Honda's Videos from NAIAS2008

I know it's a little late, but if you're interested:

1) Acura's booth at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS):

http://world.honda.com/NAIAS2008/AcuraBooth/video/

Below are screen captures incase you can't or don't want to watch the video.


Acura booth


Acura RL


Acura TL


Acura RDX


Acura MDX


Acura TSX


i-DTEC engine


SH-AWD


Cafe Acura with charging station


Psss... What's the password?


Another angle of the Acura booth

2) Honda Press Conference at the 2008 NAIAS

http://world.honda.com/NAIAS2008/HondaConference/video/



"I was a young engineer participating in an important emissions certification test for the Civic at the EPA lab in Ann Arbor. We believed that clean air was important for the future of life on this earth. And we made it a central focus of our product development efforts.

It was November 1974 and Civic became the first vehicle to pass the new standards of the U.S. Clean Air Act based solely on engine performance. But what I remember most ...was, that the EPA inspector congratulated me for achieving the industry's top rating for fuel economy." - Takeo Fukui, President and CEO Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

2009 Acura TSX, RL, and TL Rumors

TSX:
- Onsale date has been "confirmed" to be as soon as April 24, 2008.
- Initially, only front wheel drive (possible SH-AWD in future?).


The 2009 Acura TSX will offer 8 exterior colors and 3 leather trims.

RL:
- The 2009 Acura RL will be the world's first production model with the XM weather function (fact).
- Will be getting cooled front seats (which were always offered in Canada).
- Engine still will be 3.5L, but now will output 306hp.- New edgier look.

TL:
- Supposedly, getting a 3.5L for the front wheel drive version and a 3.7L engine for the SH-AWD version.

Refreshed 2009 Acura RL Coming to Chicago Auto Show

Acura redesigned the RL in 2005, a new refreshed version will be unveiled next week at the Chicago Auto Show. Sales will begin on April 24th, same time with the 2009 Acura TSX. The 2009 RL will be offered in three different packages: Standard Package, Technology Package and CMBS Package. The new Acura TL is supposed to make it's appearance on dealer floors in March.

[2009 Acura RL Rumors]

• Engine: 3.7-liter V6 with 300+ hp
• Drive-train: revamped SH-AWD system that will apply more torque to the rear wheels
• Exterior: body of the RL will undergo a massive refresh, with only two body panels carried over from the outgoing model
• Interior: more roomy

2005 Acura RL A-Spec Concept

[Sources] TopSpeed.com & AutoBlog.com

The Next Acura TSX?

Yesterday, Honda released the following:

23 January, 2008 - Honda has released first glimpses of the new Accord which debuts at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

The new Accord boasts quality features to challenge established premium contenders in the executive D-segment. Sporty styling and enticing driving dynamics are offered while strong environmental credentials impress in an all Euro 5 emissions-compliant engine line up.

The refined interior is designed with carefully selected materials to create an outstanding standard of fit and finish. To complement the exceptional level of traveling comfort the interior is characterized by a strong feeling of personal space for both the driver and passengers.

Technical details are still under wraps but the new Accord has a unique package of passive and active safety features to deliver even greater confidence.

The new Accord and Accord Tourer models will be unveiled on Honda's stand at 08:30 on 4 March, 2008, at the Geneva Motor Show.

Sales of the models will commence in early summer.

More information will follow on 11 February, 2008.

If these European Honda Accord Tourer pictures are glimpses of the next generation Acura TSX, then I'm a little disappointed. Although, it doesn't look bad, it looks too similar to the current TSX. I mean come on, look at what Honda was able to do with the style differences from the previous generation American (USDM) Honda Accord to the new 2008 Honda Accord, now that is a new model change! From these "new TSX" images, the car just looks like a refreshed current generation TSX, which already got an update for the 2006 model. I was really hoping Honda would slap an Acura symbol on the Honda Sports 4 and sell that as the next Acura TSX. Maybe that's what they're really going to do and they're just toying with us with these pictures. For Acura to advance as a tier 1 luxury brand, Honda needs to step it up with the next generation Acura vehicles, be more aggressive and stop re-badging Hondas.



