[1st Gen Acura NSX Pacecar pictured above]

There’s a lot of news coming out from Honda’s headquarters today. Following the announcement on the Accord Concept study that will preview the ninth-generation of Honda’s mid-size model series, the Japanese automaker’s luxury division Acura also confirmed its plans for the rapidly approaching 2012 Detroit Motor Show.

The star of Acura’s lineup will be a concept version of the next generation NSX super car which in the company’s own words, “represents the styling direction for the next generation of Acura’s super sports car”.

The next NSX, which will be sold under the Honda brand name in markets outside of North America, is believed to feature the firm’s new “high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system“.

The hybrid powertrain combines a new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a built-in, 30kW (40HP) electric motor, two independent 20kW (27HP) electric motors on both sides for the rear wheels, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a high performance lithium-ion battery.

Joining the NSX will be another concept model called the ILX, which is a styling study for an all-new luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch in spring 2012. The Japanese company said that the ILX will be its new entry-level model and will be available with three powertrains including Acura’s first-ever gas-electric hybrid.

Finally, the third Acura model scheduled to appear in Detroit is a prototype of the 2013 RDX, the second generation of the brand’s five-passenger SUV.

“Acura has a steady cadence of exciting new models coming to market and it will all begin in Detroit,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura sales and service. “From the all-new Acura ILX at the gateway of the lineup to the pinnacle of performance with the Acura NSX Concept, Acura vehicles are being created for luxury customers who aspire to the highest levels of quality and value, with beautiful styling and the right balance of technology, performance and environmental responsibility.”

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