Mini NSX

[M-17]

Mini Acura NSX Back on the Table
Shrunken Supercar Rumored to Get AWD, Mid-Engine Layout

By Peter Lyon

While the stillborn, V-10-powered NSX was being developed, Honda was also working on a related and obscure project referred to internally as the Small NSX. At the time it was just one of several advanced R&D ideas sitting in the design room. Then the financial crisis hit, causing Honda to kill the NSX and shelve all other sports car projects. But Honda has since rebounded, and as we know, the NSX has been reborn as an all-wheel drive hybrid. Now we're hearing the Small NSX may be back on the drawing board as well.
While the words "Small NSX" may conjure up visions of a successor to the S2000, our inside source tells us this is not the case, and that it will look much like a shrunken version of the big-boy NSX, something along the lines of the car you see in this artist's impression. Our source also tells us that like the NSX, it will be equipped with a version of Honda's SH-AWD system.

Power will likely be provided by a turbocharged direct-injection engine. Honda currently has a number of engines that could fit the bill, including the 3.5-liter V-6, 2.4-liter I-4, and 2.0-liter I-4 already offered in several of its American-market products. Given Honda's America-focused development, overseas engines such as its 660cc and 1.0-liter mills are unlikely to be considered. Of the possible three, the 2.4-liter is the most likely candidate. There's also the possibility that it will be fitted with some kind of hybrid drivetrain.

Our source also tells us the Small NSX will make use of a number of parts from the NSX to help recoup development costs. Given that both cars will be developed at Honda of America's R&D center in Ohio (we're told that in July Honda HQ assigned several of its top test drivers and engineers to the facility for a five-year stint), it's a logical move. The NSX remains on track to return for the 2015 model year. If it's indeed green-lit, the Small NSX could follow a year or two afterward, before the drivers and engineers head home in 2017. Don't expect it to be a bargain sports car, however. Given the amount of DNA it's likely to share with the NSX, the Small NSX would likely cost between $50,000 and $60,000.

Hmmm... I didn't see this posted anywhere, but figured I bring this to light over here.

[finch1750]

If only it were offered in rwd. I'd like a new mr2 basically. Unless Toyota follows through on theirs

[ft86Fan]

Looks great but awd and the price kind of a turn off.

[Wes B.]

Don't like the looks.

[SVTSHC]

I think I'd have a VERY hard time spending upwards of $50,000 on a Honda... just sayin.

[Dark]

Originally Posted by SVTSHC

I think I'd have a VERY hard time spending upwards of $50,000 on a Honda... just sayin.

It will be an Acura.

[blur]

If it gets the J35, it would make for a hell of a car... 6 speed please!

[RRnold]

It was talked about a while back but no renderings were posted.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...ighlight=Acura

I really hope they don't replicate a smaller version that looks just like the NSX. That would ruin the NSX as a whole. Make a smaller version with a completely different exterior with a completely different name.

[JDMenrique]

$60k for a K20/24... I think not.

[serialk11r]

This could be really cool if it turns into a sorta upscale MR2 (with good styling PLEASE), but as JDMenrique wrote, if it's high dollar for a K20/K24, do not want. Or even a J35. Please do not use an engine plucked from an Accord.

At that price, a (very) high rev low displacement V6 would be pretty neat. Smooth but racy and great sound.

[Superhatch]

I hope Honda does something soon. They seem to be turning into the Toyota of the 2000's.

[RaceR]

Looks cool. Should be RWD.

And when did Honda start making Mazdas? That Honda Concept looks like a Mazda concept..

[muffinman]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

Please do not use an engine plucked from an Accord.

there's gotta be room for improvement from the factory for the accord's v6. i think it is very conservatively tuned because it is in fwd duty now (much like nissans VQ is tuned down to about 270hp in their fwd altima vs 300+ in the Z's).

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by muffinman

there's gotta be room for improvement from the factory for the accord's v6. i think it is very conservatively tuned because it is in fwd duty now (much like nissans VQ is tuned down to about 270hp in their fwd altima vs 300+ in the Z's).

Of course there's room, but that's not the point. The point is that a big heavy low rev engine is not exciting, and a sports car needs to be exciting to make up for the "lack of value". The J35 has a 93mm stroke, so it's not going to be much good above 7000rpm no matter what you do to it.

The VQ37VHR is not just a VQ35DE in a higher state of tune. It's newer (newer combustion chamber design), has VVEL (huge benefit), and has higher compression ratio and higher displacement. Take those into account and you realize the VQ37 isn't all that tuned up.

For a mid-upper tier sports car Honda should be looking into either something like a new F20C or a 2-2.5L V6 that revs just as high. If the lowly Civic can get an 8000rpm capable K20, they should be able to do this. All they need to do is bring together the best of the engines they've made before: 3 stage VTEC, high compression ratio, the new direct injection systems, new variable speed oil and water pump, shortish stroke in the 80-85mm range + nice long forged rods, and it'll have silly power, great sound (NSX revving up = pure race car), great fuel economy. And torque is for old people driving Mercedes Benz, gtfo.