When the Japanese automaker Toyota wanted to show the world what their latest super car, the LF-A->ke2181 could do, they entered a pair of preproduction Supra->ke355 successors into a number of exhibition style endurance races at the world famous Nurburgring. Following a similar path, Honda's domestic racing program has just announced that they will be returning to the island nation's top tier of motor sport when they debut their next generation super car, the HSV-10 GT on March 20 at the beginning of the 2010 Super GT season. It is only fitting that the NSX->ke307's successor, the Honda Sports Velocity turns its first wheel in competition at the at the Suzuka Circuit, being that it is the automaker's own test track, making it an even more important initial run for the HSV because you know that all of the people that are going to decide the new sports vehicle's fate will be in attendance.

Despite the exotic V10 powered future NSX rumors, the new HSV-10 GT is powered by a low displacement 3.4 Liter V8 with a maximum output of over 500 HP. The high output engine is mated to a Ricardo sequential manual gearbox, the same unit used by Nissan and Toyota in their Super GT machines, ensuring that their drivers will be hard pressed to miss a shift. With a body that is somewhere between 21st century NSX and an ASL Garaiya from the Japanese Autobacs tuning shop, the future HSV-10 GT is guaranteed to carve out a place for itself in Japanese automotive culture.

Updated 01/18/10: Official specifications released; new image gallery added.

Updated 01/22/10: Check the Honda HSV in action at the Suzuka race track where the car is preparing for the Japanese 2010 Super GT Series. More video after the jump.

Press release after the jump.

2010 Honda HSV-010 GT

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 Honda HSV-010 GT
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

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PRESS RELEASE

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced today that it will compete in the GT500 class of the 2010 Super GT Series (managed and run by GTA Co., Ltd.) with its HSV-010 GT. The HSV-010 GT was developed exclusively for racing with the hope of offering thrills and dreams to fans through an unremitting focus on speed-the starting point of all motorsports.

The model conforms to the 2010 GT500 Regulations, (including a 3.4-liter V8 engine and an FR layout) issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), having earned JAF-GT500 basic vehicle registration. The HSV-010 GT is slated to debut at the Super GT season opener at the Suzuka Circuit, held on March 20–21 (Sat.–Sun.), 2010. *

The letters "HSV" stand for Honda Sports Velocity. Since joining the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC) in 1997 with its NSX-GT, Honda has competed in a total of 106 races during 13 years through the end of the 2009 season. During this time, Honda has taken the pole position 50 times and won 37 races.

Specifications

Dimensions

  • Length × Width × Height (m)     4.675 × 2.000 × (not disclosed)
  • Wheelbase (m)     2.700
  • Vehicle weight (kg)     1,100 or more

Engine    

  • Engine name     HR10EG
  • Configuration     Liquid-cooled, naturally aspirated, longitudinal V8
  • V angle (°)     90
  • Valve train     Gear-driven DOHC: 2 intake and 2 exhaust valves per cylinder
  • Displacement (cm3)     3,397
  • Bore × stroke (mm)     93.0 × 62.5
  • Compression ratio     (Not disclosed)
  • Maximum output (kW)     370 (500) or more
  • Maximum torque(N·m)     392 (40.0) or more
  • Throttle control system     Mechanical
  • Fuel supply system     Programmed fuel injection system (Honda PGM-FI)
  • Fuel     Lead-free premium gasoline
  • Lubrication     Dry sump


Powertrain, running system    

  • Transmission mechanism     Constant mesh
  • Transmission shifting method     Steering paddle shifter
  • Steering system mechanism     Rack and pinion system with electric power steering (EPS)
  • Tires(Front·Rear)     330/40R18 ·330/45R17
  • Brake type and mechanism     Hydraulic ventilated disc system
  • Suspension system     Double wishbone
  • Stabilizer     Torsion bar