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Acura NSX Concept: Detroit Auto Show UnderCover Photos

Tony Stark's next car is under this sheet. A new Acura NSX Concept with a hybrid V6 motor waiting for its Detroit Auto Show debut. Here's everything that Acura's S.H.I.E.L.D. bodyguards would let us see.

Remember those tortured comments you made, in forums and on Jalopnik, begging Honda to bring back the Acura NSX — the one great holy and pure RWD Japanese sports car? Be careful what you wish for.

This is definitely the Acura NSX and it's definitely powered by a hybrid V6 motor with a pair of electric motors. Not offended enough? There's also a next-gen SH-AWD system powering the car's 4 wheels. Manual transmission? Nope. 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The 1 great hope we have for this car is that it looks good. Given how bland or offensive recent offerings from Acura/Honda have been that's almost enough. Go ahead, take a peek under the sheet.

Meeyatch1

Now she is just hiding...

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mucter

"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 SH-AWD® 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."

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Litt

Any news on the price?

Lightus

I like it. It's definitely something Honda needed. Interesting drive-train as well.

Can't wait to see how it will perform!

Fabvsix

Hotness!
Nuff said! :tooc ool:

pickler

cloud7

Good news from Acura/Honda... but I am sure I can't afford this one. They really need to bring an affordable sporty car back to the lineup.

Morrissey25

iTrader: (4)

I like it

TSX69

Since it is 3 years away I doubt we will get anything concrete anytime soon. They did, however, previously state that they would have a hard time selling a car like this for <$100,000. Hopefully building it in the US will keep the cost down some ...

Misc-ura

So much want...

EL_PIC

Awesome Design.
So much sharper than the movie convertible and the grill works.

ACCURATEin

I like it!

Will look even better with aftermarket wheels.

MASK

I want it !!

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Acura NSX Concept

The on-again, off-again project to resurrect the Acura NSX is evidently on again as the Japanese automaker unveiled this dramatically styled concept at the North American International Auto Show. Acura says the car will bow in production form sometime in the next three years and will be built in Ohio and engineered by a team led by Honda R&D of America.

Remaining true to the roots of this legendary 2-seater, the aluminum-intensive Acura NSX Concept features mid-engine placement and a sleek shape that is every bit as contemporary as the original’s when it debuted in 1990.

This newest iteration features a grille treatment with a trapezoidal shape and large single bar dividing the space, similar to that used on current production models. The opening is flanked by additional inlets that also serve as chin spoilers. The sides feature stepped rocker panels and the engine air is routed through intakes positioned just aft of the doors. In addition to the thin row of typical concept car lighting, the NSX concept also features a glass roof. Both items may not make the transition to production.

The Acura NSX Concept is tidy, riding on a 101.4-in. wheelbase and measures 170.5 in. overall. It stands just 45.7 in. high and is 74.6 in. wide. The concept has 19x9-in. front and 20x10-in. rear wheels shod respectively with 255/35R19 and 275/30R20 tires.

Like the original NSX, the new model will be powered by a mid-mounted V-6 engine. While company officials provided few details on its displacement, its widely believed that the direct injected powerplant will be about 3.5 liters in size and produce at least 310 bhp.

But most important, the Acura NSX will showcase the division’s latest iteration of Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which unlike the previous mechanical application will employ hybrid power to give the car exceptional handling. The engine will drive the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. An auxiliary lithium-ion battery pack will power two front-mounted electric motors combined inboard in a single housing, that provide an additional 100 hp, for a combined total output of 410 hp. Each motor turns a front wheel and can speed up or use regenerative braking to induce yaw for crisper turn-in as well as correcting for either over- or understeer.

This is similar to the next generation SH-AWD which will be used on Acura sedans, however, flipped to where the engine drives the front wheels and the electric motors handle the rear axle.

“This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make the 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 hybrid offers two benefits, according to Ito—performance on par with sports cars that have larger engines and all-wheel drive, but with the added benefit of better fuel economy. “Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency,” he maintained. “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.”

