states, "lap not complete" next to it. The asterisk next to that time means it was estimated. I simply thought there was more accuracy in the completed lap time than one that was estimated. I'm sorry for the confusion.:smile:

 

[Doc C]

You dont have a clue, its a merc...leet car, especially if its a diesel...

What the......????

 

[areout]

Like I said, I went to the supercars.net website for a listing of Nurburgring times. I have copied and pasted a portion of the list for your convenience. The NSX-R has a slower time. Not the one driven Gan San or Ginsu or whoever.

3 kg (sport auto 01/06),
7:56 --- 155.798 km/h -- Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, 425 PS/1387 kg (sport auto 02/04)
7:56 --- 155.798 km/h -- Porsche 996 Turbo, 420 PS/1569 kg (sport auto 06/00)
7:56* - 155.798 km/h -- Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ,company chief engineer Dave Hill (*mfr.)
7:56.50 155.594 km/h -- Mercedes CLK DTM AMG, 582 PS/1678kg, Klaus Ludwig (AutoBild 02/06)
7:56.65 155.569 km/h – Lamborghini Gallardo SE, 520 PS/1560 kg, Tom Kristensen (AutoBild 02/06)
7:56.73* 155.569 km/h -- Honda NSX-R (*Best Motoring video "Carrera Invasion", lap not complete)
7:57 --- 155.472 km/h -- AC Schnitzer Tension, 552 PS/1797 kg (sport auto 04/07), www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=1&fID=1&tID=123445
7:57 --- 155.472 km/h -- Lotec Porsche 993 Turbo, 600 PS/1558 kg (sport auto 05/98)
7:58 --- 156.652 km/h -- Audi RS4 4.2 V8 FSI, 420 PS/ 1650 kg, Frank Stippler, (10/05) www.8200rpm.com/forum/read.php?f=10&i=16841&t=16841\
7:59 --- 154.822 km/h -- Porsche 997 Carrera S, PASM setting “Performance”, (Walter Roehrl WHEELS 06/ 2004)
7:59* -- 154.822 km/h -- Chevrolet C6 Z51, company test driver Dave Hill (*mfr.)
7:59 --- 154.822 km/h -- Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R, Dirk Schoymans (Autocar magazine 97)
7:59.41 154.690 km/h -- Subaru Impreza WRX STi spec.C "prototype" (2004), www.subaru.com.hk/pdf/SNW0404.pdf
8:01.72 153.984 km/h -- Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R, (Best Motoring video "Carrera Invasion")
8:01.84 153.984 km/h -- Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, 520 PS/1760 kg, www.autobild.de/test/neuwagen/artikel.php?artikel_id=14111&artikel_seite=1
8:02 --- 153.858 km/h -- Porsche 997 Carrera S, PASM setting “Sport”, (Walter Roehrl WHEELS 06/ 04)
8:03 --- 153.540 km/h – Aston Martin V8 Vantage, 385 PS/1636 kg, Pirelli P Zero Corsa (sport auto 10/05)
8:03 --- 153.540 km/h -- Porsche 911 GT3, 360 PS/1391 kg (sport auto 08/99)
8:04 --- 153.223 km/h -- Lamborghini Diablo GT, 575 PS/1620 kg (sport auto 07/00)
8:05 --- 152.907 km/h -- Ferrari 575M Maranello F1, 580 PS/1820 kg (sport auto 12/02)
8:05 --- 152.907 km/h -- Porsche 997 Carrera S, PASM settino “Standard”, Walter Roehrl (WHEELS 06/04)
8:05 --- 152.907 km/h -- Porsche 997 Carrera S, 355PS/1461kg (sport auto 05/05),
8:05 --- 152.907 km/h -- Ruf CTR, www.lad.lv/~martini/porsche/Videos/RUF-CTR_Nurburgring1.wmv
8:06 --- 152.592 km/h -- Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG (sport auto 04/02)
8:06.01 152.589 km/h -- Subaru WRX Sti C-spec (Best Motoring video "Carrera Invasion")
8:07 --- 152.279 km/h -- Ferrari 550 Maranello, 485 PS/1724 kg (sport auto 06/98)
8:07.76 152.041 km/h -- BMW M6, 507 PS/1761 kg, Prinz Luitpold von Bayern (AutoBild 02/06)
8:08.62 151.774 km/h -- HGP Golf R32 Turbo Stufe 3, 495 PS/1660 kg, www.autobild.de/test/neuwagen/artikel.php?artikel_id=14071
8:09 --- 151.656 km/h – Audi RS4, 420 PS/1728 kg (sport auto 06/06)
8:09 --- 151.656 km/h -- BMW M6, 507 PS/1761 kg (sport auto 12/05)
8:09 --- 151.656 km/h -- Honda NSX-R, 320 PS/1467 kg (sport auto 08/02)
8:09 --- 151.656 km/h -- Ferrari 360 Modena , 400 PS/1464 kg (sport auto 10/99)
8:09 --- 151.656 km/h -- Lamborghini Diablo SV, 520 PS/1590 kg (sport auto 12/97)



The two times I was comparing were done by Sport auto in '02. The 7:56 time states, "lap not complete" next to it. The asterisk next to that time means it was estimated. I simply thought there was more accuracy in the completed lap time than one that was estimated. I'm sorry for the confusion.:smile:

You can find video on youtube, they made it on the final straight so that estimation is pretty accurate

 

[Hapa88]

Maybe Mid engine cars need intake vents.... seems to be that rear engine cars dont :wink: Although yes there are exhaust vents, i'm sure on a test mule and not a 100K mile potential car they can go with out them?

PS: I think the car that we're talking about does in fact have a front engine.

