Spy photographers spotted an interesting Honda S2000 in a workshop next to the Nurburgring. They managed to catch a few shots of the car, although it has remained in the workshop all day. What is interesting about the S2000 is that it has been heavily modified with riveted panels to add length and width to the car.
The hood line has been beefed up and the passenger compartment is also bigger. This test mule is very close to the new 2009/2010 NSX and Honda could be using this heavily modified S2000 to test the upcoming powertrain and platform for the next NSX. Notice the four tailpipes in back, the huge B Pillar and the heavy-duty double wishbone suspension.
At least these photos show that Honda is finally working on the next NSX. Lets hope they can manage to grab more pics of the car when it moves out of the garage and onto the track.
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Comments (35)
Unless they plan to keep making the S2000 and start CALLING it a NSX then no,this is not the next NSX,this is merely a modified S2000 sooo,close(it;s a honda too)but no cigar..
Posted by Walt | May 21, 2007 6:04 PM
Posted on May 21, 2007 18:04
Someone didn't even read the first sentence.
Posted by Darmok | May 21, 2007 6:17 PM
Posted on May 21, 2007 18:17
Don't you love it when people skim right through an article ,cheery pick what they want to hear, then discard everything else...............
Reading comprehension 101. Take it. .
Posted by Owen of Wales | May 21, 2007 6:54 PM
Posted on May 21, 2007 18:54
Idiots! He did read it... He was merely pointing out that this article and its associated picture do not in any way prove that "...Honda is finally working on the next NSX." It only proves that someone in Germany has a modified s2000!
Posted by Faris | May 21, 2007 7:41 PM
Posted on May 21, 2007 19:41
That is obviously not just a "modified" S2000 that someone modified in their garage. Open your eyes. Honda is obviously testing mechanicals that will be in the next NSX.
Posted by Casey | May 21, 2007 8:43 PM
Posted on May 21, 2007 20:43
What if it retains some of those lines for production? That would be ghastly...
But it's still a Honda. :^(
Posted by NutZ | May 21, 2007 8:57 PM
Posted on May 21, 2007 20:57
A few things:
Honda and Acura = Same thing, like Toyota and Lexus, and Nissan and Infiniti. An S2000 being put to the test is something they might do.
The 'Ring is a great place to spot upcoming proto's and concepts. This could be the thing, never know.
That is no oridnary 'suped up' S2000, as pointed out by the article. Unable to be made out, there is a logo on the uniform of the worker on the right. Someone (odds are Honda) is testing out new technology or designs on a current car.
Posted by Beerman | May 21, 2007 10:52 PM
Posted on May 21, 2007 22:52
No actually I think that is the new Ferrari! I mean look at the wheels and the car color... it proves 100% sure that Ferrari is testing its new air conditioning! Amazing!! I can't wait until the next Ferrari with the new and improved air comes out!
It's amazing how people are sooo stupid...
Posted by Peter | May 21, 2007 10:55 PM
Posted on May 21, 2007 22:55
No actually I think that is the new Ferrari! I mean look at the wheels and the car color... it proves 100% sure that Ferrari is testing its new air conditioning! Amazing!! I can't wait until the next Ferrari with the new and improved air comes out!
It's amazing how people are sooo stupid...
Posted by Peter | May 21, 2007 10:55 PM
Posted on May 21, 2007 22:55
No actually I think that is the new Ferrari! I mean look at the wheels and the car color... it proves 100% sure that Ferrari is testing its new air conditioning! Amazing!! I can't wait until the next Ferrari with the new and improved air comes out!
It's amazing how people are sooo stupid...
Posted by Peter | May 21, 2007 10:56 PM
Posted on May 21, 2007 22:56
"it's amazing how people are sooo stupid..."
isn't it though?
isn't it though?
isn't it though?
Posted by T | May 22, 2007 12:40 AM
Posted on May 22, 2007 00:40
hmm, isnt the S2000 about to be stopped from production?
could this be the new S2000 ???
