If Honda builds a GT type car, then we get into engine displacement versus price. If we stick aim at price, then performance benchmark should be the C6 or Z06. That means 500hp or more, huge rear tires and an ugly, uninspired look. If we have a high price, say $150k or whatever, then Ferrari, Lambo, etc, would need to be the benchmark.
If Honda builds a mid-engine rear wheel drive, like the current NSX, with restrictd engine size, then it can claim exotic status and not have to compete with Vettes and Vipers. It would then retain its status and be competition for Ferrari and Porsche, etc.
I'm trying to think right now - what would Honda have to put in a GT car for me to care? For $80k I can get 500+ hp, made in America, and can kick the crap out of about any other car on the track. I hear by the end of the year your $80k will get you 600hp in a 3100lb car. Yikes.
Based on this, the next NSX (or Honda's next top sports car, whatever its called) needs to be exotic. No room to compete with Vette in GT. Then, it needs to have about a 4.5L, NA engine, 9000rpm or more, 500hp or more, and be as lights as or lighter than the Z06 and F430. Since that alone doesn't beat those cars, it will need something beyond this, such as SH-AWD, or some new suspension or to be extra light weight.
Anything that looks like a S2000 (long nose, short back) has no place in this arena, IMHO. Corvette already doubled downed its effort there, and has new products every few years.
I'm not sure how someone says that the market has changed and people want GT type cars. They only want them because Corvettes are so good and cheap now and that makers are putting HUGE displacement engines in their cars. People seem to want the big power, regardless of engine size.
The real question is, what engine size is the right choice for Honda? I think the answer to that question determines if the next car is GT (FR) or MR.
I certainly hope for MR. If I wanted "high performance" even if it is FR and non-exotic, I'd have bought a Z06 by now.
