I was watching an episode of Top Gear where they had a segment on the Civic Type R, followed by the NSX Type R and the guy brought up an interesting point. Should Honda cease production of the NSX? Hardly anyone has bought one, probably due to price. Another point he made was that the hood, truck, and spoiler are made of Carbon Fiber, lightweight glass is used, lightweight seats, and even replacing the shift boot with a fine mesh instead of leather to save 10 grams.

"When people start messing with the shape of the gear **** and then giving it a light weight mesh gater. That's when you know they're just fiddling. This isn't a car anymore, it's just an engineers plaything. And it costs 70 grand (pounds), and no one's gonna pay that for a Honda."

I know this forum might be a little bias, but i figured it'd get moved here if i placed it in GDD.

So with all that said, what do you think? Should Honda/Acura keep producing it's flagship, or should I start building something else?

 

Cancelling a extrodinary machine like the NSX simply because some Brit didn't like the shift boot is stupid. Leather is played out anyway, the Honda guys are just trying some new arangements. It is due for a big overhaul though...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by preluda92 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Cancelling a extrodinary machine like the NSX simply because some Brit didn't like the shift boot is stupid. Leather is played out anyway, the Honda guys are just trying some new arangements. It is due for a big overhaul though...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I never said I agreed with him, he just made a few good points. He gave it great praise as far as handling and power go, he just had a few concerns about where the car is going.

 

And it will have one.(an overhaul)
Most likely in 2005 taking on the form of the HSC that made it's public debut recently.
The NSX is not going away anytime soon, you can quote me on that.

 

i recently seen that video as well. that guy is full of crap. he should've been grateful for being able to even test drive the nsx-r. did you hear his review over the civic type r? He LOVED that thing. and its just freaking type s engine in it. doesn't seem to take much to impress that guy

and all his remarks about the nsx's new features, ie: cf, lightweight glass, suspension, and the mesh part. is due inpart to why honda built the r. To gain speed and greater handling abilities with more aerodynamics and lightweight materials instead of making a new engine. So him saying "fiddling", IMO is just looking for a way to bash the nsx. he also makes references to "it'll never be a ferrarri". I guess he forgot its a 13 year old car But, if he'd compare it to when it came out.. then he would say "its a honda that can beat a ferrarri"

this is an open thread over at prime too. also, the price of the r (roughly 110-120g's usd) does push pple away, because a lot of pple are name brand snobs. A lot of pple figure that there should never be a honda worth 80g's. And they should opt for a p-car, f-car, or even think "better bang for your buck" viper and vette.

also, keep in mind that the nsx is among a rariety in cars. Yes, its due in part by the NEW price tag, but die hard enthusiast, as myself, do have a chance in owning one, (early 90's). And to answer ur question if honda should keep making the nsx. I say yes. Why? Cause the CEO said "there will be no rivals" when 2nd gen nsx comes out. i knwo that doesn't answer the question of why...

 

I think they should keep it...but I would like to see a few changes. Mainly, put an advanced V8 in it. I'm probably going to catch some flak for that. My other choice would be Honda's F1 engine. Imagine your tach going to 20,000+ RPM.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Prof Kaos &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think they should keep it...but I would like to see a few changes. Mainly, put an advanced V8 in it. I'm probably going to catch some flak for that. My other choice would be Honda's F1 engine. Imagine your tach going to 20,000+ RPM. </TD></TR></TABLE>

And having to be rebuilt after every 2 or 3 hours of operation? No thanks.

Still I would like to see the next NSX's engine be a real screamer. It would be really cool if it were the first production car to rev past 10K rpm.

 

Im all about the next HSC, and i hope Honda really comes through here. I have that 5th Gear NSX-R video and somewhat agree with the tester... i mean for $120k, no one here or anywhere besides Japan is going to buy an NSX-R over say a Porsche GT3 (which is cheaper and outperforms the NSX-R in every category).

 

keep the nsx hands down it deffently could use a complete update though

 

That guy is a jackass. Honda should stop exporting to such unappreciative jokers. If Honda exported Type-R to US, I'm pretty sure there'll be people buying it no matter the price.

