A cutaway diagram that appears to show Honda’s replacement for its NSX supercar has leaked onto the internet. If it’s genuine, this is our first glimpse of the V10-powered two-seater.
The new NSX has been repeatedly delayed, but insiders speculatively suggest that it could be launched in 2010. It will be powered by a new 550bhp V10 which will also be available in America’s Acura range of luxury cars.
We’re also expecting a revised version of Honda’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system with a rear drive bias to ensure excellent grip and sharp handling.
Honda’s V10 will be an ultra-modern and highly efficient powerplant. It’s likely to have a cylinder deactivation system to help save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions. The system – known as Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) – would allow the NSX to run on one bank of cylinders under low load.
We’ve been waiting for the production NSX since January last year, when Honda revealed its Advanced Sports Car Concept. It was going to be followed up by a production car at the Tokyo motor show but Honda’s design team couldn’t agree on the final styling.
Expect the NSX to be a direct rival for the likes of the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. However, in the current economic conditions, there can be no certainty that it will arrive on the proposed 2010 launch date.
