At NAIAS in Detroit, Honda unveiled the new NSX Concept, which highlights the design and technology direction for the long-awaited successor to the legendary original NSX supercar.
Badged as an Acura in the USA, 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.
Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V6 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.”
Honda says that, “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, two-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 V6 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.
Added Ito: “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”
Meanwhile, Honda has confirmed that it will be expanding its Acura brand into new global growth markets, such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia (by the end of 2013), and Russia and Ukraine (2014).
There are no plans to sell Acuras in European markets.
