Fellow Japanese automakers really have Nissan’s number now. While the Lexus LF-A is still back at the drawing boards under Toyota engineers’ review, Honda is intent on re-grabbing the title of the “proper” Japanese supercar title from the GT-R with the comeback of the Acura/NSX.

Latest development - it’s getting more horses. 50 more than the previously reported 500 hp. Power will come from 5.5L V10 engine equipped with Honda’s cylinder deactivation system dubbed as Variable Cylinder Management. For you geeks out there, the system allows the engine to run on one bank of cylinders during low-load conditions. Too technical? Well the bottom line is that it bumps the power rating up.

With weight also considered, the NSX’ 3,300 lb frame would give it a better power-to-weight ratio. That, combined with Honda’s AWD system and aerodynamics, might be enough to beat the GT-R fair and square.

While this hellbent campaign of beating the GT-R surely forces Honda to pack much more meat and brains on the NSX, all they’re doing is pushing the price up. Sure may undoubtedly outperform the GT-R and be the better pound-for-pound Japanese supercar. But there’s that pricing appeal of the GT-R that’s surely hard to beat. The NSX is pegged to be sold at around $150,000.

Source and Photo Credit: Leftlane

It’s a civil war in Japan with this race of developing a Nissan GT-R killer. No doubt about it that the Nissan GT-R is the second coming of the great Japanese supercar. Toyota, being the world’s king of cars, would definitely want the Lexus LF-A to be that supercar and Honda, would want to preserve that title since it was the Honda/Acura NSX that established the bar for Japanese supercars.

While Toyota has went back to the drawing boards to ensure that the LF-A will not fall short of what the GT-R has to offer, Honda has also made it a mission to beat the GT-R in performance with the new 2010 NSX starting with the 7:29 laptime posted by the GT-R around the Nurburgring.

And with this heavily covered NSX, they’re getting there, posting a lap time of 7:37.

2010 Honda NSX replacement at the Nürburgring Nordschleife from MrBTG on Vimeo.

Chicago is buzzing with all the cars featured in the Chicago Motor Show. Even with a few unveilings, it’s quite interesting to take a look at what new things these people have to offer. Like Honda for example, unveiling the new 2009 Acura RL.

While you might say that the RL is just a redesigned MDX, this car gets a sleek-aggressive exterior. And oh, you also get some shades of the 2008 Accord with the fascia which does hurt its sportiness factor. But that doesn’t mean that the Acura has sedan-ish performance.

It gets a 3.7L V6 under the hood that propels the car with 300hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s mated to a new Sequential SportShift 5-speed auto tranny. These, combined with an upgraded Super Handling All-wheel Drive makes the RL a better performing car. Honda also three in some flappy-paddle shifters to give it a more sporty feel.

If you want one, you will have to wait until the snow clears as the 2009 Acura RL will hit dealerships this spring.