Honda CEO demands NSX be faster around 'Ring than GT-R

[overst33r]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/0...-around-ring-than-gt-r

...the next NSX will get a 5.5L V10 producing 550 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that's derived from a V8 that's slated for the next-gen, rear-wheel-drive Acura RL. They also surmise that it will use an 8-speed auto with paddle shifters, feature an advanced version of Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system and use lots of aluminum in its construction to keep weight down. Unfortunately, by the time the NSX arrives, the GT-R V-Spec will have moved the bar again.

Honda is just playing catch up... THEY set the standard with the NSX last generation, how things have changed.

 

[thomsbrain]

I don't know that they ever set the bar. The NSX was never the fastest thing around, even when new. Like most Hondas, it just offered a total package of performance, quality, comfort, and usability that hadn't been combined by another manufacturer before. There were cars that could top it in any given category, but none that could combine them all so well (at least for a while). Who knows if the next NSX will do the same, but I don't think they are in a different situation than last time, when there were Ferraris and Porsches that were faster and flashier than the NSX was ever intended to be.

 

[overst33r]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
I don't know that they ever set the bar. The NSX was never the fastest thing around, even when new. Like most Hondas, it just offered a total package of performance, quality, comfort, and usability that hadn't been combined by another manufacturer before. There were cars that could top it in any given category, but none that could combine them all so well (at least for a while). Who knows if the next NSX will do the same, but I don't think they are in a different situation than last time, when there were Ferraris and Porsches that were faster and flashier than the NSX was ever intended to be.

I didn't mean it in a 'ring time sense. I meant it as a company building a supercar. Although the NSXR was still faster than the Skyline GT-R around the 'ring.

 

[ayabe]

Yeah well Honda is gonna shoot themselves in the foot if they think people are going to buy $150,000 NSX.

Not a chance in hell.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: ayabe
Yeah well Honda is gonna shoot themselves in the foot if they think people are going to buy $150,000 NSX.

Not a chance in hell.

On a large scale, I believe you're right.

But a limited release of such a car will likely sell out before it even hits the streets.

The original NSX is still highly sought after, and quite expensive.

 

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: ayabe
Yeah well Honda is gonna shoot themselves in the foot if they think people are going to buy $150,000 NSX.

Not a chance in hell.

On a large scale, I believe you're right.

But a limited release of such a car will likely sell out before it even hits the streets.

The original NSX is still highly sought after, and quite expensive.

That's a number I saw floating around a couple years ago, and if they plan on beating the GT-R it could very well be higher than that.

I just see Honda having a pretty hard sell in trying to convince people to pay 2x+ for a car that's XX seconds faster on the Ring. Especially with nothing really exotic about it, no mid engine, etc.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: ayabe
Yeah well Honda is gonna shoot themselves in the foot if they think people are going to buy $150,000 NSX.

Not a chance in hell.

On a large scale, I believe you're right.

But a limited release of such a car will likely sell out before it even hits the streets.

The original NSX is still highly sought after, and quite expensive.

You can get mid-early ninety nsx's in pretty good condition for like 25k now.

 

[Ktulu]

Some how I doubt they'll be able to get past the GT-R's times on the ring. GM's been testing the ZR1 for some time now and still now official lap time, which leads me to believe they haven't been able to beat the time. Unless Honda is planning to put some magically AWD system similar to the GT-R's, it's not going to happen.

 

[Riverhound777]

Originally posted by: Ktulu
Some how I doubt they'll be able to get past the GT-R's times on the ring. GM's been testing the ZR1 for some time now and still now official lap time, which leads me to believe they haven't been able to beat the time. Unless Honda is planning to put some magically AWD system similar to the GT-R's, it's not going to happen.

"...the next NSX will get a 5.5L V10 producing 550 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that's derived from a V8 that's slated for the next-gen, rear-wheel-drive Acura RL. They also surmise that it will use an 8-speed auto with paddle shifters, feature an advanced version of Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system and use lots of aluminum in its construction to keep weight down. Unfortunately, by the time the NSX arrives, the GT-R V-Spec will have moved the bar again. "

 

[BassBomb]

NSX R GT was a great all around car. It had better handling than the older Skyline which made it a good car.

