TOKYO: With the release of the Acura NSX just around the corner, the rumourmill is swirling with all sorts of cool reports from Honda. One such item is the downsized version of the NSX that Honda will reportedly offer. Now, a new report from Motoring.com.au claims that Honda’s “baby NSX” is closer to a reveal than many initially thought thanks to pressure from U.S. Honda dealers.
The baby NSX has been in the works since 2008 and it reportedly received the green light in 2014. The long delay was mostly due to the financial condition of the world during that period. Now, seven years after its initial planning, the baby NSX will supposedly debut at the 2015 LA Auto Show or at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, according to the Australian site.
Reports of the upcoming small NSX hit a fever pitch following the leak of several patent images (above) that showed a smaller sports car that had a look quite similar to the larger Acura NSX. According to sources within Honda, which remain nameless, the car you see in this image is just about what you’ll get in production.
Reports indicate that the baby NSX will carry the same mid-engine, all-wheel-drive setup as the Acura NSX, but with everything scaled down a bit. The baby NSX will be a good bit smaller and lighter, and it will use a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (likely the same as the Civic Type R) with an electric motor for added oomph.
The baby NSX is the second model in a reported three-model, mid-engine lineup offered by Honda and Acura. This model will slot between the NSX and the rumored S1000, which will be a U.S.-spec version of the S660 roadster.
If these rumors hold true, we will all look at Honda in a completely different light in years to come.
