We're all absolutely gutted about the NSX being canned. I for one couldn't wait to see what Honda's take on the supercar would be this time around.
But we have to get a bit real. There's no Honda F1 team to justify trying to market a mega road car and while we would all love a new NSX it was never going to be one to boost Honda's bottom line - if it made money at all that is.
The question is whether other such esoteric performance cars are also about to be served a death sentence. Lexus's LFA looks vunerable as does the Lotus Esprit. We're not holding our breath for BMW's proposed supercar either.
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jammy_rex
re: NSX is out - what's next?
Of course purists loved the NSX! unfortunately many of these purists could not afford to buy such an expensive performance car, but many of those who could would buy the "default option" Porsche or whatever, without even trying out an NSX. If they had, I think many more would have been sold. Of course in previous years many more than 10 were sold (quoting the lowest number available), though never a large amount by any means. Those people who were in the know and could look beyond the badge snobbery experienced a car that was far superior to an equivalent Ferrari or Porsche of the time. If it wasn't for the NSX, certainly Ferrari would not be making such good cars as they produce today. But, sad as it is that we won't be seeing another NSX, if cost cuts such as these mean that Honda can keep it's independance, then it will be worth it.
Peter Cavellini
re: NSX is out - what's next?
Ten units a year!
if they can't sell 1000 units a year,if the mission statement says they can sell 1000 units,if there are 1000 people with nothing to do with they're cash,then there are a lot of people who could do a lot to help others at this time of year,10 bloody units please!what a waste of resouces to produce 75 cars for what some well of people, what a waste of money!
Peter Cavellini.
RobotBoogie
re: NSX is out - what's next?
If purists loved the NSX, it would've sold more than 10 units in a year. Unless being a purist is a pretty elite club, of course.
theop
re: NSX is out - what's next?
It was not selling Robot because it was too expensive for carrying a Honda badge. Unfortunately at least 90% of the market who that buys sports cars buys them for the "face value" and badge, not for the sport. Purists loved the NSX for a reason - a gd reason - it was a great car to drive, pure car to drive. The market though is defined by those who put their money where the mouth is and buy it. It is unfortunate, but most people with £60k for a sports car, would rather get anything else, most notably 911s.
I also have a friend with £40k for a sportscar who was looking at an NSX and eventually went and bought a used DB7 v12 - the ULTIMATE sports DOG! I mean.. how can you tell that guy who loves parking the Aston in Chelsea that dynamically his car is a bad as they ever camefrom AM.. Not5 even going to reliability issues... XJS anyone?
RobotBoogie
re: NSX is out - what's next?
I think you're missing the point, Robbi. If car lovers really loved these cars, they would sell at least in sustainable number. They don't. NSX sales in 2001 for the whole of Europe was 10 cars; total European sales in its decade-long life barely hit 1,000. Car lovers, like poseurs, tend to stick to the default Porsche/Jag/Ferrari/Aston choices if they are waving their cheque book about in this part of the market.
Robbijay
re: NSX is out - what's next?
and of course the majority of car lovers everywhere.
RobotBoogie
re: NSX is out - what's next?
For a good long time, all kinds of manufacturers have been involved in all kinds of vanity projects - from the VW Phaeton to the Chrysler Prowler. They are now coming to an end and it is a good thing. The NSX is a case in point - great car but with zero profile, almost certainly never turned a profit, and served only to impress other manufacturers and car hacks. The only people who miss these cars will be motoring journalists.
Splash n Dash
re: NSX is out - what's next?
What's next? Any car that can be perceived by the public to be extravagance. I fear manufacturers will put ever increasing weight behind this parameter when deciding to commission a car.
It is now socially unacceptable to spend "unnecessarily". Take the ING Christmas party in Holland as an example. F1 car demo was planned but due to outrage in Dutch press they bowed to public pressure and cancelled.
lambo1
re: NSX is out - what's next?
agreed
Zeddy
re: NSX is out - what's next?
Thank you! The voice of sanity! It is going to be a tough ride for all manufacturers and I for one do not want to see Honda lose its independence.
Tell your colleague to put his toys back into the pram. ;)
If I want an autonomous car, I'll take a taxi.
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