Honda To Cancel RWD Acura, New V8 Engine, S2000, And More!

Honda CEO Takeo Fukui wasn't kidding when he said that Honda would renew its focus on small, fuel efficient vehicles. The latest news, courtesy of UK outfit AutoCar, indicates that Honda is looking to axe a number of models from its future line-up.

When Honda cancelled the NSX, we didn't sleep properly for days. The latest round of cuts is sure to have us watching 'infomercials', counting sheep and listening to Parliament for weeks. (Is there a help-line we can call?)

Honda's luxury brand for the US, Acura, has taken the brunt of the bad news and is now to lose its previously-planned RWD architecture. The V8 engine Honda had confirmed for the range has also been deleted.

There's also word that the Honda Legend, sold in small numbers here, is to join the RWD Acura on the chopping block as will the top-less version of Honda's upcoming CR-Z hybrid vehicle.

But worse, far worse, is the apparent loss of the Honda S2000. This year, 2009, will be its last scheduled production year with no replacement in sight. We're hoping Honda blows us away with a surprise unveiling at one of the 2009 Motor Shows... but it's a faint hope.

We'll be following this story closely, and keeping tabs on Honda for an official comment. If even half of what's reported is accurate then Honda fans will have to make do with some pretty slim pickings in the year or so ahead.