2005 Acura NSX
By David Nguyen

The 2005 model year is the swan song of the NSX sports car. A replacement is due to arrive in the 2009-2010 time frame. Honda has announced that the next one will be equipped with a V10 engine, the same number of cylinders as featured on Formula 1 cars (though beginning in 2006 most F1 cars will probably have V8 engines due to rule changes). The 3.2 V6 of the current model was always a bit of a liability with such a modest amount of power, especially in today's world with so many sedans offering more power.

The Porsche 911 has continued to evolve over the years with more power and a couple of redesigns. It also has a unique rear engine layout and a larger following given its storied 50 year heritage. The NSX, while still an excellent sports car, just lost any edge it might have had in the intervening fifteen years since its introduction.

Honda is a company known for its innovative and pioneering ways, especially with engines. Whatever form the next NSX takes you can bet your bottom dollar that it will have lots more power than today's car, and a whole lot of interesting technology. It will probably contain some exotic materials, though not necessarily in the unibody, but in various subsystems or components, possibly a hybrid powertrain. It might also employ novel manufacturing processes. Expect a sticker price well above $100,000. Hopefully they'll be able to keep the weight down. Whatever is finally unveiled I'm sure it will be a stunner.

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Pictures of the Acura NSX
Click pictures to enlarge

Posted January 22, 2006
Photos courtesy of Rsportscars