With Enzo looks, carbon bodyshell and gullwing doors, you would expect this supercar to wear a Ferrari badge. But in fact, this is the Honda Sports Concept (HSC) - and it's tipped to become the all-new NSX. What's more, just like the Italian stunner, it will cause a real stir with cutting-edge technology.

The current NSX has been on sale since 1991, and its all-alloy construction and no-compromise chassis created a vehicle capable of worrying traditional supercar brands. Honda aims to do the same with this model, using carbon-fibre panels similar to those on the likes of the Enzo and Porsche Carrera GT.

It has the looks to match them, too; the headlamps resemble the existing NSX, but otherwise the styling is all-new. The sharp edges and flat sides aren't only for effect, though, as the HSC's aerodynamics have been tuned to give greater downforce at speed without the need for big external spoilers. At the rear, the LED tail-lights have a holographic 3D effect and a glass screen exposes the mid-mounted engine. Unlike the Enzo, the Honda makes do with a revamped 3.0-litre V6 rather than a V12, but it now produces 300bhp and is mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox. The interior, accessed via scissor-action doors, uses blue carbon fibre and a minimalist 'skeletal' dash structure, while the gearlever is replaced by a paddleshifter. Yet despite the technology, Honda insists that the new NSX will be no more expensive than the old car when it arrives in 2005.

Tom Barnard Source: Auto Express