The News Wheel
No Comments

Is Honda Conceiving a “Baby” Acura NSX?

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

2016 Acura NSX

The 2016 NSX is Acura’s long-awaited, 560-horsepower supercar—which would be at the top of your Christmas list right now if it wasn’t for the $150,000 MSRP. But what if Honda made an NSX-like sports car with a smaller body and a smaller price tag? A recent statement from American Honda executive vice president John Mendel suggests that such a vehicle may ultimately be born.

“I can’t tell you anything about the ‘baby NSX,’” Mendel said to AutoGuide. “I could, but I’d probably get fired.”

Ah, yes, the old “I’d tell you but then I’d have to kill you” defense. That kind of talk obviously doesn’t reveal too much information, but the fact that Mendel calls it the “baby NSX” and not a “baby NSX” would seem to confirm that such a vehicle is more than just a hypothetical.

Mendel’s wording implies that Honda is already expecting—or at the very least, definitely planning to conceive—an infant NSX for the market.

2016 Acura NSX

The 2016 Acura NSX

Mendel also reportedly said that there is “absolutely” room in Honda’s current lineup for a new performance-oriented car, leading some to suspect that this so-called baby NSX might actually be a sucessor to the Honda S2000. Most of us are anticipating a midengined sports car that looks like a miniaturized version of the Acura NSX, but not quite as miniaturized as the super-tiny, super-Japanese S660 roadster.

Such a model could potentially rival the Miata in both size and price, giving Honda a chance to compete in a market segment it hasn’t really occupied since the S2000 ceased production in 2008.

Whatever the baby NSX turns out to be, it’s encouraging to see Honda getting back to its performance roots. Between this and the Civic Type R, it seems like the automaker is finally looking to lure speed demons back into the fold.