rebirth of an icon: acura reveals production version of next-generation hybrid NSX

acura reveals production version of next-generation hybrid NSX
all images courtesy honda

25 years after the debut of the original NSX supercar, acura revealed the production version of next-generation NSX at the 2015 north american international auto show. the rebirth of this icon challenges conventional beliefs about supercars — much as the first generation did a quarter century ago. the approach is realized through an all-new power unit—a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric motor sport hybrid system. all this performance also gets paired with an ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material body with various material applications and manufacturing processes executed for the first time in an automotive application.

the NSX body features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and tail lights that pays homage to the original. the signature side intake and floating C-pillar collects air to feed the mid-mounted engine and directs airflow over the rear deck to increase downforce. to accommodate the new longitudinally mounted twin-turbo V6 and 9-speed DCT, the production vehicle was lengthened and widened with a slightly more cab-forward package, compared with the proportions of the NSX concept shown in 2012.

every element of the exterior body design has been carefully fashioned for total airflow management for both stability-enhancing downforce and vehicle systems cooling. the NSX has undergone extensive testing at the company’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in raymond, ohio, leading to a number of significant changes from concept to final body design, including modified hood vents, new front fender vents, modified side air intakes, and an optimized deck spoiler.

at the heart of the NSX is an all-new mid-mounted, 75-degree, dohc V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to an 9-speed twin-clutch gearbox. the power-unit employs a race-influenced compact valve train and dry sump lubrication system to help lower the center of gravity. the rear direct-drive electric motor, housed between the engine and transmission, supports acceleration, braking and transmission shifting performance. front wheels are driven by twin independent high-output electric motors which deliver instantaneous torque response and dynamic left-to-right torque distribution. 

also in keeping with the legacy of NSX—the world’s first all-aluminum supercar—the new 2-door hardtop features an innovative new multi-material body design with world’s-first material applications and construction processes. the body utilizes a space frame design—an internal frame constructed of aluminum, ultra-high strength steel and other advanced materials. the next generation production model being presented at NAIAS features world’s-first ‘casting technology’ that combines the design and manufacturing flexibility of a casting process with the strength and elongation properties of a forged material, enabling significant weight reduction. because of this technology, the body panels are composed of a combination of aluminum and sheet molding composite (SMC).

the NSX will be manufactured exclusively at acura’s performance manufacturing center in marysville, ohio 

the production version involved nearly three years of intensive development

the NSX uses its front electric motors for dynamic torque and enhancing acceleration and braking performance 

‘the NSX was designed from the inside out with an uncompromising focus on the driver, said johnathan norman, acura’s 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 boasts exceptional forward visibility, simple and intuitive controls, and class-leading ergonomics—most notably the seat, which features racing-style holding performance for withstanding several G-forces and still providing outstanding comfort.

the instrument cluster features a dynamic TFT display that responds to changes in the driver-selectable integrated dynamics system with pertinent graphics and information. the center console holds the power button that readies the sport hybrid powertrain, nested in the center of the new integrated dynamics system dial control.