Honda Motor Corporation announced on Tuesday that it will discontinue production of its NSX sports model, which became the first Japanese sports car to compete with the German and Italian sports car greats.

Honda Motor Corporation announced on Tuesday that it will discontinue production of its NSX sports model, which became the first Japanese sports car to compete with the German and Italian sports car greats.

Honda will halt production of European-spec versions of its hand-made all-aluminium NSX in September, and cars destined for Japan and North America will run out in December, a report said. A spokesman for the company refused to provide more details on an expected replacement, or on when production is due to start.

Initially launched in 1990 to showcase the Japanese manufacturer’s racing technology, about 18 000 units have been sold since the car's introduction. The car is built at Honda's Suzuka factory in Japan, which is also the home of the S2000 compact sports car and the Insight hybrid car. NSX sales peaked in 1991 when just under 8 500 units were sold.

The HSC sports car concept was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2003 and previewed the successor to the NSX. Company president Takeo Fukui called the HSC concept a "realistic proposal" and said the production model would not change much from the show car, which was shorter, wider and lower than the current car.

The 3,2-litre V6 concept was constructed using aluminium and carbon fibre, resulting in a lighter car that could sprint to 100 km/h in 4,5 seconds and reach a top end of 285 km/h.

The HSC, apart from some ornate detailing at the rear, was a striking car and was largely devoid of any spoilers or aerodynamic addenda. Eighteen centimetres shorter than the NSX, the car has a shortened overhang despite its longer wheelbase and is marginally lower to give the car a stance similar to Lamborghini's Gallardo.

The show car's interior looked close to production ready and, along with the carbon-fibre, leather and aluminium features, also had an iDrive-style controller and a digital display that popped from the dashboard to keep the facia clutter-free.

Original article from Car