Accelerate Mpls

Spy Shot of the 2011 NSX

Many car people knew that Acura was planning on resurrecting the NSX for 2011.  That was the plan until the drop in both the economy and the auto industry.  The car was well into development with what seemed to be a production ready (almost) body and interior.  Spy shots showed a front engine long hood short deck stance.  Rumors were a revised version of SH-AWD was going to send the power to all four wheels.  We also heard that the vehicle would be powered by a 5.5 liter V10 putting out 500-550 hp while using iVTEC.  Reliable sources said an aggressive cylinder deactivation mode would help obtain decent fuel economy.  This was supposed to be a super car to put a halo around Acura.  Similar in concept to the recently debuted Lexus LFA.  In fact, the new NSX would have been competition for the LFA.  No pricing was ever announced or leaked but I would assume the price tag would have been under that of the LFA’s $375,000 price.

Spy Shot of the 2011 NSX at the Nurburgring

I for one always like both the first and second generation NSX’s.  It brought something new to the table.  Showing super car manufactures and buyers, that you can have a high performance car that is still reliable.  This was somewhat of a revolutionary concept.  The mid-mount V6 was also unique.  This was not the fastest car.  Nor was it the most expensive car.  It was a unique car from a company that was out to prove themselves.

Spy Shot of the 2011 NSX at the Nurburgring

As I mentioned earlier the NSX replacement was in the final stages of preparation for an unveiling.  Sources say the dream is dead and the NSX replacement will not be coming.  While I completely believe this I wish it were not true.  Competition in the marketplace is a good thing.  While I have a feeling the 2011 NSX would be vastly different (front engine and all wheel drive vs mid-engine and rear wheel drive), the reliability attribute would still probably be there.

Below is a video recorded of the 2011 NSX prototype in in final testing stages driving around the Nurburgring.

2010 Honda NSX replacement at the Nürburgring Nordschleife from MrBTG on Vimeo.

Last Generation NSX

The first weekend of the month has come and gone and that means Cars & Café.  An opportunity for car guys to come, drool and gawk at each others toys.  The weather was unseasonably warm for November, reaching a high of 57 degrees.  The sun was shining, the people were smiling, and all was well with the world.  Per the name Cars & Café, the cars where there as was the coffee and doughnuts.

Spyker C8 Spyder

Spyker Logo

This month was much nicer weather then October which meant the crowd was about double and the amount of cars were too.  Many notable appearance were made such as the gorgeous Spyker C8 Spyder all the way to the normal Honda S2000.  EuroCars even brought out a ultra rare Noble M400 they currently have for sale.  Kevin Tan, owner of Imola Motorsports, brought out his Acura NSX which is tastefully modified.  Not one, but two, Buick Grand National’s were in attendance. One had aftermarket wheels while the other was quite stock.  Both were gorgeous sights to see in person.  Also notable was the old school Porsche that was absolutely gorgeous.  I will note, my buddy who has the Honda S2000 that we brought to October’s Cars & Café, and our 300ZX, were both sadly already put into storage due to the early cold snap we had.  We both decided to error on the safe side and we were sad we did.

Noble M400

Buick Grand National

This month the club house was open to stroll through.  Spacious and luxurious, the clubhouse is a very nice  place  to hang out while grabbing a cup of coffee and a doughnut.  Auto Motorplex is currently nearing completion on another new building that was framed up in October.  They were also obviously prepping to develop more land for more buildings towards the edge of the property.  Until next April 3, 2010 (but who’s counting) when Cars & Café starts another season, we will all unfortunately just have to get out our trickle chargers and car covers, while we go into storage for the winter.

This Saturday EuroCars will be hosting their annual OktoberFest.  They have a few rare cars among their already nice inventory.  Notable cars that will be in the showroom include a Noble M400, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, a tricked out Acura NSX, and an Audi S8 and a Porsche 911 C4S.  Along with these they also carry other European (and Japanese) makes and models that will be on hand and for sale.  More then just cars, this event will have authentic German food, beer, and other assorted beverages.  They will be giving away Minnesota Vikings tickets and car detailing packages during the event.  Attendance is free and I think it will be a good time for all.  Bring the family and take a stroll through the showroom while eating some great food and meeting new people.