Acura NSX Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show
- Looks like: A supercar is finally back on Acura’s drawing board
- Defining characteristics: Staff photographer Ian Merritt summed it up best: “Drooooool.”
- Ridiculous features: A hybrid, mid-engine exotic car?
- Chance of being mass-produced: It will happen, but not for about three years
Will a supercar return to Acura dealerships? For years we’ve heard rumors about the NSX’s eventual return to the U.S. market, and it looks like Honda’s luxury arm is finally planning to revive the nameplate after a near-decade-long hiatus. The NSX was last produced for the U.S. market in 2005.
More 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
As with the previous production version, the concept is a mid-engine coupe. But rather than having rear-wheel drive, the NSX concept uses all-wheel drive. Acura is using the concept to showcase a new hybrid all-wheel-drive system, called Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive. It uses a pair of electric motors to generate torque and apply it to the front wheels for better cornering control and improved handling.
Details are few, but the NSX concept uses what Acura calls “a powerful next-generation” VTEC V-6 engine with direct injection.
Enthusiasts will have to wait to order one, however. Acura says the production version should be unveiled within the next three years. The NSX will be built at one of Honda’s Ohio plants. There was no word on pricing, but it won’t be cheap: The 2005 model started at $89,000.
Clicking on any image below will launch a larger photo gallery; you can browse through them by hitting the right and left arrow keys.
Previous
Subscribe to our feed
Email us your tips!
I'll believe it when I see it. Honda/Acura said this car was a done deal 3 years ago and now you have to wait another 3 years before it comes out. However, if they can keep the overall look of the car minus the front end and exceed the performance of the Nissan GT-R they may have a winner.
I agree jay, if it can out perform the GT-R than I believe they will be able to sell these like candy.
Acura had me at S-H-S-H-A-W-D, but why not S-S-H-S-H-A-W-D (Super Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive)? Looks like it won't be much larger than an Audi R8.
It has been a long wait, but being that I work at an Acura dealer I can confirm that the vehicle will be hitting showroom floors, Acura has already been giving us the inside scoop on release dates.
I want it
Nice ride but with the likes of the Nissan GT-R and Audi R8 already available to hype this up now with production 3 years away is a big gamble for Acura especially after creating hype with a super bowl ad.