Acura: NSX News
#4801
^I was under the impression that she was in charge of exterior design.
Michelle Christensen wanted to get into the automotive design program at Pasadena's Art Center College of Design. So admissions officers asked her for a portfolio of car sketches.
She had none.
Apparently she's a quick study. Now 34, Christensen has designed the new Acura NSX, a Ferrari-fighting supercar making its world debut Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
"The design had to enhance the function of the car," says Michelle Christensen, who designed Acura's 2nd-generation NSX. "It forced me to grow as a designer." Above, a mock-up of the revamped supercar. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
She is the first female exterior designer at Acura but doesn't believe that gender makes much difference in car design. "Even the guys here will talk about shoes," she said.
Now I know why it looks IMO a bit plain to me... Michelle Christensen had a hand in the design. This is the same person who designed the ZDX.
Front end isn't bad, but the back (mainly the upper tail light area) has no character at all. Side profile looks okay. Maybe I just need to see it in person.
Front end isn't bad, but the back (mainly the upper tail light area) has no character at all. Side profile looks okay. Maybe I just need to see it in person.
You know, I was on the bandwagon of ZDX haters when it was in production (I cheered when it was axed). Over the years my tastes have changed, and the ZDX grew on me a lot - I appreciate for what it was, and I'm actually bummed that it's no longer in production.
So, because of that, I retract whatever negative opinions I had on Christensen's design. I didn't realize she worked on the new NSX (I thought she moved to GM?)
Is it perfect? Not quite - I don't like the 4-in-1 exhaust tips. I'd prefer the single big one (but on a positive note, HEY LOOK, NO HIDDEN EXHAUSTS!) I don't like the Jewel-Eye cluster + LED DRL...I think the Jewel-Eye looks cleaner as a stand-alone cluster (like in the concept photos). I think the side intakes could be larger, more aggressive.
With all that said, you know what, I think she did a fine job on the final version. She integrated the beak, but kept it to a minimum (come on, that's no small feat!). I love the front and side profile stance. And the rear? I like it (apart from the exhaust mentioned above). It's clean, understated. I really think the Accord-tails comparisons are a bit much...
Overall? I think it's hot. Unfortunate that Acura decided to reveal it after the Ford GT, but people just need to stop with the dick-measuring. The automotive world just got two of its beloved iconic cars back. Let's celebrate that, no?
With all that said, let's hand the keys over to Fernando and Jenson for them to thrash a pair of NSXes at Suzuka.
Anyone else get really tired of the "corporate speak" in that video? For me, the especially nauseating thing was the repeated reference to Acura's "core values"...as if they've elucidated what those are and how they've shaped the company in the past, not to mention why we should care what they are now.
Oh, and the sycophantic appealing to the American market had to be a turnoff to anyone outside the U.S.
Oh, and the sycophantic appealing to the American market had to be a turnoff to anyone outside the U.S.
Agreed, who does Acura think they're fooling? Any enthusiast (Acura, or otherwise) can detect that line of fluff a mile out. Reminds me of Marek's comments about how they "need
a sport car, not a sports car" or how they need "to tell the world that Acura is a performance brand."
#4802
I don't like the Jewel-Eye cluster + LED DRL...I think the Jewel-Eye looks cleaner as a stand-alone cluster (like in the concept photos).
With all that said, you know what, I think she did a fine job on the final version. She integrated the beak, but kept it to a minimum (come on, that's no small feat!).
Overall? I think it's hot. Unfortunate that Acura decided to reveal it after the Ford GT, but people just need to stop with the dick-measuring. The automotive world just got two of its beloved iconic cars back. Let's celebrate that, no?
With all that said, let's hand the keys over to Fernando and Jenson for them to thrash a pair of NSXes at Suzuka.
Now let's talk shoes, shall we...
#4803
#4804
I have faith that this will be a great car. Will it be like a 911 GT3? No. Will it be like a Ferrari 458? No. Will it be like a BMW i8? I hope not.
It will be an Acura NSX. It will be a perennially underrated, mediocre in a straight line, slow-selling, unpretentious, overpriced Honduh. That doesn't mean it won't be a great car though.
I'm just tired of waiting.
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FamilyGuy (01-13-2015)
#4807
#4809
It's got a tailpipe! Seriously though, it's hard to get excited by a car that far out of my price range. Come on Honda, capitalize on this halo car by making more attainable cars with good performance!
#4810
Personally, I think the Ford GT looks kinda goofy and some elements seem rushed. Tadge Jeuchter went as far as to say some elements on the exterior will have to change.
Don't get me wrong, I love the last gen GT.
I think they nailed the NSX exterior.
