Exactly a year after Acura first displayed a conceptual study for a new NSX sports car at the North American International Auto Show in 2012, the Japanese company returned to Detroit today with a redesigned version of the study that includes a complete interior.
When we first saw a set of leaked, low-quality pictures of the NSX Concept II earlier in the morning, it wasn't clear if the car featured any changes to the exterior design.
As it turns out, it does, beginning with a new front fascia featuring a much less pronounced version of Acura's beak-like grille with a new carbon fiber structure that also appears on the side vents of the front and rear bumpers. Acura also inserted clear turning signals up front, and an LED strip in the center of both taillights.
At the back, we also find a new diffuser made from visible carbon fiber as well as a new see-through plastic surround for the license plate section.
As mentioned previously, this is the first time we see the interior of the concept, which sports a minimalistic design without a lot of knobs and controls, and is dressed in a combination of leather and Alcantara with carbon fiber trims used on the dashboard, the elevated center console and the door panels.
"The interior package boasts outstanding visibility, an exotic driving position, and an intuitive 'Simple Sports Interface' that minimizes interior clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience," Acura said in a statement.
There are no changes to the car's hybrid powertrain that connects a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine to Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system with three electric motors - one integrated with the V6 engine and two driving the front wheels, along with an all-new dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
"This further evolution of the Acura NSX Concept design is remarkably true to the original concept styling," said Mike Accavitti, Acura vice president of national marketing operations. "We're making great progress in delivering on the expectations we created a year ago, with advanced technology that will bring new levels of performance and a unique, dynamic experience to the exotic sports car market."
The production version of the NSX, which will be sold as an Acura in North America and under Honda's nameplate in the rest of the world, will be manufactured at a new production facility in central Ohio, with sales to begin in late 2014 or early 2015.
13 Comments:
What's with the ugliest rims on the planet, gig? Can't they try something new like letting some the of the higher-end rim manufacturers have a go at it—even on this concept model? Other than that the concept has gotten better and the interior is already lightyears ahead of the new Corvette's.
Absolutely beautiful sports car - concept II is even more refined. I agree, the wheels don't do the car justice and need to have a different design. The interior is excellent! Elegant - nearly zen like with modern technology features. Love this car however the Stingray represents such a better value (half) and the Corvette could have had just as nice or better of an interior had GM opted to go with the interior design from the Stingray Concept - it was amazing. I believe this NSX will sticker from approx: $120K though well equipped at $130K.
Ohh, new Audi R8 is out...er wait.
Good points, but the customer purchasing an NSX is doing so for different reasons. They are not even in competition with one another, and I'm not referencing socio/economic factors. The NSX is also a hybrid.
On the Corvette, I stand as a big Corvette fan, but the 2014 is no Stingray (other than contrived marketing). The 2014 will stand on its other unseen beneath-the-exterior attributes, but not on its styling which is along the lines of a street hooker: gaudy, uncouth, out-of-place, and intentionally so to be seen. The saving grace for the 2014 Vette will be, as it always is, the aftermarket. I cannot wait to see a proper round taillamp kit, proper exhaust tips, and more refined reduction of the abounding baubles that breakout allover the Vette's exterior/interior like acne. And what's with the tacked-on rear spoiler that looks like it's from a Revell model kit?
The wheels are like that for a reason as with the help of carbon fibre they dissipate heat from the breaks. Look at the Lambo Reventon ;)
Judging from the last video, it will be on GT5 at some point.
So ugly styled rims are the only rims qualified to dissipate brake assembly heat? ;)
Good points, however for the record I have never been a Corvette fan (well maybe when I was 6). As adult, I've often found the lines wildly exaggerated, interior cheap and the after-market add-on's over the top. I waited in anticipation GM to make a world class replacement and Acura to finally re-introduce the NSX, a car I've admired since I was 16. The original NSX was so classy and refined by F1 driver Ayrton Senna making it a powerhouse on the track yet a capable daily driver. Fast forward to 01/13 - GM and Acura are showing their legacy. I understand exactly whom Acura is catering to and the fact that its not for everyone (exclusivity driven/not so much hybrid) while the Corvette will be more accessible due to its price (clear value) however its strong design, advanced technology & powerful engine are all key draws for me. The NSX reminds of an sleeker R8/MP4-12C with a gorgeous interior, while this generation Stingray has refined lines that are strong and a capable interior (again, the Stingray Concepts interior was Perfection). My point is, I personally have never been a Corvette fan - I am the demographic GM seeks to lure as a buyer and they have successfully done so. Its not so much about the large price difference for me - I could have either - its literally the sum of all of its parts & features. In addition, the ZR1 hasn't even been mentioned - hopefully we'll be in for a treat in terms of added styling and it too will be less than an NSX. Always time for an NSX later but as it stands now, I'll roll with GM.
Great discussion. My take and it has remained the same is that the NSX is the odd in the pond in its category. Their owners love them, but they do not appeal to the masses. Because I entered high school during the C3's era there were still many C2s around and they came in abundance to the body shop where I worked during the summer months as the body shop owner specialized in Vettes and exotics. The C2 Stingray is a special automobile that this latest generation C7 simply should not be labeled. The C2 is special in that its styling has withstood the test of time and it has instantly recognizable charm. I compare the C2 to the Jaguar E-Type—forever setting the benchmark and never being equalled; both in their day were so far ahead of the crowd in styling. I certainly would not turn away a C2 atop a C7 chassis and running gear. The C7 ZR1 will undoubtedly be done better, it simply has to be and I too am eager to see a C7 ZR1.
MOTHER..!.....wow.
I'm afraid so because they need to have a specific shape. Obviously Reventon's were much sexier but maybe Honda developed that function even more. Don't know. By the way, I just noticed I killed "brakes" before!
HYBRID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL seriously WAY too much going on with this design. Its just too busy to be worth 100k
Supercar legend back...But, need to release the production car.
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