Twenty years ago, a Japanese automaker previously known for simple, reliable and efficient cars debuted a car that took the industry by storm and changed the supercar rule book. No longer was fast synonymous with temperamental as the Acura NSX became one of the first supercars to start every time. Even before it rolled onto showroom floors, Honda’s mid-engine apex killer became a legend and is now considered a honest-to-goodness icon. So in 2005, it came as a heavy shock when the Honda let the car die out and ever since, enthusiasts have been waiting patiently for its return. After a seven-year hiatus and a few teases, the official news is out: the next generation NSX is on its way.
Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, the NSX concept is as close to production as any rendering the industry has seen yet. Honda is still a little hush-hush about in-depth details, but has confirmed a few interesting bullet points. Not only will the car stay true to its predecessors by retaining its Acura name, mid engine design, high revving V6 engine but the body will stay tidy, long and light weight. What will be different will be how it puts its power to the ground and where it will be made. Incorporating a modified version of Acura’s Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), the next NSX should produce enough power to warrant the added traction verses added weight equation. The last cars put down a little over 300 horsepower but that was nearly a decade ago. In today’s world, 300 horsepower can be found in a midsize sedan so we expect upwards of 400 plus horsepower to be had from the next NSX.
When the NSX becomes public within the next three years, it will call the state of Ohio home. Honda Manufacturing in Ohio will develope, produce and finalize the car with aid from Honda R&D Americas in California, making it U.S. built. A unique and specific manufacturing operation will be employed for the NSX and this news should be an indication of which market will be the first to sample the next supercar. The car will become global soon after its American debut. “Honda associates are up to the challenge of producing the new NSX for global customers with a high degree of craftsmanship,” said Hidenobu Iwata, head of Honda’s North American manufacturing operations and president of Honda of America. “Honda associates in Ohio have been building high-quality Honda and Acura vehicles for nearly 30 years, so this news in many ways is a culmination of their determined efforts.”
Source: Honda
