Acura NSX Concept In-Depth

The Back Story

Acura single-handedly rewrote the book on what exotic 2-seat sports cars should be when it introduced the NSX in 1990. Its lightweight aluminum construction and VTEC-equipped V-6 power were considered revolutionary at a time when similar mid-engine cars from Italy boasted V-8 and V-12 engines. Above all, the NSX was far easier to drive, much more dependable and didn’t require expensive maintenance. Aside from slight cosmetic changes and engine upgrades, the NSX enjoyed a pretty good run, ending production in 2005. That’s where the story gets interesting. Internal debates within Acura’s parent Honda raged on whether or not to build a V-8 or V-10 to reflect the company’s efforts in Formula 1. In 2007, it was announced that there would be a new V-10-powered NSX by 2010, but a year later then chairman Takeo Fukai cancelled it along with the F1 program, citing the poor economy. His successor, Takanobu Ito, revived the project and the NSX concept made its debut in January at the North American International Auto Show.

What Makes It Unique

Instead of being powered by a conventional V-10 engine, the NSX goes back to its roots in a way with a mid-mounted 3.5-liter V-6 driving the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The difference this time around is that it will also use hybrid technology to drive the front wheels and the system is essentially the latest generation of the company’s Super Handling All Wheel Drive that will be found on Acura sedans, but turned around to have the front axle driven by two electric motors mounted inboard in a single housing. By using torque vectoring, the NSX should have razor sharp turn-in. The V-6 is said to produce about 310 bhp, while the motors, which use a lithium-ion battery pack, generate an extra 100 hp for combined output of more than 400 hp. That should be good for 0–60 mph acceleration of about 3.0 sec. Like the original NSX, the new model will also use aluminum-intensive construction. Its footprint is tidy, riding on a 101.4-in. wheelbase and measuring 170.5 in. overall, while standing just 45.7 in. high and is 74.6 in. wide. The concept has 19 x 9-in. front and 20 x 10-in. rear wheels shod, respectively, with 255/35R-19 and 275/30R-20 tires.

Production Plans

Acura has announced that the new NSX will go on sale in 2014 and, in a novel twist, will actually be built in America, at a facility in Ohio as a way of offsetting the high value of the Japanese yen. Still, the NSX promises to be pricey, with a sticker upward of $100,000.

What’s Next

The return of the NSX means that both Honda and Acura are getting back in touch with their enthusiast roots and perhaps more sports cars are coming with an eco bent. At last fall’s Tokyo Motor Show, Honda displayed the EV-Ster, a pure electric 2-seater that could fill a void in the lineup left by the late S2000.

Courtesy of Road&Track.com