Twenty-five years after the debut of the
original, paradigm-shifting NSX supercar, Acura revealed the production
version of its highly anticipated successor—the next-generation Acura
NSX, developed and produced in the U.S.—to the world's auto media at the
2015 North American International Auto Show today. The production
model, in a scintillating NSX Red finish, took the stage with a growl
from its twin-turbocharged engine.
The next generation NSX showcases the production styling, design and
specifications of Acura's mid-engine sports hybrid supercar, and Acura
announced key details of the all-new vehicle's design and performance.
The company will begin accepting custom orders for the new NSX starting
in the summer, with customer deliveries expected later in the year.
Specifically created to bring a "new sports experience" to the
supercar segment, the NSX 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
75-degree DOHC V6 engine with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT)
and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system—integrated with an
ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material body with world's-first
material applications and manufacturing processes. Developed under the
concept of a "human-centered supercar,” a car that puts the driver first
in every aspect of its design, the next-generation NSX will leverage
its state-of-the-art hybrid supercar power unit, body and chassis to
deliver exceptionally intuitive and immediate response to driver inputs.
"Our commitment was to create an all-new NSX that is true to the
heritage of NSX—a supercar that delivers a new driving experience, one
where every part of the vehicle is respectful of the smartest part of
the car, the driver," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president and
general manager of the Acura division. "The soul of a car is the
emotional connection it makes with the driver. With the NSX, that
connection will be intense and immediate."
As the pinnacle representation of Acura performance and prestige, the
NSX was introduced at the auto show under the theme of "Precision
Crafted Performance." The theme was the original tagline for the Acura
brand, a guiding force behind the development of the original NSX and a
critical component of its launch.
The development of next-generation NSX, driven by precision crafted
performance, has resulted in a clean-sheet design, which involved nearly
three years of intensive development effort by a global design and
engineering team led by engineers at the company's development center in
Raymond, Ohio.
"The NSX reflects Acura's American roots and makes a powerful
statement about the strong role being played by our North American
operations in envisioning and building the future of Acura," said Erik
Berkman, executive vice president of the Acura Business Planning Office.
"Our global team embraced the challenge to create a new sports car
experience, leveraging new technology to deliver incredibly vivid
performance in a vehicle that responds intuitively and immediately to
the will of the driver," said Ted Klaus, chief engineer and global
development leader of the new NSX. "The NSX delivers pinnacle supercar
performance, with zero-delay acceleration and exhilarating,
confidence-inspiring driving dynamics."
Interwoven Dynamic Exterior Design "The new NSX
is a product of what we term 'Interwoven Dynamic' design," said Michelle
Christensen, NSX exterior design project leader. "It represents the
ideal blending of exotic sports car form and supercar function."
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 NSX. 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 (+3 inches) and widened (+1 inch) 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.
Dimensions:
|
NEW NSX
|
2013 NSX Concept
|
Diff (in.)
|
2005 NSX
|
Diff (in.)
|
Length
|
176 in.
(4470 mm)
|
172.8 in. (4390mm)
|
+3.1
|
174.2 in.
(4425 mm)
|
+1.8
|
Width
|
76.4 in.
(1940 mm)
|
75.4 in
(1915 mm)
|
+1.0
|
71.3 in.
(1810 mm)
|
+5.1
|
Height
|
47.8 in.
(1215 mm)
|
47.2 in.
(1200 mm)
|
+0.6
|
46.1 in
(1170 mm)
|
+1.8
|
Wheelbase
|
103.5 in. (2630 mm)
|
102.8 in.
(2610 mm)
|
+0.8
|
99.6 in.
(2350 mm)
|
+11.0
|
Front track
|
65.2 in.
(1655 mm)
|
- -
|
- -
|
59.5 in.
(1510 mm)
|
+5.7
|
Rear track
|
63.6 in.
(1615 mm)
|
- -
|
- -
|
60.7 in.
(1540 mm)
|
+3.0
|
Human Support Cockpit "Consistent with the
'human-centered supercar' development concept, the NSX was designed from
the inside out with an uncompromising focus on the driver," said
Johnathan Norman, NSX 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 NSX interior boasts exceptional forward visibility, simple and
intuitive controls, and class-leading ergonomics—most notably the seat,
which features top-class holding performance with outstanding comfort
and easy ingress/egress.
The NSX's 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. Interwoven
under the handcrafted leather dash panel is the exposed midframe—a
functioning chassis structural member that reflects the design aesthetic
of a naked sport bike. An ultra-thin, yet super strong A-pillar design
and low-mounted instrument panel minimize obstructions to the driver's
view of the road.
Sport Hybrid Power Unit In keeping with the
foundational philosophy of the original NSX, the next-generation NSX is
designed to provide a new sports car experience that maximizes the
capabilities of the driver, delivering exceptionally intuitive
and confidence-inspiring response "at the will of the driver."
