Shrouded in a zebra-like camouflage, Honda’s new V10 supercar finally broke cover this week. And it’s the latest step in a project to replace the NSX.
Our spies caught the model lapping the Nürburgring in Germany. Development has only just started, and engineers have two targets.
Firstly, they have been challenged to get the two-door’s suspension set-up just right. But more than that, Honda wants to build the fastest production model around the circuit. And while the mechanical tweaks will be familiar territory for the firm’s technicians, breaking the lap record will be no mean feat – as the newcomer’s rivals, the Nissan GT-R and Lexus LF-A, are both capable of sub-seven minute 30 second laps of the legendary 13-mile race track.
The as-yet-unnamed coupé will get a 550bhp 5.5-litre V10 with cylinder deactivation technology. That means it will shut down five cylinders when engine load is light, thus reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Torque is set to top 570Nm, too. One source told us the 2+2 will wear a ‘hybrid’ aluminium and steel body to reduce weight, and sit on a modified version of the US Acura RL saloon platform.
An eight-speed auto gearbox with paddleshifters is on the cards, while hi-tech four-wheel drive will provide the best possible traction.
Expect the newcomer to debut in late 2010 or early 2011, when it’s likely to cost upwards of £90,000.