Eco-friendliness needn’t be dull, as the car is rumored to hit 60 mph in 3.0 sec. The production version’s price should hover around $100,000.

Dimensions
Length: 170.5 in.
Width: 74.6 in.
Height: 45.7 in.
Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
Wheel size: 19 x 9 in. (front) 20x 10 in. (rear)
Tire size: 255/35R19 (front) 275/30R20 (rear)

ACCURATEin

According to the specifications, it's slightly lower than the original nsx, and about 3 inches wider. I wonder what the curb weight will be.

012TL-GLM

Guess its time to start saving

That is beautiful

Midlife crisis averted...

alexh1266

^^

TRIOD3SIGNS

grubby sexy!

Nukem

410 hp...if Honda keeps it light they will have a killer car on their hands.

As much as I love the new concept, one small thing keeps bugging me in the back of my head. Why is this small item a big deal I don't know. With the SH-AWD and all will the car be doing the driving or will the driver be doing the driving. The original NSX was a drivers car, the S2000 is a drivers car. I am worried there will be too much computer aid.

All in all I am impressed Honda. Some minor tweaks and I say build it. I haven't been this excited about a concept from Honda in yrs.

ACCURATEin

I feel like i'm falling in love with this car already haha.


We can expect the official model to have greater wheel gap. The headlights will not look like that. The front and rear bumpers won't be as aggressive.



I keep looking at the photos and the car looks really awesome from every angle.

IIDXholic

iTrader: (5)

I don't know how accurate this information I was told by someone very mechanically inclined, but stated that an electric powered car/hybrid are the racing cars of the future. One interesting "fact" he said was that with electric drivetrains it transfers the power straight to the wheels. I dont know how thats possible without a drivetrain but I was like "yea?? ok wow thats cool" ect ect.

Nukem

someone on Prime says it looks a lot like the new Lotus Esprit. Kind of does...

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Ford, Acura, Dodge, Porsche Win AutoWeek Awards for Detroit Auto Show

The redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion sedan, the new 2013 Dodge Dart, the sleek Acura NSX concept and the open-air 2013 Porsche 911 cabriolet have been singled out by the editors of Autoweek as award-winning vehicles at the 2012 Detroit auto show.

The new Fusion earned the Autoweek Editors' Choice Award for Best in Show. The aerodynamic design, backed up by a menu of EcoBoost four-cylinder engines, reaches dealer showrooms later this year.

"The Ford Fusion bucks the midsize-sedan trend of playing to the broadest common denominator," editor Wes Raynal said. "Where many of the big players are aiming for an inoffensively bland look, the Fusion delivers bold styling that projects a more luxurious message than we expect for its broad, family-car mission. The Fusion is built for the 99 percent, chock-full of 1 percent panache and punch."

Others considered for the Best in Show award were the Dart and the NSX.

Most Significant

CEO Sergio Marchionne has pushed the Chrysler Group to move fast in overhauling its product lineup. And with an assist from corporate cousin Alfa Romeo, Dodge is climbing back into the compact-sedan game with the Dart.

Dodge started with a widened version of the platform used for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and layered in an overhauled lineup of 4-cylinder engines and 6-speed transmissions. Aggressive styling completes the package.

Executive editor Bob Gritzinger said, "Dodge is reentering the crucial small-sedan market with a Fiat-based car that we think drills the target dead center. The bold Dodge styling, the sport-tuned Alfa Romeo Giulietta chassis and the attention to interior detail will draw buyers into the showroom, while the strong fuel economy and $15,995 starting price should close the deal. The Dart gives Dodge a highly competitive entry in a market segment where it hasn't been a player since the middle of the last decade."

Others considered were the Fusion, the BMW 3-series and the Cadillac ATS.

Best Concept

In Acura's 25-year history, no other car has earned the luxury brand recognition the way the NSX sports car has, which was sold from 1990 through 2006. And Honda's luxury division used the Detroit show to signal its plans to revive the NSX. The concept revealed in Detroit has the heritage basics--two seats and a V6 mounted midship--but backs it up with a hybrid powertrain. Honda plans to build the car at a facility in Ohio.

