The March 26th issue of the Japanese publication Best Car Magazine reported that the next version of the Honda NSX (badged the Acura NSX in Northa America) will be a lot more similar to the Insight that previously expected.

The NSX is Honda's high performance mid-engine super car; the closest thing anyone with $84,000 USD can come to driving a Honda Formula 1 race car.

The NSX is produced at the same low-volume factory in Tochigi, Japan where the Insight is produced. Like the Insight, the NSX is one of a few all-aluminum bodied cars that are on the market today (others being the Audi A2, Audi A8 and Chysler's Prowler). It was in fact partially Honda's experience building the all-aluminum NSX that made it possible to build the all-alluminum Insight in production numbers. (For more information on how Honda's experience with the NSX influenced the Insight's design, see this article by Kazuhiko Tsunoda, Chief Engineer of the Honda Insight.)

Despite previous rumors to the contrary, Best Car Magazine now claims that the next version of the NSX will continue to have an all-aluminum body.

More interrestingly, they also report that it will use Honda's IMA hybrid technology. Here, though, the focus wouldn't be on energy & fuel efficiency, but on boosting performance to an even higher level. Nonetheless, it would also allow for an improvement in fuel efficiency, an area where the NSX already stands well above similar exotic automobiles.

Other information from this article included:

• The engine is said to be a V6, contrary to previous rumors of a V8 or V10.
• The engine is said to use Honda's new i-VTEC variable timing valvetrain technology.
• The engine is said to displace around 3.4L.
• Horsepower is said to be around 350hp.
• Torque is predicted to be around 289 lb-ft.
• Transmission is said to continue to be a 6 speed manual.
• Dimensions are predicted at 4300mm x 1800mm x 2500mm (L x W x H), with a wheelbase of 2500mm.
• Price is estimated at about 8,000,000 yen.

(The picture above shows the current NSX model.)