ZOSicK
April 29th, 2004, 11:49 AM
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Going to the Motor Show next month? Among the mass of highly polished, highly desirable metal on display, be sure to check out what they've got going on down Honda way... because the pensioner's pals are redoubling their efforts to remind the world that as well as building sensible granny-friendly runabouts that never go wrong, they're also not half bad at putting together a tasty array of sexy machinery the likes of which would probably make Darby and Joan's false teeth fall out.
One of the absolute stars of the show is set to be the HSC (High performance Sports Concept), 'a design study combining the ultimate in supercar performance with the interior comfort and handling finesse of a true thoroughbred.' Yeah, whatever... all you care about is that yes, they're going to build it - the HSC has recently been confirmed as the basis of Honda's replacement for the NSX, a car whose position in the annals of latter-day performance folklore is about as secure as it's possible to be.
Like the NSX, the HSC uses a mid-mounted V6 engine, though a choice of F1-style paddles or a unique dial shifter on the centre console point to a totally modern approach to gear changing. The car's body is bang up to date, too, with carbon fibre panels over an aluminium frame combining with all-independent suspension, huge six-pot Brembos, short overhangs and a long wheelbase for athletic handling and the ability to stop as well as it goes.
Not unlike the NSX, then. And especially not unlike the NSX Type-R, which is getting its British debut at the NEC and is expected to go on sale in this country shortly afterwards. In true Type-R style, it will offer a stripped-out, race-tuned approach to performance, with a carbon fibre hood with outlet duct, finned front under-cover, rear diffuser, carbon fibre rear spoiler and further aerodynamic aids creating 'a degree of negative lift rarely seen in a street-ready car.' Honda promises that this 'facilitates a quantum leap in the car's driving performance and handling stability at high speeds.'
With its suspension tuned to make the most of the extra downforce, as well as a wide variety of other Type-R mods, this ultimate NSX is clearly intended to give a supercar legend the send-off it deserves. True to form, it will be available only in white - and you can safely assume that this will be one vehicle whose desirability won't be affected by the most unpopular car colour of the moment.
Also at the show will be the IMAS concept, which 'seeks to demonstrate that environment-friendly credentials don't preclude fun-to-drive, sports car performance.' After being thrilled by the NSX and HSC, you might be forgiven for stifling a yawn at this point.
Still, at least it shows the potential of hybrid powertrains - as does the Civic IMA, which you'll actually be able to drive at the show as Honda bids to convince people that petrol-electric cars are just the same as the traditional variety, only quieter. And cleaner, obviously. And, if the traditional alternative happens to be powered by a mid-mounted V6, a lot, hmmmm, zzzzzz...
http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/777/
:shocked:
Going to the Motor Show next month? Among the mass of highly polished, highly desirable metal on display, be sure to check out what they've got going on down Honda way... because the pensioner's pals are redoubling their efforts to remind the world that as well as building sensible granny-friendly runabouts that never go wrong, they're also not half bad at putting together a tasty array of sexy machinery the likes of which would probably make Darby and Joan's false teeth fall out.
One of the absolute stars of the show is set to be the HSC (High performance Sports Concept), 'a design study combining the ultimate in supercar performance with the interior comfort and handling finesse of a true thoroughbred.' Yeah, whatever... all you care about is that yes, they're going to build it - the HSC has recently been confirmed as the basis of Honda's replacement for the NSX, a car whose position in the annals of latter-day performance folklore is about as secure as it's possible to be.
Like the NSX, the HSC uses a mid-mounted V6 engine, though a choice of F1-style paddles or a unique dial shifter on the centre console point to a totally modern approach to gear changing. The car's body is bang up to date, too, with carbon fibre panels over an aluminium frame combining with all-independent suspension, huge six-pot Brembos, short overhangs and a long wheelbase for athletic handling and the ability to stop as well as it goes.
Not unlike the NSX, then. And especially not unlike the NSX Type-R, which is getting its British debut at the NEC and is expected to go on sale in this country shortly afterwards. In true Type-R style, it will offer a stripped-out, race-tuned approach to performance, with a carbon fibre hood with outlet duct, finned front under-cover, rear diffuser, carbon fibre rear spoiler and further aerodynamic aids creating 'a degree of negative lift rarely seen in a street-ready car.' Honda promises that this 'facilitates a quantum leap in the car's driving performance and handling stability at high speeds.'
With its suspension tuned to make the most of the extra downforce, as well as a wide variety of other Type-R mods, this ultimate NSX is clearly intended to give a supercar legend the send-off it deserves. True to form, it will be available only in white - and you can safely assume that this will be one vehicle whose desirability won't be affected by the most unpopular car colour of the moment.
Also at the show will be the IMAS concept, which 'seeks to demonstrate that environment-friendly credentials don't preclude fun-to-drive, sports car performance.' After being thrilled by the NSX and HSC, you might be forgiven for stifling a yawn at this point.
Still, at least it shows the potential of hybrid powertrains - as does the Civic IMA, which you'll actually be able to drive at the show as Honda bids to convince people that petrol-electric cars are just the same as the traditional variety, only quieter. And cleaner, obviously. And, if the traditional alternative happens to be powered by a mid-mounted V6, a lot, hmmmm, zzzzzz...
http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/777/
:shocked: