TOV: New Honda president says FR sedans (and V8s) are out

Who would have figured that July 20th would have held more than a single newsworthy story, but it's not even lunch time on the west coast and we're already up to our third item of the day.
On a normal Monday I probably would have come across this sooner but I'm actually hurtling down the freeway somewhere outside of Lexington, KY as I type this.

This is apparently all over the blogs already, but in case you missed it, Automotive News ran a story earlier today with the following headline: New Honda chief: We don't need rwd sedans.

The story is available here, but it may require a login and/or subscription.

Basically the gist of it is that Takanobu Ito claims that Honda has suspended its RWD development program and will shift its focus towards developing hybrid powertrains for larger vehicles. Ito-san is quoted as saying "It would be meaningless to emulate what other companies have been doing for more than five decades." , and that they intend to pioneer in new areas.

Temple of Vtec Opinion
As Acura is currently in the midst of fortifying their brand image in an effort to pull level with "Tier 1" marques, I can't imagine there possibly being a worse time for the president of Honda to make such a declaration. Just when it seems like things were looking up for Acura (with word of a proper flagship RL, unique FR platforms, and true "Tier 1" powertrains in the works), the news has been steadily getting worse for the past six months or so. The cumulative effect of this series of blows is taking its toll on Acura's brand credibility amongst enthusiasts, which arguably drive a brand's overall image. Will the effect ultimately prove fatal for Acura? Only time will tell.

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=842482

Edmunds; Japan's Auto Industry Reeling, Shelving Acura V8 Sedan, Toyota-Subaru Sports Car

The proposed 2010 Nissan 200SX (240?!?) - DONE!
The proposed V8 RWD Acura - PUT ON HOLD!

The colaborrated Toyota/Subara Supercar - DONE!

TOKYO — Remember the shocking news in December that the worsening financial crisis had forced Honda to withdraw from F1 and shelve its long-anticipated V10-powered NSX supercar? That, it turns out, is just the tip of the iceberg for Japan's ailing carmakers. Inside Line's source in Japan says that just about every manufacturer is either canceling new-model projects or putting them on hold until market conditions improve.

One of the most anticipated collaborations of recent years was the joint R&D venture between Toyota and Subaru to build a new lightweight, cheap rear-wheel-drive sports car based on the Impreza's platform and drivetrain. That project has now been postponed for at least a year, with a new launch date to be expected no earlier than late 2012.

Nissan's rear-wheel-drive Nissan 200SX/Silvia replacement was one of the first future models to be axed — a car that was being built on a common platform shared with an upcoming hybrid sedan.

Another much anticipated makeover was the all-new V8-powered 4WD Honda Legend, currently under development in Japan. Or should we say, previously under development. As Honda's (Acura's) first V8-powered sedan, it was expected to do battle in the U.S. with Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. According to our source, that won't happen now.

First shown at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, the Daihatsu OFC-1 concept was destined to become the next-generation Copen, with at least two prototypes in existence. That plan has now been shelved, too.

And in the Mitsubishi lineup, the next-generation Pajero and Eclipse have also fallen on hard times and can expect a delay of at least two years from the planned 2010 debuts.

Source;

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=139966#2

Report; Acura Postpones V8 until 2015

"You've got to have the right tool for the job." "You can't bring a knife to a gun-fight." Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. We've heard it all before. Honda makes some excellent engines, there's no doubt about that, from small displacement four-pots that rev through the roof to gloriously smooth and reliable V6 units. Unfortunately, the fun stops there, as the Japanese automaker has steadfastly stuck to its guns, not building an eight-cylinder engine when it can do just as well with fewer pistons.

Regardless of how competent its six may be, nearly all of Honda's competitors offer V8 engines in their top-level models, and Acura fanatics have been begging for a range-topper to compete with the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz for years. They may soon get their wish, as Honda's CEO Takeo Fukui has stated once and for all that Acura will indeed be getting an eight for its next top-level sedan.

What good is a beefy engine if you can't get the power to the ground? A big, heavy V8 engine over the front tires is a recipe for a horribly unbalanced front-driver, and Honda realizes this. So expect the aforementioned sedan to get rear-wheel-drive to go along with its newfound infusion of displacement. When? Not until 2015 according to some industry sources. That's a veritable eternity in the auto biz, so we have to wonder if Fukui has let the cat out of the bag a bit prematurely.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/28/honda-v8-coming-in-2015/