RE: Honda NSX - Detroit 2015

[unsprung]

It's a progressive vehicle in more ways than one. Here's an illuminating background story on the designer of the NSX.

[mrclav]

Ali_T said:

They used to be, back in the 80s and 90s. Hopefully, this is a return to those roots, but the past 15 years have been pretty dire in terms of new product. Though I do wonder how all that technology will translate to a fun and involving drive. It, worryingly, sounds like it does it all for you.

No, I can't agree as you're only thinking about their cars. Look at their new HA420 HondaJet as an example of engineering genius. Built from composite materials, the most fuel-efficient and fastest jet in its class, a simply brilliant solution with the engine mounting to improve interior space and reduce interior noise, a new type of wing design and avionics that reduce workload and can be operated by a single pilot.

In case anyone was doubting, I'm a firm fan of what the company is about and believe the new NSX will be an amazing product.

Edited by mrclav on Tuesday 13th January 13:28

[rb26]

Dagnut said:

So Honda build cars for engineering and not profit? I've read some nonsense but this thread takes the biscuit.

Aiming for profit-maximisation can be self-defeating in itself (short-termism in nature). If you focus on building an exceptional product or service, then usually (hopefully) the profits follow.

[Hazman123]

Megaflow said:

I was thinking the same thing for the front and front 3/4 view, but square on the rear reminds me of something else, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

2005 Nissan Primera?

Edited by Hazman123 on Tuesday 13th January 13:24

[mrclav]

Dagnut said:

So Honda build cars for engineering and not profit? I've read some nonsense but this thread takes the biscuit.

All manufacturers build cars for profit. I'm simply saying that Honda are definitely about a well-engineered product, more so than say Mercedes-Benz were during the Chrysler era for example.

[billzeebub]

Looks like a car of the moment. Not convinced that will age well. Maybe it will look more cohesive in a different colour in the flesh. However, I would definitely rather have the original.

[Dagnut]

rb26 said:

Aiming for profit-maximisation can be self-defeating in itself (short-termism in nature). If you focus on building an exceptional product or service, then usually (hopefully) the profits follow.

When is the last time Honda delivered an "exceptional product" to the car market?

[Dagnut]

mrclav said:

All manufacturers build cars for profit. I'm simply saying that Honda are definitely about a well-engineered product, more so than say Mercedes-Benz were during the Chrysler era for example.

I agree but that may have kept customers loyal in the 90's but with Kia/Hyundai offering 7 year warranties and building bullet proof cars where is Hondas USP? Delivering new and innovative technology? Don't see anything new in this car do you?

[mrclav]

Dagnut said:

When is the last time Honda delivered an "exceptional product" to the car market?

The car market isn't necessarily about exceptional product more than it is about reliable product. Don't forget, Honda sells more cars worldwide than BMW...

[Dagnut]

mrclav said:

he car market isn't necessarily about exceptional product more than it is about reliable product. Don't forget, Honda sells more cars worldwide than BMW...

UK market is more prestige driven, Honda have slept to long in the Euro market, the only chance they have of shifting these is too loyal fans with 150k to spend.... can't see it being any cheaper

[mrclav]

Dagnut said:

I agree but that may have kept customers loyal in the 90's but with Kia/Hyundai offering 7 year warranties and building bullet proof cars where is Hondas USP? Delivering new and innovative technology? Don't see anything new in this car do you?

Like I said earlier, from what I can see effectively Honda are bringing LaFerrari, P1 and 918 tech to the "masses" for a fraction of the price of the aforementioned 3.

[rb26]

Dagnut said:

When is the last time Honda delivered an "exceptional product" to the car market?

That's subjective but if you asked me it would be the S2000, which they stopped making in 2008-9(?) and first began development in 1999. However maybe this is a return to good form that's been absent for sometime.

[soad]

unsprung said:

It's a progressive vehicle in more ways than one. Here's an illuminating background story on the designer of the NSX.

Where's the car?!

[mrclav]

Dagnut said:

UK market is more prestige driven, Honda have slept to long in the Euro market, the only chance they have of shifting these is too loyal fans with 150k to spend.... can't see it being any cheaper

I agree but Honda isn't aiming this car at the UK! It's aiming globally and therefore it's not really so much of a priority. Not everywhere is as prestige driven as Europe and certainly the fact Honda sells more cars worldwide than BMW proves this?

[forzaminardi]

Dagnut said:

So Honda build cars for engineering and not profit? I've read some nonsense but this thread takes the biscuit.

This comment makes me think you must be trying to be funny, or at least wilfully naive.

You must realise that not every single thing every single company makes and sells is intended to deliver profit in itself. Many activities and products are planned not for their individual specific financial contribution, but for their marketing value, their ability to foster knowledge and competence in the organisation, and sometimes even to give the workforce something to get excited about. In this case, I very much doubt Honda really expect to turn a profit on the NSX itself, but they will expect it to contribute to the overall success of the company in two ways:

- firstly by facilitating the development and application of technologies to be applied to future more mainstream vehicles.
- and secondly by providing a halo product that might help shift Civics and Accords by lending a degree of glamour or prestige.

Similarly, do you think Honda are spending billions on F1 because they think they'll make a profit selling F1 engines? Do you think they fund the staff Christmas party because they think they can make money selling tickets to it?

I imagine many other contemporary cars serve this function to greater or lesser degrees. A few examples that spring to mind:
- BMW i8
- Alfa 4C
- Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ
- Nissan GTR

I can't see any of these cars being made by their manufacturer simply because they think they're going to make $$$$$ selling them - they serve a wider purpose and therefore value to the company.

[EskimoArapaho]

mjames75 said:

If the new one looked any thing like the old one it would get slated

Sort of. I'm a bit disappointed that this very modern-looking body shape means there's no 'bubble canopy' as with the first NSX. That- IMHO - was a standout example of the Japanese engineers' clear thinking.

[Dagnut]

mrclav said:

ike I said earlier, from what I can see effectively Honda are bringing LaFerrari, P1 and 918 tech to the "masses" for a fraction of the price of the aforementioned 3.

Hasn't the I8 done that already?

[mrclav]

Dagnut said:

mrclav said:

ike I said earlier, from what I can see effectively Honda are bringing LaFerrari, P1 and 918 tech to the "masses" for a fraction of the price of the aforementioned 3.

Hasn't the I8 done that already?

I wouldn't say that the i8 is a bad product but I think the NSX is going to be in a completely different class performance wise. They're aiming for 458/650s/GT-R territory, not 991 Carrera 2 territory (which even the i8 can't match really).

[Dagnut]

forzaminardi said:

Stuff.

So how does that make them different to any other manufacturer????

[andyps]

dukebox9reg said:

Surprised it took until the 4th page before the GTR was mentioned really. 4wd and 550bhp is very similar and with the next GTR rumoured to be going down the hybrid route aswell its the 90's all over again just at double/triple the pirce point.

Where's the supra now?

Edited by dukebox9reg on Tuesday 13th January 12:26

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