Showing posts with label Next Gen Honda Sportscar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Next Gen Honda Sportscar. Show all posts

TOV Reader Daniel K. findsHonda files NSX Spider design sketches with European Patent Office



Straight from www.vtec.net:


"One of our observant readers in Europe saw some new NSX design sketches on a French automotive blog and notified us. A quick search of the European Patent Office shows that Honda filed a set of six wireframe sketches of an open-roof NSX on 22nd February, along with the more traditional 3D renderings of the fixed roof version. As you can see the drop-top looks pretty much identical to the Avengers NSX. See all 12 images below."

Source;

New 400bhp Honda NSX

Honda supercar returns with a four-wheel-drive hybrid drivetrain, and the coupe version will debut at Detroit Auto Show
The Honda NSX supercar is set to return as a 400bhp four-wheel-drive hybrid. Honda has already confirmed that a new NSX will be revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January, and now we have more information on the Japanese Audi R8 rival.

We’ve already seen spy shots of a concept car on the set of the new Avengers movie, and we’ve since had confirmation that the Detroit show car will be heavily based on that model. Our images show a coupe, but the final production version will also be offered as a roadster.

The concept will be shown as an Acura – the firm’s luxury North American arm – but it will be badged as a Honda when it arrives in the UK, and retain its forebear’s NSX name. Power will come from a 3.5-litre V6 driving one axle and a pair of in-wheel electric motors to turn the other. This will give the NSX four-wheel-drive traction and 400bhp-plus. Performance will be impressive, with 0-62mph taking under five seconds.

For full details on the new NSX, including how the hybrid powertrain will be adapted to suit the project, check out this week’s Auto Express magazine.

Source;
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/276454/new_400bhp_honda_nsx.html

We Hear: Honda EV-STER Concept to Be Built, with Gas Power?

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito told German auto magazine Auto Motor und Sport that the funky Honda EV-STER concept we showed you last month during the Tokyo Motor Show will go into production. The EC-STER was conceived as a modern-day Honda Beat and comes close to the size of that Japanese market Kei-car.

The concept comes in less than two inches wider than the Beat and the JDM Kei-car standard. The concept is powered by a 58kW (78 horsepower) lithium-ion motor and is said to hit 60km/h (just over 37 mph) in 5.0 seconds. Power is sent to the rear wheels. Honda says the electric-powered EV-STER would have a range of 100 miles and top speed of 100 mph.

But don’t fret if these numbers don’t impress. The Honda EV-STER is package-protected for a gasoline engine – behind the seats, making it a mid-engine, rear-drive replacement for the gone but not forgotten Honda S2000. Still no word on size or power level of the hypothetical internal combustion engine, but it would likely create more power and produce better times than the electric motor.

One show car feature that would not likely make production is the twin-lever steering. A conventional steering wheel would probably get the nod for the production car. No details whether either model will come stateside. We are crossing our fingers for the gas-powered version with at least 200 horsepower – maybe from the rumored 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder.

Source;
http://wot.motortrend.com/we-hear-honda-ev-ster-concept-to-be-built-with-gas-power-147349.html

Honda EV-STER headed for production - report

The Honda EV-STER concept was one of the stars at the Tokyo Motor Show and now it appears destined for production.

In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito said the roadster could be offered with electric and petrol powertrains. Additional information is limited, but the magazine speculates the vehicle could be launched as early as 2012.

As we have previously reported, the EV-STER could accelerate from 0-60 km/h (0-37 mph) in 5.0 seconds and travel approximately 160 km (99 miles) on a single charge.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/111121439030/honda-ev-ster-headed-for-production---report

Honda NSX for Detroit

The first clues to Honda’s long-awaited NSX successor will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show. The Japanese company has confirmed that a hybrid concept known internally as the Super Sports will appear at the US event at the start of January.

