Exactly 25 years after the legendary NSX sports car blew the motoring world by storm, the production version of the highly anticipated second incarnation of the badge debuted at the NAIAS 2015 in Detroit. Followed by a string of iterative concepts, included one that visited India last year at the Expo, the all-new, production NSX is the brand’s new halo car.
The new NSX (Honda NSX for Europe) takes off from the first concept which debuted at this very show in 2012, and has been developed by a team of engineers led by Acura’s North American R&D wing in Raymond, Ohio, along with a design team from Acura Design Studio in Torrance, CA. The Acura NSX will be manufactured only at the carmaker’s new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.
Performance figures haven’t been disclosed yet, but powering the new car is a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system—integrated with an ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material body with world’s-first material applications and manufacturing processes. The V6 employs a race inspired compact valve train and dry sump lubrication system which helps lower the center of gravity.
In order to fit the new drive-train, the production vehicle was lengthened by 3 inches and widened by 1 inch – compared to the proportions of the NSX Concept shown in 2012. The production NSX is also 45 mm longer, 130 mm wider and 45 mm taller than the 2005 model, also having a much larger wheelbase at 2630 mm. The front and rear tracks have also grown.
Construction revolves around a space frame design framed from aluminum, ultra-high strength steel and other advanced materials anchored by a carbon fiber floor. The NSX also utilizes a fully independent, all-aluminum front and rear suspension that helps put its power down through ContiSportContact high performance Continental tires which measure 245/35Z R19 in the front and 295/30Z R20 out back. These are mounted on 19×8.5″ front and 20×11″ rear aluminum alloy wheels.
Inside, just like the old model, the NSX boasts excellent forward visibility, simple and intuitive controls and class-leading ergonomics – especially in the seat, which according to Honda, features top-class holding performance with outstanding comfort.The NSX’s instrument cluster features a dynamic TFT display while the center console holds the power button that readies the sport hybrid powertrain.
The 2016 Honda/Acura NSX will be reportedly priced in the mid $150.000 range.
