Spy photos: 2009 Acura NSX test mule spotted in Germany
It's been awhile since we heard anything about the 2009 Acura NSX. It was over a year ago when Honda officials confirmed a V10 engine for the next-generation NSX, but since then all we've heard or seen out of Japan was the Sports Car Concept shown in Detroit. These latest spy photos taken just outside the Nurburgring suggest work is still very much in progress. This chopped up S2000 features four tailpipes in back and a heavy-duty double wishbone suspension...
There's also a makeshift hardtop and some big time wheels and tires. Stay tuned for more shots when this prototype hits the 'Ring.
<----Litterally cant breathe! Its about damn time Honda got in gear as us Honda geeks have been waiting a long time for another legendary sports car from the big H. I just wish Honda would rethink the front engine layout as the mid engined NSX was an awesome car to drive.
I too am avoiding calling it the "NSX". I'm definitely not upset Honda is making a FR car, just don't call it the NSX. I still have hope that the "real" NSX will be announced soon :-)
As a current S2000 owner, I hope the car remains rear drive. AWD would be added weight and Honda would end up with performance closer to an Audi TT than a Ferrari like the last one. The idea of a Honda V10 makes my heart race (NPI)
sup, i'm new here. and i wanted to point out a few things.
well first of all i was totally surprised and happy to see this.
-if anyone hasn't noticed that the c-pillar is huge. look at the length from the window the the rear window! somethings fishy.
-also look underneath the car at the exhaust above the rear suspension, there's a center muffler which exits the exhaust to the side and then out through the rear bumper. obviously that won't be the final placement of the exhaust tips, which suggest even more that this thing (could) be mid-engined.
i think it could happen. honda didn't get the response they wanted with the advanced sports concept. and no car company can afford to play hit and miss in the sports car segment. honda can't baby another NSX for another fourteen years. one more point>
-using the s2000's body for a test mule suggest that the car will be near in size and weight! JUICY!
i don't know those are my thoughts.
I'd like to mention that all the photos above will NOT be the new Acura NSX.
The car you see is just a prototype and the actuall NSX will be based on the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept. The new car will still have a V-10 and it will be a front engine model. Rumors are thatit will produce about 500 hbp.
The car may be equipped with SH-AWD(Super Handling-All Wheel Drive) The car should be ready by 2010 as a 2011 model . This information comes from the November 2007 issue of Road & Track Magazine.
S2000 test mule huh? The engine bay is definitely big enough to accommodate the V10. Can't wait for pics of it testing!
Well this a definite surprise.
<----Litterally cant breathe! Its about damn time Honda got in gear as us Honda geeks have been waiting a long time for another legendary sports car from the big H. I just wish Honda would rethink the front engine layout as the mid engined NSX was an awesome car to drive.
ewww, can't really say anything positive about the design.
since the mule is an S2000(rear wheel drive), does this mean the NSX will be rear-drive as well?
I'm going to refuse to call it "NSX" as long as I can, if the engine's in front and/or it's a GT. But I'm happy that Honda is building something.
"rlyon - ewww, can't really say anything positive about the design."
Hence the MULE part. It's just an exterior part of the car that's being used to test the components underneath that sheetmetal.
As good as the SH-AWD system is Im seriously hoping Honda doesnt use it on this car.
there is no relation between the body and the engine, they used the S2000 body to hide the engine or other visual things.
I too am avoiding calling it the "NSX". I'm definitely not upset Honda is making a FR car, just don't call it the NSX. I still have hope that the "real" NSX will be announced soon :-)
if they do make it sh-awd, it will def, have the balls to be quick, but i do hope they stick with rwd, they have to its the nsx!
I am glad that Honda is going ahead with this and that V-10 is going to sound amazing.
http://www.refinedrogue.com
As a current S2000 owner, I hope the car remains rear drive. AWD would be added weight and Honda would end up with performance closer to an Audi TT than a Ferrari like the last one. The idea of a Honda V10 makes my heart race (NPI)
Now that is a funny camo job. :D
sup, i'm new here. and i wanted to point out a few things.
well first of all i was totally surprised and happy to see this.
-if anyone hasn't noticed that the c-pillar is huge. look at the length from the window the the rear window! somethings fishy.
-also look underneath the car at the exhaust above the rear suspension, there's a center muffler which exits the exhaust to the side and then out through the rear bumper. obviously that won't be the final placement of the exhaust tips, which suggest even more that this thing (could) be mid-engined.
i think it could happen. honda didn't get the response they wanted with the advanced sports concept. and no car company can afford to play hit and miss in the sports car segment. honda can't baby another NSX for another fourteen years. one more point>
-using the s2000's body for a test mule suggest that the car will be near in size and weight! JUICY!
i don't know those are my thoughts.
I'd like to mention that all the photos above will NOT be the new Acura NSX.
The car you see is just a prototype and the actuall NSX will be based on the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept. The new car will still have a V-10 and it will be a front engine model. Rumors are thatit will produce about 500 hbp.
The car may be equipped with SH-AWD(Super Handling-All Wheel Drive) The car should be ready by 2010 as a 2011 model . This information comes from the November 2007 issue of Road & Track Magazine.