A mysterious Acura concept was spotted last month on the set of the new Avengers movie in Central Park, New York, alongsive the film's star, Robert Downey Jr. Honda refused to comment on the pictures, but it's though that this mid-engined roadster could be the car in question.

Should the model make production, as is anticipated, it is likely to go on sale by 2013. Honda even took the bold move of showing a fleeting image of a sleek, silhouetted image of the model at a technical presentation to journalists at its Motegi Twin Ring facility.R and D boss Yoshikazu Kigoshi said: “It will define the new face of Acura (Honda’s premium US brand).” But the car is set to go on sale worldwide, and it will wear the Honda badge in Europe and possibly even resurrect the revered NSX name.

An insider at the company admitted new boss Takanobu Ito had been stung into action after suggestions that a company once famed for its sporty cars and engineering expertise had lost its way in recent years. “This is the start of new direction for Honda,” he stressed. “We need a halo product.”

And chief operating officer of R and D Toshikiho Nonaka outlined the company’s agenda when he confirmed: “We are investigating a Super Sports car that pursues exhilarating fun.”

However, the new model will be in keeping with Honda’s Earth Dreams policy, which prioritises Fun, the Environment and Safety, and is likely to feature an electric motor as well as conventional power.

Other technology which could be used in the car is the firm’s new Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

This torque control system transfers energy from inside wheels to outside wheels while cornering to maximize stability. Auto Express briefly tested it at the firm’s test track and found it delivered an extremely sporty drive, even in something the size of an Accord.

Nonaka acknowledged SH-AWD would be ideal for a new flagship performance model when he said: “We do have an understanding that lightweight, speedy, sporty vehicles are needed for this system.” President of Honda Motor Europe Manabu Nishimae added: “We know there are customers who want Honda sports cars and we are developing and intending to deliver products for them.”

Source;
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/motorshows/tokyo-motor-show/275806/honda_nsx_for_detroit.html

2013 Honda Beat Update



www.vtec.net member: Terencemunro



According to the German Car Magazine AUTOBILD, Honda is developing a new version of the Honda Beat which will be introduced in 2013. They say it will base on the CR-Z platform an has up to 170 hp. Honda will also offer a dualclutch transmission from the Honda Bike VFR1200F Starting price is 14'000euro



Source;

http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-message?message_id=995950

http://www.autobild.de/artikel/honda-beat-neuauflage-1875765.html

Don't Call it a Comeback....Honda Beat

Well, where there's usually this much smoke, there's fire....
Successor to tiny Nineties’ drop-top is on way


By Peter Lyon
10th June 2011

The Beat goes on, Auto Express can reveal. Sources in Japan say that Honda will combine the best of its car and motorcycle technologies to create a front-wheel-drive, two-seater sports coupé successor to the Nineties Beat.


The original was a 3.3-metre-long drop-top, produced between 1991 and 1996, that had a 660cc engine to take advantage of Japanese tax breaks. The reborn Beat coupé will be based on the platform of the petrol-electric CR-Z two-door, but employ a smaller body with shorter overhangs, and is likely to take cues from Honda’s OSM concept car.


It is rumoured to incorporate one of the firm’s next-generation petrol engines: either the 1.3 or 1.5-litre advanced VTEC, due to appear in the company’s production cars from next year. Our spies tell us that a hybrid is not being considered for the coupé, although stop-start will feature.


The engine bosses eventually choose will be hooked up to the company’s first-ever dual-clutch transmission for cars. This set-up is borrowed and adapted from Honda’s VFR1200F motorcycle.


Targeting coupés such as the next Mazda MX-5 and recently launched Renault Wind, the newcomer is due in dealers in late 2013. It’s expected to cost less than £20,000, and will be sold in the US as well as Europe.

Next Gen Honda Beat getting closer?!?


