Detroit 2013: Honda NSX Concept

Honda, or more accurately, Acura has turned up to Detroit with a new NSX Concept. Just like they did last year. Only this time they’ve tweaked the styling a little, making it more production-based and opened the doors to give us a look inside. Again, we expect the interior to be pretty close to final production spec.

Jon Ikeda, chief designer, Acura Design Studio, isn’t missing his chance to dabble in some first class hyperbole. “Consistent with the spirit of the original NSX, our intention is to support the psychological and emotional aspects of driving a super car at the limit, because we are insistent about delivering on the synergy between man and machine,” he said.

And, so long as you can get the interior in any colour other than bright red, we think Ikeda and his mates have done a pretty good job. Certainly, from the outside, the latest NSX concept still makes us want one.

Let’s not forget the all-new mid-mounted V6 and tricky electric bits driving the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system either. We’re expecting the second-generation NSX to be very, very good. Just a shame we’re probably going to have to wait until 2015 to find out.

Acura Unveils Next Evolution of NSX Concept at 2013 North American International Auto Show

• Acura provides first look at possible NSX interior design concept

Detroit, 15/01/2013 – Acura today unveiled a new NSX Concept that showcases the evolution of the next-generation supercar’s styling and design, including a first-ever look at one possible direction for the next-generation NSX interior design.

“This further evolution of the Acura NSX Concept design is remarkably true to the original concept styling,” said Mike Accavitti, vice president of national marketing operations. “We’re making great progress in delivering on the expectations we created a year ago, with advanced technology that will bring new levels of performance and a unique, dynamic experience to the exotic sports car market.”

The new Acura NSX Concept is based on the expected underpinnings of the vehicle Acura will bring to market. Still, the new NSX Concept maintains its low and wide stance with the dynamic and alluring proportions that debuted in the original NSX Concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show — highlighted by clean, modern and simple surfacing, and edgy details that communicate supercar attitude and a high-tech feel.

The new NSX Concept also features a first-ever look at one potential direction for the next-generation Acura NSX interior design. The design concept is founded on a “Human Support Cockpit” theme, a strong expression of Acura’s product direction focused on “the synergy between man and machine.” The interior package boasts outstanding visibility, an exotic driving position, and an intuitive “Simple Sports Interface” that minimizes interior clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience.

“Consistent with the spirit of the original NSX, our intention is to support the psychological and emotional aspects of driving a super car at the limit, because we are insistent about delivering on the synergy between man and machine,” said Jon Ikeda, chief designer, Acura Design Studio. “Importantly, this will be true of all Acura vehicles moving forward.”

With the aim of delivering a new sports car experience that combines next-generation supercar dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance, Acura announced a year ago that the Acura NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine mated to Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system.

Acura Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is an all-new, three-motor high-performance hybrid system that combines torque vectoring all-wheel drive with advanced hybrid efficiency through the use of three electric motors – one motor integrated with the V-6 engine and two motors driving the front wheels – along with an all-new dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The system enables instant delivery of negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering to achieve a new level of driving performance unparalleled by current AWD systems.

As previously announced, the new NSX is being developed by a global R&D team led by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. located in Los Angeles, California, and Raymond, Ohio. The new NSX will also be manufactured at a new production facility in central Ohio.

About Acura

Acura is the fastest growing automotive luxury brand in America, having posted a 26.7% year-over-year gain in 2012, its best annual sales result since 2007. Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models: the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon, the ILX luxury compact sedan, the 5-passenger RDX crossover SUV, the 7-passenger MDX luxury SUV, and the all-new Acura RLX flagship sedan, launching in March 2013.