More info on the Honda Sports 4



Click here to check out more European Honda Accord Tourer Concept pictures.

Acura Changes Direction for RL

A lot of car sites have been talking about how the Acura TSX will be the first in the brand to see the new 4 cylinder diesel engine, and how there will be a V6 version most likely for the TL and MDX. Well... isn't news like this just obvious after Honda stated that i-DTEC was coming to Acura? The European has had a diesel Honda Accord, which is the Acura TSX to us Americans, for awhile now. And we pretty much know the TSX will not be getting a V6 option, so I won't waste anymore time on this right now.


European Honda Accords with i-DETC.

The news I found interesting was Acura's goal of becoming a tier 1 automaker in 4-6 years, truly competing with the likes of BMW and Mercedes. One of Acura's weaknesses right now is the current generation RL. The RL is Acura's "flagship" sedan, however it has trouble matching up against other luxury brands, most likely due to the lack of V8 and rear-wheel drive options.


Acura RL

Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor, acknowledged that the Acura RL was the "wrong car" for the segment. A new RL is slated for 2010, and that the car's overall direction will change. Hopefully, this will address the weak sales of Acura's range-topping RL sedan.

[Source] leftlanenews.com

Hmmm... I wonder what they're going to do to the RL. Whatever it is, the next RL should look less like a bloated Honda Accord and have more aggressive styling.

Diesel for Acura in 2009

Honda's premium Acura brand will be the first to get the new 4 cylinder i-DTEC engine in 2009. Models fueled by V6 diesel engines will follow after 2010. Honda's CEO, Takeo Fukui, said Honda's clean diesel cars will not require a urea tank as most European systems do. Honda's new diesel drive train generates and stores ammonia within a two-layer catalytic converter to turn nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen.

The use of aluminum in the cylinder block instead of steel would also allow it to manufacture the engines using its existing gasoline engine facilities, keeping initial investments down. Mr. Fukui expects Honda's sale of four-cylinder diesel cars to reach about 150,000 vehicles globally by around 2010 with the planned roll-out in the United States and Japan.


i-DTEC: A combination of optimized combustion chamber design and reduced injection time results in a clean, quiet engine that delivers excellent performance for an enjoyable driving experience. In addition, the i-DTEC engine meets the ultra-stringent U.S. EPA Tier II Bin 5 emission standards without the on-board storage of urea.

[Sources] Reuters.com & Honda Press Release

No Rear-Wheel Drive for Acura?

Honda's CEO, Takeo Fukui, states next Acura NSX will have a V10 engine with rear-biased SH-AWD. He also commented on how they're trying to keep the weight of the car down to "be faithful to the original NSX's 'everyday supercar' formula." Mr. Fukui did not give any details on the time line of the next NSX. When asked if Acura was working on any FR (front engine with rear-wheel drive), Honda's CEO "referred to the FR SH-AWD NSX successor and suggested that Honda could take what they learned from that development program and apply it to other vehicles."

[Source] Temple of VTEC

A little disappointing because this kills the rumors that the next NSX is a mid-engine V8 with "true" rear-wheel drive supercar. It also seems like Acura is not getting a "true" rear-wheel drive platform for a long time (if ever), and the closest we're going to get is a rear-biased SH-AWD.

Gas Data for my 2005 Acura TSX 5AT

I'm a pretty scientific person. I like collecting data and analyzing it. For about a year and a half, I have been collecting my gas data. How much I pay, how many miles per gallon (mpg) I get, simple cost per mile, and etc. Well, today I'm going to present you with my results.

The following data was collected from July 26, 2006 to Dec. 22, 2007. My favorite gas station is Chevron. I filled up 30 times at a Chevron. Shell is in second place, but I don't like going there because of the one time I got "ripped" off by them. I used Shell 6 times in the last year and a half. 76 is third place, but I didn't fill up with 76 once for the past year and a half. All the other stations I don't care for too much: Exxon (3 times), Mobile (0 times), and etc.

Side Note: TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is the premier standard for gasoline performance. Six of the world's top automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Audi recognize that the current EPA minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to ensure optimal engine performance.

