Honda cancels next-gen S2000, V8 program and CR-Z convertible

**AG4** · January 9th, 2009 05:05 AM

First Honda pulled out of Formula 1, then they cancelled the next gen NSX, now this?

Report: Honda cancels next-gen S2000, V8 program and CR-Z convertible
Posted Tue Jan 6 2009 9:04 PM by Kenneth Hall

Tough times in terms of sales and profits are hitting the entire industry hard, but Honda appears to be taking it particularly badly if the latest report from Japan proves true. News of the cancellation of Honda's V8 program, its CR-Z convertible, and perhaps most lamentably, its next-gen S2000 roadster, has emerged today.

The report indicates that Honda's drastic reshaping of its future product lineup is being done with an eye to a leaner, greener brand image, according to AutoWeek. These factors would certainly toll the death knell of a planned RWD Acura V8 - possibly a heavily redesigned RL due around 2015, just as the V10-powered NSX has met its demise.

The S2000 replacement, however, would seem to be somewhat less subject to abuse from an anti-green sentiment, with its small-displacement and efficient four-cylinder engine. Nevertheless, it, as well as a convertible variant of the future CR-Z hybrid are also thought to be dead. A car that's caught between the two, envisioned as a low-emissions drop-top sports roadster, the Honda OSM Concept, gave a taste of what we may never see.

The savings in development costs alone will likely be substantial, but the cost in fans and excitement about Honda's products will be immeasurable.

- http://www.motorauthority.com/report...nvertible.html

So far this is the list of Cancelled Honda/Acura models...
1. next gen V10 Acura NSX
2. next gen S2000 Roadster
3. RWD V8 powered Acura (RL replacement?)
4. CR-Z Convertible

Lets hope that they keep the "Type-R" models, soon those might be the only sporty vehicles left in the Honda lineup.

**AG4** · January 9th, 2009 09:38 PM

One of the possible reasons why Honda cancelled some of their upcoming sportscar/premium car models...

Honda auto sales tumble 35 percent in December

TORRANCE, Calif.

Honda Motor Co. said Monday its December sales in the U.S. plunged 35 percent amid sharp year-over-year declines across its lineup.

Honda said sales fell to 86,085 units from 131,792 in December 2007. Volumes of its top seller, the Accord sedan, fell 29 percent to 22,348, while Civic sales plunged 36 percent.

The No. 2 Japanese automaker's truck and sport utility segment fared even worse. Overall sales in that segment fell 40 percent. Volumes at its Acura luxury line tumbled 39 percent.

"American Honda's sales mirror the industry's current condition," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., in a statement. "We believe Honda will be in a strong position when the market stabilizes."

The one bright spot was sales of the Fit hatchback, Honda's small car whose sales cooled by a more modest 2 percent to just over 5,000 units in December.

For the full year, Honda sales fell 7.9 percent to 1.4 million from 1.6 million in 2007. The automaker has scaled back production both in the U.S. and globally as it copes with the weaker car market.
U.S.-traded shares of Honda fell 45 cents to $21.36 in afternoon trading.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/finan.../D95H6GBG0.htm