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.

[jim..c]

You sure the engine is under the bonnet Adam? I'd hazard a guess that it's somewhere in the middle, at the back...

[Frank1e]

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"...

[Dogsey]

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?

[nicedude1976]

Have the Japanese lost the plot when it comes to good & goodlooking sports cars at all now ?

[Beefmeister]

Seriously Honda, please please please please please make this:

[kinetic]

The way that car is elongated at the mid/rear suggests this mule is mid engined do you think? I hope so!

[RobPhoboS]

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 !

[jon-]

<generic if it isn't mid-engined with 2 seats I'm not buying one comment>

[rustyintegrale]

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

[Snoggledog]

Strangely... I rather like the look of the test mule.

[worthidlj]

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?

[Kieran'07]

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.

[JohnG1]

5 litre Honda V10 NSX replacement...



Where do I sign up for one???

[andyinPembs]

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.

[T.J.]

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.

[kinetic]

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!

[Robfow]

Date of First Registration 15 05 2007

Year of Manufacture 2007

Cylinder Capacity (cc) 5000CC



Think that confirms the engine size

[scotty_917]

Robfow said:

Date of First Registration 15 05 2007

Year of Manufacture 2007

Cylinder Capacity (cc) 5000CC



Think that confirms the engine size

Huh!

[havoc]

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.

[RichardR]

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?