My buddy sent this to me today FWIW:

http://motoring.reuters.co.uk/reuter...nk=101&id=1241

Honda NSX Dropped
Tue 12 Jul, 2005, 16:51
Honda has announced that production of the NSX will end in September 2005.
This brings a 15 year production run to an end - about three times longer than most Japanese cars. The NSX was Honda's attempt to capitalise on its 1980s Formula One success as an engine supplier to Williams and then McLaren.

The NSX was certainly successful in persuading journalists that Honda could be a worthy rival to Ferrari, but buyers were less convinced. Total sales were 18,000 in 15 years, which is considerably less than mid-engined Ferraris managed. Unusually for a Japanese product, the NSX looked increasingly old-fashioned as its European rival continually improved: Ferrari went through four generations while the NSX was in production (348, 355, 360, 430).

Orders are still being taken, if anyone wants to own the only road car developed partly by the legendary Ayrton Senna.

Content provided by: Verdict On Cars

 

I know this sounds a little out there but I'm thinking there is a possibility they will use a hybrid powertrain. They did say it would be "revolutionary" right? A v8 doesn't scream revolutionary in the sports car segment, just standard. They already have a good base in hybrid technology, and the accord hybrid came out being touted as more of a performance model than for fuel economy.
Electric motors solve the low end torque honda always has trouble with.. A hybrid v6 coupled with lightweight lithium batteries could really make the NSX stand out from the crowd.

 

I'm not sure the NSX is really that " old-fashioned " compared to European cars. That is one reason why it has stayed in production so long despite low sales. Few European cars, even today, except for the Jaguar XJ and Audi A8, have an all-aluminum structure like the NSX.

 

The V10 for the Dodge Viper was developed as a truck engine first, so there is already a precedent set for the development of a truck engine first, and then a high performance sports car engine. Mugen has a 4.5 L (I believe that's the displacment) V8 that is producing 590 HP. That would more than work in an NSX engine bay. It is believed the new NSX will not be hand built by a select group of Honda employees as it is today. Rather, it is rumored it will be mass produced. The post about modding an S2000 to NSX performance standards is ridiculous. The S2000 is a great car, and you can boost a turbo/SC to get it to go 0-60 or 1/4 mile times faster, but overall performance would be difficult, if not impossible to equal. Plus, you can put some mods on the NSX that would raise that bar substantially. The NSX has never been about 0-60 or 1/4 mile times although it does quite well in that area. It is about balance, handling, build quality, durability. It's overall performance is only now being surpassed by the world's other premier sports cars. It is long overdue for improvements, but it is still a world class car. That shows you how far ahead of its time it was in 1991. They said in their press release that the new NSX will be as ground breaking as the original. I can't wait to see what that will be.

 

Great point about the Viper/Ram but that engine/car hasn't won any accolades. They just chased a number(s) which was 500/500/500

Do ya'll know how long a hood or rear has to be to fit a V-10? It would totally change any NSX mules made. That is a very long engine. It also would be very heavy, which is not what the current NSX is about.

I am with MMarshall, they've flip flopped so much about this car, I'll see it when I see it.

 

Agreed. That's not Honda's style anyway. You are absolutely right. The NSX is not about raw HP. I would vote for a small displacement V8 midengine. Naturally aspirated preferably. I would also vote for a flat crank as well. I love the sound of the V6 in my NSX, but a V8 like a Ferrari has a great sound.

 

Exactly. With F-1 moving to 2.4 liter V-8s, Honda may use some of that tech for a small volume V-8.

 

Another rumor (one of a million) is fusing 2 S2000 engine to make a 450-500 HP V8. Saves costs and you have a compact very nice solution. Still hoping for an all new V8. Never know. Maybe the Tokyo Motor Show will enlighten us!!!