Wednesday 23rd May 2007
New NSX at the 'Ring
S2000 mule takes to the track
Mule has different front intakes to ASCC
Honda has been testing this odd-looking S2000 mule at the Nurburgring, which underneath the rough bodywork is the next NSX.
Clearly, it’s much longer than an S2000, and the disguise hides a car roughly similar in proportion to the Acura ASCC unveiled at the beginning of this year. The ASCC was said to show the future direction of the NSX project.
If the rumours are correct, underneath the bonnet of this prototype sits a five litre V10 engine producing at least 500bhp. It should also contain Honda’s sophisticated SH-AWD four-wheel drive system, and a two-plus-two seating arrangement.
Honda is said to be working hard on reducing the next NSX’s kerb weight and has apparently set a very ambitious fuel consumption target (see previous story linked below).
The Acura ASCC concept
Whether or not this test hack will morph into something that looks like the ASCC concept is open to debate. The concept car has not been that well received since making its debut.
Honda first showed an attempt at an NSX successor with the HSC concept car of 2003. That was a smaller, more aggressive car, powered by a 3.5 litre V6 motor. That too received a mixed reaction.
Replacing a landmark car like the NSX is proving a tough challenge for Honda.
 We're looking forward to hearing the V10... |
 New car should use advanced 4WD |
 2003 HSC concept |
 But can they do better than this? |
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=16191
Pictures via: Left Lane News.
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jim..c
Original Poster
727 posts
50 months
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You sure the engine is under the bonnet Adam? I'd hazard a guess that it's somewhere in the middle, at the back...
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Frank1e
36 posts
39 months
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So as this is an 07 UK registered S2000, do you reckon Honda declared the "subtle" modifications to their insurers???  Not sure they would have been "quoted happy"...
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Dogsey
1,748 posts
57 months
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jim..c said: You sure the engine is under the bonnet Adam? I'd hazard a guess that it's somewhere in the middle, at the back... Is the bonnet not the big flap that covers the engine, no matter where it's situated? It still amazes me at the amount of "secret" testing done at Nurburgring. Surely companies like this could find somewhere a little quieter to test these cars if they really wanted to keep them secret, or is that the whole point of the exercise - press coverage and "spy shots" to help generate interest?
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nicedude1976
931 posts
47 months
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Have the Japanese lost the plot when it comes to good & goodlooking sports cars at all now ?
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Beefmeister
4,438 posts
57 months
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Seriously Honda, please please please please please make this: 
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kinetic
347 posts
71 months
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The way that car is elongated at the mid/rear suggests this mule is mid engined do you think? I hope so!
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RobPhoboS
3,320 posts
53 months
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I can't wait to see the real deal, if they DO use a 5ltr V10 its going to be a considerable monster as long as the weight is kept down.
Come on Honda !
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jon-
4,655 posts
43 months
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<generic if it isn't mid-engined with 2 seats I'm not buying one comment>
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rustyintegrale
63 posts
42 months
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Beefmeister said: Seriously Honda, please please please please please make this: I nearly like that. There's something about the front end that makes me uncomfortable. For some reason I'm thinking VX220 but I have no idea why! Cheers Rich
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Snoggledog
4,087 posts
44 months
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Strangely... I rather like the look of the test mule. 
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worthidlj
26 posts
47 months
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after looking at the photos, espeacially the top right of the four, is it just me or does it look like that its been lengthened to make room for rear seats?
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Kieran'07
1,639 posts
40 months
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Beefmeister said: Seriously Honda, please please please please please make this: That looks how a NSX replacement should IMO, with the mid engine layout. I didn't much like the recent concept (below), looks like an American muscle car, not what I'd expect from a Honda NSX. 
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JohnG1
282 posts
32 months
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5 litre Honda V10 NSX replacement...
Where do I sign up for one???
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andyinPembs
3,521 posts
41 months
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Kieran'07 said: I didn't much like the recent concept (below), looks like an American muscle car, not what I'd expect from a Honda NSX. 
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T.J.
15 posts
37 months
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The positioning of the rear pipes, 2 either side, stacked on top of eachother, could suggest it's mid-engined. Hard to tell, looking in the rear window, if there's supporting evidence for that though.
I think the 2003 concept looks great. However, one thing that REALLY bugs the hell out of me is this: with all the scooping, all the modelling of computer generated guesses, all the release of shots years before a car arrives, it's boring by the time it's on the market!! The RX-8 is a prime example - if you knew nowt until a few months before it hit the forecourt, it would stay fresher longer, and generate huge excitement. I know scoop stuff does the same thing, but you're not excited by the time it arrives and you can actually buy it, so momentum is lost.
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kinetic
347 posts
71 months
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Somebody wants to point Honda in the direction of a Noble M400. £60K - Honda build quality an aluminium body and a few styling tweeks - job done!
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Robfow
111 posts
55 months
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Date of First Registration 15 05 2007
Year of Manufacture 2007
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 5000CC
Think that confirms the engine size
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scotty_917
884 posts
49 months
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Robfow said: Date of First Registration 15 05 2007
Year of Manufacture 2007
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 5000CC
Think that confirms the engine size Huh! 
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havoc
14,534 posts
62 months
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Wider than an S2000 as well as longer.
Engine...not sure...bonnet looks quite low to fit a 5.0 V10 under, although it's long enough and wide enough. But behind-the-seats could be a snug fit too, from what I can see.
Still if it is front-engined, then that longer rear can only mean it's a 4-seater, which would be an even greater change and possibly signify a change in positioning to aim at the 911/XKR market, rather than the 'junior Ferrari' market which the NSX signally failed to succeed in.
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RichardR
2,568 posts
95 months
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Robfow said: Date of First Registration 15 05 2007
Year of Manufacture 2007
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 5000CC
Think that confirms the engine size Do these test mules have to go through an SVA test before they can be registered?
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