Of the 39 times I filled up, all were premium (91) grade except for 9 times when I used just plus (89) grade. I would only put in plus when gas prices are outrageous, otherwise I would put in the recommended premium. Therefore, I used premium grade gas 77% of the time and plus grade 23% of the time. I wouldn't use premium at all if I had a choice, but my Acura TSX "requires" premium, even says so on the gas cap cover. =P

Price/Gallon:
Most expensive = $3.60 (Premium) on May 17, 2007 @ Chevron
Least expensive = $2.56 (Premium) on Oct 30, 2006 @ Exxon
Average = $3.14



Miles/Gallon:
Most: 23.91 miles/gallon
Least: 20.32 miles/gallon
Average: 22.15 miles/gallon



Simple Cost per Mile (price/gallon divided by miles/gallon):
Most expensive: $0.17
Least expensive: $0.11
Average: $0.14

Most miles on a tank before refilling: 310 miles (with about 4.052 gallons before complete empty). So ideally, I could get 20.32 * 4.052 = 82.34 miles + 310 miles for a grand total of 392.34 miles. Average miles on a tank before I refill = 268.60.

Comments: I have not doubt in my mind that my car can get 30+ mpg cruising on an empty highway, problem is I'm rarely doing that (gotta take a road trip in my car one of these days ;) ). The automatic Acura TSX is rated for at least 30+ mpg on the freeway, but every time I'm on the freeway, I'm stuck in morning rush hour traffic... or evening rush hour traffic. As you can probably understand by now, sitting still on the freeway won't get me more mileage than sitting still in the city. Sitting still anywhere results in ZERO mpg! These are my real life gas results.

There were a couple instances throughout the past year and a half where I got some Speed Racer spirit inside of me and pushed my car hard, may it be using the tiptronic shift or not. Usually when using the tiptronic, I'm pushing the car extra hard, revving towards redline and into the VTEC range. Enjoying driving like this results in very poor gas mileage.

After reading this USA Today article, I don't feel as bad putting in 89 instead of 91... maybe I'll start doing that more often this year. But if I really think about it, that will only save me at most about $200 a year, which isn't all that much. Skimming on gas to save $200 a year on something that I use everyday and hope to still use 10 years from now isn't so logical.

2005 Acura TSX Performance Specs:

Engine: 2.4 liters in-line 4 cylinder VTEC engine with double overhead cam, four valves per cylinder, and multi-point injection fuel system.

Power: 200 HP SAE @ 6,800 rpm
Torque: 166 ft lb @ 4,500 rpm

Recommended Fuel: Premium unleaded fuel 91

EPA Fuel Economy: highway (mpg) - 31 / city (mpg) - 22

Fuel Tank Size: 17.2 gallons

For the full specs on the 2005 Acura TSX

Here is a thread at Acurazine.com discussing driver's real world mileage for the Acura TSX.

[UPDATE] Honda is the Official Tournament of Roses Vehicle Provider

On New Year's Day, parade-watchers will witness a Honda Ridgeline-inspired truck rising from the bed of the float in a cloud of mist, become an airborne craft and 'blast off' with a replica of ASIMO, Honda's advanced humanoid robot, at the controls. Using Honda generators to transform, the hood of the truck will fold forward to become an aircraft cockpit, the doors and sides of the truck will unfold outward to become wings, the wheels will tuck under the body, and the bed of the truck will open and take on the form of an aircraft tail section, complete with rocket engines - and even real fire.



"When it comes to creativity and innovation, you can always count on Honda to make the Rose Parade spectacular," said Bill Flinn, chief operating officer, Tournament of Roses.



"American Honda is committed to creating products that give people mobility - on both two and four wheels, and soon, in the skies. This year's float takes a fun and imaginative look at what the future of mobility might hold," said Steve Morikawa, assistant vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Honda Rose Parade entries have captured major awards in 12 out of the last 13 years. Honda is the official Tournament of Roses vehicle. This year, the company will provide 115 vehicles, 166 Metropolitan scooters and 12 generators for use by Tournament of Roses personnel.