I am pissed however, they didn't reveal specs.
Maybe the silver lining here is that they will be able "up" the final stats depending on future reveals from Audi/Ferrari. The Geneva motor show will be interesting.
Don't get me wrong, I love the last gen GT.
I think they nailed the NSX exterior.
I am pissed however, they didn't reveal specs.
Maybe the silver lining here is that they will be able "up" the final stats depending on future reveals from Audi/Ferrari. The Geneva motor show will be interesting.
#4811
Acura just announced a sports car with *550+ hp* and you guys are still mostly "meh" about it. You'll never be happy with Acura for your own bitter reasons and always stay cemented in your views. And that's a shame. When word of this new NSX first started swirling, I am pretty sure we thought it would have around 400 hp. Yes that was some years ago, before the current state of HP. But even said, 550 is generous.
#4812
I agree! It is a shame reading this thread and I see the same people hating, and going out of their way to find anything to be critical of, yet these folks cannot pony up the money to buy the new NSX or its competitors. I am extremely pleased with the new NSX, and I think Acura has done a great job executing not only the gorgeous styling, but also the technological hybrid drivetrain. I have, myself, been critical of Acura's poor executions in years past, but I must give credit where credit is due. Great job on the new NSX, and I look forward to new products from Acura, in hope of seeing the same brilliance displayed in the NSX on future models.
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juniorbean (01-15-2015)
#4813
I agree! It is a shame reading this thread and I see the same people hating, and going out of their way to find anything to be critical of, yet these folks cannot pony up the money to buy the new NSX or its competitors. I am extremely pleased with the new NSX, and I think Acura has done a great job executing not only the gorgeous styling, but also the technological hybrid drivetrain. I have, myself, been critical of Acura's poor executions in years past, but I must give credit where credit is due. Great job on the new NSX, and I look forward to new products from Acura, in hope of seeing the same brilliance displayed in the NSX on future models.
That's not hating.
No one is saying this car sucks. No idea where srika, you and others are perceiving that in today's reveal.
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ttribe (01-12-2015)
#4814
#4816
My understanding is that they want to see what the next 458 will have in March (and some other cars) before confirming the numbers. The first NSX when it first came out had 250hp, but Ferrari later came out with the 348 to replace the 328, and Honda had to add VTEC to the 1G NSX to boost the power to 270hp.
#4817
Personally, I think the Ford GT looks kinda goofy and some elements seem rushed. Tadge Jeuchter went as far as to say some elements on the exterior will have to change.
Don't get me wrong, I love the last gen GT.
I think they nailed the NSX exterior.
I am pissed however, they didn't reveal specs.
Maybe the silver lining here is that they will be able "up" the final stats depending on future reveals from Audi/Ferrari. The Geneva motor show will be interesting.
Don't get me wrong, I love the last gen GT.
I think they nailed the NSX exterior.
I am pissed however, they didn't reveal specs.
Maybe the silver lining here is that they will be able "up" the final stats depending on future reveals from Audi/Ferrari. The Geneva motor show will be interesting.
+1, I'm a little biased and didn't care for the Ford GT 1G too much (too retro) in person or pictures. The GT 2G looks better but still sorta reminds me of "Speed Racer"
The NSX looks good overall, the beak got toned down which is good. In pictures the lines flow pretty well. It's not too retro to the 1G NSX, and introduced some new original elements. Interior I also like, tasteful and not too busy like the 1G.
#4818
Some interesting tech notes
- 75o V6, weird angle for balance but it's a purpose built block and not a J series with DOHC heads
- CF floor pans like the C7, 2D component which works well for production and curing ovens
- The rear transaxle is huge, know it integrates the rear electric drive motor but it's really big
- Gordon Murray would complain the steering rack is in front of the axle. Not the best for mass centralization, although the brake calipers are mounted toward the center.
- Nice to see 6/4 piston calipers and cermaic composite brakes which I assume are standard
- Batteries are in the same place as the P1 (behind the seats)
- Presume the suspension will be DWB front/rear
Last edited by Legend2TL; 01-13-2015 at 08:57 AM.
#4819
Anyone else get really tired of the "corporate speak" in that video? For me, the especially nauseating thing was the repeated reference to Acura's "core values"...as if they've elucidated what those are and how they've shaped the company in the past, not to mention why we should care what they are now.
Oh, and the sycophantic appealing to the American market had to be a turnoff to anyone outside the U.S.
Oh, and the sycophantic appealing to the American market had to be a turnoff to anyone outside the U.S.
