But there's bright news for fans of the mid-engined Honda: in his annual, mid-year speech, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said, "We are now focused on the
development of a new model to succeed the NSX for a new era." In plain words, yes, a new car is coming. In his speech, he pointed to a new direction, "We would like to debut a new super-sports car equipped with a V10 engine in three to four years. Please look forward to seeing the NSX successor." The claim was also backed by Motoatsu Shiraishi, President of Honda R&D, who said, "We've got to be the top of a top [group] in producing engines."
Like BMW's 5.0-litre V10 which was supposedly derived from Formula One technology, the new V10 will draw form BAR-Honda's experience in the world's most elite racing series. The new V10's size and power will be less than the M5/M6 powerplant, however, with predictions of a 4.0-litre engine featuring up to 450-horsepower.
Of course, the latest version of Honda's VTEC variable valve timing system will
be an essential component to allow the engine to achieve the sky-high redline expected. Outside of motor sports, Honda has plenty of experience building high-revving engines. From its S2000 roadster to any number of performance-oriented motorcycles, Japan's number three brand is world renowned for engine leadership.
If there is any conflict to powering the next-generation NSX with a V10, it's that an FIA ruling will cause all F1 teams to switch from V10s to a V8 engine configuration for 2006, reducing the marketing tie-in to Jensen Button's F1 car, if he will still be driving for BAR-Honda in 2006.
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| "We would like to debut a new super-sports car equipped with a V10 engine in three to four years. Please look forward to seeing the NSX successor," said Honda CEO Takeo Fukui. (Photo: Honda Canada) |
Like BMW's 5.0-litre V10 which was supposedly derived from Formula One technology, the new V10 will draw form BAR-Honda's experience in the world's most elite racing series. The new V10's size and power will be less than the M5/M6 powerplant, however, with predictions of a 4.0-litre engine featuring up to 450-horsepower.
Of course, the latest version of Honda's VTEC variable valve timing system will
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| In motor sports and on the street, Honda has plenty of experience building high-revving engines. (Photo: Acura Canada) |
If there is any conflict to powering the next-generation NSX with a V10, it's that an FIA ruling will cause all F1 teams to switch from V10s to a V8 engine configuration for 2006, reducing the marketing tie-in to Jensen Button's F1 car, if he will still be driving for BAR-Honda in 2006.