[QUOTE]Originally posted by Triple-H
[B]I'm thinking in the next 5 years we will see something RWD in the Acura lineup priced between the RSX and NSX. There have been rumors Honda was going to try and use the technology they developed in the S2000 for a high performance coupe of some kind.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ultimate lurker
[B]Billy, the CL and TL _will_ be going RWD in 2003/2004.

 

Hello!!! Open you eyes. The trend for the last three years is more and more mfg's moving to All Wheel Drive. Just try to imagine your S2000 with AWD Talk about fast and fun!

Think about it!

Duffer

 

I think we could debate all day on where a RWD may go into the Honda/Acura lineup, and this is after all a lot of fun because we all have interesting points of view that are worth considering.

For me it comes down to this- Honda now has the mechanics worked out for a RWD model under $35k. I suspect we would be kidding ourselves if we thought the S2000 would be the only car to get this technology.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Duffer
[B]Hello!!! Open you eyes. The trend for the last three years is more and more mfg's moving to All Wheel Drive. Just try to imagine your S2000 with AWD

 

The only problem is that the S2000 is entirely different than the CL and TL. Cargo and passenger space aren't really issues with the S, they are with the CL/TL. In a normal sedan, the engine is pushed as far forward as possible to allow for more interior room, which shifts the weight balance away from 50/50 (which the S2000 is close to) towards 60/40 or worse. This weight shift compromises handling, acceleration is still better, but braking suffers because of increased bias towards the front brakes. The aforementioned driveshaft tunnel is another issue, stopping the backseat from seating 3 comfortably. The Integra would offer some slightly different compromises which might be more favorable to RWD.

Don't get me wrong, I love RWD and would take a RWD car over a FWD one any day, but the lessons learned from the RWD aspect of the S2000 don't really carry over to the TL and CL. They're just too far apart in terms of function.

 

The RL is also going RWD. As has been noted, it is supposed to get a version of the NSX engine (to defray costs). Acura/Honda have finally seen the light on competing in the luxury market. Note that the only FWD Lexus sells is the ES300, but even at that price point they offer a RWD option (IS300).

As I said, pictures of the new CL have been promised for January. VTEC.net is pretty tight with Honda sources for info so the information tends to be pretty good.

UL

 

doesn't going to AWD make more sense? it seems to be the logical progression.

 

UL, do you have any particular links? I didn't see anything on vtec.net regarding the CL/TL/RL. Thanks in advance.

Regarding AWD - I'm not sure where this mysterious 'natural progression' of AWD is coming from. AWD is overkill in most situations, mainly due to added weight and increased mechanical losses, 2 big enemies of good performance and fuel efficiency. It's great in the snow, but having driven some pretty bad vehicles through the winter, I can assure you that it's not needed. If anything, it's a false sense of security. For performance, RWD is tough to beat, for economy FWD is the better choice. AWD is a niche market, which is why only a handful of cars (aside from Subarus and Audis, both of which have built their modern reputations on AWD) utilize it.

 

Yep, it'd be real good to make more Hondas RWD, because then everyone out there with a wing on their Honda will have some use for it! LOL