Twenty-five years after the debut of its NSX supercar, Acura has unveiled the production version of its successor: the next-generation Acura NSX, developed and produced in the US.

The new mid-engine sports hybrid supercar car offering a total of 550 hp was revealed at the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), currently under way in Detroit, US. 

Specifically created to bring a “new sports experience” to the supercar segment, the NSX challenges conventional beliefs about supercars, it says. 

The approach is realised through an all-new power unit—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, says Acura. 

Developed under the concept of a “human-centred supercar,” a car that puts the driver first in every aspect of its design, the new NSX leverages its state-of-the-art hybrid supercar power unit, body and chassis to deliver exceptionally intuitive and immediate response to driver inputs.

The development of next-generation NSX has resulted in a clean-sheet design, which involved nearly three years of intensive development by a global team led by engineers at the company’s development center in Raymond, Ohio.


EXTERIOR DESIGN 

The NSX body features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and tail lights that pays homage to the original NSX. The signature side intake and floating C-pillar collects air to feed the mid-mounted engine and directs airflow over the rear deck to increase downforce. To accommodate the new longitudinally mounted twin-turbo V6 and 9-speed DCT, the vehicle was lengthened (+3 inches) and widened (+1 inch) with a slightly more cab-forward package, compared with the proportions of the NSX Concept shown in 2012.

Every element of the exterior body design has been carefully fashioned for total airflow management for both stability-enhancing downforce and vehicle systems cooling. 


HUMAN SUPPORT COCKPIT

The interior boasts exceptional forward visibility, simple and intuitive controls, and class-leading ergonomics, most notably the seat, which features top-class holding performance with outstanding comfort and easy ingress/egress, says Acura.

The instrument cluster features a dynamic TFT display that responds to changes in the driver-selectable Integrated Dynamics System with pertinent graphics and information. The centre console holds the Power button that readies the sport hybrid powertrain, nested in the centre of the new Integrated Dynamics System dial control. Interwoven under the handcrafted leather dash panel is the exposed midframe - a functioning chassis structural member that reflects the design aesthetic of a naked sport bike. 

An ultra-thin, yet super strong A-pillar design and low-mounted instrument panel minimise obstructions to the driver’s view of the road.


SPORT HYBRID POWER UNIT

At the heart of the new car’s performance capabilities is the all-new mid-mounted, 75-degree, DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to an Acura-developed 9-speed DCT. 

The V6 engine employs a race-inspired compact valve train and dry sump lubrication system to help lower the centre of gravity. The all-new 9-speed DCT delivers synapse-quick gear changes and rev-matching downshifts. The rear direct-drive electric motor, housed between the engine and transmission, supports acceleration, braking and transmission shifting performance. The car’s front wheels are driven by twin independent high-output electric motors which deliver instantaneous torque response and dynamic left-to-right torque distribution. 

The NSX uses its front electric motors for dynamic torque vectoring in addition to enhancing acceleration and braking performance. The result is an instantaneous “zero delay” launch performance and handling response that seems to anticipate the driver’s desire.


MULTI-MATERIAL BODY

Also in keeping with the legacy of NSX, the new car features a new multi-material body design with world’s-first material applications and construction processes. 

The NSX body utilises a space frame design - an internal frame constructed of aluminum, ultra-high strength steel and other advanced materials. Anchored by a carbon fibre floor, torsional and bending forces are taken up entirely by this ultra-rigid structure which also utilises advanced joining technologies. 

The NSX, says Acura, features world’s-first casting technology that combines the design and manufacturing flexibility of a casting process with the strength and elongation properties of a forged material, enabling significant weight reduction. The body panels are composed of a combination of aluminum and sheet molding composite (SMC). 


ADVANCED SPORT PACKAGE

The car features an “Advanced Sports Package” with placement of key powertrain components – the mid-mounted engine, twin front motors and Sport Hybrid battery pack and power control unit – optimised to concentrate vehicle mass low and toward the centre of the vehicle, to further enhance dynamic response.  The combination of this concept and the lightweight body is said to give the NSX the lowest centre of gravity in its class. 

The NSX utilises a fully independent, all-aluminum front and rear suspension and puts its considerable power down through ContiSportContact high-performance tyres. Powerful, natural and confident braking performance is provided by 6-piston front and 4-piston rear monoblock calipers squeezing ultra-high performance carbon-ceramic brake discs.

Handling is enhanced by Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), enabling lightning-quick response to all driver inputs – steering, braking and throttle – along with the stability, control and launch performance of all-wheel drive. Agile Handling Assist (AHA) uses the subtle application of brake torque to further enhance yaw response and dynamic stability. 

The NSX’s dial-operated Integrated Dynamic System features Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes. 

The car also features a “launch” function to achieve the ultimate in “zero delay” launch performance, aided by both the engine and three electric motors.

The NSX will be manufactured exclusively in Marysville, Ohio, and will be will be badged and sold as a Honda in Europe.

Acura will begin accepting custom orders for the new NSX starting in the summer, with customer deliveries expected later in the year.

Prices for the car will start at $150,000.