- Acura at long last plans to unveil a prototype of its long-awaited next-generation NSX supercar in just four weeks at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
- Unlike the earlier NSX, the new Acura performance flagship will feature a V6 hybrid powertrain.
- The NSX prototype that will be shown in Detroit will be an exterior design "buck" only, with no interior.
LAS VEGAS — Let the speculation end now: Acura at long last plans to unveil a prototype of its long-awaited next-generation NSX supercar in just four weeks at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
Some quick highlights on the 2013 NSX, shared with us by Acura executives:
- It will be a midengine two-seater, like the original.
- Unlike the earlier NSX, the new Acura performance flagship will feature a V6 hybrid powertrain.
- The new NSX will be similar in proportion to the original car, but with more aggressive styling.
The next-generation NSX is expected to 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 says the V6 hybrid system, which drives all four wheels, will provide "acceleration equivalent to V8 engines," with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder.
The NSX prototype that will be shown in Detroit will be an exterior design "buck" only, with no interior. It will ride on five-spoke alloy rims shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires — 255/35ZR19 front and 275/30ZR20 rear.
The front end of the new car resembles that of the movie car Acura built for the new Avengers movie currently in production. The prototype features a low nose, low cowl and thin A-pillars, much like the original NSX, but is wider, with edgier styling.
Honda's ground-breaking, midengine NSX was built from 1990-2005 and sold in the U.S. under the Acura brand. In 2008, the company killed a proposed front-engine V10 four-wheel-drive supercoupe, ostensibly to rival Lexus' LFA, but a racing version with a 3.4-liter V8, carbon-fiber chassis and rear-wheel drive survived as the HSV-010, winning Japan's Super GT series championship in 2010.
Inside Line says: We would have preferred a V8 hybrid — but will withhold judgment until we put the V6 through its paces.
Add A Comment »
cubozoan says:
12:23 PM, 12/13/2011
Please, for Honda's own sake, don't let this be a dud (or ugly).
kdizzle says:
01:27 AM, 12/13/2011
http://www.0-60mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/new-acura-nsx-supercar-2013-avengers-feat.jpg
What it will look like. Avengers NSX concept.
lions208487 says:
07:42 PM, 12/12/2011
The 1990's NSX with a high output 6 back in the day was better than most Euro V8's back than, and other than a lack luster interior the NSX even made Ferreri step up it's game. Let's wait and see this car in action before we pass judgment. This gens NSX better at least come close to Godzilla for real recognition. Right now the only non European car to hold water is the GT-R, not the LFA, so Honda better bring it.
3vilgeniu5 says:
05:46 PM, 12/12/2011
Hmmm... possibly an HSV-010 chassis with 4 wheel drive, 2 motors, and a high output V6. I'd like to see how awfully cramped the engine bay is.
Probably would have been better as a series-hybrid design where the engine (preferably a small displacement diesel) is mated to a generator/alternator in place of a transmission and the wheels are powered by motors. Diesel-electric trains and the giant Komatsu dump trucks have used this setup (on a larger scale) with a lot of success.
HSV-010 GT (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/4362/Honda-HSV-010-GT.html)
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_locomotive#Diesel-electric)
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komatsu_960E)
jazzor says:
01:33 PM, 12/12/2011
Hybrid NSX for 2013... Hybrid Evo XI for 2014...
Hybrid this, hybrid that...
Honda and Mitsu BETTER know wtf they're doing :\
jazzor says:
01:33 PM, 12/12/2011
Hybrid NSX for 2013... Hybrid Evo XI for 2014...
Hybrid this, hybrid that...
Honda and Mitsu BETTER know wtf they're doing :\
coolb944 says:
12:33 PM, 12/12/2011
If it's got similar proportions to the original, where are they going to put the battery pack and still keep some semblance of luggage space? And how about the weight?
Hopefully Acura really surprises us with something bleeding-edge up-to-date, and not a complete downer.
duck87 says:
12:21 PM, 12/12/2011
@bankerdanny: I'm sure that Honda/Acura will continue to offer traditional engines. It sounds like they have FOUR new powerplants lined up, and they have diesel and CNG.
As I said, it's not just "power" that they are aiming for. Electric motors make their peak torque at just off 0 RPM, which means that the torque curve is going to be flat. This is no different than if Honda had went the forced induction route. The main thing is that this system is supposed to enhance HANDLING as well. If you've got 20kW motors working in opposite directions as the car enters a turn, the generated yaw would be phenomenal.
Anyways, the NSX was never just about outright power (Honda in general never was)- the original NSX made a pitiful 270hp. But it was technologically advanced (showcasing VTEC, which trickled down through the line), was exceptionally good handling and was good for everyday use (yes, including fuel economy). In other words, balanced. I'm not sure if Honda will be able to pull it off again, but it sure sounds good on paper.
bankerdanny says:
10:45 AM, 12/12/2011
@Duck: that level of power is easily achievable without the weight, complexity, and cost that comes with a hybrid powertrain.
Honda is not Lexus or Mercedes, they don't sell any gas guzzling V8 sedans that they feel the need to 'atone' for. Honda and Acura's lineup has always been filled with efficient to very efficient cars. The company should feel free to offer one very high performance gas sucking sports car without needing to offer 30MPG highway.
flopper says:
10:21 AM, 12/12/2011
NSX RIP.