Straight from www.woodyscarsite.com ;

"Only 33,600 sold from 1991-1996. It is already a classic by Honda standards and the last model to be approved from Mr. Honda himself. The Beat's aim was to challenge the Suzuki Cappuccino and the future Smart Roadster if the model would have continued. It's failure might have been the lack of power. No turbo or supercharger was ever offered to its 656cc engine. Can you blame customers?20 some years later with the advancement of VTEC, Honda can easily afford to spawn a newer version. With the S2000 out of the spotlight, it is an easy win."

Source;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2011/06/revival-new-honda-beat-convertible.html

Below are some earlier sketches of the vehilce. I think this would fit nicely into Honda's lineup.

Next Generation Honda/Acura NSX Concept Art

Not sure where this came from but it sure looks good! Here's to hoping.
Thanks for the tip Rob!

Source;
http://www.hdwallpapersfix.com/view/honda-concept-2011-800x600.html

Honda's Next Sportscar?

Stumbled across this in a recent S2000 fan site forum, interesting, they say that they found it in Road & Track; "According to R&T, this will be a 3.5 liter V6 based on the JDM Accord. The speculation is that the car will have 200 - 250 bhp and will sell in the $25,000 to $30,000 range. They say the car will hit dealers next year!" hmmm, wouldn't be too excited about seeing this car next year.... Source; http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/850960-s2000-replacement/

Honda to develop high-performance sports car

Honda Motor Co. officially announced its plan to develop a high-performance sports car to serve as a successor to the now-defunct NSX.

President Takanobu Ito confirmed earlier reports about the car at a press conference held Friday to highlight Honda's 2011 motor sports activities.

The new model will be based on the 3.4-liter HSV-010GT race car. Honda runs the car on the Super GT auto racing circuit.

Ito said he wanted to commercialize the HSV because other automakers participate in the competition with racing versions based on cars sold on the market.

"I think Honda should respect the history of the Super GT competition (as a stock-car race)," Ito said.

Ito also indicated Honda may develop a low-priced small sports car.

"There are two types of sports cars--affordable and high-performance. I hope we will be able to market both," he said.

Soource (via TOV);
http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201102060128.html

Honda's Sportscar plans for 2012 and beyond?

A Temple of Vtec member AznSupastar came across a MagX style magazine with some renderings/illustrations of what the next gen S2000 and NSX may look like....
Here's the link to the TOV forum that I found this on, some of the other members have translated the text;
http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-message?message_id=946550
Awesome find!

Road & Track: Honda Contemplates a CR-Z Convertible

September 24, 2010 by Sam Mitani

We have reported about the possibility of an S2000 successor for many months, and now we’re hearing reports that it may indeed happen, but not in the way we previously imagined. Our sources in Tokyo have told us that Honda is putting a priority on adding a sports car in its lineup; the execs feel that a sports car is a necessity to uphold its brand image. While there have been many debates and arguments within the walls of Honda HQ’s Aoyama-based offices buildings about the details of the car, many believe that the best first step may be to use the CR-Z hybrid car’s platform. Despite its front-drive layout, performance will be increased via a stronger engine and lighter weight. If such a car can be created, it would go up against the likes of the Mazda MX-5. After this car is established, then Honda would move on to create a rear-drive high-powered sports car, probably with a hybrid powerplant. We’ll keep you up to date as news develops.

Source (via autoblog);
http://blog.roadandtrack.com/honda-contemplates-a-cr-z-convertible/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Next Gen Honda S2000/S3000 Rendering

Not sure what to think about a Honda logo on the front of a 'Mazda Smile'.... not the prettiest front end renderings that I've seen but the rest of the car looks hot....
Source;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2010/09/20-honda-s2000.html

What Could have been, the Next Gen Honda Prelude HC2

I have displayed the front pic before but I hadn't seen the side and rear views before, so I thought I'd pass it on. Great looking car, even today.

