Bringing a new sports experience to the supercar game.
A quarter-of-a-century ago, the NSX shocked the world and shifted the supercar game with its all-aluminum construction and brilliant driving characteristics. It quickly became a favorite for drivers and was iconic sports car that showcased the capabilities of the Japanese automaker. For years, the NSX has been absent from the model lineup, with enthusiasts begging for a new revival of the icon. In 2012, Acura showcased the NSX Concept and quickly injected excitement into the automotive world with what was soon to come.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the all-new, next-generation Acura NSX has graced the stage at the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in production form, putting an end to the wait.
As the ultimate expression of performance for the Acura brand, the new NSX was unveiled with the “Precision Crafted Performance” theme – the same as the original – and focuses squarely on the driver to deliver a sports experience that promises to change the supercar game once again.
“Our commitment was to create an all-new NSX that is true to the heritage of NSX—a supercar that delivers a new driving experience, one where every part of the vehicle is respectful of the smartest part of the car, the driver,” said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager of the Acura division. “The soul of a car is the emotional connection it makes with the driver. With the NSX, that connection will be intense and immediate.”
The all-new production-ready Acura NSX shown in Detroit is different than the 2013 concept and also larger than the 2005 model. The new hybrid powertrain required designers to extend the length by three inches and widen the supercar by a full inch compared to the conept with a slightly more cab-forward shape while keeping the classic low and wide proportions and futuristic design. Every element of the body has been crafted to improve stability, downforce, and cooling with their shapes honed in the company’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Raymond, Ohio. Changes to the production car include new hood vents, front fender vents, side air intakes, and optimized rear spoiler that improve engine and brake cooling as well as downforce.
Just like its predecessor, the new Acura NSX will boast a number of innovative lightweight materials and construction for better overall performance without sacrificing safety. Aluminum, ultra-high strength steel, and other advanced materials make up the space frame design and are mated to a carbon fiber floor that provide an ultra-rigid structure with advanced joining technology. The NSX also utilizes the world’s-first casting technology that combines the ease of manufacturing with the strength of forged material while keeping weight to a minimum. All of the body panels are also made of aluminum and sheet molding composite (SMC).
Encased in all of those advanced, lightweight materials is the Sport Hybrid powertrain that features an all-new, mid-mounted DOHC V-6 engine with a 75-degree cylinder bank and twin-turbochargers, mated to an all-new Acura-developed nine-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). The new gasoline engine boasts a race-inspired compact valvetrain and dry sump lubrication to lower the center of gravity. The nine-speed DCT boasts rev-matching downshifts and lightning-fast gear changes for better acceleration. The traditional powertrain works with three electric motors, the first of which is a rear direct drive unit positioned between the engine and transmission to support acceleration, braking, and gear shifting. The other two high-output electric motors are mounted independently at the front axle to deliver instant torque response, dynamic torque vectoring, and improve acceleration and braking performance.
Many of these key drivetrain components including the Sport Hybrid battery pack and power control unit are positioned as low as possible for a center of gravity that’s the lowest in its class. A fully independent, all-aluminum suspension adds to the NSX’s precision and works with the staggered 8.5 x 19 front and 11.0 x 20 rear wheels wearing Continental ContiSportContact high-performance tires measuring 245/35Z R19 and 295/30Z R20, respectively. Also keeping the weight down are six-piston front and four-piston rear ultra-high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes.
The Acura NSX is further aided in the handling department thanks to the Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) with its incredibly quick response to drive input and integration of Agile Handling Assist (AHA). A dial-operated Integrated Dynamic System with four driving modes allows drivers to change the way the engine, electric motors, transmission, suspension, and other aspects perform for a smooth and quiet or high-performance driving experience.
The overall driving experience of the new Acura NSX is further aided by the ‘human-centered supercar’ principle. “Consistent with the ‘human-centered supercar’ development concept, the NSX was designed from the inside out with an uncompromising focus on the driver,” said Johnathan Norman, NSX interior design project leader. “Like the original NSX, we created a ‘Human Support Cockpit’ that provides exceptional driver control, visibility and packaging, but further advanced to meet the extreme performance expectations of a modern supercar.”
The interior of the Acura NSX features a cockpit that offers superb forward visibility with straightforward and intuitive controls to make the driver and act of driving the focus. Each of the A-pillars are ultra-thin yet incredible strong to help improve visibility. A dynamic TFT display with driver-selectable Integrated Dynamics System forms the basis for the instrument panel while the Integrated Dynamics System dial control and Power button is positioned on the center console. Beneath the handcrafted leather dashboard is an exposed midframe that draws inspirited from a naked sport bike.
The all-new Acura NSX will be produced exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio by approcximately 100 highly-skilled workers. Custom orders for the new Acura NSX will begin this summer with deliveries starting later in 2015.
Acura NSX Gallery
Source: Acura
Will the new Acura NSX re-write the supercar game once again?
