We all knew Honda wouldn’t let Nissan and Toyota enter the supercar market without some serious competition. Unlike the previous mid-engined NSX this prototype is running a front-mid engine, with its powerplant placed well behind the front wheels to ensure excellent weight distribution. This should also allow the new NSX to offer 2+2 cabin accommodation, broadening its appeal – particularly in the USA. Engine type is uncvertain at the moment. There’s talk of a high-revving naturally aspirated V10, which would fit in very comfortably with Honda’s Type R philosophy. Honda’s not as obsessed by big horsepower outputs, but even so an output of 450 hp seems likely. Should such an engine be fitted to the sort of lightweight body as the previous NSX, the performance would be exceptional. Four-wheel-drive, with rearward bias, is also rumoured, the handling expected to be controlled by a version of Honda’s electronic Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

Not expected until 2009, Honda’s supercar is aiming to compete against rivals like Porsche’s 911 Turbo, the Ferrari F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo as well as home competition like Nissan’s GTR.