The oil crisis that swept across the globe in the 1970s swiftly reshaped the landscape of the international automotive sector. Several iconic vehicles were either equipped with downsized engines or completely axed. Nevertheless, the discontinuation of one particular automobile stings more than others, as it deprived enthusiasts of
a Honda sports car featuring a mid-mounted V8 powertrain almost two decades prior to the debut of the renowned NSX.
In a twist of fate, concerns surrounding emissions were instrumental in both kickstarting and ultimately halting this initiative. During the 1960s, both the Japanese and American governments commenced stringent measures to combat pollution. Alarming health issues related to smog and leaded gasoline toxicity were on the rise, prompting both nations to pursue cleaner automotive technologies. In the early ’70s, Honda was developing innovative combustion solutions that would have positioned it as the pioneer in creating an engine compliant with the then-new Muskie Act in the United States.
This cutting-edge technology, known as Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion (CVCC), was poised to debut in a groundbreaking engine. Opting for a V8 configuration, Honda devised two distinct vehicle concepts to accommodate this innovation. One proposal was a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, promoted as “ecologically sound and exhilarating to drive,” as recently revealed in Honda’s
official periodical.
The company even progressed to creating a clay model, which sported a distinctive appearance compared to other mid-engine vehicles of that era. Noteworthy for its compact size, sharp contours, elegant proportions, and pointed front end, it stood in stark contrast to the wedge-shaped supercars of the time. Furthermore, alternative designs were explored for a front-engine variant that bore a striking resemblance to the original Lotus Elan.
Regrettably, the oil crisis erupted in October 1973, compelling Honda to halt the project. Nonetheless, the vision of a mid-engine sports car continued to endure within the minds of the company’s engineers and designers. Subsequently, in the ensuing decade, they commenced the development of the illustrious NSX, a vehicle that not only made it to production but also proved to be well worth the delay.
Honda expertly brought the NSX to fruition, suggesting that perhaps history unfolded as it was destined to. An earlier unfruitful endeavor with a mid-engine sports car may have disheartened the company from revisiting such an undertaking. On the other hand, the V8 predecessor could have been a resounding success regardless. Undoubtedly, these images have sparked our imagination. If only Honda had managed to produce a prototype.
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