In an intriguing twist of fate, an ambitious project by Honda sought to challenge the legendary Lexus LFA with its own V10-powered supercar. The year 2005 marked the end of the NA2 Honda NSX's production, leaving a void for a successor. Acura, Honda's luxury division, soon confirmed development was underway, yet no specific timeline or details were revealed, leading many to anticipate another mid-engined V6 sports car, perhaps a contender against the Nissan GT-R. However, the unveiling of the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show shocked enthusiasts with its front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout, strongly rumored to house a large-capacity V10 engine. Coinciding with this, a mysterious, V10-powered Honda S2000 test mule was frequently sighted at the Nürburgring, hinting at the powerful machine taking shape. By 2008, a heavily camouflaged version of the Acura concept was also setting impressive times at the 'Ring, signaling its readiness for production.

However, the global financial crisis of 2008 abruptly halted Honda's supercar aspirations. The severe economic downturn forced the company to drastically cut costs, leading to the unfortunate cancellation of the V10 NSX project just as it neared completion. Despite this setback, the unproduced supercar found a new purpose in motorsport. With a Super GT regulation change in 2009 requiring front-engined, rear-driven cars based on production models, Honda faced a dilemma as their mid-engined NSX was no longer compliant. Remarkably, a loophole in the rules allowed 'production-ready' cars to form the basis of a competitor, which perfectly suited the nearly finished V10 NSX. Thus, the Honda HSV-010 GT was born. Although it ultimately featured a 490bhp 3.4-liter V8 engine, derived from Honda's Formula Nippon program, rather than a V10, it delivered an impressive performance, securing 10 wins from 37 entries in three Super GT seasons before its retirement in 2014, making way for the hybrid NSX Concept-GT.

The story of the Honda HSV-010 GT serves as a poignant reminder of unfulfilled potential and the resilience of innovation. While economic forces prevented the V10 NSX from gracing public roads, its engineering prowess and competitive spirit found an outlet in the demanding world of motorsport, proving that even a canceled project can leave an indelible mark. This journey highlights how obstacles can sometimes lead to unexpected paths to success and inspire future advancements, demonstrating that determination and adaptability can transform adversity into triumph.