The report indicates that Honda's drastic reshaping of its future product lineup is being done with an eye to a leaner, greener brand image, according to AutoWeek. These factors would certainly toll the death knell of a planned RWD Acura V8 - possibly a heavily redesigned RL due around 2015, just as the V10-powered NSX has met its demise.
The S2000 replacement, however, would seem to be somewhat less subject to abuse from an anti-green sentiment, with its small-displacement and efficient four-cylinder engine. Nevertheless, it, as well as a convertible variant of the future CR-Z hybrid are also thought to be dead. A car that's caught between the two, envisioned as a low-emissions drop-top sports roadster, the Honda OSM Concept, gave a taste of what we may never see.
The savings in development costs alone will likely be substantial, but the cost in fans and excitement about Honda's products will be immeasurable.