"In a show filled with standout concepts, the NSX rose above all for its styling, performance potential and spiritual connection to the original, which remains a favorite of enthusiasts," news editor Greg Migliore said. "The new all-wheel-drive system intrigued our editors, and we look forward to the production execution in the next few years. The NSX received strong consideration for our Best in Show award, and it clearly topped all of the other concepts in Detroit."

Others on the short list in this category were the Lexus LF-LC, the Lincoln MKZ and the Toyota NS4.

Most Fun

Porsche brought the open-top version of its redesigned 911 to Detroit and left with accolades for the good times on the road it promises.

Senior road test editor Natalie Neff said it was an easy choice. "Though whimsy sometimes wins out when it comes to our Most Fun choice, top-shelf performance in a premium package also turns our heads. We love the all-new Porsche 911, so it should come as no surprise that we would endorse a drop-top variant for our Most Fun car of the show--in this case, by acclamation."

Others considered were the Mini Cooper roadster, the Hyundai Veloster Turbo and the Mercedes-Benz SL.

The full report on the Autoweek Editors' Choice Awards will appear in the Feb. 6 issue of the magazine.

closetprisoner

I like it.. but look similar to Audi R8, just wait when price tag is out.

TSX69

From Acura To Jon Lovitz, These Were The Big Winners At The 2012 Detroit Auto Show

BEST IN SHOW: Acura NSX Concept - The NSX is marking a return of Acura's mojo that it lost sometime in the mid 2000s. We cannot express how excited we are about this car.

MeanBlackCLMachine

No 6 speed no rwd im sure the vtec sounds ridiculous though

MASK

I can express my excitement ... I'll F U for it !!

Guys - Just explain the part on twin electric motors in a single housing ...
My orig thoughts were each ft wheel had its own electric motor
contained in the wheel { Volvo no drive shaft original design I think }. But in single housing implies inbetween the axel and a small front trunk.

mucter

From the PD video, it definitely looks to be a center mounted front motor setup with driveshafts. Having the motors inside the wheel would add a lot of weight that would screw up the handling. Unsprung weight is a HUGE detriment to handling and ride comfort. Also keeping it inboard reduces the likelihood of damage to what would be a very expensive component in the likelihood of a minor collision.

Obviously the trunk isn't the most important detail on a supercar anyways.

EL_PIC

Weight handeling under / over steer no doubt and more instant independent adjustments.
I belive that Volvo patten you refer too has been put on back shelf.
That single housing w 2 motors is interesting as compared to 2 housings.
Trunks are pro more important to girls - shoes clothes - but us guys will have a golf club problem ..

RT1319

I need this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nukem

Need??? LoL I can't wait to see what the final figures are on this car as well as the final appearance.

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Acura Head Designer Ikeda's 5 Favorites on the NSX Concept

The new Acura NSX concept is perhaps the most important design ever for a brand that hasn’t always presented a clear, consistent face. We walked around the concept with Acura head designer Jon Ikeda to learn what he likes best about the new concept. Though he cautions that this is not the final shape – time in the wind tunnel will likely result in some changes – he thinks the concept points toward a new, more emotional Acura design language.

1. Proportion: I like the fact that it’s an NSX. I like that it’s a mid-engined proportioned vehicle.
2. Size: We’re all about performance and efficiency. We’re always trying to make the car have a lightweight feel and look. The [NSX’s] basic styling expresses what we’re really trying to do.
3. Front-end graphics and roof pillars: We’re trying to [give] a lightweight feel about the car. The front-end graphics lighten up the whole front of the vehicle. The roof pillars and mirrors seem to be floating.
4. Wheels: 1 of our young designers came up with this wheel. It looks like a dish type, aero wheel while it’s turning, but you can see when it’s stopped that it’s completely different. Very aggressive, very purposeful.
5. Emotion: We tried to put a lot more emotion into our design language. We still kept the tech look because we’re about technology and want to try and portray that, but we’re trying to do it in a sexier way.