- Acura unveiled a prototype of its long-awaited next-generation NSX supercar on Monday at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and said the production version is "expected to debut in the next three years."
- As expected, the NSX will be a midengine two-seater, like the original.
- Acura confirmed it will get a V6 hybrid powertrain.
DETROIT — Acura unveiled a prototype of its long-awaited next-generation NSX supercar on Monday at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and said the production version is "expected to debut in the next three years."
Honda said it will be built in Ohio at a yet-to-be-named facility.
As expected, the NSX will be a midengine two-seater, like the original.
Acura confirmed it will get a V6 hybrid powertrain. It will also share Honda's new SH-AWD hybrid system with the 2013 successor to the Acura RL sedan. The system mates a high-output V6 engine with a pair of electric motors and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Honda said in a statement that the system will provide "supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency." Output and fuel-efficiency estimates were not provided.
"In this new era, even as we focus on the fun-to-drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities," said Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co. in a statement.
The NSX Concept rides on a 101.3-inch wheelbase and is 75 inches wide. It features a low nose, low cowl and thin A-pillars.
Inside Line says: The Acura NSX edges closer to reality with this important unveiling.
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p00pman says:
07:32 AM, 02/04/2012
Pathos....
What?!
90's were honda's time for sports cars? the only car they had back then was the nsx as well?
I'm guessing you had a civic, del sol or crx back in the day and just thought it was the fastest thing on the road.
FYI if your going to count the old civic si or acura integra, and not the newer si or tl. That makes no sense, because the newer cars are faster.
pathos says:
04:10 PM, 01/12/2012
Welcome back Honda/Acura to the sports car game. It's a been a long time.
And please nobody use the Acura TL or Civic Si as excuses.
You have to remember the Honda/Acura was 'the' brand for attainable sporty/sports cars back in the 90's.
higcorners says:
11:21 AM, 01/10/2012
I'd assume the price would be sky-high :(
fordfocus04 says:
09:45 AM, 01/10/2012
Looks like an Audi r8
sniperruff says:
05:23 AM, 01/10/2012
@tbone85:
"How many people who buy supercars are sweating mileage figures?"
- The same people who bought the Fisker. Or maybe you can turn it the other way around - many wealthy people who are somewhat environmentally conscious and want an engaging car to drive.
"This is an interesting design, but the chances that it will have the impact on the car world that the Corvette and 911 have had is fairly slim. Not impossible, but you'll need to look not at 2032, but toward 2052 to evaluate a similar impact."
- Maybe, but then again the original NSX was a great car but it didn't came close to Ferrari once the F355 came out.
I think it may be a great car but its mission won't be as unique as its original mission - to beat Ferrari at their own game.
lolxd says:
04:07 AM, 01/10/2012
It looks awesome but I have to agree dmpete; it's gonna be released too late. It's a good looking car and all but like all Acuras of new, this thing's gonna age pretty badly and if this thing's gonna be offered by either a V10 or a Hybrid then Acura's missing the point of a spiritual "successor" but then, they already did it with the CR-Z.
I'm not gonna bother much about design but as long as they offer this thing with a V6 and have it go up against the likes of a Ferrari 458 instead of Lamborghini Aventador (I'm guessing this thing's gonna end up an uber-exotic) then they'll be going on the right track. Design-wise, that grill has never been impressive to my eyes I mean com on! Lexus had already pulled their sh*t up with the LF-A and now the GS.
dmpete says:
03:27 AM, 01/10/2012
Acura has a lot of ground to make up. If this was a party they would be two days late, drunk and arrested by the time this thing hits the market. And the other bad thing is, their is nothing ground breaking in the design. They have spent the last 10 years coming up with a successor to the Halo NSX and this is what they come up with???Where is the VTEC, or any of the other 50 things the first NSX brought to market back then that are now common-place on almost all Honda's? I 'm just not seeing it. Another thing is, I don't know that I would buy it, a super car is supposed to create want in someone, I don't see this thing being on any poster in some teenage boys room. I don't know if this is a FAIL, but it doesn't look too promising to me.
angry_mushroom says:
11:15 PM, 01/09/2012
@WJtinatl
Lexus did the same with the LF-A, so did Nissan with the GT-R. Lotus and Tesla had done the same thing for their entire lineup as well. Announcing what to expect in the future just happens these days.... I'm more worried that Honda will let this design age for about 15 years before letting it go.
thenewkid says:
10:23 PM, 01/09/2012
I believe that Honda is heading in the right direction here. If they use the electric engine in tandem with the direct injection V6 engine this will produce high vehicle performance, just like Porsche is doing with the 918 Spyder Hybrid concept; there will be various modes that would offer maximum performance or maximum efficiency.
tbone85 says:
09:49 PM, 01/09/2012
"If Honda can build a 190mph supercar capable of getting 35mpg on the highway, game, set, match."
In terms of what? Sales numbers? Snobbery appeal? Or fanboy self-ejaculation? How many people who buy supercars are sweating mileage figures? This is an interesting design, but the chances that it will have the impact on the car world that the Corvette and 911 have had is fairly slim. Not impossible, but you'll need to look not at 2032, but toward 2052 to evaluate a similar impact.