Honda NSX Successor Previewed as Electric Vision Design Study
Japanese automaker Honda is set to reveal a new sports car to commemorate its 75th anniversary. The highly anticipated successor to the Honda NSX has been teased as an ‘Electric Vision Design Study’ during Monterey Car Week. The design study, showcased by sibling brand Acura, features a sleek and low-set coupe with a forward-cab design reminiscent of the iconic mid-engined NSX. The rear light bar pays homage to the first-generation NSX, adding a touch of nostalgia to the modern design.
The silhouette of the Electric Vision Design Study closely resembles the car that was previously shown under wraps in May 2022. During that time, Honda confirmed its plans to develop a high-end, NSX-inspired model as part of its £31 billion electrification strategy. This upcoming sports car is expected to embody the brand’s core values of being advanced and sporty, according to Tom Gardner, Europe vice president of Honda.
Gardner stated, “Honda has a very strong technology base. Not technology just for the sake of technology, but technology that adds new value to customers. And we love a sports car. We love performance, and we’re very grateful for the strong reaction we’ve had to the latest Type R. There is huge demand for it, and the performance has been very well appreciated.”
While Gardner did not disclose specific details about the positioning or powertrain of the new model, he hinted at its imminent release and compared its significance to the Honda S2000, which marked the brand’s 50th anniversary. This suggests that the new sports car will be a milestone for Honda.
Dave Marek, executive creative director of Acura, further emphasized the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries in the electric vehicle era. He mentioned that the Acura design team in Los Angeles is working on the future of Acura Precision Crafted Performance in the EV era. Marek added, “This latest expression of an all-electric high-performance model is inspiring everyone in our studio to push the boundaries, and we wanted to share the fun with our Acura fans.”
Although the Electric Vision Design Study was not fully revealed, it is expected to be showcased as part of Honda’s 75th anniversary celebrations in late September. The second-generation NSX, which was introduced as a near-production concept in 2012 and recently concluded with the Type S special edition, has left room for speculation about other potential sports car offerings from Honda.
Rumors of a revived S2000 have been circulating for years, and Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo expressed interest in a next-generation S2000 back in 2017. Additionally, Honda confirmed the development of a new GT-style model in May 2022, along with the NSX successor, as part of its plan to launch 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2030.
Honda remains committed to offering fun and distinctive characteristics to its customers, even in the electrified era. Hideki Kakinuma, one of Honda’s lead engineers, affirmed the importance of the Type R performance division in the company’s electrified lineup. He stated, “Without Type R, there is no Honda,” indicating that Honda enthusiasts can expect exciting performance-oriented models in the future.
As Honda prepares to unveil its new sports car, anticipation is building among fans and industry experts. The Electric Vision Design Study offers a glimpse into the future of Honda’s high-performance electric vehicles, combining advanced technology with sporty design elements. With its rich heritage and commitment to innovation, Honda is poised to make a significant impact in the EV market with its upcoming sports car.