2003 Honda Review

Specifications

Is the HSC the Next Acura NSX?

If there was a theme to this years Tokyo auto show it was thinly veiled prototypes. Joining “concepts” from other Japanese automakers Honda took the wraps off what many consider a disguised forbearer to the next-generation NSX, sold under the Acura nameplate in North American markets.

A replacement for the Japanese mid-engine supercar is long overdue. Since the car debuted in concept form at the Chicago Motor Show in 1989 and became a reality in 1990, only one mild facelift featuring exposed headlights and a slightly modified front fascia has occurred. I, for one, have never seen one of these updated models on the road.

Despite the NSXs decade of trouble free ownership, it has seriously languished in sales in recent years. But honestly it makes sense why exotic car buyers arent taking the bait anymore. When the V6 powered coupe was introduced it sold for a very competitive price, but now due to the rising yen and expensive aluminum/composite construction process Acura seems to need $89,000 for the current 290-hp version, quite a bit higher than a more powerful Porsche 911 or Dodge Viper for instance. Even the Ferrari built Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa costs less.

But Honda should be commended for continuing on with its flagship model in the face of questionable consumer acceptance, when most other carmakers would have given up long ago. Obviously the Japanese brand that should also be lauded for its years of motorsport participation (and especially noteworthy for its decades of involvement in Formula 1), has big plans for the exotic segment in the future.

Those big plans could include the Honda Sports Concept (HSC), what many consider to be destined to replace the NSX. Its a radical improvement over the outgoing model, if only because its new. From the A-pillars forward theres 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 cars HID Xenon headlights are beautifully integrated into the front end design, sloping down and inward to match the fascias 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.

The cars rear end styling might just be its most exotic statement, next to its scissor-like doors that probably wont make it to production. Starting at the reverse-sloped B-pillar, what might be the HSCs 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 brands motorcycle heritage while two oversize vents separate the backend bodywork from a rear diffuser.

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.

To compensate for a lack of power the HSC retains the aluminum frame and aluminum and carbon fiber body panels, making for a light ride. The 167.3 inch concept is slightly shorter than the NSX too, about 7.1 inches from nose to tail. Its lower to the ground too, at about 44.9 inches compared to the production cars 46.1 inch height. But as far as width goes the HSCs 74.8 inches dwarfs the NSXs 71.3 inch breadth, giving the new prototype an imposing footprint.

No doubt this wide stance leads to breathtaking handling. Being that the NSX is still phenomenally quick through the cones despite its age its replacement should at least measure up, helped along by 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels framing sizable 6-piston Brembo competition-style brakes.

I have to admit to being a bit disappointed that Honda is not showcasing its hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain as it did in 2001s Dualnote supercar concept. The combination of V10 power with V6 fuel economy and the resultant super-low emissions sounds too good to pass up, and we can only hope Honda considers it for the coming NSX replacement. In the end the HSCs conventional powertrain most likely signals a hybrid system wont be part of the production package anytime soon.

Just the same Honda has created an impressive concept that could easily take the place of the reigning Acura supercar. Will the production version be as dramatic? Likely Honda will doff its conservative cloak and let the new NSX shine, so expect something close to this general design to debut as an NSX at an auto show soon. And with the automakers ability to move quickly from concept to reality a new NSX could be available as soon as 2006.