No MR means this car will lose alot of its old handling that it had to have tons of power and AWD instead.

I am interested to see where this goes from here

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: Riverhound777

Originally posted by: Ktulu
Some how I doubt they'll be able to get past the GT-R's times on the ring. GM's been testing the ZR1 for some time now and still now official lap time, which leads me to believe they haven't been able to beat the time. Unless Honda is planning to put some magically AWD system similar to the GT-R's, it's not going to happen.

"...the next NSX will get a 5.5L V10 producing 550 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that's derived from a V8 that's slated for the next-gen, rear-wheel-drive Acura RL. They also surmise that it will use an 8-speed auto with paddle shifters, feature an advanced version of Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system and use lots of aluminum in its construction to keep weight down. Unfortunately, by the time the NSX arrives, the GT-R V-Spec will have moved the bar again. "

It better be better then the version on the RL, or the car otherwise known as "should've had awd."

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick

Originally posted by: Riverhound777

Originally posted by: Ktulu
Some how I doubt they'll be able to get past the GT-R's times on the ring. GM's been testing the ZR1 for some time now and still now official lap time, which leads me to believe they haven't been able to beat the time. Unless Honda is planning to put some magically AWD system similar to the GT-R's, it's not going to happen.

"...the next NSX will get a 5.5L V10 producing 550 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that's derived from a V8 that's slated for the next-gen, rear-wheel-drive Acura RL. They also surmise that it will use an 8-speed auto with paddle shifters, feature an advanced version of Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system and use lots of aluminum in its construction to keep weight down. Unfortunately, by the time the NSX arrives, the GT-R V-Spec will have moved the bar again. "

It better be better then the version on the RL, or the car otherwise known as "should've had awd."

Interesting opinion, since every professional review I've read of the SH-AWD systems in the RL, RDX, and MDX has had nothing but praise for the systems, and knock-off systems are springing up in other manufacturer's cars, including the newest BMW's. It's one of those advancements like variable valve timing or direct injection where you have to ask "why would you NOT use it once you knew how to do it?"

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I appreciate his attitude, but the GTR is one hell of a hard target to beat for lap speed around the 'ring.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I just hope Honda doesn't sit on the car for 15 years. Most people can't tell the difference between a 1991 and a 2006 NSX. (only way I can tell easily is the headlights). Though with the rising cost of gas and the shift towards smaller vehicles, the horsepower war seems to be at it's peak. It's not as cool as it used to be to have high HP. So who knows, maybe it'll stay a major player. Welcome to 1970, part 2.

 

[RichUK]

So there will actually be a V-Spec version of the new GTR?

I hope Honda do succeed in their mission to beat the GTR around the ?ring. It?s getting boring hearing GTR this and GTR that all the time.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
Interesting opinion, since every professional review I've read of the SH-AWD systems in the RL, RDX, and MDX has had nothing but praise for the systems, and knock-off systems are springing up in other manufacturer's cars, including the newest BMW's. It's one of those advancements like variable valve timing or direct injection where you have to ask "why would you NOT use it once you knew how to do it?"

Its just an opinion of a subaru driving fanboy.

 

[Blackjack200]

how did 'ring times become the standard for automotive fastness? I remember not long ago stat sheets were 0-60, 1/4 mile, skidpad, and maybe slalom. Now, all you see is "'ring time this" and "'ring time" that. I'm not saying it's a bad test, but manufacturers are hiring professionals to drive these cars at the edge for the best possible time, and I doubt the vast majority of their owners would ever be able get that kind of performance out of their cars.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Originally posted by: Blackjack200
how did 'ring times become the standard for automotive fastness? I remember not long ago stat sheets were 0-60, 1/4 mile, skidpad, and maybe slalom. Now, all you see is "'ring time this" and "'ring time" that. I'm not saying it's a bad test, but manufacturers are hiring professionals to drive these cars at the edge for the best possible time, and I doubt the vast majority of their owners would ever be able get that kind of performance out of their cars.

Queue the video of Jeremy Clarkson doing 9:58 in a diesel Jaguar and a professional driver doing 10:08 in a Transit Van.