The 119th Rose Parade, themed "Passport to the World's Celebrations," will take place Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008 at 8 a.m. (PST).

[Source] Honda Press Release

[UPDATE] Honda's 2008 Tournament of Roses Float



Fire blasting out of the rocket engines of the Honda float in the Tournament of Roses Parade Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008 in Pasadena, Calif. The float which transformed from a truck to take the form of an spacecraft complete with rocket engines and real fire, won the Crown City Innovation Trophy, given for "Best Use of Imagination and Innovation to Advance the Art of Floral Design." Honda has won 13 awards in the past 14 years. Photo/Honda, Susan Goldman, handout.

Acura Related Highlights Of Honda 2007 Year-End CEO Speech

Honda will further accelerate a focus on the following three pillars:

1. Strengthening the foundation for global growth

Europe - Automobile:
In the first half of 2008, the all-new Accord Sedan and Tourer will be introduced to the market. The mass production models will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008. The all-new Accord will be equipped with an i-DTEC engine, which complies with the Euro 5 emission standard expected to become effective in 2009. - (This all-new Accord will most likely be introduced in the States as the next geneation Acura TSX.)


Honda Accord Tourer concept

2. Strengthening the foundation for global growth:

Hybrid:

(It must be noted that Honda has no intentions of making an Acura hybrid, but it's still nice to know what Honda is getting.)

* In addition to Civic Hybrid, Honda will introduce a new dedicated hybrid vehicle in 2009. The new dedicated hybrid vehicle will be equipped with a newly developed lightweight and compact IMA (integrated motor assist) system and offered at a more affordable price level base on Honda's efforts to significantly reduce cost. The worldwide sales plan for this vehicle is approximately 200,000 units annually.

* A new sports hybrid, based on the CR-Z introduced at Tokyo Motor Show, will be sold globally.


CR-Z Concept

Diesel:
* The second-generation i-DTEC engine will first be installed to models for European markets in 2008, North America in 2009, and Japan will follow. (An Acura diesel may not be totally out of the question.)


i-DTEC European Honda Accords (a.k.a Acura TSXs).

3. Accelerating our efforts in Japan to strengthen the core characteristic that make Honda unique:

R&D Capabilities:
* In addition to test courses, Honda decided to build a product development facility dedicated to the Acura brand within the new R&D center being constructed in Sakura with an aim to strengthen product development for the Acura brand.

* In April 2006, Honda R&D launched a new organizational structure separating the product development functions for the Honda and Acura brands. With the addition of a dedicated development facility for the Acura brand, Honda R&D will further strengthen product development capabilities which clearly define the unique characteristics of each brand and accelerate product development that offers new value for the customer.

Production:
Automobile - Construction of a new engine plant in Ogawa and new auto plant in Yorii began in fall 2007 with a target to begin operations in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

Automobile Business in Japan:
* To further strengthen the Honda brand, all-new versions of four different vehicles will be introduced in Japan during 2008. Honda's goal is to expand sales by offering attractive products which bring more joys to customers.

For the full article: Honda Worldwide News

New Dedicated Acura Development Facility In Sakura For 2009

Honda R&D Co., Ltd. is responsible for research and development activities, announced plans to build a product development facility dedicated to the Acura brand within the new R&D center being constructed in Sakura, Tochigi. The new R&D center will have multiple test courses, which replicate various driving conditions ranging from high-speed driving to urban driving. The construction of this new R&D center began in November 2007 and is scheduled to become operational in 2009. The existing Automobile R&D Center in Tochigi will continue to strengthening product development for the Honda brand and development of next-generation power plants including hybrid, diesel, and fuel cell power plants.

Due to the belief that strengthening advanced technology R&D capabilities in Japan will become increasingly important in order for Honda to continue to grow and advance globally. In April 2006, Honda R&D launched a new organizational structure separating the product development functions for the Honda and Acura brands. With the addition of a dedicated development facility for the Acura brand, Honda R&D will further strengthen product development capabilities which clearly define the unique characteristics of each brand and accelerate development of products that offer new value for the customer.

