[YachtForums]

Some good footage of the new-X (for lack of an official acronym) running the 'ring...

http://link.brightcove.com/services/...ctid1628433952

Best lap time so far is 7:38; 10 seconds short of the GTR, but this number still puts it in world-class, supercar territory. Supposedly, the 7:38 lap time was because of traffic on the ring.

If you like the shriek of a V-10, turn up the volume on this vid...

[Kevin]

The only problem with being 10 seconds short of the new GTR is what was mentioned on autoblog:

By now we've all seen the spy shots showing Acura's NSX revival bombing around the Nürburgring in Germany. There's a reason those drivers are pushing their prototype hard enough to get air through the turns. Inside Line is reporting the Honda CEO Takeo Fukui wants his NSX to toast both the Nissan GT-R and the Lexus LF-A around the Green Hell. Considering that the GT-R has posted lap times on the 'Ring that utterly defy what it should be able to do on paper, and that the LF-A is still a moving target that's trying to best the GT-R too, Honda engineers have some serious work to do developing the NSX over the next two years. IL suspects the next NSX will get a 5.5L V10 producing 550 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that's derived from a V8 that's slated for the next-gen, rear-wheel-drive Acura RL. They also surmise that it will use an 8-speed auto with paddle shifters, feature an advanced version of Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system and use lots of aluminum in its construction to keep weight down. Unfortunately, by the time the NSX arrives, the GT-R V-Spec will have moved the bar again.

[YachtForums]

Good points Kevin. And there are other considerations too. Even if Honda can beat GTR 'round the 'ring, can they match the $70k price tag?

[Kevin]

Apparently the GT-R's 'Ring lap has lit a few fires. Lexus' LF-A has it's sights set on the GT-R time, and now Porsche is looking to beef up the 911 Turbo to get back their 'Ring bragging rights as well.

[Seafarer]

Originally Posted by YachtForums

Some good footage of the new-X (for lack of an official acronym) running the 'ring...

http://link.brightcove.com/services/...ctid1628433952

Best lap time so far is 7:38; 10 seconds short of the GTR, but this number still puts it in world-class, supercar territory. Supposedly, the 7:38 lap time was because of traffic on the ring.

If you like the shriek of a V-10, turn up the volume on this vid...

7:29 is the GT-R's best official time (the V spec with claimed 7:25), though there is some question as to the "stock"ness of that particular car. Unofficial times for the '10 NS-X are popping up at a few hundredths over 7:37 (and in aerodynamically punishing camouflage, at that) - Honda is closing in on the GT-R, but the 70k tag is, I think, a pipe dream.

The General has not yet posted official or unofficial times for the ZR1, and the other supercar makers are now scrambling like mad to get back on track to add power and lightness and handling instead of creature comforts.

Welcome to the new Horsepower Wars, in the Age of the Musclecar!

[YachtForums]

Originally Posted by Seafarer

Welcome to the new Horsepower Wars, in the Age of the Musclecar!

That's for sure! Not ironically, it was the oil crisis of the mid-70's that brought the muscle car era to an end. Sadly, this may be the demise of the current crop of four-wheel wonders and quite possibly the reason Lexus and Acura have been dragging out the release of these halo cars. For example, the LF-A has been on the show circuit for about five years and running the ring for the past two. Atleast Acura has an excuse for not releasing the new NSX... they don't know what to build!

That said, I just came across these renderings from AutoExpress in the UK. If they are remotely accurate, it appears Acura is going to give us a revised version of the ASCC featured in the beginning of this thread.

[Kevin]

A factory-stock Corvette ZR-1 just lapped the 'Ring in 7:26.4 this morning.

[Seafarer]

Originally Posted by Kevin

A factory-stock Corvette ZR-1 just lapped the 'Ring in 7:26.4 this morning.

Just saw it on http://blog.gmnext.com/?p=194

This is getting serious!


bridgetogantry has a couple of sort clips of the 'vette doing low speed runs, with audio.

I want to see what Porsche has got up its sleeve!

[AMG]

Originally Posted by YachtForums

That said, I just came across these renderings from AutoExpress in the UK.

Looks like a mix of BMW and Porsche, the reg number says the same...

[OutMyWindow]

Looks like a PhotoChop'ed Honda Accord. No compliment to the NSX, but a pretty good looking Accord.

[Loren Schweizer]

Originally Posted by Seafarer

Just saw it on http://blog.gmnext.com/?p=194

This is getting serious!


I want to see what Porsche has got up its sleeve!

With the 997's new direct injection + double-clutch, they may shave a couple off their previous times:
http://viewer.zmags.com/showmag.php?...1&_x=1#/page2/

[AMG]

Originally Posted by Loren Schweizer

With the 997's new direct injection + double-clutch, they may shave a couple off their previous times:

Yes, you find it as nr 30 on the current list, not bad..!

http://www.fastestlaps.com/track2.html

[vivariva]

In Corvettes prior to the ZR-1 model, there were 'leaf springs' in the rear suspension instead of independent struts. I wonder if this was the important change that enables this car to share a standing with a Pagani Zonda?

I would like very much to see a new NSX delivered soon, if not some people here might experience withdrawal symtpoms .

[Kevin]

Wanna' see something utterly amazing? A virtual 'Ring run to test the oil sump rig of the new Porsche engine. I've been around cars and motorsports all my life, but this is the first time I've seen a g-force replicating dyno.

[Loren Schweizer]

Originally Posted by AMG

Yes, you find it as nr 30 on the current list, not bad..!

http://www.fastestlaps.com/track2.html

Well, yes, Lars, except in the GT2 variant where it comes in #8...