I'm sure all of us have our desires of what the next NSX should be. Here are my thoughts on the design targets for the next NSX. I encourage you to add your own, but keep them defensible from a feasibility standpoint. Don't say it should go 0-60 in 3.0 seconds, weigh 2500 pounds, have a V-10 and cost $45k, to use an extreme example.
Engine Location: Mid-rear.
Rationale: To me, it is not a next gen NSX without this design configuration. The handling characteristics are also appealing. Needs no explanation, really.
Engine Displacement: 4.0 - 4.5 Liter V-8
Rationale: The V-8 is in keeping with Honda's long established philosophy of not having the biggest engine, either from a displacement or a # of cylinders perspective. They have been about doing more with less via an intelligent application of technology. I also think the V-8 has a LOT more applicability across their product lineup than the V-10 that is under development. I have also read that there are concerns related to the inherent durability of the V-10 configuration, and engine durability has long been a defining characteristic of the Honda brand.
Engine Design Targets:
Minimum Engine Horsepower: 400HP
Minimum Engine Torque: 350 lb./ft
Engine Redline (Minimum): 8,000 RPM
Minimum Efficiency: 20MPG City/30MPG Highway
Performance Design Targets:
0-60MPH: 4.0 seconds
0-100MPH: 9.0 seconds
1/4 Mile: 12.0 seconds @ 120MPH
Top Speed: 190MPH
Skidpad: 1.0g
70-0MPH Braking Distance: 150 ft.
Weight: 3,000 pounds
Coefficient of Drag : .30
Transmission:
6 speed manual with optional F1 style paddle shift
Suspension:
Independent Double Wishbone, just like the original.
Optional electronically adjustible suspension (is this possible with wishbone configuration?)
Technology:
Satellite Radio Ready
iPod/mp3 Jack
In Dash CD Changer
Optional NAV
Misc.:
Seating Capacity: 2
Cargo Space: 8.0 cu. ft.
Fuel: 18.0 U.S. gallons
Styling: As timeless, exotic, and classic as the first one.
Construction: Aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass composite, other weight reducing materials as needed.
Dry sump lubrication system.
Wheels: 18" front/19" rear diameter.
BASE PRICE: $100,000 U.S.
Rationale: Arguably, this is the wrong strategic path for Honda/Acura to take. That being they are in the middle of the "extreme performance value" Z06 and the "handbuilt exotic" markets. I am operating under the assumption that this is to be a halo car for the Acura/Honda brand and that they are using it to showcase their latest and greatest technology. You could certainly argue that they should shoot for a lower price point (say $50k) and offer much less performance and I wouldn't disagree with that strategy either. However I think the brand needs a halo car and this should be it given the racing heritage of Honda (and now Acura is trying to develop their own). I think they can make this car at a profit if they abandon the hand built, special factory business model they used on the original NSX. I also think even if this car loses money on its own, it builds brand recognition and also serves to showcase their technology that will ultimately trickle down into their other models. That's one major reason why I think going the V-8 route is the better path than going the V-10 route.
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Anyway, now it's up to you. Feel free to poke holes in my setup or submit your own. I'm looking forward to the ensuing discussion.
Engine Location: Mid-rear.
Rationale: To me, it is not a next gen NSX without this design configuration. The handling characteristics are also appealing. Needs no explanation, really.
Engine Displacement: 4.0 - 4.5 Liter V-8
Rationale: The V-8 is in keeping with Honda's long established philosophy of not having the biggest engine, either from a displacement or a # of cylinders perspective. They have been about doing more with less via an intelligent application of technology. I also think the V-8 has a LOT more applicability across their product lineup than the V-10 that is under development. I have also read that there are concerns related to the inherent durability of the V-10 configuration, and engine durability has long been a defining characteristic of the Honda brand.
Engine Design Targets:
Minimum Engine Horsepower: 400HP
Minimum Engine Torque: 350 lb./ft
Engine Redline (Minimum): 8,000 RPM
Minimum Efficiency: 20MPG City/30MPG Highway
Performance Design Targets:
0-60MPH: 4.0 seconds
0-100MPH: 9.0 seconds
1/4 Mile: 12.0 seconds @ 120MPH
Top Speed: 190MPH
Skidpad: 1.0g
70-0MPH Braking Distance: 150 ft.
Weight: 3,000 pounds
Coefficient of Drag : .30
Transmission:
6 speed manual with optional F1 style paddle shift
Suspension:
Independent Double Wishbone, just like the original.
Optional electronically adjustible suspension (is this possible with wishbone configuration?)
Technology:
Satellite Radio Ready
iPod/mp3 Jack
In Dash CD Changer
Optional NAV
Misc.:
Seating Capacity: 2
Cargo Space: 8.0 cu. ft.
Fuel: 18.0 U.S. gallons
Styling: As timeless, exotic, and classic as the first one.
Construction: Aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass composite, other weight reducing materials as needed.
Dry sump lubrication system.
Wheels: 18" front/19" rear diameter.
BASE PRICE: $100,000 U.S.
Rationale: Arguably, this is the wrong strategic path for Honda/Acura to take. That being they are in the middle of the "extreme performance value" Z06 and the "handbuilt exotic" markets. I am operating under the assumption that this is to be a halo car for the Acura/Honda brand and that they are using it to showcase their latest and greatest technology. You could certainly argue that they should shoot for a lower price point (say $50k) and offer much less performance and I wouldn't disagree with that strategy either. However I think the brand needs a halo car and this should be it given the racing heritage of Honda (and now Acura is trying to develop their own). I think they can make this car at a profit if they abandon the hand built, special factory business model they used on the original NSX. I also think even if this car loses money on its own, it builds brand recognition and also serves to showcase their technology that will ultimately trickle down into their other models. That's one major reason why I think going the V-8 route is the better path than going the V-10 route.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Anyway, now it's up to you. Feel free to poke holes in my setup or submit your own. I'm looking forward to the ensuing discussion.
The number of cylinders a car has is over rated. :biggrin: 
