phishfood

http://world.honda.com/news/2010/c100118HSV-010-GT/

It appears Honda is sitting on a V-8 which they use for there Japan HSV-010

If it's just sitting there in the stable, why not drop it into an Acura?

phishfood

For those of you thinking this is a race engine, see here:

http://www.worldcarfans.com/10912222...gt-race-series

This is a supposedly ready-to-roll NSX replacement for the Japanese market if Honda wanted to. So yes, it is a street engine and not a race-only engine.

ParaSurfer1979

One thing. Well two. Expense and MPG. Also the next RL will be 1st to have hybrid assist which will give it the power of a small v-8 with the mpg equal to the TL or better.

1islandparadise

Wow....3.4L V8, this would be interesting to see in an everyday production Acura.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

What're the chances...?

neuronbob

Hmph.

Honda officially says they killed the V8 project for passenger cars/trucks.

Until they say they are bringing back the V8 for passenger cars/trucks, Honda does NOT have a V8 ready to go. With the new CAFE rules and with Hyundai now crowing that they own the gas efficient fleet award, Honda probably will never release a V8 engine in any form, hybrid or otherwise.

Sorry guys, just reminding you of what is already known....

kirbyflorida

I think a hybrid v6 with 350 or more hp would be pretty cool.
Although, it looks like I will sell my RL soon and get a Grand Sport Vette, was going be be a z06 but they have some quality issues. Have not had a non Honda in about 15-20 years.

Chas2

I have been told that Honda has been sitting on a NA 4.6L V8 for six years, and it is effectively dead, especially with the new CEO, the change in the economy and the new CAFE requirements. I suppose, had they acted more quickly, and gotten an Acura specific FR platform with the V-8, it would have been, could have been....sigh...

The V-8 in the HSV-010 is a totally different race engine, much smaller displacement.

neuronbob

This is kinda what I'm hoping for.

BTW, The Grand Sport is worthy. I was in the same place as you prior to purchasing my V--no American cars in my stable for ten years.

kirbyflorida

So how is the cts-v, I am sure it performs super well, how about holding up?

thanks
Kirb

rob-2

Rumors had the 2g RL getting a v8 but it never happened.

I'm sure they could give you a 4.0 v8 worthy of an RL but they seem unwilling to go that direction. It's a shame, it's what's required to give the RL balls.

neuronbob

The V is dead reliable at 14.5 k miles. Holy crap, GM knows how to build cars! Talk to me when I'm at 50k miles, though....if the car holds up as well as it seems to now, American manufacture will get a super-enthusiastic thumbsup from me.

The rumors were bolstered by a RWD frankenmule spy pic that came up two years ago. Again, old news now that Honda has shelved V8/RWD .

Again, a 350 hp V6 hybrid will do the trick, honestly, and that's what I'd expect from Honda. Then good marketing and a good exterior look would complete the picture. Give a hybrid RL to some big Hollywood stars....luxury hybrid of a larger size than the Lexus hs with high mileage would cause at least some sales. Hey, Toyota did it with the Prius and it worked, why can't Acura do the same?

sadlerau

Because Honda/Acura suck at marketing

rob-2

I'm going back to circa 2001/2002 when we were all talking about the 2G RL. Many rumors will circling, even acura dealers though a small block was in the works.

350hp with hybrid doesn't cut it anymore. That's already in the Lexus lineup and is shall we say 'dated'.

Acura needs a new take on the RL. It needs to offer more, in an edgy package. Give me an ultra light weight 4.0l v8 with 420hp, with hybrid and cyl shut off. Give me a car worthy of the 50K price tag.

Computer controlled suspension.
30mpg freeway (this could be done by cycling between gas and electric while in cruise control)
Hybrid
0-60 5.x S
7-8speed tranny
+ all the features it has now, but refine them
+get a new advertising group and get some sexy/racy ads

Here's what we learned about the 2G RL (no punches pulled):
1. SH-AWD doesn't sell cars
2. 300hp doesn't sell cars
3. Bluetooh doesn't sell cars
4. Key less entry/start/profiles doesn't sell cars
5. The best navigation doesn't sell cars
6. Reasonable MPG doesn't sell cars
7. Bland styling is a turn off
8. Lame ads are wasted money
9. On paper the RL sounds amazing yet failed in the market place


Need I remind everyone, Acura was the first Japanese luxury brand in America. In a few short years Toyota out marketed them after Acura paved the way.

neuronbob

but it will never happen.

rob-2

Agreed, but it's why their sales have slumped and why I won't buy an RL again.

Remember the older m3 3.2 350hp motor? Honda could get more out of even the current V6 displacement but they opt not to.

I've felt for some time that Acura isn't committed to a luxury sedan on par with Lexus.