The long-running saga of the next generation Honda/Acura NSX has sprung back into life. Since going quiet when the world's financial sector went into meltdown, when Honda announced it was putting the project on indefinite hold, the Japanese firm has revealed all the testing and development hasn't been entirely wasted.

Honda has revealed the HSV-010 GT, its new challenger for the domestic Japanese Super GT racing series, and it shares the same front-engined, coupe layout of the NSX road car.

Officially Honda says the car has been developed for racing -- and its more aggressive aerodynamic bodywork certainly looks different from any NSX prototype -- and has been built to adhere to the new Super GT regulations. That means the engine is a 3.4-litre V8, instead of the V10 anticipated in the NSX, and a rear-wheel drive platform.

The HSV-010 is due to make its racing debut in the opening round of the 2010 Super GT season at Suzuka on March 20-21 with at least four examples on the grid. It will compete against the Nissan GT-R and Lexus SC430.

Although Honda has not commented on what the HSV-010 could mean for the chances of getting the NSX project back up and running it is an interesting development. Given that the company's chief rivals are both now offering range-topping supercars (the GT-R and Lexus LF-A) how long will Honda be comfortable with the Civic Type R as its most sporty model...

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