brillo

www.vtec.net

Looks like Honda may be finally admitting its hit the automotive glass ceiling, that is without FI or a V8, they are unable to build a super car that can compete with the Euro's in terms of raw numbers. Combined with the slow sales of the S2000, Honda could lose both RWD cars.

Its kinda sad, b/c porsche gets by fine with a H6 and a little FI, I can't see why Honda won't go there. But, unlike Mazda, they don't have several vehicles they can build off of there sports car halo platform.

Be interesting to see how this on turns out. I hope fhey don't get rid of the S2000, the NSX is certainly past its prime, but I think we can all admit the S2000 is a sweet little ride.

T.T.

If that happens, Honda will basically become a duplicate of Toyota.

HiTMaNN

doesnt toyota have the tundra... that is special i used to have one they are cool trucks!

6speed8

It would be a huge mistake for Honda to get rid of the S2000, unless they replace it with something perhaps a bit more practical, perhaps something that seats 4 people.

neit_jnf

The world needs a Honda Supra!! Yes, thats it, a Honda Supra I tell ya!! :D

Hanzo

I am sure Honda wants to be Toyota, they are the most profitable Japanese manufacture in the world.

Spin9k

I've owned several Honda's in the past (70's, 80's, 90's). I loved each one dearly. They were great little cars, with quick reflexes, economical, and cleverly designed.

But each model evolution has taken Honda further and further away from refined small fun cars and more towards Camry type transportation modules, and fairly unrefined economy cars - abiet good ones - with the S2000, (Acura) NSX, and late lamented Prelude, the noteable exceptions.

The Accord is a perfect example of what is right and wrong w/Honda. A very capable car wrapped in a Buick body, that I wouldn't want to own because I'd be ashamed to be seen in one - the same feeling I have about many American brand cars. And that's despite the fact I think it one fine car - just butt ugly.

Apparently Honda doesn't mind as sales are good - and is willing to forget the crowd of enthusiasts for the most part. Too bad.

MTLbroker

I find that Honda has followed Toyota in that they have taken all the excitement out of their cars. Their styling shows that and so do their sales. Selling big numbers means appealing to as broad a spectrum of buyers as possible. Middle of the road, bread and butter, call it what you will, as good as they may be mechanically, they are bland, bland, bland.
It's no accident that a couple of years ago, Nissan sales skyrocketed. Bold styling was what the market wanted and with Nissan/Infiniti sales show that. Now Mazda sales are booming (my dealer has sold out of the 3's and 6's are in short supply) Enjoying sales due to styling IMO.
NSX can't compete with a high-end Porsche or Ferrari or Maserati, etc... on an emotional level. On paper, specs suggest a great car, but dropping 125 large on a car, you have to LOVE it! That's something that's missing on the NSX. I drove one of the earlier NSX when it was first introduced. I got in, inserted the key and the chime (you know the ding, ding sound when you put in a key in the ignition) sounded EXACTLY the same as a Civic. Not exactly a visceral driving experience. They should have killed it long ago.
But why would they kill the S2000? It's a great sportscar.

Feras

iTrader: (1)

tis a sad day for honda, i remember the last prelude...i really wanted that car, now its gone. ITs funny how honda will continue to make excellent F1 cars but shy away from any kind of true performance machine in their future lineup. Perhaps they should take one of those 2.5L V8s from the F1 cars and make it into a 900HP beast of a supercar. haha

m477

They should just stick two V-6 blocks together and make a V-12 for the new NSX. If Ford/Aston can manage it, I'm sure Honda could too, especially since the car costs ~$100k. Not that I'm such a power freak, but I think people need a pretty good reason to drop that kind of cash on a Honda.

Hanzo

2.5L V8s? That's not Honda F1, in F1 they are running 3.0 L V10 redline just under 20k rpm with 920hp plus. Love the sound of Honda V10. It would be great if they make the new NSX V10.

Hanzo

Honda V6 from the NSX is wide-angle 90 degrees V6, it would be hard to put it together.

timisw

A V10 NSX would be the ride! Can you imagine? Especially if they still kept somewhat of a mid engine? Not sure if it could fit right up there, but its CofG would be incredible!

Hanzo

Model after this, hehehe:

m477

I was actually thinking of the 60-degree V-6 in the Accord, etc. Besides, it would probably be cheaper that way - a parts bin supercar if you will.

Hanzo

V6 from Accord is not built to be a sports engine. It is only SOHC and low revving.

m477

Right, so I guess the LS6 isn't a "sports engine" either. Next time I see a Z06 I will tell the driver what a nice truck they have. :p

Hanzo

The LS6 and LS1 are built on a different concept, it has torque, Honda V6 build for Accord is with fuel economy in mind. Different engine built for different purpose. Japanese engines usually have higher rpm more horsepower less torque. I am sure Honda is not going to build a sports car without its DOHC VTEC.

Intrigue 8

S1000? not any where as fast but some info if u havent herd already.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....ber=3&preview=

Feras

iTrader: (1)

if you'll notice that article hinted at a supra return too

Shocka

honestly as a company do u think honda is looking to hit on the majority of poeple who want a car to take from a to b and be comfortable in or the enthusiasts population which is considerally smaller. They have the civic that the budget enthusiast can purchase.

its sad that they wud get rid of the s2000 and well the nsx.. what can i say it looks nice but id never purchase it for that price id go for a viper

northern-8

The LS6 is 5.7 liters, so it's about twice the displacement of the Honda.

It kind of reminds me a Dodge commerical way back when they first made the Viper and the announcer was bragging about the car's 400 hp. I thought to myself, IT'S 8 LITERS! Any monkey can get 400 hp out of 8 liters. Try it with only 3.5 liters, that's some engineering.

Sorry for ranting.

jonnyb

but there is no fun in buying a car that has an engine already maxed out. would you rather buy a car with a fully built 1000 hp motor or buy one with a 400 hp motor and add that extra 600 yourself?

Magic8

No brainer. I'll take 1000 HP from the factory any day. Reliability, warranty, and optimal tuning of all components. At least I know that the factory will try to make those 1000 HP useable. What is the use of 1000 HP if other components in the car only makes your tires spin out all the time? Can we say Dyno Queen? BTW I'm pretty sure 1000 HP from the factory will be fun. Cars are meant to be driven not to be a engineering project.

Back to original post....I pretty sure this is wild speculation. Honda is one the few profitable automakers in the world. Too much damage to marketing and PR campaign to justify killing off these two vehicles.

911SC

Porsche in F1? I haven't followed F1 for a couple of years but I don't believe Porsche has a car or engine in F1. Correct me if I'm wrong.