Long ago Acura discontinued the all mighty NSX.  Despite being a futuristic car of its time, it still managed to garner a small following and loyalty that is equitable to that of Porsche owners.  So who knew that Acura would finally reissue the vehicle in a concept format that perfectly mimics the original body shape yet boasts a set of updated lines and curves that makes it a more than a suitable fit for the year 2012.

While details are scant, we do know that a hybrid powertrain will propel this futuristic car off the line and will be further complemented by an all-wheel-drive traction system.  That said, the engine will be composed of a naturally aspirated V6 that powers the rear wheels and electric engine that powers the front ones, with the ability to send power to the outer wheel during a turn.  All said and done total horsepower should top out at 400, at least according to Motor Trend.

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Launch date?  No clue, but Jerry Sienfeld and Leno want one (see above commercial).

Honda’s 3 wheeled concept vehicle won’t reach the kind of top speeds we’d obtain from the T-Rex, but it will get you there with a far smaller carbon footprint. The Honda 3R-C will be on show at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and claims to be a zero emission vehicle using an electric, battery powered motor of some sort.  The deets are few and far between, but you know as well as we do that this thing will never get built.

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Just watch the video.  This thing is crazy looking.  Obviously taking some tech cues from Segway I would love to see a fat person riding one of these.

The Honda U3-X Electric Unicycle Concept uses internal balance control to ensure that the device stays upright and tops out at a speed of 3.7 Mph.  I really want to try one.  According to Honda president Takanobu It the concept has been designed with the elderly in mind to help them get around easier without all the bulk of present day scooters and such.

No word if this product will see production but I’m hoping it never sees action in a Mall Cop movie sequel.  Wait, or do I?  Last time I noticed Kevin James was fat right?

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What do you get when you combine a Kayak with a 4 stroke Honda engine?  The Mokai, a jet propelled watercraft that offers over 8 hours of engine powered boating fun on just 3 gallons of gas.  They say it can be transported on top of a vehicle negating the need for a trailer and in essence lets hobbyist fisherman and adventurers have their own personal motorized watercraft.   Available for $3,450.

[via Uncrate]

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Move over McLaren F1 and hello Honda FC Sport.  Sporting a similar seat setup as the aforementioned dream car (driver in the center and passengers adjacent) the Honda FC Sport is a hydrogen based vehicle that uses the V-Flow fuel cell stack and electric drivetrain from the FCX Clarity.  It’s conceptual so I wouldn’t expect this in show rooms ever and please Honda, please provide us with some specs, that is assuming the thing is driveable.

I’ll be at the LA Autoshow next week so I’ll be sure to capture an up close glimpse.

Full release below

Honda FC Sport Design Study Suggests Hydrogen Sports Car Future

Innovative fuel cell packaging demonstrates green performance potential

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Honda today revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology – already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan – and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain.

“The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum,” said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future.”
The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle’s performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport’s low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.

The ideal placement of the Honda V-Flow fuel cell stack and related components demonstrates the benefits of a platform-specific, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain. The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.

The optimal placement of fuel cell components for performance also allows for a relatively large passenger cabin by conventional supercar standards with enough space for three seating positions. The interior layout focuses primarily on the driver with a racecar-like center driving position. The enclosed canopy opens upward from the rear to allow for entry and exit. Two rear passenger seats flank the driver’s left and right side.

The sleek, low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance with sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geometric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle’s racing pedigree. The hydrogen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel cell technology in much the same way that a “naked bike” motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.

The glacier white body color conveys the FC Sport’s clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the vehicle’s unique combination of clean power and high performance. Green construction techniques further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. An organic, bio-structure theme is carried through to the body construction where exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics.

I didn’t convert the French writing on the linked page, but the pics say it all.  It’s a concept and I don’t see it going into production.  I gathered that it’s electric.

More pics after the ‘leap’