Monday, January 12, 2015
Acura Reveals New NSX Three Years After Concept Debut
DETROIT – It was three years ago, also at the North American International Auto Show, that Acura first announced it would be building an all-new NSX supercar, a goal it achieved at this year’s show with a world debut.
What changed in the process was a dramatic modification in drive train, even after a prototype did a lap prior to an Indy Car race in the fall of 2013.
The new NSX, a true performance hybrid, now has a longitudinal twin turbo-charged gasoline engine plus three motors (one aft, two front) that deliver "zero-delay" acceleration. The engine delivers 550 horsepower.
The vehicle has a 9-speed dual clutch transmission of Acura's own design.
Designed to be capable as a street-legal vehicle as well as a track performer, the new NSX has four modes a driver can choose, depending on the situation: quiet, sport, sport plus and track.
Key to the performance characteristics of the vehicle is a layout that lowers the center of gravity. The vehicle, Acura officials said, combines the unique capabilities of the throttle, brake and steering system.
The vehicle also combines some of the world's newest materials and features an aluminum-intensive space frame.
Also unique in the vehicle is the way air is dynamically allowed to flow -- from the front of the vehicle where the engine is cooled, down the side of the vehicle where it is used to keep the car stable on the road and into the turbocharger before again being used as a stabilizer at the rear.
Orders for the vehicle, which Acura said will start at about $150,000, will be open this summer, with production beginning in 2015.