Including test courses and the dedicated Acura development facility, the overall size of the new R&D center in Sakura is expected to be approximately 2.3 million square meters (m2), with related investment expected to be approximately 48 billion yen. Honda aims to begin partial operation of this state-of-the-art and environmentally-responsible facility in 2009, with full operations in 2010.



This is great news to all Acura fans because there has been much criticism about Acura vehicles just being glorified Accords. Hopefully, Honda/Acura can change this image to further advance the Acura brand, which was the first Japanese luxury brand. Toyota and Nissan soon followed with the Lexus and Infiniti brands.

[Source] JCN Network: Japan's Corporate News

Honda Promises NSX in 2010

Honda's CEO, Takeo Fukui, set the original time-frame of 2008-9 for the NSX's replacement, however the "NSX" was a no show at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. Well now Honda has confirmed a 2010 date for the debut of the much anticipated next-generation Acura NSX. “We are developing it without any delay, so most probably we will have it in the period we already promised,” says American Honda President and CEO Tetsuo Iwamura. Iwamura did not give any other specifics on the development. The new NSX's launch would most likely correspond with the global launch of the Acura brand. When asked whether the new NSX will carry an Acura badge in its home market for the first time, he says, “I can’t comment, but (the) NSX is a car for Acura, especially in the United States.”

[Source] wardsauto.com




Related topics:
All NSX Articles
Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept (ASCC)
Honda Sports Concept (HSC)

Can I Use Regular Unleaded In My Acura?

This is straight from the Winter 2008 Acura Style magazine:

"Acura's Client Services (ACS) has thoughts on ill-advised owner attempts to beat stratospheric premium fuel prices by using regular unleaded instead. In a word: don't. Your Acura is designed to operate on 91 octane premium unleaded gasoline. If you're stranded and can't access premium, then 87 octane regular unleaded will see you home, but don't make a habit of using regular gasoline. You want the best possible performance from your Acura-and peak performance demands the correct fuel."

Here is a USAToday.com article on using Regular Vs. Premium gas. Highlights include:

"I personally use regular even though my owner's manual says you'll get better performance with premium," says Lewis Gibbs, consulting engineer and 45-year veteran at Chevron oil company. He's chairman of Technical Committee 7 on Fuels, part of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Fuels & Lubricants Council. Gibbs knows gas.
The main advantage of premium-grade gas is that it allows automakers to advertise a few more horsepower by designing and tuning engines to take advantage of premium's anti-knock properties. But auto engineers generally agree that if you use regular in a premium engine, the power loss is so slight, most drivers can't tell.

"I go back and forth, and I'm hard-pressed to notice" whether there's regular or premium in the tank, says Jeff Jetter, principal chemist at Honda Research and Development Americas. He drives an Acura designed for premium.Import brands, especially, use premium fuel to distinguish their upmarket models. Most Toyotas, for instance, are designed to run on regular or midgrade, while the automaker's Lexus luxury brand prefers premium. Same with Honda and its Acura luxury line.

Today's engines use highly evolved versions of a device called a knock sensor to adjust settings automatically for low-octane gas. And more engine control computers have adequate memory to allow separate sets of instructions for various octanes. The engine control computers keep pushing to maximize performance on whatever grade of fuel is used.

The only modern engines that should really need premium are those with superchargers, which force-feed fuel into the cylinders. "You're driving along and just tramp the gas and the knock sensor cannot sense the knock fast enough in some cases," because the supercharger boosts pressure so fast, says Bob Furey, chemist and fuels specialist at General Motors.

Burning regular when the owner's manual specifies premium won't void the warranty, nor damage the engine, even the most finicky automakers say. "You're giving up perhaps just a little bit of performance that a customer wouldn't really even notice, it's so slight," says Furey.

Automakers say they don't test premium engines on regular to check the difference, but some auto engineers estimate that power declines roughly 5%.

[TSB] Acura TL Moans When Engine Is Cold

Acura TL Power Steering Moans or Whines

TSB: 07-060

Applies To: 2004-07 Acura TL (ALL)

SYMPTOM
A moan or whine is heard when turning the steering wheel when the engine is cold. There may be air bubbles or foam in the power steering reservoir. The noise usually goes away when the engine warms up.

