Production Acura NSX Revealed in Detroit

DETROIT – After a variety of concepts and teaser images, the production Acura NSX finally is revealed here today at the 2015 North American International Auto Show.

“Our commitment was to create an all-new NSX that is true to the heritage of (the first generation) NSX – a supercar that delivers a new driving experience, one where every part of the vehicle is respectful of the smartest part of the car, the driver,” Mike Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager-Acura, says in a statement ahead of today’s debut.

As expected, the new second-generation NSX will hit the U.S. market this fall with Acura’s 3-motor Sport Hybrid system, consisting of twin, independent electric motors on front wheels that vector torque left-to-right and help launch the car with “zero delay,” Acura promises.

Between the engine and transmission is a rear direct-drive motor, aiding acceleration, braking and transmission-shift performance.

The car’s main propulsion system is a mid-mounted, 75-degree DOHC V-6, of undetermined displacement, with twin turbochargers. No specifications are given for the engine. Motor Trend has estimated total system horsepower of 480.

The engine is mated to an Acura-developed 9-speed dual-clutch transmission with rev-matching downshifts.

The V-6 has several race-inspired features, such as a compact valve train and a “dry sump lubrication system to help lower the center of gravity.”

Acura calls the new NSX a “clean-sheet design” and the result of almost three years of development, largely led out of Honda operations in Raymond, OH.

The production NSX is longer, taller and wider than the 2012 concept car to fit the longitudinally-mounted twin-turbo V-6 and 9-speed DCT.

The NSX features  a space-frame construction consisting of aluminum, ultra-high strength steel and other unspecified materials.

The car’s floor is made of carbon fiber, and body panels are a mix of aluminum and sheet molding composite.

The NSX’s appearance is described as “interwoven,” by chief exterior designer Michelle Christensen, blending the form of an exotic sports car and the functionality of supercar.

Design cues include taillights that harken back to those of the original NSX, and a floating C-pillar. The latter combines with a side intake to feed air to the engine and direct airflow over the rear deck to increase downforce, Acura says.

Wind-tunnel testing in Raymond resulted in a number of changes from the concept, including to the hood and front-fender vents, side-air intakes, and deck spoiler.

Acura promises “exceptional forward visibility, simple and intuitive controls and class-leading ergonomics” in the NSX’s cockpit.

The instrument panel mixes handcrafted leather and an exposed, functional midframe.

Visibility is improved by an ultra-thin A-pillar and low-mounted IP, Acura says.

Acura this summer begins accepting orders for the new NSX, which is set to go on sale in the U.S. late this year.

Acura is not releasing sales expectations, but officials have said the NSX will continue as a niche model, largely filling the role of a halo car for the brand, still struggling for footing in the competitive U.S. luxury sector.

The first-generation NSX wasn’t discontinued until 2005, but its best sales year was in 1991, when 1,940 were delivered, WardsAuto data shows.

The new second-gen NSX will be assembled at a dedicated facility in Marysville, OH, by 100 specially selected Honda manufacturing workers.

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