When the first NSX debuted, Honda was using it as a weapon to challenge the power of Ferrari on the track. For all intents and purposes, the new NSX will serve the same purpose, but I think Honda->ke34 has taken it a bit too far. You may have noticed that there have been more than a few stories about Ferrari’s->ke252 randomly bursting into flames around the world, and Honda was not going to be outshone. We now have news that the NSX prototype we just saw testing on the Nurburgring->ke999 has also burst into flames.

Obviously, it is sad news that the NSX->ke2673 production mule has been destroyed, but it’s mildly comical when put into the context of the decades long battle against its Italian rival.

Thankfully it doesn’t appear that anyone was hurt in the fire, but the NSX does look to be a complete loss. Most of the rear body work has been burnt to nothing and what is left doesn’t exactly look salvageable.

I sure hope Honda has a backup if it plans on getting enough testing done to have this car on sale by next summer.

Click past the jump to read more about the future Honda NSX.

Spy Shots

The upcoming Honda NSX is a next-generation rendition of the Japanese company’s successful supercar->ke177. The first model was tested and tuned with help from racing legend Ayrton Senna, and thanks to an advanced architecture, lightweight design and powerful V-6 engine, the first NSX was able to best most any car in production around a race track.

Honda is looking to repeat that success with the NSX. With one of the most impressive and advanced torque vectoring AWD systems combined with a turbocharged V-6 that is rumored to make more than 400 horsepower, Honda has the tools it needs to succeed.

Why It Matters

Sadly, the fire could be a fairly major setback for Honda depending on how many prototypes it has and how far along development is. If there are a few more cars and it's just working on finalizing the suspension, this could only be a tiny headache. If Honda doesn't have three or four cars in backup and it's are still working on major design changes this could potentially push back the launch of the new supercar.

We are hoping for the happier of the two outcomes.