[Rumor] Hard To Believe New NSX Rumors

New rumors has it that the NSX's successor will be mid-ship, instead of a front engine layout!

Here are some more rumored info:

Why was the Honda Sports Concept (HSC) scrapped?
Supposedly, the mid-mounted aluminum 3.5L V6 i-VTEC HSC engine, with a 6 speed transmission controlled by either an F1 style paddle shifter on the steering wheel, or a unique dial shifter on the center console was not up to today's standards. So an F1 inspired V10 was promised in the next NSX.



Development issues with the V10 engine?
Honda basically tried to build the car around the V10 engine. They started out with packaging difficulties, and struggled to achieve an agile car with good weight distribution and balance. The V10 required the use of a trans-axle transmission configuration to try make the nose as short as possible.

What's up with the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept (ASCC)?
The ASCC's long-nose and SH-AWD was the result of building a car around the V10 engine.



Why did Honda finally go back to the drawing board?
Honda was afraid there wouldn't be a market for the ASCC.

So what's the problem now?
If Honda plans to make a more balanced car using a V8 engine, what are they going to do with the already developed 5.0L V10 engine? It's too big for anything in their line up.



[Source] Temple Of VTEC

Click here to see the V10, SH-AWD NSX/S2000 test mule.

Acura NSX and Brand Delayed

Last week in a press release, CEO of Honda, Takeo Fukui announced that Honda was putting back the launch of its Acura brand in Japan by 2 years. Fukui cited concerns over the suitability of the Japanese market for the Acura brand as the reason for the postponement. This also leads to the delay of the Acura NSX replacement, which will be badged an Acura worldwide this time around (it was a Honda outside the U.S. previously).


Original Acura NSX

There is also the possibility that we don't get to see the NSX's replacement until 2011, since the Tokyo Auto Show is in run once every two years, and the 2009 show will be too early. The Acura Sports Car Concept (ASCC) revealed at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit was not well received. The ASCC was designed to have Acura's most powerful engine, a new high-performance front mounted V-10, and rear-wheel drive based version of Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.


Acura Sports Car Concept (ASCC)

At one point, the Honda Sports Concept (HSC) was rumored to replace the NSX. Many people liked this idea, however for some reason Honda scrapped the development. The HSC featured a lightweight 3.5-liter V-6 engine located midship for optimum balance and superior handling. Shifting is accomplished through a unique dial shifter located on the center console or an F-1 style paddle shifter located on the steering wheel. The HSC features a 4-wheel double wishbone suspension with six-piston caliper Brembo disc brakes on each wheel.


Honda Sports Concept (HSC)

I don't know what Honda is up to, but I am somewhat disappointed about the development of the next NSX. Lexus' LF-A is starting to look really good right now. I can't believe how down hill it has gone for Honda's sport cars. Currently, there are no coupes in Acura's lineup!

[Source] VTEC.net

2003 Tokyo Motor Show - Honda Sports Concept (HSC) Video

This was rumored to the NSX's replacement back in the day, now we know that the Advanced Advanced Sports Car Concept (ASCC) will be the replacement. It's a shame, I think the HSC looks better than the ASCC.

RIP NSX

The Acura New Sportscar eXperiment (NSX) was launched in 1991 and shocked the world because no one was expecting a car like this from Honda/Acura. The NSX consisted of an all-aluminium body, chassis, and suspension. Equipped with a naturally inspired 3.0L V6 that can generate 216 kW (290 bhp) and 304 N·m (224 ft·lbf) of torque. This mid-engine, rear-wheel driver car also introduced Honda's famous VTEC technology. After 15 years, Honda ended production of the NSX in 2005.



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)

There were rumors that Honda's High-Performance Sports Concept (HSC) was to replace the NSX, however those rumors have died down. I like the look of the HSC, it looks like something that would come from an Italian car company, not Honda. All I can say is, the HSC look beats out the ASC look any day of the week!