The Long-Awaited Production Model Finally Unveiled

At the North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show) held in Detroit, USA, on January 12, 2015, the Acura NSX finally made its appearance.

To the sound of resonant drumming, the new generation NSX drove onto a stage reminiscent of a Kabuki runway. It's a sports car with an entirely new concept, featuring a 3.7-liter V6 engine and three electric motors.

Acura is Honda's luxury brand in North America. Journalists had been informed of the press conference time in advance, so a crowd of people with different hair and eye colors had gathered around the empty main stage well before the scheduled time, anticipating the rumored debut of the NSX. They were waiting to secure a spot closest to the actual car.

When the time came, accompanied by thunderous sound effects, the reborn NSX, eagerly awaited by fans, appeared. Its proportions, with large 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch at the rear, and the taut body panels covering it, were instantly engulfed in a flood of light from camera strobes.

Acura's SH-AWD

"Our goal was a sports car centered on the human driver," said Executive Vice President John Mendel to the press. He emphasized that, like the previous generation, it features an all-aluminum body. The engine, a V6 twin-turbo, is mounted transversely behind the cockpit at a 75-degree angle. A dry-sump lubrication system ensures a low center of gravity, and it's paired with a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission.

"Three years ago, we declared that the NSX would incorporate three motors, and we have achieved that," Mendel stated. As he mentioned, the most unique mechanism of the NSX is its drivetrain. The system, which includes one motor combined with the engine at the rear and one motor for each of the front wheels, is said to produce "over 550 horsepower."

This is integrated as Acura's (Honda's) Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

"Simply being praised for having a good engine, like the previous generation, is not enough for the new NSX. We wanted to deliver a car with the value of a true icon. You'll have a new experience within 10 seconds of holding the steering wheel. We aimed for the highest standards in acceleration, braking, and cornering, and zero delay – meaning no lag in response time – was also a critical objective."

Mendel's remarks were met with applause from the audience.

Price: 18 Million Yen

The concept of "human fit" was maintained throughout the development of the Acura NSX. This includes the agility that feels like an extension of the driver's body, stemming from the zero-delay concept. Another aspect is consideration for the human element, as Mendel explained, "It's designed so that any driver can enjoy it according to their skill level."

The interior was designed by a female designer, but it presents a surprisingly simple and somewhat inorganic impression. Perhaps they deliberately moved away from the emotional appeal of cars like Ferrari or Lamborghini, but at first glance, it feels rather plain.

However, the true value of a sports car's cockpit can only be understood by sitting in it and using it. McLaren's styling isn't exactly 'exciting,' but its functionality for high-speed driving is excellent. The NSX might be following a similar philosophy.

The rear of the body, housing the engine, is powerful and clearly styled to convey that this is the car's heart. It sits low, and particularly when the drive selector is set to Sport, Sport+, or the even higher Track mode, a more robust exhaust note resonates. Being a hybrid, it also features a Quiet mode, transforming it into a silent sports car.

Details such as the release date have yet to be announced, but the price is set at $150,000 (approximately 18 million yen at an exchange rate of 120 yen to the dollar), a fittingly high price for the high-tech sports car that Acura has meticulously prepared for its launch.