Honda's new NSX will make its debut at next year's Tokyo Motor Show and, when it goes into production in the autumn of 2010 it will spearhead the European launch of the Acura brand. What's more, according to Honda insiders, the V10 supercar will soon be followed by a new range of rear-wheel-drive sports saloons which will be badged Acura. Powered by a 4.5-litre V10 engine, the new NSX will deliver around 550bhp and enjoy racecar-like acoustics.

Acura, meanwhile, will be Honda's badge which will compete directly with Lexus, Infiniti and BMW in the higher end of the market in Europe. Alongside the switch to rear-wheel drive for its large saloons, Honda engineers are also in the process of developing a range of more powerful engines. It's expected the first new saloon will be a BMW 7-series rival, and is scheduled for launch in 2015. There are whispers too that an Acura sports car based on the current S2000 is being developed. The new car would shift Honda's presence further upmarket and go head-to-head with the Mercedes SLK.