More Good News on Next NSX!

[Ponyboy]

It'll be steeped in "Green" and be available after the next millenia. Yay Honda! http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=858749 Originally Posted by vtec.net Honda's message at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show was very clear, and this message was reinforced by CEO Takanobu Ito during a Q&A session that was held for North American media at Honda's headquarters in Tokyo this afternoon. The topics ranged from Honda's position on BEVs (Battery-powered Electric Vehicles) to their plans for future sports cars, but for the most part the conversations always circled back to Honda's view of eco-technologies: Hybrid Electric Vehicles in the near- to mid-term, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for the long run. Highlights from the Q&A If you were holding onto a sliver of hope that the V10 supercar project would be someday resurrected, you might want to sit down. Based upon today's conversation, the V10 supercar project has virtually zero chance of resurrection. We were even told (in a separate conversation) that Ito-san himself was responsible for cancelling the V-10 supercar project. Any sort of future super sportscar would only be considered once Honda has cleared several development hurdles for environmental technology, including hybrid technology suitable for larger vehicles, plug-in hybrid technology, and hydrogen battery fuel cells. "Once we come up with these new, innovative technologies that we are researching - once we have (an) abundance of cash on hand - I would definitely love to see Honda develop a sports car which would symbolize these technologies", said Ito. "And, once that day comes, the sportscar will NOT be something like Toyota announced yesterday, but instead it will be environmentally friendly (while) at the same time enjoying outstanding performance. I'd love to do that." I asked about the status of A-VTEC and i-DTEC. I think the question was interpreted differently than I intended because Ito-san spoke mostly about how VTEC technology could be used to reduce pumping losses during cylinder idling and regenerative braking functions. A followup question from a journalist in the audience specifically asked about Honda's plans for diesel. Essentially, Honda has shelved their plans for introducing diesel in the US, and there were several factors involved. First off, development was delayed by about a year due to difficulties meeting emissions regulations. Honda resolved the difficulties, but the solutions were costly. Faced with these costs, Honda's board of directors ultimately gave up on the idea of offering diesel technology in the US. However, Honda are continuing to work on the technology in hopes of making the costs more reasonable. Though it has been reported that Honda has changed their tune on BEVs, Ito-san makes it very clear that Honda's position remains consistent. That position is the notion that Hydrogen is the long term solution, and they are dedicated towards working to that end. Honda's position on BEVs has softened a bit in that they are recognizing that BEVs are suitable for a limited set of applications involving short-range urban driving environments. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle development will remain the primary focus. When asked if there would be other sporty models coming forth to replace "accessible" sports models such as the Integra/RSX and S2000, the response from Ito-san was that the CR-Z would be the answer to that question and there were "no other plans for the time being, but yes I would like to be able to consider such possibilities". I asked Ito-san how Honda's sharpened focus on environmental technology fit in with the vision for Acura as a brand and the luxury market in general. The answer was that Acura would be re-focused on delivering the performance levels sought by premium/luxury car buyers, and these performance levels would be coupled with strong environmental performance. In a later conversation, Ito-san admitted that there's a "certain level of confusion" in the existing Acura lineup, and they would work to fix that. Ito-san said they Honda are open to the possibility of combining forces with a like-minded automaker, but given the fundamental differences in corporate philosophies that currently exist, it is not a likely scenario. A journalist asked if there were any regrets for Honda's withdrawal from F1 and Ito-san's answer was simply "No Regrets". (pony edit: liar) Woohoo, 3 cheers for Ito. Honda: the cars no one aspires to own.

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[nsxxtreme]

The cars Honda and Acura are comming out with I just dont see anyone rushing out to buy. I might pick up an older Acura TL as a daily beater and get rid of the Accord. But I dont see myself going out and buying another new Honda/Acura anytime soon.

Toyota is now actually producing cars that look interesting now that Honda has changed focus. The CR-Z is laughable. I think honda is turning back to it roots and starting to make clown cars again.

[BauleyCivic]

Only time will tell if Ito-san's decision was the right one...

[White98LS]

Even better: "When asked if there would be other sporty models coming forth to replace "accessible" sports models such as the Integra/RSX and S2000, the response from Ito-san was that the CR-Z would be the answer to that question and there were "no other plans for the time being, but yes I would like to be able to consider such possibilities"."

So Nissan has the 370Z, GT-R, and G37, Toyota will soon have a sweet-looking RWD sporty coupe at $20k and a V10, 9000rpm supercar, Mazda has a new MS3 and soon maybe an RX-7, even Hyundai has a RWD turbo coupe, and what does Honda come to the table with? A 1.5L FWD hybrid with 130-140hp. Our cup runneth over.

"Ito-san admitted that there's a "certain level of confusion" in the existing Acura lineup, and they would work to fix that."
Just like they've worked to fix it since the mid '90s? How so? By coming out with a new 310hp J-series FWD-based car and call it THE MOST POWERFUL ACURA EEEVVVAAAARR??!!! How well has that worked for ya?

[White98LS]

At this point, if Honda wants to stay away from V8s and RWD in this economic and environmental climate, fine, I give up, do that. But come up with SOME kind of high-performance hybrid tech or diesels or something so you actually are a front-runner again. Honda has a green image yet the Accord is missing out on offering a hybrid, there has still never been a single Acura hybrid, and they have great diesel technology that they refuse to bring here. Honda thrives on innovation, and little from them has really wowed me in many years.