 

He's Brittish, what do you expect from a country that was responsible for the Mini Cooper?

As much flak as I give the NSX it really is a club racers dream come true. You can't beat Honda reliability in such a robust chasis. I'd like a little more power but I'd rather see a silky smooth inline 6 over another V6 or a big V8. A compact(relatively speaking) V10 from the F1 boys would be nice. They'd have to detune it and bring the revs down to around 10-12k rpm's to avoid warranty nightmares but that would be interesting for sure.

I'd say that when the Elise comes out the NSX is going to face some tough competition though. I don't it's cause for Honda to give up however as the cars may appeal to different tastes.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ak &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If Honda exported Type-R to US, I'm pretty sure there'll be people buying it no matter the price.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm not so sure. Look at how much trouble Acura had selling the few (50) of the Zanardi NSX they brought in. Lots of people claim they want to buy a certain car, but when they're actually available, they don't.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Knightsport &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd say that when the Elise comes out the NSX is going to face some tough competition though. I don't it's cause for Honda to give up however as the cars may appeal to different tastes.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I agree with the latter statement; the Elise is not a direct competitor with the NSX. In addition to the price difference, the Elise is short on creature comforts; it's really just a track car. Compare it with the Diasio or the Caterham Seven or the Mosler. Those are the cars that the Elise competes with.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I agree with the latter statement; the Elise is not a direct competitor with the NSX. In addition to the price difference, the Elise is short on creature comforts; it's really just a track car. Compare it with the Diasio or the Caterham Seven or the Mosler. Those are the cars that the Elise competes with.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'll concede that but if you read the latest to come out on the Elise it is infact going to have stereo, AC, yada, yada, yada.

Although on price alone I'd have to agree.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by n1ek &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And it will have one.(an overhaul)
Most likely in 2005 taking on the form of the HSC that made it's public debut recently.
The NSX is not going away anytime soon, you can quote me on that.</TD></TR></TABLE>

2005? Not even. Honda said HSC has been put on hold 'till at least 2010 and maybe not even do it at all. They are working on safety now.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bryant &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">2005? Not even. Honda said HSC has been put on hold 'till at least 2010 and maybe not even do it at all.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not true. Not true at all.

Heck, they even have a blurb in the new AutoWeek confirming how the new NSX/HSC is not going to have a hybrid powerplant (which most of us had already figured out).

Look for it some time next year as a 2006 model year car.

 

I guess all we can do is wait.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by azndng &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">he should've been grateful for being able to even test drive the nsx-r. </TD></TR></TABLE>
This guy gets to drive astons, ferraris, Lamborghinis, and countless other exotic cars. Why should he be grateful to be able to drive a honda?? His job was to review the car and that is exactly what he did. Those were his opinions. I think the car needs an overhaul. The main thing i dislike about the car is the engine. V6 and only like 280hp. That seems kinda weak. Maybe if honda put in a better engine (to compete with ferrari) and a new design, i would like the car more.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by G20Balla &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
This guy gets to drive astons, ferraris, Lamborghinis, and countless other exotic cars. Why should he be grateful to be able to drive a honda?? His job was to review the car and that is exactly what he did. Those were his opinions. I think the car needs an overhaul. The main thing i dislike about the car is the engine. V6 and only like 280hp. That seems kinda weak. Maybe if honda put in a better engine (to compete with ferrari) and a new design, i would like the car more.
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They arent designed to compete with Ferrari. And I know this is the classic arguement but find me another car(non rotary or turbo) that has more HP per liter, although the new Z is close. There is no other N/A V6 MR 300 HP car on the market.

