The Acura NSX is probably one of the most popular sports cars in history. After the car was discontinued in 2005, a lot of rumors showed up about a possible successor of the legendary sports car, but it was only until this year’s 2012 Detroit Motor Show that we received an official confirmation about it. The Acura NSX that was displayed by the Japanese carmaker at the American show previews the production version, which will probably become a fierce competitor for supercars like the Audi R8. And speaking about the Audi R8, what’s interesting is that if 99% of car enthusiasts appreciate the design of the new supercar from Honda, previewed by the NSX concept, there will probably be some which will claim the car looks pretty similar to its German competitor.
However, there’s no way we can talk about the NSX as an R8 copycat, because the Japanese sports car has a powerful identity and the car’s styling reveal the attention to aerodynamic paid by Honda designers that worked on this project.
The Acura NSX Concept features a front grille that basically shouts “Acura” and it’s quite hard to guess whether the final production version will keep it, since it looks pretty production ready. What we’re probably going to see for sure in showrooms will be the narrow headlamp with LED daytime running lights and the large air opening below them. The NSX concept’s rear part is also very sporty, but it also manages to be elegant, without any supersized spoilers.
With its compact size, the Acura NSX is a true jewel on wheels, featuring Honda’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) technology. This combines a central mounted V6 gasoline engine featuring direct injection and VTEC distribution with two electric motors having the Bilateral Torque Adjustable Control function which improves torque control on the front axle during turns.
Also, the transmission is made through a double clutch sequential gearbox that is equipped with a special electric motor which helps the driver get impressive accelerations, according to the press release made by the Japanese officials. But that’s about all they said, because no other specs or performance figure were released.
And if you, just like many and thousands of car enthusiasts, are excited about the new Acura NSX, don’t panic, because the Japanese carmaker said all specs will be gradually released once the production model starts taking shape. Production version which is scheduled to debut in 2015.