Honda Unveils 2015 Japanese NSX

Which grille works better on this sportscar? The simplistic Honda trademark grille or the Acura toned-down plenum power grille? 

2012 Acura Superbowl Commercial

Seinfeld and Acura? Who knew ...

Continuing Coverage - 2012 Acura NSX at the Detroit Auto Show

The Honda NSX originally went on sale in 1990 and aimed on capturing a supercar market across Asia. It followed the standard recipe of a mid-mounted engine sending power to the rear wheels. As you would expect from a manufacturer like Honda; lots of development went into the engine, with Honda finally deciding on a lightweight V6 petrol powered unit. This was coupled with well-engineered VTEC technology allowing variable valve timing amongst other driver aiding performance enhancements, making it far more advanced than other sports cars of the time.

It wasn’t until 2005 when the NSX finally went out of production, leaving behind a legacy of Japanese sports car production. The sales never set the world alight, and the performance struggled to match that of manufacturers such as Porsche and Ferrari who seemed to churn out a new model every other year, leaving the NSX to age and fall behind. That said, The NSX offered an alternative to European supercars and this was one of the key selling points. There were various carnations of the model throughout its life including a facelift towards the end of 2003 for a final sales push. A type S mode, Type R and Alex Zanardi Edition were also added to the range which both included weight reductions and a lower ride height, coupled with specialise racing rims and removal of power steering. The Zanardi edition was only built 51 times to commemorate his wins in the 1997 and 1998 North American Champ Car racing series.

After a hiatus of 7 years (although there was an NSX racing car on the track since then) Honda has treated us with designs for a concept NSX that they expect to deliver to us within 3 years. This was an exciting day for Honda fanatics around the world, with a new Japanese supercar (to join the Lexus LFA) trying to take on the world.

Honda is describing their new concept as, “the ultimate expression of synergy between man and machine”. There were earlier plans to base a future NSX on a powerful V10 engine, but those ideas have since been quashed under Honda’s pledge to environmental responsibility. We can expect to see the same combination of rear wheel power and a mid-mounted V6 engine. Honda are also hinting that the model could even be hybrid too, with twin 27bhp motoring powering each of the front wheels.

Honda confirmed that although branded a ‘concept’ at the Detroit motor show, they fully intend to put this model into production, so the hype can begin now for future potential owners. If you’re looking for Honda contract hire in the meantime, then now is the time to get in before the launch of the new NSX comes by.

You would not be alone in thinking the new model looks achingly beautiful and is a bold step by the manufacturer to the potential theme all Honda designs could follow. It was a crowd pleaser at the motor show with journalists, photographers and the motoring elite all trying to grab a piece of the action, and stealing a lot of focus from other new models at the show. The Acura & Honda blog will keep you informed as the NSX developments come in!

2012 NAIAS: 2012 Acura NSX In-Depth

Above is a video that was shown at the NAIAS during the launch of the next-generation Acura NSX.

Here are some tidbits that we've learnt about the NSX since its introduction. If you were worried whether or not Honda was serious about producing a v2.0 of the NSX, consider this: Honda's CEO, Takanobu Ito worked on the team that developed the first-generation NSX's all-aluminum chassis. He called that job one of his most important projects of his life at the point. A nice reminder of Honda's enthusiast roots. Hopefully, they won't go away.

Some of you may also be wondering why the NSX is being built in Ohio and not in Japan like the first-generation NSX? (FYI: Honda has an engine plant, transmission plant, assembly plant and a R&D centre located in Ohio) The reason to this is that Honda is now committed to building cars in the market in which they are sold. The U.S. market will be the NSX's largest market followed by Japan. Another reason why the NSX will be built in Ohio is the positive press response to the product development of Honda's other North American market-only vehicles (Odyssey and Pilot). The third reason why Honda is building the NSX in the US is Honda has faith in the quality of its Ohio production assemblies and wants to take advantage of the expertise offered at the plant. Production of a halo car would also increase morale and generate motivation for its workers.

