Acura NSX Concept: Photo Gallery

If such a thing can be said of a supercar this exotic and technologically advanced — and at least two years away from production — the Acura NSX concept is old hat to us. The NSX we're seeing this week at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit is largely the same as the one we saw at the 2012 show: same mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6; same Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system; same pair of torque-boosting electric motors.

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What is new and notable, however, might be referred to as RoboCockpit. Acura says this concept car's cabin focuses on the "synergy between man and machine." This so-called Human Support Cockpit features a streamlined, nearly button-free interface.

As you start the countdown to the day the machines become self-aware, check out the gallery below.

Acura NSX Concept at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show

• Looks like: Déjà vu. It's the same NSX concept we saw last year
• Defining characteristics: It has an interior! We finally get a peek inside Acura's new supercar
• Ridiculous features: It's a hybrid mid-engine exotic car
• Chances of being mass-produced: No update on this; still at least two years out

Before we get to see the production version of the NSX, Acura has another concept to show off. The styling of the NSX concept that we saw at the 2012 Detroit auto show was pretty outlandish; this year's version is practically the same, except this time we get a peek inside.

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This year's NSX concept uses the same powertrain setup as the previous version: a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine mated to Acura's Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. It uses a pair of electric motors to generate torque and apply it to the front wheels for better cornering control and improved handling, according to Acura.

Seinfeld Begs, Bribes Way Into Acura NSX

Automakers are rolling out the big names for their Super Bowl XLVI ads. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is the latest star to endorse a car during a game-time commercial.

Unsurprisingly, the spot is funny, and true to form, it's an uncomfortable funny. Jerry wants the new Acura NSX, but finds out he’s customer No. 2 on the waiting list. In response, he launches a campaign to be the first in line to get Acura's new sports car.

Acura NSX Concept: Photo Gallery

The Acura NSX concept shown here will eventually spawn a real-life variant in three years' time, according to the automaker. 

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When it finally goes on sale, expect it to feature the all-wheel-drive hybrid system shown on the concept.

Acura NSX Concept Video

Acura is reinvigorating its tired image with the return of the NSX nameplate. Staying true to form as the previous NSX, the new model is a mid-engine, low-slung coupe. What isn’t the same are the all-wheel drive and hybrid powertrain additions, collectively known as "Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive," according to Acura. Does this new exotic have what it takes to match vehicles like the Audi R8 and Nissan GT-R? Cars.com Managing Editor David Thomas says yes.

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.

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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.

Acura Bringing Three New Vehicles to 2012 Detroit Auto Show

A redesigned Acura RDX. A new compact sports sedan. A concept for an all-new NSX supercar.

That's all Acura is bringing to Detroit come Jan. 9 on the first media day of the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

The three reveals are a significant statement for the brand.

The biggest will be the ILX Concept. It will be a "styling study" of the smallest Acura sedan in the lineup and will be offered with a gas-powered engine and a hybrid.

Acura doesn't come out and say it, but we're expecting/praying that the ILX will feature new design language to replace the "shield"-focused designs of the past few years.

The company says the ILX will be launched in spring 2012, so this concept follows in the tradition of past Honda and Acura showcars that look nearly identical to their production versions.