The dynamically-styled NSX Concept, which debuted at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from the Acura brand.
Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies for Acura, including application of Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system.
Utilizing a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering.
Acura anticipates the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems.
In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid system, a powerful next-generation VTEC V-6 engine with direct-injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.
"This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make NSX the ultimate expression of Acura’s idea to create synergy between man and machine," said Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
"The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way."
Ito also said at the NAIAS in January that while most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favorable power-to-weight ratio.
Getting Around
And speaking of man and machine, the NSX concept has remarkable similarities to a maroon-colored mystery Acura convertible driven by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in the upcoming film “The Avengers.”
Stark goes from Audi to Acura, ditching his R8 model from the first “Iron Man” movie, and the R8 V-10 that he drove in “Iron Man II” for what many car enthusiasts say is the next-gen NSX.
The NSX concept car also was featured in a 60-second commercial during the Super Bowl with the iconic talent of Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno.
This was the first time an Acura was featured during the Super Bowl. Designed to strengthen Acura brand awareness and capitalize on the game’s 100 million viewers, the NSX supercar concept was one of the higher rated spots from viewers.
Ito said at the NAIAS that the new supercar will come to market within three years.
Although Acura is keeping most of the vehicle’s details under wraps, the new NSX is expected to employ a lightweight chassis, a mid-mounted V-6 engine and Acura’s SH-AWD system.
Honda plans to produce the new supercar near its current auto production operations in central Ohio at a unique, advanced manufacturing operation.
The original first generation Acura NSX was built at Honda plants in Japan from 1990 to 2005.
