What You Need to Know About the Rumored Honda “Baby NSX”

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Posted on 05 October 2015 by Zach Doell 

                               

 

Honda’s long-rumored “Baby NSX” is nothing new. In fact, the rumor mill has been churning at full speed since the NSX bowed out in 2005 and the Honda S2000 departed in 2009. But now, with the new-age Acura NSX slated to reach production in late 2016, a new report suggests that it won’t be alone. 

 

According to the UK’s Auto Express, a “Baby NSX” (a likely successor to the S2000) is indeed in development and with an expected debut date as a 2018 model. Reflective of that “NSX” nickname, it’s also said to be a hybrid. Fans of the original delightfully analog roadster…we feel your pain.

Per the report, sources had originally indicated the 2.0-liter engine from the new European Civic Type R would find a home mid-ship within the rumored S2000 successor. Now, a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine has been pegged as the prime candidate, which is said to aim for 300 horsepower with the assistance of an electric motor. Its targets? The Alfa Romeo 4C, Porsche Cayman, and Audi’s sporty TT.

The insider goes on to say the sports car’s design and layout will reminisce its larger NSX brother (pictured above and top) and tie in some technology gleaned from the current McLaren-Honda Formula 1 team partnership. However, to the chagrin of fans, it may forgo the original S2000’s drop-top layout for a coupe-only format.

The reported price? That’s also enough to make S2000 fans droopy. When the original S2000 left the U.S. market, it sold for a base price of $34,995. This “Baby NSX” will reportedly tip the scales at £50,000 in the UK, which translates to around $75,800.

 Of course, none of this can be confirmed, however if true, eager buyers may have to save up a little bit longer than expected for an S2000 “Part Deux.”