Acura NSX Concept Preview

Introduction

The Acura NSX Concept previews a new NSX sports car that will feature Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain. The new mid-engine NSX is expected to arrive for the 2015 model year, and Acura has confirmed that it will be built in Ohio.

Exterior Features

As a mid-engine sports car, the NSX Concept adopts cab-forward design with sharply creased detailing and air scoops just aft of the front doors. The NSX Concept features Acura's shield-style grille design, flanked by rows of LED headlights and turn signal indicators, and rides on 19-inch front wheels with 255/35 tires and 20-inch rear wheels wearing 275/30 tires.

The Acura NSX Concept debuted at the 2012 Detroit auto show wearing a silver hue, and was later shown in Beijing, China dipped in red paint.

Interior Features

Acura has not provided details about the NSX Concept's cabin appearance, or the amenities within, but it is likely to be a 2-seater like its predecessor.

As Acura's new flagship, the NSX is likely to provide leather upholstery, a navigation system, an Acura/ELS premium audio system, Acura Link telematics and Bluetooth connectivity, and a variety of features such as voice-to-text SMS text messaging, Pandora Internet radio, Bing web search capability, and more. It's also possible that the new NSX will adopt LCD instrumentation and an LCD center infotainment system touch screen.

Under the Hood

The Acura NSX Concept introduces the automaker's new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system. Featuring a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine, the NSX Concept includes a 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, as well as a dual-clutch transmission with built-in electric motors.

Acura offers no details with regard to power or performance, except to say that the system can generate positive or negative torque to the front wheels during cornering to improve handling and grip. Thus, the "super handling" part of SH-AWD.

For reference, in the new Acura RLX, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain is estimated to make 370 horsepower, includes a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and is predicted to return 30 mpg in the city and on the highway.

Safety

Given that the new Acura RLX will offer Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking, lane-departure warning, and Lane Keep Assist technologies, it is likely that the NSX will offer these safety features, too.