Honda CEO Confirms New NSX and “Hot” 2012 Civic Type R

[2003 Honda HSC Concept pictured above]

Last April, we told you about Honda CEO Takanobu Ito's plans for a successor to the much-missed NSX supercar. Ito had then hinted that the “new NSX” would be more environmentally friendly, possibly using a hybrid powertrain like the Japanese firm's new small coupe, the CR-Z.

On the sidelines of this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, Ito-San reaffirmed the company's commitment to build an NSX successor.

“I spent part of my early career at Honda developing the NSX, and specifically the aluminium body," Ito told reporters from UK's Autocar. "I really enjoyed the experience and learned much, so my wish is that Honda engineers have the experience of developing a sportscar like the NSX in the future. Within Honda, our engineers are already looking at developing such a car,” he added.

Ito was not willing to give away any information other than that the new model would be quite different compared to the old NSX.

“The original NSX was about high power but also about good driving experience. Today power-to-weight is what we have to focus on. The NSX was known for its aluminium body, so when we develop our new sportcar we don’t want to copy Ferrari for power, but to also chase efficiency as well," Ito said.

This is the second coming of the NSX successor: in 2003, Honda displayed the HSC concept pictured here at the Tokyo Motor Show, hinting at a production model. Indeed the company was scheduling a 2010 launch, but the plan was cancelled by then-Honda CEO Takeo Fukui in the middle of the economic crisis.

The high-tech supercar isn’t the only performance model that Honda is developing at the moment. The 2012 Civic's chief engineer, Mitsuru Kariya said that a hot version is also under development.

It seems like Honda’s management changed its mind because it initially denied planning such a version as it didn’t fit in its new, “green” image.

“The performance version is already under discussion”, said Kariya. “We know the Type R was a big success, and we are looking for a car developed in that direction. Whether it will be called Type R is not certain though.”

It’s OK, Mr. Kariya, as long as you stay true to the hardcore character of the original. After all, a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet.

Story sources: Autocar

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Acura Presents 2012 TSX Special Edition with Modest Sporty Touches

Acura continues the celebration of its 25th anniversary with the launch of a new version of the 2012 TSX sedan named Special Edition that is available exclusively with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.

The Japanese company says the new model was "designed to evoke the fun-to-drive 4-cylinder Acuras of the past" (so does that mean it's current portfolio isn't "fun-to-drive"?), which in reality translates to a subtle aero package, added standard equipment and the availability of a manual gearbox.

On the outside, the TSX SE gains a front apron, a new rear bumper fascia, side skirts, a set of Special Edition badges and bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels featuring a polished finish with dark grey background.

Interior upgrades include a variety of cosmetic appointments such as the seating surfaces in perforated black Lux Suede inserts and red backing, red stitching for the seats, steering wheel and the shift knob, plus red lighting for the instrument cluster gauges, overhead lighting and footwell lighting.

The aluminum pedal covers and the bright silver plating for the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters along with black headliner material complete the look.

As previously noted, the TSX Special Edition is powered by the firm's K24 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine available with either a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox or a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission.

Sales will begin in late September with the TSX SE to make its first public outing at the Orange County International Auto Show on September 22nd.

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