A year after it quietly announced that the 2005 Acura NSX--a car originally launched way back in 1991--would be the last, Honda has revealed plans to introduce its successor. The new car may not be named NSX, however, a source says, and it is set to make its debut in late 2006 as a 2007 model. And--get this--this next-generation version is likely to be powered by a V-10 engine.
Performance will be strong. In addition to a more powerful engine, sources say Honda plans to trim the car's weight to less than 3000 pounds, with extensive use of aluminum alloy and other lightweight composites, such as carbon fiber for the hood, fenders, roof, and the doors.
You can still look to the 2003 Tokyo HSC concept as an indication of the NSX replacement's design, but with a more refined greenhouse and rear-end styling. The HSC's low waistline, large glass area, and long-wheelbase/short-overhang look won't change. The car will be about a half-foot shorter, but with nearly three-and-a-half inches more wheelbase. Height of about 45 inches is slightly lower, but the car's interior space won't change.
5 Things You Didn't Know About the NSX
1. First production car with all-aluminum body, chassis, and suspension
2. First production car with titanium connecting rods
3. Final chassis tune signed off by Ayrton Senna
4. Most expensive Japanese car in history at launch
5. Nearly half all NSXs built sold in the U.S. (8854 to June 2005)