You forgot the HUGE vent right above the Carrera emblem, just below the rear glass. It's usually a part of the retractable spoiler. :tongue:

 

[Drag Limited]

You forgot the HUGE vent right above the Carrera emblem, just below the rear glass. It's usually a part of the retractable spoiler. :tongue:

Well crap, I give up :tongue:

 

[BD]

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Yes, 7:56. And that particular set of suspension is STILL on my car.:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

 

[BladesNSX]

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DdGoFhs1pf4"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DdGoFhs1pf4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

Yes, 7:56. And that particular set of suspension is STILL on my car.:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

Damn, I would love to A: Have this video on HD and B: Have outside views of the car doing drive by's on the track....In HD :biggrin:

 

[myopicpaideia]

Yes they do have a bigger plan, it has been excercised. It is called S2k and used NSX. If you own one of them, they hit the target.

Vance, man, that argument just doesn't hold any water. How is a used NSX Honda hitting their target? How is a used car sale of ANY benefit to Honda? They are in the business of selling NEW cars. Also, how does the S2000 fit into this at all? It is a sporty roadster. I understand your point about people "graduating" up within their brand loyalty, from a Civic or Sentra to an S2000 or 350Z, but that is only a very small piece of the reason for better, faster cars being marketed. These cars are marketed to people who can afford to buy them right now, not in 5-10 years when they can finally get the cars of their dreams used. Sure, in their youth they may have driven civics and accords that made them love the brand, and it may influence their decision on buying a newer and more powerful and well equipped car from Honda, but to say that the new GT car is being marketed at current and previous NSX owners is really naive and narrow-focused. Do you realize how small a pool of consumers that is? This new GT car is not even an "graduating" up type of vehicle anyway. It is an alternative to what a new NSX-based vehicle would have been. It is about the same price and the same performance, and about the same utility. The form the car is taking is more dependent on what Honda beleives will sell them more cars, for the most part, and the super luxo GT type car does make more sense from that perspective in today's climate.

It just sucks that the people with money to spend right now (The target market for this car) whose preferences are those that are influencing the design direcion, have led to this Super Luxo GT craze. When will a true exotic super car come from Honda again? Probably not for a very, very long time, although I would love to be wrong.

 

[BD]

Vance, man, that argument just doesn't hold any water. How is a used NSX Honda hitting their target? How is a used car sale of ANY benefit to Honda? They are in the business of selling NEW cars. Also, how does the S2000 fit into this at all? It is a sporty roadster. I understand your point about people "graduating" up within their brand loyalty, from a Civic or Sentra to an S2000 or 350Z, but that is only a very small piece of the reason for better, faster cars being marketed. These cars are marketed to people who can afford to buy them right now, not in 5-10 years when they can finally get the cars of their dreams used. Sure, in their youth they may have driven civics and accords that made them love the brand, and it may influence their decision on buying a newer and more powerful and well equipped car from Honda, but to say that the new GT car is being marketed at current and previous NSX owners is really naive and narrow-focused. Do you realize how small a pool of consumers that is? This new GT car is not even an "graduating" up type of vehicle anyway. It is an alternative to what a new NSX-based vehicle would have been. It is about the same price and the same performance, and about the same utility. The form the car is taking is more dependent on what Honda beleives will sell them more cars, for the most part, and the super luxo GT type car does make more sense from that perspective in today's climate.

It just sucks that the people with money to spend right now (The target market for this car) whose preferences are those that are influencing the design direcion, have led to this Super Luxo GT craze. When will a true exotic super car come from Honda again? Probably not for a very, very long time, although I would love to be wrong.

It is rather simple; NSX was kept in the market for 15 years. The sales were effectively dried up after 1996. The fact that Honda most likely never made any money from this car does not mean the money was “not” well spend. R & D cost have trickle down to other vehicles. In Japan, NSX is an icon, in the US, even though the car didn’t sell, there is very much a NSX cult. The European publications love the car was well. People recognize the car, and it does offer a halo effect. You can hardly find any cars out there that are even 17 years old, not to mentioned driven daily. NSX is one of the best advertisements Honda can have. Honda makes enough money from cars such as Civic, Accord, and Fit, anything else are basically gravy. S2000 is about to go through the same phase and the NSX. When you can find a used one at half the price of a new one, fewer new cars will sell. Honda’s objective has always been simple, built environmentally friendly cars that will last for decades. So yes, the objective was made.

As for the Luxo GT, as I have indicated in the past, many current NSX owners cried about it for not being a MR, but when ask if they’re willing to buy the car new “if” Honda built a new MR car, few answered.

$60-70k for a NSX in 1990 to 1992 is a lot of money. It is basically doubled in today value. So yes, if the new GT is priced at around $120k, the price will not prohibit people from buying it, it’s the brand image that’s going to prevent people from buying it.

Lexus is doing extremely well, but do you think the LF-A is going be a good seller? I doubt it. Both Honda and Toyota has plenty of money to burn, by having a halo car is a good thing, offers brand image, and to show case when they can do.

Don’t forget, S2k was basically 90% of the NSX at almost 1/3 the price. So yeah, I have no doubt that Honda has a mid-range sports car that rivals the Cayman in the pipeline. They need to do some thing in that segment so they can compete with 350Z and upcoming Supra.

 

[Prospeed]

I agree with you for the most part Vance... All i know is that this car better perform as well as the ZO6 or better for that money or I will be dissapointed. What do you guys think? I understand it will be more refined and drivable then the Z06 but if the numbers are not around there then i dunno... =( When the NSX came out it shook the sportscar world, lets hope they do it again.