Honda NSX News

We last saw Jerry Seinfeld during a Super Bowl battling Jay Leno for Honda NSX keys, but now Seinfeld’s web series ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ is doing well enough to warrant its own Big Game ad.Now into its third season, the Super Bowl ad for the show sees Jerry Seinfeld and Jason Alexander reprising their roles of Jerry and George from Seinfeld’s classic 90s sitcom, where they cruise to Tom’s Restaurant in an AMC Pacer to watch the Super Bowl – which is being played in New York for some reason.At Tom’s their Jerry and George’s classic bickering is interrupted by Jerry’s nemesis neighbour Newman – played by Wayne Knight – but there’s no sign of Elaine or Kramer.Watch the desktop version of the Seinfeld reunion Super Bowl ad here. This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

Rumours of a hybrid drivetrain for Mitsubishi’s next-generation Evolution performance flagship are gaining momentum, with a new report by Japanese magazine Holiday Auto suggesting that the next Evo will maintain its traditional turbo petrol and all-wheel drive attributes with green-friendly plug-in hybrid power.According to the report, the Evo will benefit from technology developed for efficiency-focused models like the new plug-in Outlander SUV to improve on the current model’s combined fuel consumption of at least 10.1L/100km, while boosting performance to new levels.Porsche, McLaren and Ferrari have recently proven that the words performance and hybrid are not at all mutually exclusive with their 918 Spyder, P1, and LaFerrari fastest-ever models, and it’s only a matter of time before such tech trickles down to more affordable performance models like the Evo.The Mitsubishi is not the only bang-for bucks champion in line for hybridisation, with Nissan’s next GT-R also set to incorporate some form of efficiency-boosting electrification and Honda has confirmed a similar shift for its upcoming NSX.Holiday Auto suggests that the Evo will use a similar dual electric motor layout to the Outlander PHEV, but will ditch the SUV’s atmo 2.0-litre petrol engine for a smaller 1.1 litre turbo unit similar to that used by the XR and AR concepts shown in Tokyo recently.Mitsubishi is reportedly targeting outputs similar to a 3.0-litre aspirated engine for the Evo-spec 1100cc unit, which suggests something in the vicinity of 170kW, before electric power is factored in.   Such a 155kW/L specific output would mark a significant jump from the 108.6kW/L achieved from the 217kW 2.0-litre turbo unit in the existing Evo X, and exceed even the 133.1kW/L achieved by 265kW 2.0 litre four powering the Mercedes A45 and CLA45 AMG twins.Even with the Outlander PHEV’s dual 60kW electric motors, a circa-170kW petrol engine would have the potential to trounce the current Evo X, but these could be uprated in the pursuit of GT-R rivalling performance reported elsewhere.Also key to a hybrid Evo’s performance potential will be maintaining the Outlander PHEV’s battery system location ahead of the rear axle for the benefit of weight distribution.Other reports have suggested that the next Evolution will require a bespoke platform to deal with its unique packaging and performance demands, suggesting it could lose the Lancer name for the first time in the model’s history.Such a repositioning would mirror Nissan’s GT-R, which was distanced from the Skyline nameplate for the first time when the current R35 model launched in 2007.The next-generation Lancer is set to ride on a platform shared with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, but it is unclear whether this strategy extends to the mooted Evo replacement.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn

Honda's on-again, off-again successor to the original NSX supercar is officially on-again for Australia, with local availability confirmed today by Honda Australia Director Stephen Collins.“We are absolutely thrilled to announce today that the NSX is coming to our shores. It was a revolution when it was first launched back in 1990 and this generation aims even higher", Collins says.Despite a development halt during the GFC, the project's revival was signified by the NSX concept shown at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, before a mocked-up roadster version made an appearance in the 2012 Hollywood blockbuster The Avengers, and a more refined NSX coupe concept appeared at this year's Detroit show in January.A prototype NSX made an appearance at the Indy 200 race at Mid-Ohio last month, completing several demonstration laps of the 3.8km circuit. The race-spec NSX Super GT was also revealed last month, which is set to compete in the Japanese series in 2014.Honda is yet to confirm timing for the production NSX, but a debut is likely within the next 12 months, making local availability at least a year away.Full specifications are yet to be revealed, but Honda has confirmed the new NSX will feature an SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) setup with two electric motors driving the front wheels, with a mid-mounted direct-injected petrol V6 and a third electric motor connected to a dual-clutch gearbox. Honda promises this setup will impress in terms of performance and efficiency, along with a low overall weight. Unlike the Japan-developed and built first-generation NSX, the new model will be produced in a new facility in Ohio in the US, where the development team is also based.The NSX is one of several iminent hybrid supercars, headlined by the already-revealed Porsche 918 Spyder, Ferrari LaFerrari, and McLaren P1. Both the Ferrari and Porsche are to be left-hand drive only, making ther NSX almost unique in its readiness for Australian roads. The NSX is not expected to quite match the performance of the Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren, but is also expected to arrive at a fraction of their million dollar-plus pricetags. This pricing is yet to be confirmed, but is expected to be closer to the $250k figure the previous model exited the Australian market with in 2004.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