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: Blackjack200
how did 'ring times become the standard for automotive fastness? I remember not long ago stat sheets were 0-60, 1/4 mile, skidpad, and maybe slalom. Now, all you see is "'ring time this" and "'ring time" that. I'm not saying it's a bad test, but manufacturers are hiring professionals to drive these cars at the edge for the best possible time, and I doubt the vast majority of their owners would ever be able get that kind of performance out of their cars.

The extremely long lap length, huge variety of curves, corners, straights, and rapid elevation changes, combined with the not-too-smooth track make it an ideal proving ground for testing road-oriented cars. And since it is technically a public toll road, anyone in any car can drive it except when there is a special event or booking going on.

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
Interesting opinion, since every professional review I've read of the SH-AWD systems in the RL, RDX, and MDX has had nothing but praise for the systems, and knock-off systems are springing up in other manufacturer's cars, including the newest BMW's. It's one of those advancements like variable valve timing or direct injection where you have to ask "why would you NOT use it once you knew how to do it?"

Its just an opinion of a subaru driving fanboy.

I'm sure Subaru will get around to adding it onto their AWD system when they get around to designing their first new platform of the decade.

 

[Pariah]

Looks like Honda might actually be able to do it. The early prototype with all the camo has unofficially lapped the ring in 7:37 in traffic.

New NSX does a 7'37" Already

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: mariok2006
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/0...-around-ring-than-gt-r

...the next NSX will get a 5.5L V10 producing 550 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that's derived from a V8 that's slated for the next-gen, rear-wheel-drive Acura RL. They also surmise that it will use an 8-speed auto with paddle shifters, feature an advanced version of Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system and use lots of aluminum in its construction to keep weight down. Unfortunately, by the time the NSX arrives, the GT-R V-Spec will have moved the bar again.

Honda is just playing catch up... THEY set the standard with the NSX last generation, how things have changed.

I'm all for them making the effort. If they succeed...well that's just awesome. It is almost guaranteed that the car will look better than the GT-R.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Blackjack200
how did 'ring times become the standard for automotive fastness? I remember not long ago stat sheets were 0-60, 1/4 mile, skidpad, and maybe slalom. Now, all you see is "'ring time this" and "'ring time" that. I'm not saying it's a bad test, but manufacturers are hiring professionals to drive these cars at the edge for the best possible time, and I doubt the vast majority of their owners would ever be able get that kind of performance out of their cars.

It's called breath of fresh air. Measuring a car's ability to drive 1/4 mile or 0-60 has not real baring on track performance/real life performance.

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth

Originally posted by: Blackjack200
how did 'ring times become the standard for automotive fastness? I remember not long ago stat sheets were 0-60, 1/4 mile, skidpad, and maybe slalom. Now, all you see is "'ring time this" and "'ring time" that. I'm not saying it's a bad test, but manufacturers are hiring professionals to drive these cars at the edge for the best possible time, and I doubt the vast majority of their owners would ever be able get that kind of performance out of their cars.

Queue the video of Jeremy Clarkson doing 9:58 in a diesel Jaguar and a professional driver doing 10:08 in a Transit Van.

OK *evil grin*

Sabine Schmitz is the professional driver you are talking about
Sabine

Speedy Transit
Transit part one
Transit part two

A Diesel can do it in under 10 mins??
Hmmm part one
Yes part two

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Originally posted by: Riverhound777

Originally posted by: Ktulu
Some how I doubt they'll be able to get past the GT-R's times on the ring. GM's been testing the ZR1 for some time now and still now official lap time, which leads me to believe they haven't been able to beat the time. Unless Honda is planning to put some magically AWD system similar to the GT-R's, it's not going to happen.

"...the next NSX will get a 5.5L V10 producing 550 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that's derived from a V8 that's slated for the next-gen, rear-wheel-drive Acura RL. They also surmise that it will use an 8-speed auto with paddle shifters, feature an advanced version of Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system and use lots of aluminum in its construction to keep weight down. Unfortunately, by the time the NSX arrives, the GT-R V-Spec will have moved the bar again. "

if they want to even come close to the GTR, that 8 speed auto better be some derivative of a DSG and not a torque converter type slushbox.
one of the reasons the GTR is so fast around the ring is that on a track as large as the ring, it requires a lot of shifting which could make or break its times.
not to mention there's more powertrain loss in a slushbox.