The 2013 Acura NSX is sleek, streamlined, powerful and hi-tech. This is a car that proves lightweight hybrids can also be stylish and sporty. The original Acura NSX was produced from 1991 to 2005 and was the perfect candidate for a resurrection as an advanced sports car concept. The new Acura NSX concept was unveiled in 2012 at the North American car exhibition in Detroit – a.k.a. Motor City, USA. Although it’s not slated for production until 2015, this car has already made made it into the movies – the fictional Tony Stark takes an NSX convertible for a spin in The Avengers with Dr. Bruce Banner.
Specs and Performance
Designed with the best new technology and the most cutting edge Acura parts, the NSX features a 3.5 liter V6, sport hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive), and two electrically powered motor drives. These motor drives can be tweaked and adjusted to control torque. The car’s handling performance will be unparalleled. Being a hybrid design, the Acura NSX is composed of lightweight materials. When the car is finally released, it is also going to come equipped with zero-emission EV efficiency.
The Honda family of cars have had great success with hybrid performance and handling, in fact, their Honda Insight rally car was banned from Formula 1000 for being too fast. The lightweight design of the Acura NSX will not only add to its overall speed and efficiency, but maximize its total performance. Acura parts are technologically and scientifically engineered for optimum effect and handling.
American Made
The orginal NSX line, like most products in the Honda family, was produced in Japan. The new NSX, however, will be assembled in Marysville, Ohio at Honda R&D Americas. Along with manufacturing, the facility is also home to the research and development for the project. Using a US facility for the entire project is a vote of confidence in 30 years of quality manufacturing according to Hidenobu Iwata, president of Honda R&D Americas.
A Sleek and Comfortable Interior
The interior of the new Acura NSX is comfortable and roomy. Think of it as a VIP lounge. However, the pinnacle feature is Acura’s use of sound insulation to block outside noise. This creates a smooth, Zen-like driving experience. The 2013 Acura NSX also features a voice activated navigation system, which comes complete with weather updates.
The Acura Concept
Acura’s design director, Jon Ikeda, touts the NSX as the epitome of performance through efficiency. Employees throughout the company were eager to work on the project, even if they weren’t assigned to it. “Every stylist in the company wants to be involved in the NSX,” he says, “there are so many guys that weren’t on the project working on a weekend.” This enthusiasm certainly shines through and the visual innovations – like disconnected pillars, rear pillars separate from the canopy, and blacked-out areas of the body “convey the image of wind blowing through the car.” Despite the visual achievements already reached, Ikeda looks forward to pushing the envelope further before production begins. See below for the full interview and some great footage of the car’s exterior.
by Jessie Cooper
Special Thanks to: Tavit Derridian