 

HP/Liter doesnt mean jack, the NSX is a great car and it shouldnt D/C, I mean it gives cars with 200+ more hp a good run. amazing what it does with that kind of deficit.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by G20Balla &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
This guy gets to drive astons, ferraris, Lamborghinis, and countless other exotic cars. Why should he be grateful to be able to drive a honda?? His job was to review the car and that is exactly what he did. Those were his opinions. I think the car needs an overhaul. The main thing i dislike about the car is the engine. V6 and only like 280hp. That seems kinda weak. Maybe if honda put in a better engine (to compete with ferrari) and a new design, i would like the car more.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

he should be grateful because it was never released anywhere BUT japan. Honda jsut released i beleive 10 r's to euro, 1 of which was given to button. also, the over used comments of "ONLY 290hp" its power/weight.. no hp/l.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Champ R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Im all about the next HSC, and i hope Honda really comes through here. I have that 5th Gear NSX-R video and somewhat agree with the tester... i mean for $120k, no one here or anywhere besides Japan is going to buy an NSX-R over say a Porsche GT3 (which is cheaper and outperforms the NSX-R in every category).</TD></TR></TABLE>

keep in mind there are NO REAL substantial specs/data ever recorded for the nsx-r. There are a few bmv out there with 'some' tests. but not enough to compare with other cars. Interesting you put the gt3 in the comparo. i've seen a few tests of the gt3 and heard great reviews, but in all aspects of main stream society which really looks at the 1/4mile... the gt3 runs 12.4 and if you use the bmv, the r runs the same. some other specs for the gt3 can be found here..

http://www.roadandtrack.com/as...0.pdf

and for comparison with nsx's in general

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Te...s.htm

you'll find that the regular nsx has almost the same specs as the gt3. so if you take into consideratin that the r is sub 2900lbs. more aerodynamic, better suspension, ,tires, etc etc... i think it'll out class the gt3. and the gt3 is released this year... where as the r was released a few years ago.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 91 Teg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
They arent designed to compete with Ferrari. And I know this is the classic arguement but find me another car(non rotary or turbo) that has more HP per liter, although the new Z is close. There is no other N/A V6 MR 300 HP car on the market. </TD></TR></TABLE>

You said yourself the Z is close and it is able to do it for half the price. Well I will be the first to admit that the NSX is a great machine performance wise since it's debut nothing much has changed on the car besides the price and it is due for an overhaul.

 

I dont really believe it should have an engine overhaul as much as a styling. I mean i still love it but something new would be great. Also, is it true that Honda loses money on evry NSX sold,or is that bs.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by swifty4u &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">is it true that Honda loses money on evry NSX sold,or is that bs.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't know. However, I can make a guess. My guess is that Honda spent a HUGE amount of money to develop the NSX. (Development costs for an all-new platform in the automotive industry typically run anywhere from a third of a billion dollars to well over a billion, and I would think that the design challenges of an ultra-high-performance car would not put it at the low end of that range.)

So, let's use some round numbers here. Let's say it costs Honda $50,000 in INCREMENTAL costs to build every NSX. Let's also say it cost Honda $1,000,000 in FIXED costs (mostly development costs, but also marketing and advertising costs) to bring the NSX and its enhancements over time to market. They have sold approximately 20,000 NSXs worldwide. And Honda receives $70,000 from each dealer for each car sold. The question then becomes, how do you calculate how much they made or lost on each car? Do you include the fixed development costs in the calculation, or not? If you are only looking at the incremental costs - and you ignore the fixed costs (which were probably mostly written off on their books years ago) - then you could make a case that they are making $20,000 on every additional car they build. Or, if you look at the overall effort, and how much it cost them to bring the car to market INCLUDING those fixed costs, then you could make a case that they have lost $30,000 on every car they've sold. Take your pick.

 

The NSX is an old design, 13 yrs old, and the chassis has not had a revamp yet.


Newer cars are coming out with fresh overhauls and the NSX is being left behind. It is in need of a new drivetrain and it needs about 100 HP more than it has to compete with the new Corvette, porsche etc...


I would love to see a 4 liter V8 or a high revving 6 making 400 HP or so... It certainly needs an overhaul to compete with new cars and stop all the haters with the comment, "it's so overrated in only runs low 13's, and it's slow".


I don't think they should stop production at all, I think it needs a new engine with more power.