I Spy a bloated S2000...errr wait, NSX.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Joey D
  • 50 comments
  • 2,871 views
Joey D

Joey D

Premium
Messages
47,859
United States
Lakes of the North, MI
Messages
GTP_Joey
Messages
GTP Joey
Spy photos: 2009 Acura NSX test mule spotted in Germany

Source Edmunds

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.

embedded..ee9b0db


enclosure..ee9b0a7


embedded..ee9b0de


----
 
I don't think so since the concept wasn't if I remember correctly.
 
I think that if Honda made a FR V10 High HP (lower Torque) sports car with a F1 inspired paddle shift, they could give Ferrari and Lambo quite a run.
 
I personally think that they shouldn't chase after anybody, and instead make a sports car more akin to their history of light, agile, feisty machines.
 
bennyrrr
I think that if Honda made a FR V10 High HP (lower Torque) sports car with a F1 inspired paddle shift, they could give Ferrari and Lambo quite a run.
Click to expand...

I do not agree with this comment. :cheers:
I think Honda's only chance to run with those super and hyper cars is the "NSX." Not just the model you think of, but the Name, New-Sport(s?)-Experiment(al?).
Honda needs to use the philosophy of that name to stick with the most advanced scientific research and development. Using those grounds, the Mid-Engine RWD format is the "most sound" (especially with Honda's character for handling, balance, and lightweight designs).

I'd guess (which may be somewhere in the original post) that this is simply a tuner shop playing with an S2000.
I would hate to think Honda, or any serious tuner, would cut a car in half and put it back together to fit their design. 👎
Then again, this could be a Honda original with really bad style. :scared:
I wouldn't buy a $100,000 stretch-S2000 no matter how good it seemed. ;)

With all of that said, I'll admit... I was suspicious of photo-chopping with the first photo. :lol:
 
-> Hmm, given to the very odd proportion of that mule. I think there was too much space between the passenger seat and the trunk compared to the S2000 and I think there is no way that a V10 would fit under a "stock" AP1/2 hood.

-> I have faith that this mule is mid-engined, the rear trunk has that significant bulge. And the rear suspension look like its housing an engine on its top.

-> No matter if its an FR (Acura ARX, the name derived from its current ALMS race car) or an MR (Honda NSX), hopefully it doesn't turn into and ugly Honda flagship. (:
 


^ The image just strikes me as odd. Clearly there is something extra in the front, but so too does it appear as though there is something extra in the back. I don't think Honda wants us to know what they're doing with the next NSX, and this prototype shows it.

Either way, I'm for reviving the origional concept: Lightweight, mid-engined, V6 (maybe a V8), sports car.
 
Any pictures of this thing from the front? Seems there is something going on at the front aswell...
 
It's a twin-motor hybrid setup, dudes. Trust me on this. Gas in the front, electric in the back. Mystery solved. 👍 j/k
 
a6m5
It's a twin-motor hybrid setup, dudes. Trust me on this. Gas in the front, electric in the back. Mystery solved. 👍 j/k
Click to expand...

my thoughts exactly.. :scared: :nervous: Please, Mr. Honda, don't do that.. just give it a 12krpm V10 and call it a day.
 
a6m5
It's a twin-motor hybrid setup, dudes. Trust me on this. Gas in the front, electric in the back. Mystery solved. 👍 j/k
Click to expand...


Haha, I was thinking exactly the same thing.
 
Looks like Honda ripped apart an S2000, Z4, and RX-8 to me. :lol:

I think Honda really needs to keep this as a MR car. I'm very afraid that it could turn out as a hybrid, though.
 
Ebiggs
I'm very afraid that it could turn out as a hybrid, though.
Click to expand...

Remember, we're talking about Honda here, not Toyota, so I'd probably scratch that as of right now.

Either way, Honda is likely to piss-off NSX friendlies or Honda-loving-futureheads, as it is clear that Honda cannot have it both ways with this car. I'd prefer to go old-school on this one, but if they can re-capture the magic of the S2000 one more time with a FR 'NSX,' then by all means they should go for it...
 
maybe thats just an s2000 being tuned.......either way,if honda wants to make a prototype,should they cover the car in black cloth? (like other manufacturers do...)but if it was,maybe its just a new s2000 model.
 
mnm_bmx
maybe thats just an s2000 being tuned.......either way,if honda wants to make a prototype,should they cover the car in black cloth? (like other manufacturers do...)but if it was,maybe its just a new s2000 model.
Click to expand...

The S2000 is the disguise, it could be a engine/drivetrain mule for a completely different car (Upcoming NSX) so it doesn't need covering up except whats underneath.
 
This UK registration isn't recognised by the registration database which means two things.
a) This is not just some sort of tuner S2000.
b) Honda are able to disguise the identity of their secret test-mules by being issued with legal but non-traceable registration plates.

Looking at the exhaust configuration i would say that this looks to be a mid engined car. By the looks of things there is evidence of engine ancillaries in that close-up picture too. Having said that, there is a sizeable bulge up front too so who knows?
 
lthiele
Ugly! :yuck:
Click to expand...
You do know it's not going to look like that, right? What the mule looks like is the least on their minds right now.

I agree that it may end up being a hybrid. I guess we'll have to see how it turns out like. Honda have surprised us in the past. 👍
 
What if it's the S2000 replacement?

Anywas, my bet ir FR and 4 places and/or space for folding roof (hard).

I think it's safe to say the looks are gonna kill, if you consider what they have done with the Civic and the Accord, nad that nothing of what is seen in these pictures is remotely close to the final look.
 
Interestingly the OU plates suggest it's being developed at their Swindon plant in the UK. Although you probably guessed that. I was expecting them to do this kinda thing in Japan.

lthiele
Ugly! :yuck:
Click to expand...

Test mule!
mule%20animated%20cartoon.gif
 






...Those have to be some of the sloppiest welds I've ever seen on a prototype...
 
looks like they joined the hood to the fenders, or atleast are covering the gaps, for that reason and the fact that it is extended behind the seats makes me believe it is MR.
 
That....the hood is actually shorter than an S2K's, AND I think I can see machinery behind the front seat.

S2000_LP.jpg


Compare that to the side view...I think the cowl extends slightly further into the hood. or perhaps It's the longer back end fooling my eye.

The problem with this being an MR is the lack of vents and other paraphanelea out back. I have no idea how they'd cool and engine back there...
 

Latest Posts

Back