Those big plans could include the Honda Sports Concept (HSC), what many consider to be destined to replace the NSX. It's a radical improvement over the outgoing model, if only because it's new. From the A-pillars forward there's no mistaking its heritage, the sexy front fenders wrapping up and over the wheels and tires similarly to the current NSX from profile view. The car's HID Xenon headlights are beautifully integrated into the front end design, sloping down and inward to match the fascia's sharply creased lines. Just underneath, the car features a Formula 1 inspired grille opening specially designed to break through the air at center before sending it right and left into massive ducts.
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| The Honda Sports Concept styling is radically improved over the outgoing model, if only because it's new. (Photo: Honda Canada) |
The car's rear end styling might just be its most exotic statement, next to its scissor-like doors that probably won't make it to production. Starting at the reverse-sloped B-pillar, what might be the HSC's only controversial design element, a massive rear decklid is more extravagant than the current model. Pulling cues from ultra-exotic marques such as Lamborghini, and Ferrari with its most recent Enzo (even senior chief engineer in charge of Honda product development Nobuki Ebisawa admitted that the new concept was influenced by the Ferrari Enzo), the new engine cover is angular overall, raised at its outermost edges and recessed in the middle. The taillights consist of two mirrored clusters of variably sized circular LED lenses instead of the less dramatic horizontal light bar on the NSX, a welcome change once again just for being new. Twin tailpipes at center pay tribute to the brand's motorcycle heritage while two oversize vents separate the backend bodywork from a rear diffuser.
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| Honda decided to stay with a high-reving V6 for this concept, producing an undramatic 300-hp. (Photo: Honda Canada) |
And just what type of engine is visible through its decklid "window" glass? Will the NSX carry forward with a V6 or has Honda bucked up for a V12, or possibly split the difference with a V8 that could be shared with its top-of-the-line RL sedan? While no one outside of the Honda/Acura inner circle knows for sure what the future NSX will feature for forward momentum, it may come as a surprise that the Japanese brand stayed with a high-revving V6 for this concept. The 7,000 rpm engine reportedly makes more than 300-hp, which is just barely acceptable in this league. Its steering-wheel mounted paddle-shift transmission does sound enticing though.