The back-from-the-dead new-age supercar is being raced towards production in the USA, complete with a new high-tech production facility and - for the first time - an American engineer in charge of development work. Honda has shown an NSX concept car many times over recent years but is now colouring the picture with details including the factory in Ohio that will build the car and information on Ted Klaus, who heads the engineering team. It has also opened an order bank in Britain and is promising an early decision on the car for Australia. “I'm at the front of the queue to get it back,” Honda Australia director, Stephen Collins, tells Carsguide. “We're not in a position to confirm anything as yet. But we're a fair way down the track with it.” The new-age NSX will again be a mid-engined supercar, with a V6 engine - the same package as the 1980s original - and all-wheel drive. “We have a very clear understanding of the high customer expectations luxury buyers around the world have for a supercar, and our challenge is to exceed them and create new value for the customer,” says Ted Klaus. He reveals the car will be built by a specially-trained, 100-strong workforce at the new Performance Manufacturing Centre close to Honda's existing Accord factory in Ohio, USA. Engines will be built close-by in another dedicated NSX plant. The return of the NSX comes almost exactly a decade after production of the original car ended. It was built from 1999 at Honda's Takanezawa factory before production shifted to Suzuka through to 2005. In Australia, less than 300 cars were sold and none of the later models was brought down under. But Honda Australia is convinced the new car can do well from 2015. “We've got a solid history with sales of the first-generation NSX. I think we sold about 280 of those cars,” says Collins. “Give that, and the strength it would provide to the brand, and our history, I'm pretty confident.” He says the essential business case for the car is already underway and the chances for Australia are boosted by strong early interest from the UK, which is driving development of right-hand drive cars. “We are very strongly putting a case together and I feel confident that we will get that across the line. The decision is a collaborative one between Australia and Japan. We're still sorting a few of the details out.” Even though the NSX is not confirmed, Collins says he is preparing a customer plan for the car. That means a priority wait list and dedicated NSX dealers. “I would anticipate that, given it's low volume and the special nature of the case, we'll have some sort of ordering system in place,” he says. “Last time we had about a dozen dealers. Given the nature of the car it would be fairly specialised.” This reporter is on Twitter @paulwardgover  

The NSX will be sold in the US under Honda's luxury Acura brand and the company is officially saying that the roadster was made specifically for the film. That may be the case but it has been built off the regular NSX underpinnings and there's already talk of it following the hardtop down the production line. Acura is expected to gauge moviegoers' reactions to the car before committing to build the roadster. The car was photographed late last year during filming of the movie, with suggestions the convertible would be the default NSX. That was quashed when the company revealed its NSX Concept with a roof at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Acura vice-president Mike Accavitti said at this month's New York Motor Show the NSX roadster was a "design exercise". "The appearance of an Acura model in The Avengers'_ even one that won't be on sale, further leverages Acura's ongoing association with the Marvel superhero franchise, which has seen Acura vehicles in both the second 'Iron Man' instalment and in last year's Captain America and Thor," he says. The NSX is driven in the movie by Tony Stark (a.k.a Iron Man), played by Robert Downey Jr and continues the superhero's association with supercars. Iron Man drove an Audi R8 in the original movie and backed it up with an R8 Spyder in the second film.  The NSX roadster is thought to be powered by the same Super Handling All-Wheel Drive hybrid set-up seen in the hard-top. The system uses a V6 petrol engine and three electric motors. Two of the motors power the front wheels with the third used to boost the engine's output to the rear wheels. As a result, the NSX can theoretically operate in full electric, full petrol or hybrid modes using front, rear or all-wheel drive IRON MAN'S WHEELS When he's not flying around as Iron Man, Tony Stark has an enviable collection of cars in the garage. Here's what Robert Downey Jr  has already driven in the first two movies based on the Marvel Comics superhero. Iron Man: Audi R8, Tesla Roadster, 1932 Ford Flathead Roadster, Saleen S7, Shelby Cobra Iron Man 2: Audi R8 Spyder, '32 Ford Flathead, Rolls-Royce Phantom