Source;
http://jmvdesign.deviantart.com/art/Honda-Prelude-HC2-Renders-89341046?q=gallery%3Ajmvdesign%2F4106748&qo=22

Honda to Fuse S2000 and Beat Into One

Small, Rear-Drive, Mid-Engine Roadster on the Drawing Board

The Honda S2000 was recently killed and the Honda Beat 660cc minicar of 1991 all but forgotten, but in a strange comeback story, they both may live again -- fused into the one car. We have just caught word from a source close to Honda that the company is busy at work 'molding' the two together in a radical new project that is taking shape inside the halls of Tochigi's R&D Centre just north of Tokyo. Dropped onto a modified Fit (Jazz) platform, the new roadster will apparently employ a rear mid-engined layout. An illustration of what the new car could become is depicted.

It's an intriguing new sports car plan from a company that doesn't really have much left in that genre short of the Civic Si and the hybrid CR-Z (the Civic Type R will cease production in August). We did some background research and discovered that Honda has lodged a patent pending in Japan to build a roadster using a subframe and parts from current cars but adding technology to lower curb weight and reduce production costs. The patent actually refers to the "engine being fitted to a center frame" which translates from Japanese to mid-engined and rear-wheel drive. So it will no doubt be lightweight and have good front-rear weight distribution at the same time.

But whether that "mid-engine" refers to a hybrid, fully electric or fuel cell is still unclear. In recent years, Honda has dabbled in all three alternative forms of propulsion, so it's anyone's guess which way they will lean. It's unlikely the automaker will build the car with a gasoline engine option as that would restrict its international application. And if there's anything the company wants, it's to make this car a global success. Don't expect to see this car on the road before 2014.

In other rear-wheel drive compact coupe news, as we've reported, Toyota too is in the process of developing a vehicle, but it will be a gas-powered, 1.5-liter two-door based on the hot hatch concept from GRMN that it debuted at last January's Tokyo Auto Salon. For those who haven't been paying attention to the company's racing exploits at Nurburgring recently, GRMN stands for Gazoo Racing - Meister of Nurburgring. Called a mini-FT-86 in Japan, the new compact coupe is expected in showrooms by early 2013.
Source;

2011 Honda CR-Z: the car for today’s and yesterday’s tuners?

Regarding the Honda CR-Z sports hybrid coupe, the Japanese manufacturer’s main target are today’s and yesterday’s tuners. How is that?

Well, according to John Mendel, executive vice president for automobile sales at American Honda Motor Co., the research shows that the “young people and guys my age, because it’s reminiscent of the CR-X, which was the ultimate tuner vehicle.” “We thought maybe the hybrid would turn the tuners off,” Mendel said. “Basically, they just say, ‘It’s 20 extra horsepower — what the hell.’ ” In order to reach younger buyers, the Japanese manufacturer is planning to use social media but sponsoring the concert tours of musical acts with a multigenerational appeal might work with both groups. For those who don’t know, the Honda CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter petrol engine delivering 102 hp and an electric motor capable to deliver 20 hp. This means that the car has a total output of 122 hp and 128 lb-ft. of torque at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 lb-ft on CVT-equipped models). P.S. You may also want to check the Mugen CR-Z and the CR-Z ZF1 by C-West!

Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/2011-honda-cr-z-the-car-for-todays-and-yesterdays-tuners/#more-8160

More Rendered Speculation on Honda S2000's High Performance Hybrid Coupe Successor

Not sure what to think about this one....Truth to be said, we've lost track of the number of inside stories and rendered scoops concerning Honda's rumored, but never officially confirmed, S2000 successor that have made their way on the internet from various Japanese magazines the past year or so.

We've no idea if Best Car's latest story on a high-performance hybrid sports coupe that would essentially replace the S2000 is based on facts or fiction, but the Japanese magazine is once again claiming that Honda is working on what could be best described as the CR-Z's big brother.

Aside from the new rendering that has nothing in common with the magazine's previous S2000 CGI, Best Car this time says that the sports model will be a 2+2 coupe with a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5- or 3.0-liter engine to an electric motor.

No word if power will be transferred to the rear axle or as previously claimed, to all four wheels.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-rendered-speculation-on-honda.html