Honda President Says NSX Successor Back on Track, May Use a Hybrid Drivetrain

The Shanghai Auto Show brought some exciting news for Honda fans as the Japanese automaker revealed plans for the development of a new sports car that will be the spiritual successor to the iconic Honda NSX (Acura NSX in North America).

Speaking on the sidelines of the show, Honda Motor Company president, Takanobu Ito, said the new car won't feature the V10 engine that had been planned for the next NSX, as the company scrapped this project back in 2008, during the global financial crisis. Ito told reporters that the future NSX would be exhilarating to drive but also environmentally friendly. “That's the kind of sports car we want to make. We are working very hard on it,” Ito was quoted as saying by Autonews.

The Honda official didn't offer additional details on the sports car or a timeline for its launch. However, a Honda spokesman said the car is expected to use an electric motor to give the gasoline engine a boost, much like in the case of the CR-Z sport hybrid. But unlike the latter, the NSX successor will be positioned as a high-performance hybrid vehicle.

Initial plans for an NSX successor were cancelled by former Honda president Takeo Fukui, who justified the move then as a cost-saving measure. The car was expected to have a front-mounted V10 engine developing at least 500 horsepower. The drivetrain ended up being used by the Honda HSV-010 GT racecar, the racing variant of the never-to-be-produced NSX V10.

The original NSX was powered by a mid-mounted V6 engine producing 270 horsepower (with a 5-speed manual gearbox). The NSX went out of production in late 2005 after a 14-year long career.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

Mazda, Honda Suspend U.S. Orders for Japan-Made Models

Mazda has suspended all US orders for cars built in Japan as the carmaker is preparing to shut down its plants once again after a short reopening period. According to the automaker’s American spokesman Jay Amestoy, the decision will affect shipments of cars that were due to arrive in the U.S. in May. The Mazda official added that it was uncertain when normal activity will resume.

Mazda USA imports almost all its range from the Japan, except the U.S.-built Mazda6 and Tribute. The models produced in Japan are the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, MX-5 / Miata, RX-8, CX7 and CX9. Mazda halted production at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants from March 14 through March 21, but three days ago, it resumed temporary production using parts it had in its inventory.

Starting from Monday, however, the factories will be shut down once again. Mazda says its U.S. sales won't be affected since its American subsidiary has enough cars in stock. In 2010, Mazda imported from Japan 83 percent of the cars sold in the U.S.

Honda also announced this week that it suspended U.S. dealer orders for vehicles imported from Japan, including the Fit, CR-V, Insight, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Acura TSX and Acura RL. Nissan said it would reduce its planned allocation for May by half, with the other half to be released when its Japanese factories confirm the vehicles will be ready. Toyota and Mitsubishi have not suspended dealer orders.

By Dan Mihalascu

Source: Autonews

PHOTO GALLERY

2012 Acura TL: Video and Live Photos from the Chicago Auto Show

In an attempt to win back buyers that were turned off by the fourth generation TL's controversial looks, Acura revealed a mid-cycle refresh for the 2012 model year version of the car at the Chicago Auto Show. We've already brought you the key details in our previous post (see here), but now we have a fresh batch of photos and a walkaround video of the 2012 TL straight from Acura's stand at the McCormick Place Convention Center. You can check both out right after the jump.

_______________________________VIDEO_______________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

2012 Acura TL Refreshment Brings Toned Down Shield-Grille and New 6-Speed Auto

The facelifted Acura TL made its world premiere today at the Chicago Auto Show. The 2012 model year brings a fresh look for the front and rear ends of the mid-size sedan along with a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission and equipment upgrades.

The first thing you'll notice on the 2012 Acura TL is of course the revamped front end. While Acura did not totally eliminate the shield-grille, it did soften down the design making it look less gaudy. The updated headlamps and a revised front bumper with new fog light designs that led to a shorter front overhang round off the changes up front.

At the rear, there's a new bumper incorporating a repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights, new exhaust tips and a thinner rear trunk edge trim complete the look.

Under the skin, the 2012 TL gets a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic while keeping the same engine lineup that includes a 280HP V6 for the front-wheel drive model and a 305HP V6 for the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive versions. According to Acura, the new transmission along with some other improvements help increase the FWD model's fuel economy by 3mpg on the highway, from 26mpg to 29mpg.

Other notable upgrades for 2012 include the new 60GB hard disk drive based Navigation system with a bcenterer monitor, and a new Advance Package that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats along with a new blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver of other vehicles that are in close proximity.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________