[Ponyboy]

Originally Posted by nsxxtreme

But I dont see myself going out and buying another new Honda/Acura anytime soon.

I like several of the new Acuras. Putting the TL v6 in the TSX was a great idea, for instance. But considering Ito's version of Honda's future, I'm not the optimist I once was.

Originally Posted by BauleyCivic

Only time will tell if Ito-san's decision was the right one...

Pulling out of F1 with a championship car though paying for that season and all of the capital costs previous, was a wrong decision. Not building a car that is 99% production ready is, at best, a highly debatable decision. Having nothing in a future line-up with sporting intent is, IMHO, a death knell.

[EM2Civic]

Originally Posted by White98LS

At this point, if Honda wants to stay away from V8s and RWD in this economic and environmental climate, fine, I give up, do that. But come up with SOME kind of high-performance hybrid tech or diesels or something so you actually are a front-runner again. Honda has a green image yet the Accord is missing out on offering a hybrid, there has still never been a single Acura hybrid, and they have great diesel technology that they refuse to bring here. Honda thrives on innovation, and little from them has really wowed me in many years.

Well said, including none of the current line-up is anywhere on par with performance standards lame. There are plenty of sports cars nowadays hyundai even has the genesis they need something rwd in their lineup, seems like they are missing a huge market there, espically with all the retros even the v6s sold well (camaro, challenger, mustang)...Shit they presold 20k camaros in this market. What's the deal with the FCX why isn't it out already isn't it done?

Pulling out of f1 was definitely bad. The only thing to be proud of is the LMPs <3

[White98LS]

Originally Posted by EM2Civic

What's the deal with the FCX why isn't it out already isn't it done?

It is out, but only on a limited basis for now because A) Honda loses a ton of money on each one in this early stage and B) there isn't infrastructure for hydrogen yet besides a few stations in SoCal and NYC.

It's pretty sad that these days you can buy a Ford Taurus with a 365hp TT V6 and 6-speed auto, while the FLAGSHIP Acura makes do with a 300hp variant of an Accord V6 and a 5-speed. Come on, guys.

[d15z1sux]

hope they fire ito-san and who ever else is responsible for this tom foolery hahaha

[brutekiller787]

amen. i want something with 2 doors

[dntnedvtec]

Toyota, nissan, mazda, (and yes, hyundai) > Honda........

[.Manny.]

Originally Posted by dntnedvtec

Toyota, nissan, mazda, (and yes, hyundai) > Honda........

tis a sad day but true.

[HondaKyle]

Originally Posted by .Manny.

tis a sad day but true.

This is the first time I Honda has let me down

[SergEK]

Originally Posted by HondaKyle

This is the first time I Honda has let me down

Guess you havent been around Honda too long lol

Remember that US Honda is run by a bunch of guys who dont care about bringing the J spec stuff over so much as building big burl American comsumer friendly transportation.

Being that "green" has more $$$ to be made than performance (sad but true) Hondas decisions are based on money and safely steering the company through a rough economic patch.

We sit here and say Toyota > Honda but Toyota posted its largest LOSS in its history last year. They are LOSING money making cars and spending too much on advertising hype.

As enthusiasts we want to see hot fast cars in the show room but if they dont sell (S2000) it doesnt help Honda move forward. In order to produce low volume money loser cars like NSXs, S2000s etc...they have to be in the black. Selling "green" vehicles will allow them that safety net and they will once again play with a "sports" car.

The CRZ may be a joke stock but its at least antoher chassis that will be K series ready and my just come that way in Japan one day.

Chrysler killed 700+ dealerships last year....did you hear about any Honda dealerships closing? GM is shutting down factories, laying off workers and praying the Camaro sells well enough to turn a profit.

Like it or not Honda is a business and sometimes they have to make crappy (to us) decisions to avoid traps.

The NSX will rise again...I hope its a light weight MR with a turbo 2.2-2.4L K series that retails for 50-60K - 400-500hp 2100-2200lbs

Just a matter of time....sucks waiting for it though

[MiraiZ]

Ito is running Honda into the grave. Hope he resigns and they hire someone who can revive Soichiro Honda's dreams.

[MiraiZ]

As enthusiasts we want to see hot fast cars in the show room but if they dont sell (S2000) it doesnt help Honda move forward. In order to produce low volume money loser cars like NSXs, S2000s etc...they have to be in the black. Selling "green" vehicles will allow them that safety net and they will once again play with a "sports" car.

Sports cars may not sell as well as cars like the Fit or other so-called green cars, but they aren't exactly a huge money loss. Cars like the NSX aren't built to make the company money (not directly through sales anyways) but are used to market the company's technical ability. Its one of the reasons why they participate in motorsports. Its to show that they are always on the leading edge of technology. And for years, Honda has spanked its competitors in this area. While Toyota spends billions hyping their BS non-technologies, Honda has successfully demonstrated that they can create great cars with high end technology.

Just another point, Honda won one race during their second incarnation in F1. Yes, you can argue that they got lucky due to bad weather. But Toyota has one of the biggest budgets in formula 1 (I think second only to Ferrari) and has yet to win a single race.