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August 31, 2005

    Honda V-8 is in the Works

For 30 years Honda fans have been waiting for them to build a V-8 model. Two current vehicle models will get the new V-8 engines but not until 2010. The good news is that the new engine will be around 4.4 liters and will use the variable valve timing technology VTEC design. Honda will put the V-8 engine first in its flagship model automobile the Acura RL followed a model year later by the next version of its new pickup truck vehicle the Ridgeline. There was much speculation when Honda officially announced its pickup model earlier this year that this would force them to add a V-8 version to its lineup because so many pickup buyers insist on a V-8 vehicle.

The new engine will produce at least 325 horsepower and may be tuned up to as much as 425 if Acura decides to use it in the next generation of the NSX sports car. It is important to remember that Honda is one of only a handful of auto manufactures that still make money, and can afford to do the research and design necessary to produce a car like the NSX replacement. The only reason Honda would have not to build such a automobile would be if they felt that the future Lexus super car, the LF-A would be too hard to compete with head on. With many cars currently for sale for over $100,000 it seems that Honda could build a successful replacement for the NSX and be able to sell it at a profit.

This new aluminum block V-8 engine will add to the reasons for Acura car fans to opt for the top of the line RL over the TL. The current configurations have the RL getting only 10% more horsepower then the TL while being priced at nearly 50% more. It is this reason that most car guides list the TL as one of the best buys but give the RL only a moderate good deal rating. For the 2005 model year Edmunds auto review gives the TL an 8.9 rating and the RL a 7.4 rating.

- Automotive Insider
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