Detroit 2012: Honda NSX Concept

“Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency.”

Speaking at the Detroit motor show, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co, ushered in a new era for the iconic NSX nameplate.

Wearing Acura badging for the North American audience the concept on display looks quite handy. We’re sure the newly developed V6 engine, mid-mounted of course, 7-speed dual clutch transmission and funky sounding Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system will follow suit.

To further explain the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system Honda says the unique twin electric motor drive mechanism uses a bilateral torque adjustable control system. Huh?

That means the new hybrid AWD system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Honda reckons this will provide a handling experience unmatched by other AWD systems.

It’s said the new 3.5 litre V6 will offer 230kW of VTEC goodness, with 20kW of electric power available to each of the front wheels and an additional 30kW for the rear axle.

We will probably have to wait until 2015 before this concept becomes a production reality. We may also have to close our eyes and hope for the best when we learn the car will be developed and built in the US; can the Yanks really deliver an NSX worthy of the badge that will appeal to motoring enthusiasts across the globe?

Let’s hope so.

UPDATE 12 January: New pics added below.

American Honda unveils New NSX Concept at 2012 Detroit Motor Show (NAIAS)

9 January 2012 – American Honda today unveiled the new NSX Concept, highlighting the design and technology direction for the next-generation supercar.

Badged as an Acura in the US, the new NSX, which is expected to go on sale in the next three years, will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio but is developed for true sports driving enthusiasts throughout the world.

The dynamically-styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from Honda. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies, including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Speaking at the Detroit Motor Show, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, who led the development of Honda’s first NSX supercar, explained the values of the new NSX, “Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency. 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.”

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio.

Utilizing a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, which Honda anticipates 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.

This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make the NSX the ultimate expression of, “the synergy between man and machine,” added Ito. “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”

In addition to the new NSX Concept, American Honda also unveiled the Accord Coupe Concept, providing the first glimpse of the styling direction of the ninth-generation US Accord, set to go on-sale in the US in autumn 2012. This model is designed uniquely for the US market and is not destined for Europe.

As the Acura brand enters its second 25 years as Honda’s premium luxury-performance automobile brand, a concept version of the Acura ILX luxury compact sedan and a prototype of the 2013 RDX crossover sports utility vehicle were also unveiled.

The Acura ILX Concept is the precursor to an all-new Acura luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch in spring 2012. To be positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand, the ILX will feature three different powertrains, including Acura’s first-ever petrol-electric hybrid.

NSX Concept—dimensions

Length, mm: 4,330
Width, mm: 1,895
Height, mm: 1,160
Wheelbase, mm: 2,575
Wheel size, in: 19×9 (front), 20×10 (rear)
Tyre size: 255/35R19 (front), 275/30R20 (rear)