Honda S2010
Posted by Stian | May 22, 2007 3:15 AM
Posted on May 22, 2007 03:15
This is similar to what Nissan did with the GTR they hid it in a G35 skin and did testing.
Posted by David S. | May 22, 2007 8:21 AM
Posted on May 22, 2007 08:21
Maybe someone can check the DVLC site and see what car this registration comes up as.......
Posted by Paul | May 22, 2007 9:46 AM
Posted on May 22, 2007 09:46
just so you know they have done away with the s2k all together and are going to be producing a new more refined roadster in 2009-10 and as far as everyone one saying it's a honda why would they test it on a honda i know this photo is from Germany but in Japan (happens to be where hondas come from incase you nuk nuks didn't know) there is not acura and it's a Honda NSX. the only reason honda made acura is the same reason that toyota made lexus and nissan made infinati. because north american and euro buyers wouldn't spend close to 100k on a car that comes from the same line up as a 13k car. and stfu peter your the dumbest one on this form
Posted by Adam | May 22, 2007 9:52 AM
Posted on May 22, 2007 09:52
I dunno...screams Mazda to me...looks more like a 1st gen rx7 with some rx8 bits tagged on the back; though there is that front fender which looks more like something off of a bmw...
Posted by cmpteki | May 22, 2007 10:10 AM
Posted on May 22, 2007 10:10
These comments read like they're from MySpace or YouTube...
Posted by Noya | May 22, 2007 10:12 AM
Posted on May 22, 2007 10:12
i see the 4 tail pipes, i see much body mod and i barely see if the suspension was heavy duty. But, how this test mule is anything close to NSX escapes me completely.
Is there any reason beyond wishful speculation to think this is more likely an NSX than a new s2000?
Posted by Paul | May 22, 2007 11:20 AM
Posted on May 22, 2007 11:20
Paul: I think the author is suggesting that the platform and powertrain may be NSX, not the body of the vehicle iteself. I think the author is suggesting that that an S2000 body has been placed on to a new NSX platform. The author's speculation-lines are as follows: 1) someone has substantially beefed up the vehicle's B-pillar in order to increase rigidity -- and since extra rigidity would be necessary/desirable to put new platform/engine/suspension through the paces, the author has used this to infer an NSX powertrain. 2) someone has added a new suspension; and again, this probably wouldn't be necessary for an S2000 powertrain/platform -- and hence the author infers a platform/powertrain modification far beefier than an S2000, say an NSX. 3) there are 4 exhaust pipes, evidencing a level of power behind the new engine that only an NSX engine would warrant (rather than an S2000).
I'm speculating myself, but this is my best guess in ligth of the author's info. and phrasing.
Posted by Random poster | May 22, 2007 12:10 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 12:10
Paul: I think the author is suggesting that the platform and powertrain may be NSX, not the body of the vehicle iteself. I think the author is suggesting that that an S2000 body has been placed on to a new NSX platform. The author's speculation-lines are as follows: 1) someone has substantially beefed up the vehicle's B-pillar in order to increase rigidity -- and since extra rigidity would be necessary/desirable to put new platform/engine/suspension through the paces, the author has used this to infer an NSX powertrain. 2) someone has added a new suspension; and again, this probably wouldn't be necessary for an S2000 powertrain/platform -- and hence the author infers a platform/powertrain modification far beefier than an S2000, say an NSX. 3) there are 4 exhaust pipes, evidencing a level of power behind the new engine that only an NSX engine would warrant (rather than an S2000).
I'm speculating myself, but this is my best guess in light of the author's info. and phrasing.
Posted by Random poster | May 22, 2007 12:10 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 12:10
Hopefully the timing of the introduction of the (new?) NSX won't be off for (poor) Honda - talks of the economy slowing are starting to become everyday occurences on the business reports.
