DETROIT: Twenty-five years since its first appearance and the highly acclaimed Acura (Honda) NSX makes a return with a new mid-mounted twin-turbo engine mated to a nine-speed transmission, all-wheel drive and a hybrid drive train.

Honed at the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife, the upcoming NSX and its mid-mounted 75-degree, DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers is married to a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) developed in-house by Acura.

Furthermore, the V6 engine employs a race-inspired compact valve train and dry sump lubrication system to help lower the centre of gravity, while the all-new nine-speed DCT delivers synapse-quick gear changes and rev-matching downshifts.



Housed between the engine and transmission is the rear direct-drive electric motor which provides support during acceleration, braking and transmission shifting performance.

Additionally, each of the NSX’s front wheels are independently driven by a high-output electric motor for better torque response and dynamic left-to-right torque distribution - dynamic torque vectoring.

Furthermore, it enhances acceleration and braking performance for a "zero delay” launch performance and handling response that seems to anticipate the driver’s desire.

Acura has begun accepting custom orders for the new NSX starting in June, with customer deliveries expected later in the year.



The NSX's chassis has been developed under the concept of a “human-centered supercar,” which features a 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 production 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 fashioned for total airflow management for both stability-enhancing downforce and vehicle systems cooling.

The NSX has undergone extensive testing at the company’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Raymond, Ohio, leading to a number of significant changes from concept to final body design, including modified hood vents, new front fender vents, modified side air intakes, and an optimized deck spoiler.

Dimensionally, the NSX comes measuring 4,470mm-long, 1,940mm-wide and 1,215mm-tall, with a wheelbase of 2,630mm, front track of 1,655mm and its rear track at 1,615mm.

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

The NSX’s instrument cluster is 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 minimize obstructions to the driver’s view of the road.

Acura's engineers have tweaked with its dynamic torque-vectoring technologies, including Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), to create an intelligent powertrain.

The NSX's chassis is the world’s first all-aluminum supercar by utilizing a space frame design — an internal frame constructed of aluminium, 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 utilizes advanced joining technologies.



The NSX also features a 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).

Furthermore, the NSX 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, which optimizes to concentrate vehicle mass low and toward the centre of the vehicle and enhancing dynamic response.

The combination of this packaging concept and the lightweight body give the NSX the lowest center of gravity in its class.

The NSX utilizes a fully independent, all-aluminum front and rear suspension and puts its considerable power down through ContiSportContact tyres — 245/35Z R19 front and 295/30Z R20 rear—mounted on 19x8.5 inch front and 20x11 inch rear aluminium alloy wheels.

Powerful, natural and confident braking performance is provided by six-piston front and four-piston rear monoblock callipers squeezing ultra-high performance carbon-ceramic brake discs.



Handling is greatly 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 system adjusts engine, motor, transmission and chassis response, as well as the engine sound level, based on the needs of the driver and driving environment.

Quiet mode enables electric-only driving at lower speeds for short durations.

Dynamic vehicle responses become increasingly sharp as the driver moves from Sport to Sport+ mode and, finally, to Track mode, where the NSX reveals the full spectrum of its performance capabilities.



The NSX 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 at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, where approximately 100 associates will conduct full body construction, paint, and final assembly using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

The PMC and its processes have been developed to perfectly blend associate craftsmanship and technology in a new approach to manufacturing.

By in-housing the body construction, Acura maintains complete control over total body quality, including critical strength, suspension accuracy, and fit and finish — from initial construction all the way to final assembly.

Associates will utilize innovative techniques to deliver next-generation craftsmanship and world-class quality in the realm of specialized, supercar vehicle production.

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