The startling boast from one of the world's last remaining independent mass-market car companies comes as it prepares to unveil a new 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine in Europe.Part of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology, the engine - to be introduced in the new Civic later this year - shows fuel economy has overtaken acceleration as the mark of the new-age car."It will be the lightest engine in its class, delivering sub 100g/km CO2 levels and a class-leading balance of fuel economy and performance,'' Honda says.The 88kW/300Nm 1.6-litre diesel - expected to claim about 3.5 L/100km to put it on par with cars including the Renault Clio diesel - will be shown at the Geneva motor show in March. More engine variants will unfurl over the next three years.Honda will also display at Geneva its NSX Concept, EV-STER and a prototype of the European CR-V. - The Honda NSX is confirmed to return to production - after the nameplate finished in Australia in 1997 - within three years. Honda has confirmed the NSX Concept will go on display at next month's Geneva motor show after its debut at Detroit in January.This concept car is being evolved to become a production car and go on sale within three years, Honda says. It has a mid-mounted V6 hybrid engine and Honda's all-wheel drive system.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. US Honda has unveiled the new NSX Concept at Detroit auto show, highlighting the design and technology direction for the its next-generation "supercar.''  It could go some of the way towards addressing Honda's public perception problem which has seen a dramatic slide from; premium Japanese brand with a sporting flavour to; maker of cheap but expensive low-tech econoboxes. New NSX, which is expected to go on sale in the next three years, will be developed by Honda R&D America and manufactured in Ohio. It will be developed as a world car The dynamically-styled NSX Concept retains a V6 engine which many see as the problem with the first NSX. The mid-mounted V6 employs several new technologies including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system. Hopefully it won't be as big a waste of time and money as the SH-AWD on Honda Legend. Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co said the new NSX will "again express high performance through engineering efficiency.'' "While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio.'' Cynics will read into that "non supecar performance.'' The engine's a "next-generation'' VTEC V6 engine with direct-injection and works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor, to create "supercar'' acceleration. We'll have to wait and see.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. It's featuring as a concept car at the Detroit motor show. But the NSX comes with a few twists in the tail. It's branded an Acura which is the luxury arm of Honda as Lexus is to Toyota. It also features two badges which will throw loyal fans of the supercar which was shelved in 2005. One badge says "sports hybrid" and the other says "AWD", as in all-wheel drive. It's still a mid-engined car, but fans may not like the move from rear-wheel drive or the hybrid power train. There are no specifications yet except that it will still have a V6 engine and impressve power-to-weight figures. It's a dazzling futuristic concept that may be a show stopper, but it is far from production ready with heavily tinted windows scarcely concealing an unfinished interior. Best guess is that it is at least three years away from production.

There have been a range of NSX rumours and plans in recent years but now the go-ahead message is coming from the very top. Honda president and CEO Takanobu Ito, speaking the night before the Frankfurt motor show, confirms a firm project for a new supercar from the Japanese brand. “I spent part of my early career at Honda developing the NSX. I really enjoyed that experience, and learned much, so it is my wish that Honda engineers have  the experience of developing a sports car like the NSX in future," Ito says "Within Honda, our engineers are already looking at developing such a car.” There is no timing yet, but Ito says he worked on the original NSX and hopes to have a 21st century car in showrooms with the focus on efficiency and lightweight construction. “Our recent efforts have been focused on fuel efficiency, and that perhaps gives the impression Honda is behind with pushing the brand image of sportiness, but let me assure you that is not the case,” says Ito. “We will address that impression with our new generations of cars.” Ironically, the latest update of the Civic shows Honda is worried about holding the showroom pricetag in the USA, although that could change when the five-door hatch is unveiled in Frankfurt. But Ito seems to be a man with a plan. “You can’t depend on a high power output to call a car sporty anymore,” he said. “The original NSX was  about high power but also good driving performance, and 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 sports car we don’t want to copy Ferrari for power, but to also chase efficiency as well.”

Honda has confirmed it is working on a car it hopes will fill the high-performance shoes of the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports coupe that was dropped in 2005 after 15 years of glory - but, towards the end, dwindling sales. This will be the Japanese carmaker's second attempt, after plans for a second generation were dropped in 2008 when the global financial crisis forced a change in focus. However the front-mounted V10 engine touted for that project won't live on in the new car. Honda is more likely to give the new NSX a petrol-electric hybrid engine, hoping to position it as a true sports sibling to the hybrid CR-Z, which has struggled to convince critics and buyers it has real performance credentials.