from one of vtec.net's intrepid reporters:
American Honda/Acura: Pictures to come...
I spent about an hour with a regional management exec from American
Honda/Acura. According to this source, "Indy Blue" for the S2000 will
be available for MY'02. It is currently available on the current NSX
and unsure if to be available for the CL next MY. The Honda/Acura booth
was showing a CL in the "Indy Blue" which is absolutely gorgeous.
Honda/Acura had modified cars in their booth this year. A very tricked
out yellow '01 Civic Coupe with AEM components was on their spinning
display. Apparently it is Honda's statement and endorsement of the
aftermarket performance business...to a degree. Honda is not happy with
the current state of the market where there are many companies making
products for "go fast on the street" using their logos. It is their
intention to get into the business and "legitimatize" the
industry...slowly but surely. The comment was made that "Powered by
Honda" should be copyrighted and branded by Honda and not the current
companies like DC Sports (which did not seem to have a very good taste
with Honda). Honda is making a move into the performance parts but
taking a very cautious approach as they want to promote the legal "go
fast" activities like SCCA sanctioned events, NHRA sub-division, etc.
The fact that their displays showed Honda/Acura logoed accessories
products such as wings, body kits, polished and colored valve covers/oil
caps/etc. for various Honda/Acura cars demonstrate their awareness of
the market. The body kit parts for the Spa Yellow S2000 were on
display, although the Spa Yellow S2000 itself was not. The color is
absolutely gorgeous and is actually more yellow than the TypeR's yellow
(shown by the wing on display) due to the speckles in the Spa Yellow
paint. There was a red S2000 with full aftermarket body kit made by an
un-named mfg'er (potentially California Customs), along with a
beautifully modified CL in the "Indy Blue" even outfitted with an
exhaust with oval tip, 18" wheels, blue brake calipers with slotted
rotors, and custom blue/gray leather interior. A dark metallic green
MDX had aftermarket 18" wheels with custom body parts. All visually
modified parts on the display cars had the "H" or "A" logos to
demonstrate that they are to be sold through the dealerships. However,
that is to be determined at this time.
Bottomline, Honda is going to make a play in the enhancement and
performance parts...to what degree in and in what time frame is yet to
be determined. Definitely they want to make it an OE approach to be
logoed by them and sold through the dealers.
(Note: California Customs is a body kit mfg'er who makes OEM parts for
Honda, which are then shipped to Honda Japan for the home market sold
under the Honda Japan logo. The parts sold here would be labled
American Honda.)