Also, and I have not looked at the styling very carefully... but I would have thought there would be more nods to the original NSX in its design. Other then part of the taillight running the width of the rear, I'm not seeing anything. I always thought car companies would pay homage to a previous model when they resurrect it with some design elements, but I could be missing it...
#4820
#4821
Can we expect full specs at Geneva? Its kind of weird to me that they showed basically the same car we've seen since 2011 (with nice wheels and a real color for once!) and still no actual performance numbers.
#4822
As long as they dont market it as "Its that kind of Thrill" then give us something average ill wait to pass overall judgment. Styling, doesnt look bad, wish the rear had a little more something. Power, i can see why they didnt release actual figures. They have some time to up them, lets see what some of the upcoming competition starts releasing. Sounds like there is some room to bump the figures up. Curb weight would have been nice to know to give a little indication of its possibilities. I hope by them bench marking certain cars, they far exceeded them so that they arent trailing the upcoming models being released.
#4823
Oh im sure they will take that color off the boxes to check when buying. Just like they did with the TLX
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#4825
Luv the exterior and interior design, though the seats' shoulders look a bit large and bulky on the photos, and performance numbers look solid. What's up with the wheel design? That style's been around for a while. New wheels and this car will look even better.
$150k price tag
$150k price tag
#4827
Bring back the concept's steering wheel please - at least do perforated leather on the sides and a CF piece up top. And maybe the black plastic grill pieces' design too, this one looks a bit chicken wire.
This car will look butter with just a few touches.
Now, if only Acura would carry this ideology / performance to other models...
This car will look butter with just a few touches.
Now, if only Acura would carry this ideology / performance to other models...
Last edited by FamilyGuy; 01-13-2015 at 10:45 AM.
#4828
#4832
This is Acura's opportunity to be a bit risky and try some new things, rather than dig into the existing parts bin.
Lexus used the LFA to drive their new look and direction. Audi did it with the R8. BMW is doing it with the i8.
#4833
#4834
Also, and I have not looked at the styling very carefully... but I would have thought there would be more nods to the original NSX in its design. Other then part of the taillight running the width of the rear, I'm not seeing anything. I always thought car companies would pay homage to a previous model when they resurrect it with some design elements, but I could be missing it...
#4835
If you're correcting someone you should have all the facts straight. And, the auto DID only have 252HP so he could've been talking about that one. The later 3.2 bumped it to only 290 not 300.
#4836
Also, and I have not looked at the styling very carefully... but I would have thought there would be more nods to the original NSX in its design. Other then part of the taillight running the width of the rear, I'm not seeing anything. I always thought car companies would pay homage to a previous model when they resurrect it with some design elements, but I could be missing it...
For once in my life I actually like the stock wheels on an Acura more than aftermarket ones.
#4837
VTEC was added before final production to increase the power from about 250 hp to 270 hp.
#4838
Some interesting tech notes
- 75o V6, weird angle for balance but it's a purpose built block and not a J series with DOHC heads
- CF floor pans like the C7, 2D component which works well for production and curing ovens
- The rear transaxle is huge, know it integrates the rear electric drive motor but it's really big
- Gordon Murray would complain the steering rack is in front of the axle. Not the best for mass centralization, although the brake calipers are mounted toward the center.
- Nice to see 6/4 piston calipers and cermaic composite brakes which I assume are standard
- Batteries are in the same place as the P1 (behind the seats)
- Presume the suspension will be DWB front/rear
also not sure it was mentioned the oddity of unequal half shafts at the rear..
Yeah pretty happy with the wheels on the final version. One thing I hated on the concepts were the wheels. While the final version is similar to today's popular designs, I don't have a problem with that because it works with the car.
#4840
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But I wasn't talking about that. Like Ken is saying, VTEC wasn't in the 1989 NSX prototype, and that limited the output to 250hp. However, in response to the rumours that Ferrari would upgrade its 270hp 328GTB to 300 hp 348tb, VTEC was eventually carried over from the Japan-bounded CRX and Integra, hence adding 20 more horses.
Does that sound familiar? Ferrari is upgrading (replacing) the 458 Italia with something else that makes 650hp, and if the original goal of the NSX is 580hp, then Acura might need to respond with upping the output too. If Acura had announced 580hp yesterday, and the 458 Italia comes with 650hp, then Acura would have to FOLLOW Ferrari. Apparently, "FOLLOW" is not what people here want.
But with TT, 75 degrees allows for better packaging to go 75 degree by providing more room for the two turbos and piping between the heads and the floor. Going to 60 degrees would mean higher/worse CG.
The Honda/HPD Indy HR22t and HR22tt have the same 75 degree angle.
I think the tradeoff is smoothness. But that's fine since this is a sports car, not a luxury sedan.