By 2010 Honda might be fighting a (bit) of an uphill battle, between economic conditions and gasoline prices (even being a Honda, a high-performance sports car must still use more gasoline to extract that high performance).
If Honda is indeed going for a new NSX - best of luck to ya! :)
Posted by Snake | May 22, 2007 12:51 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 12:51
@ Darmok
@Owen of Wales:
When i posted my comment there was only the middle pic posted,and the article just basically simply stated something like:"Could this be the next NSX?",the point is,the article has since been edited,however my comment referred to the original article,which is why it would seem that i might have a "reading comprehension"problem,because the article WASN'T THERE when i posted....as i said about the earlier article:Nice try..but no cigar..
Posted by Walt | May 22, 2007 2:22 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 14:22
That space behind the B-post suggests definite NSX possibilities.
Rejoice!!!!! The NSX looks like it will most certainly have a mid-engine chassis again...
Posted by FFRSX | May 22, 2007 3:20 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 15:20
Has anyone noticed that there isn't a seam around the engine compartment? If you look at the front end shot the the hood is a one piece item that includes the fenders.
Now look at the rear end shot, unlike the S2000 there are two vertical lines running down the trunk lid.
Even the rear bumper joins the rear fenders differently then the S2000.
Does it make sense to pay that kind of attention to appearance details on a test mule?
Posted by Ken | May 22, 2007 3:45 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 15:45
dvla check says it's a 2.2 diesel
Posted by ste_nova | May 22, 2007 6:07 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 18:07
Mr. Random,
I think everyone here knows what the original poster is suggesting, thank you for pointing out the obvious.
Simply seeing a beefed up s2k look alike suggests an NSX test mule from Honda? Sounds like the creationist logic to me.
boo
Posted by Paul | May 22, 2007 6:34 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 18:34
and just how close is that "test mule is very close to the new 2009/2010 NSX"
what a bunch of bull
Posted by Paul | May 22, 2007 6:38 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 18:38
looks like S2000 CR to me... not an NSX
Posted by PS | May 22, 2007 11:15 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 23:15
Coming up as a 5 litre petrol with no emissions...!
Posted by Paul | May 23, 2007 3:26 AM
Posted on May 23, 2007 03:26
I'm sure you have noticed there are two differn't cars, one is a 5L petrol/gas and one is a 2.2 Diesel.
Posted by Ken | May 24, 2007 2:06 PM
Posted on May 24, 2007 14:06
Given that its a Jap car in Germany, its interesting that it has a UK numberplate.
Do Honda develop/build their prototypes in the UK?
Posted by Niz | May 29, 2007 5:41 PM
Posted on May 29, 2007 17:41
well since the proposed chassis for the nsx was a flop in Detroit a modified s2k chassis seems logical to be used since its the only performance sport model in Honda's line up for the time being. I just hope the guys at that new Acura/Honda design center in LA come up with a more reasonable chassis design. furthermore since the next nsx is supposedly sporting a v10, its only logical for Honda to build their prototype in or near the uk because of a little brit car named a v10 vanquish.. ne wayz all the cool jdm companies are testing new cars in Europe. eg. Nissan. mushishi (Mitsubishi), not to mention Subaru.
Posted by pffft | June 2, 2007 5:45 PM
Posted on June 2, 2007 17:45
The new Acura TSX engine parts is expected to take on a more "aggressive look" that will, we're sure, not include the duct tape on this test vehicle, but will probably take design cues from the SPORTS 4 concept car Honda's luxe brand showed at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show.
Posted by lara | December 4, 2007 9:06 PM
Posted on December 4, 2007 21:06
the official desing will not look like the S2K, it has a 3.0 v10 and a redline of (correct me if i'm wrong) 8,000 or 9,000 rpm. the S2K was just mule to test the engine.
Posted by sergio cribas | January 30, 2008 11:30 AM
Posted on January 30, 2008 11:30
this is the official design
Posted by sergio cribas | January 30, 2008 1:08 PM
Posted on January 30, 2008 13:08