Hot News: Acura/Honda NSX Gets Hybrid Engine

Last December, Honda fans the world over let out a collective groan as then-President Takeo Fukui announced that the V-10, GT-R-fighting, Acura NSX-successor was dead. Now, rumor has it that the car is still alive, but as a high-powered V-6 hybrid.

According to the JDM fans at 7Tune.com, Honda decided to change directions with the NSX program rather than cancel it outright. Gone, still, is the 600-hp 5.5L V-10 engine, replaced instead with a 450-hp "valveless throttle" 3.5L V-6 mated to a hybrid drivetrain and Acura's SH-AWD system. The idea, supposedly, is to compete not with the Nissan GT-R but instead with Toyota's rumored Supra-replacing FT-HS hybrid sports car. Along with the powertrain change, the NSX-replacement may also pick up a new moniker, "Super Hybrid Sports."

While unconfirmed, this rumor is inline with Honda's most recent plans. New president Takanobu Ito revealed earlier this week that Honda's V-8 program is also dead and that, under his watch, the company would focus on hybrids instead. Specifically, Ito said Honda would focus on mid- and large-size hybrid cars, a category this rumored NSX would fall under. Honda has also shown a commitment to sporty hybrid cars recently with the announcement that the new CR-X replacement, the CR-Z, will be a hybrid. No matter what happens, it's likely that the NSX-replacement, if it lives, will not make its previously-planned 2010 debut.
Thanks to: Motor Trend