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Next NSX and Acura Brand Launch in Japan Delayed

This year's Tokyo Motor Show will once again be a star-studded unveiling ofsome of the most important sports cars for 2008 and beyond. The established rivalry of Subaru and Mitsubishi will be ignited once again with the showing of the Impreza WRX STi and the long-awaited Lancer Evolution, while enthusiasts far and wide will be treated to the latest chapter in the history of the Nissan GT-R. There's even a chance that Toyota's luxury division, Lexus, might show up with the production version of its V10-powered LF-A supercar, the one that's promising to land Japan on the map in the battle for top supercar. Whatever else may be on the bill, there's one vehicle that won't be showing up for sure

Honda's HSC Concept was supposed to be the true successor to the NSX, mid-engine and all. It was merely a concept. (Photo: Honda)

- the next-generation Acura (Honda) NSX.

The return of Honda to the supercar stage has been long and labored since the demise of the NSX in 2005. After teasing enthusiasts with the sharky, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive Honda HSC concept in 2003, the production version never materialized. Instead, it was followed up with a front engine,V10-powered rear-wheel drive vehicle called the Advanced Sports Car Concept launched in January at the North American

Honda then switched the badge and the layout. The ASC was a V10-powered front-engine sports car. It's delayed too. (Photo: Acura)

International Auto Show in Detroit. Part of what might have created the delay was the lukewarm response to the vehicle's design, which might've instigated a redesign, requiring extra time for development. Honda's officials haven't set a date for when the car will be ready (they never have, even from the start), so it's logical to think that they'll bring it out when it's ready – we're now hearing it could be 2010, or perhaps even late 2011.

Another blow for Honda's performance car faithful is the delay of the Acura brand for its home market of Japan. The American-based luxury division might be doing well in North America, Hong Kong and Mexico, but Honda has been reluctant

Besides the next NSX, Japan was also supposed to be introduced to the Acura brand name in 2008. That too will be delayed. (Photo: Acura)

to expand the brand into other markets, unlike Toyota's Lexus or Nissan's Infiniti, the latter of which is preparing to launch into Europe in the coming year. Originally, Honda was supposed to introduce the Acura brand into its home country in the fall of 2008, but this looks to be delayed until around 2010. Honda cites the fact that the company would benefit more from reworking its current dealer network in Japan. Despite claims that the car isn't ready to be launched as it isn't complete, Honda may want to wait for the Acura brand to be ready before revealing it.

Two of the most hoped for criteria in Honda's expansion might not be arriving, but this hasn't stopped Honda from growing where it needs to. The Japanese giant, as pragmatic now as it always has been, will instead focus on RandD and production of small, fuel-efficient automobiles such as the next-generation Fit, due next year.

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