PROBABLE CAUSE
Air enters the power steering pump through the inlet joint O-ring.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the O-ring on the power steering pump inlet joint.

PARTS INFORMATION
O-ring: P/N 91345-RDA-A01

REQUIRED MATERIALS
Acura Power Steering Fluid: P/N 08206-9002 (One container repairs about 12 vehicles.)

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 5121B5
Flat Rate Time: 0.3 hour
Failed Part: P/N 91345-PAA-A01
Defect Code: 07408
Symptom Code: 04201
Template ID: 07-060A
Skill Level: Repair Technician

Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Remove the right side engine compartment cover (7 clips and 1 bolt).

2. Remove the bolt holding the inlet joint to the power steering pump housing.

3. Place a shop towel under the pump inlet.

4. Twist the inlet joint back and forth until it is loose, then carefully disconnect the joint and point the hose upward to minimize fluid loss.

5. Remove the inlet joint O-ring.


6. Apply power steering fluid to a new O-ring, and install it on the inlet joint.

7. Install the inlet joint, and torque its bolt to 11 N.m (8 lb-ft).

8. Top off the power steering fluid, if needed. Start the engine, and let it idle. Confirm that the noise is gone and that the system is operating properly.

9. Install the right side engine compartment cover.

If this site helped you save some money, please donate via PayPal. Any amount accepted! Thank you. :)

Safety Recall: 2005-08 Acura RL Power Steering Feed Hose Leak

AFFECTED VEHICLE:
2005 - 2008 Acura RL



BACKGROUND:
Unexpectedly high heat deterioration and bending stress can cause the power steering feed hose to crack, resulting in a leak. A leak from the feed hose can drip P/S fluid onto drivetrain components and the catalytic converter below, causing a burning odor and possibly smoke. The low fluid level resulting from the leak may also cause the power steering pump to whine.

CLIENT NOTIFICATION:
All owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign the week of December 17, 2007.

Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your new vehicle inventory. According to federal law, these vehicles cannot be sold or leased until they are repaired. To see if a vehicle is affected by this campaign, do a VIN status inquiry before selling it. In addition, check for a punch mark above the fifth character of the engine compartment VIN. A punch mark in that location means the power steering feed hose kit was already installed at the port, and the vehicle is ready to be sold or leased.

CORRECTIVE ACTION:
Install a power steering feed hose kit.



PARTS INFORMATION:
Power Steering Feed Hose Kit (Contains P/S feed hose, hose bracket, pressure switch O-ring, and extra trim clips):
P/N 06535-SJA-A01

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Acura Precision Crafted Power Steering Fluid (Each vehicle may require up to three 12 oz. bottles):
P/N 08206-9002A

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION:
Operation Number: 5121D3
Flat Rate Time: 1.3 hours
Failed Part: 06535-SJA-A01
Defect Code: 5LR00
Symptom Code: Q6500
Template ID: 07-061A
Skill Level: Repair Technician

ACURA'S LETTER TO SERVICE MANAGERS


Click here for a complete PDF on the issue.


SIDE NOTE RELATED TO ACURA TL'S:
Although, it's not a full on recall, there has been some reported problems with the 2004 Acura TL having a power steering problem. The symptom is the vehicle makes a horrible noise during cold starts. My cousin had to take his almost out of warranty 2004 Acura TL automatic in to the dealer so they can replace the power steering pump (under warranty). Someone on the Acurazine.com forum noted to make sure that the power steering hose also gets replaced when having this service done.

[UPDATE] This Acura TL issue is now officially a technical service bulletin (TSB).

2008 Acura MDX Commercial - Advancing Cool

"If it knows where the Sun is, imagine everything else it knows." -Acura

[A Look into the Past] 2003 Acura CL Video

This old informational video explores the Acura CL's performance and styling. It also evaluates how the Acura CL measures up to the BMW 330ci, Volvo C70, and Mercedes CLK320 coupe. This was my first time uploading a video to Google Video (because YouTube rejected it due to length), so please enjoy.



Click here other Acura CL related entries.

Film Project - Acura NSX

[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.