Acura engineers leveraged the company's expertise both with
high-performance engine and hybrid electric-drive technologies, as well
as its two decades of experience with industry-leading dynamic
torque-vectoring technologies, including Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive
(SH-AWD), to create the most sophisticated, technologically advanced and
intelligent powertrain in the supercar universe.
At the heart of the NSX's performance capabilities is an all-new
mid-mounted, 75-degree, DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to
an Acura-developed 9-speed DCT. The V6 engine employs a race-inspired
compact valve train and dry sump lubrication system to help lower the
center of gravity. The all-new 9-speed DCT delivers synapse-quick gear
changes and rev-matching downshifts. The rear direct-drive electric
motor, housed between the engine and transmission, supports
acceleration, braking and transmission shifting performance. The NSX's
front wheels are driven by twin independent high-output electric motors
which deliver instantaneous torque response and dynamic left-to-right
torque distribution.
The NSX uses its front electric motors for dynamic torque vectoring
in addition to enhancing acceleration and braking performance. The
result is an instantaneous "zero delay" launch performance and handling
response that seems to anticipate the driver's desire. The NSX has
undergone extensive testing at some of the world's most challenging race
circuits, including the famed Nurburgring.
Advanced Multi-Material Body Also in keeping
with the legacy of NSX—the world’s first all-aluminum supercar—the new
NSX features an innovative new multi-material body design with
world's-first material applications and construction processes.
The NSX body utilizes a space frame design—an internal frame
constructed of aluminum, ultra-high strength steel and other advanced
materials. Anchored by a carbon fiber floor, torsional and bending
forces are taken up entirely by this ultra-rigid structure which also
utilizes advanced joining technologies.
The NSX 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. The body panels are composed of a
combination of aluminum and sheet molding composite (SMC).
Advanced Sport Package The NSX features an
"Advanced Sports Package" with placement of key powertrain components
–the mid-mounted engine, twin front motors and Sport Hybrid battery pack
and power control unit – optimized to concentrate vehicle mass low and
toward the center of the vehicle, to further enhance dynamic response. The combination of this packaging concept and the lightweight body give
the NSX the lowest center of gravity in its class.
The NSX utilizes a fully independent, all-aluminum front and rear
suspension and puts its considerable power down through
ContiSportContact™ high-performance tires—245/35Z R19 front and 295/30Z
R20 rear—mounted on 19x8.5 inch front and 20x11 inch rear aluminum alloy
wheels. Powerful, natural and confident braking performance is provided
by 6-piston front and 4-piston rear monoblock calipers squeezing
ultra-high performance carbon-ceramic brake discs.
Handling is greatly enhanced by Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel
Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), enabling lightning-quick response to all
driver inputs—steering, braking and throttle—along with the stability,
control and launch performance of all-wheel drive. Agile Handling Assist
(AHA) uses the subtle application of brake torque to further enhance
yaw response and dynamic stability.
The NSX's dial-operated Integrated Dynamic System features Quiet,
Sport, Sport+ and Track modes. The system adjusts engine, motor,
transmission and chassis response, as well as the engine sound level,
based on the needs of the driver and driving environment. Quiet mode
enables electric-only driving at lower speeds for short durations.
Dynamic vehicle responses become increasingly sharp as the driver moves
from Sport to Sport+ mode and, finally, to Track mode, where the NSX
reveals the full spectrum of its performance capabilities.
The NSX also features a "launch" function to achieve the ultimate in
"zero delay" launch performance, aided by both the engine and three
electric motors.
New Production Facility The NSX will be
manufactured exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC)
in Marysville, Ohio, where approximately 100 highly-skilled associates
will conduct full body construction, paint, and final assembly using
domestic and globally-sourced parts.
The PMC and its processes have been developed to perfectly blend
associate craftsmanship and technology in a new approach to
manufacturing. By in-housing the body construction, Acura maintains
complete control over total body quality, including critical strength,
suspension accuracy, and fit and finish—from initial construction all
the way to final assembly.
Associates will utilize innovative techniques to deliver
next-generation craftsmanship and world-class quality in the realm of
specialized, supercar vehicle production.
# # #
Note to Editors:
You can download images of the new NSX at
www.acuranews.com (images will be available from Jan. 12, 2015 at noon ET)
You can also view a video of the NSX reveal at the North American International Auto Show on the Acura You Tube channel:
www.youtube.com/acura from Jan. 12, 2015 at noon ET.
About Acura Acura offers a full line of
performance luxury vehicles sold through a network of approximately 270
U.S. Acura dealers. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models –
the RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX
gateway luxury sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the
7-passenger Acura MDX, America's all-time best-selling three-row luxury
SUV.
Acura's product lineup was recently recognized by Edmunds.com for the
third consecutive year as leading all luxury brands in retained value
after five years of ownership. More than 90 percent of the Acura
vehicles sold in America are produced at the company's manufacturing
facilities in America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.