Honda's US CEO denied the fact that the strong yen was a factor in moving the production of the next-generation NSX to the US because the limited-production nature of the NSX renders the strong yen effect moot. Whether or not it's built in the US or Japan, Honda's CEO affirmed that the main focus is to bring the NSX back to market with its advanced technology, superb quality and outstanding performance.

What do you think? Are you excited about the new NSX? Has Acura/Honda finally got their mojo back? Comment below!

2012 NAIAS: 2012 Acura NSX

Quick Facts:

• All-new Sports Hybrid SH-AWD system to be included with a 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit and a Bilateral Torque Adjustable Control System
• Mid-mounted V6 engine 
• To be produced in Ohio within the next 3 years 

Press Release:

The dynamically-styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from the Acura brand. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies for Acura, including application of Acura's innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Utilizing a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a Bilateral Torque Adjustable Control System, the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Acura anticipates the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, a powerful next-generation VTEC® V-6 engine with direct-injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

"This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make NSX the ultimate expression of Acura's idea to create synergy between man and machine," said Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way."

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favorable power-to-weight ratio.

"Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency," added Ito, who led the development of Acura's first NSX supercar. "In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities."

The new Acura supercar, expected to debut in the next three years, will be developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and manufactured in Ohio, at a yet to be named facility.

Acura's Future In-Depth

The information in this post was taken from a debriefing with reporters following Acura's announcement of the models to be presented at the NYIAS show next year. 

Acura's New Flagship (potentially named Legend, may be phasing out RL) - Late 2012

Acura is saying that it will redefine smart luxury with its new flagship model saying that it will offer best in class legroom but will be smaller on the outside. Think BMW 7-Series cabin space but with the agility of a BMW 5-Series is what Acura's Product Planning VP says. Images were projected during the meeting and it appears that it does bear a strong resemblance to the current RL but the styling is wrapped around a much more luxurious package. A conservative and clean design will be offered that is subtle but not very exciting either. The wheelbase is slightly longer but there are some moderate overhangs with a Hoffmeister kink on the C-pillar. Exhaust finishers will be integrated in the lower rear bumper and there will be LED elements in the front headlights. The new Legend/RL will feature the electric SH-AWD promising V8 performance with better than 4-cylinder fuel economy. Model to be featured at the NYIAS Show next year. 

Acura's RDX - Mid-2012

Honda has decided to put in a V6 for the next iteration of the RDX with more horsepower and much better fuel consumption that should address the awful turbo fuel consumption of the current model. A new and more light-weight AWD system will be replacing the SH-AWD system in the compact SUV. It turns out from the photos given that the RDX now bears a stronger resemblance to the MDX and has a similar C-pillar section. The majority of the hatchback now shares a subtle and a flat look compared to the current version with some MDX elements scattered through the car. 

Acura's NSX Concept - TBA

The concept that Acura will be unveiling next year at the Detroit Auto Show is almost the same car that was spied on the Avengers set last month but is further developed and in the hard-top form. This will carry the same NSX tradition of a mid-engine, RWD layout and has styling cues similar to the Audi R8. There are 5 squircle projecters in each front headlight with a flying buttress C-pillar that can channel air more smoothly around the cockpit of the car. Acura also announced that a new engine with a new layout will be planned for this vehicle as they claimed that their Electric SH-AWD and 3.5 DI V6 was not powerful enough. It should be noted that the combination of the V6 with the 7-speed dual clutch can have a peak of 400hp. Perhaps the new NSX will generate near 500hp but Acura did not provide any other details. 

Acura's ILX (sub-TSX) - Late 2012

Acura also previewed its new small entry level luxury compact that will show up at the Detroit Show next year. The key design element with this vehicle is the pronounced crease that starts in the doors and curves up over the rear wheelwells and the inclusion of the Hoffmeister kink in the rear C-pillar. It has a relatively long nose, stubby rear deck and a high beltline. More photos to come when the car is released. The ILX will be offered with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 1.5L IMA Hybrid engine will also be featured in the model. Acura's ILX may be in showrooms by next summer.

Goodbye TSX?

With the introduction of the ILX and the placement of the RL, Acura has several overlapping models in its entry level luxury car category. The ILX, TSX and TL will all be overlapping each other in some sort. Acura has clearly stated that it will go with a 3-sedan, 2-SUV strategy so between the TSX and TL, one of them will be forced to clear the way. Perhaps it will be the TSX? Or the TL? Either way, the situation stands in several perspectives, the ILX may replace the TSX, the TSX may replace the TL or a new model may replace BOTH the TSX and the TL. We'll keep you updated. 

NSX Back On Track?

Times continue to change for Honda and Acura. A few years ago, the NSX replacement was shelved due to the economic crisis but now it appears that the economy is doing well enough for Honda and Acura to revisit those plans. Word is that Honda's R&D boss has confirmed the development of the NSX. However, the major catch this time around is that it will not be solely gas-powered, EV OR a hybrid option will dawn the heart of Acura's halo car. He claims that it would be an interesting project, an economical vehicle that is electric or hybrid. Rumors are also saying that Honda's president is very sure that the next-gen NSX will not follow the same formula as the original, further dampening our hopes. But is all of this worth it anymore?

More Honda Tidbits

Honda is looking to reveal the 2012 CR-V next week at the New York Auto Show, it has not been confirmed but it seems that it is the plan. Perhaps a concept will be unveiled of some sort?

The Autumn 2011 launch of the sub-TSX vehicle continues, rumors tell us that it will NOT be a car similar to the CSX, which was a Canadian luxurified-Civic. Rumors also persist saying that this model will also be offered in a hybrid model and will be extremely edgy and affordable with a "Lexus IS350 feel".

Honda continues to be mum on any details of a "super-sportscar" and has only given some sort of a confirmation. More to come ...

Honda News Tidbits

Honda's HSV-010 Racing Car

Here are a couple of tidbits on the "NSX successor" that have just come to light lately. With clarification from Honda spokesman, Jun Odajima (Public Relations), here are some of the points to clarify. Honda IS indeed working on the development of a high performance sports car. HOWEVER, this new sports car is NOT based on the existing Honda Racing HSV-010 race car. The NSX project that was stalled in 2008/2009 was based upon the Honda Racing HSV-010 so it seems this time around Honda is starting up with a different underbody. HOWEVER, Honda looks to develop an all-new race car, the SuperGT based upon this new high performance sports car. Jun has also said that this sportscar should not be considered as an NSX successor.

Honda's 2012 Civic Coupe

Honda has also dropped one tidbit about the 2012 Civic, its wheelbase will be shortened by 30mm to allow for a sportier and tighter ride quality/handling. Honda Canada's PR has also said that they will try to minimize the price increase as much as possible while attempting to enrich content. A dramatic price increase is not expected.

More Tidbits on the next Acura NSX

Honda says it is preparing a feasibility study for a new sports car. However, no timetable or any other details were given out. Behind the scenes, the new NSX has been modified and crafted numerous times, only to have the economic recession a couple of years ago destroy Honda's plans. Originally it was rumored to be a midengined coupe to rival the Audi R8, which then became an ultra advanced/high-tech hybrid sports car. Either way, Honda is loosening up its strings about the topic of the next NSX. The thing is, is now the right moment for the NSX to come back? Or should Honda be focussed on other important topics of matter ... such as the not-so-redesigned 2012 Honda Civic ... or placing itself back on the map in the mid-size sedan category? Injecting some money into the current stable but stale SUVs would work too.

BREAKING NEWS: NSX Green-lighted?

Honda Racing's car

In an interview with Le Blog Auto, a french automotive site, Honda CEO Ito was approached with the question of the future of the NSX. For many times in the past, he would say that Honda was not working on any project and/or the project has been stalled. However, this time around, he said, "I have something in mind." Could this mean the green-light of a project stalled 3 years ago due to the economic recession? Either way, the future for the NSX at least, looks very promising at this point.