Acura revealed the production version of its 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 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.
The vehicle is equipped with 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.
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.”[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”center” alt=”Acura NSX 2015″ title=”The company will begin accepting custom orders for the new NSX starting in the summer, with customer deliveries expected later in the year.”]https://www.car-engineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Acura-NSX-2015.jpg[/image_frame]
The NSX body features classic low and wide proportions married to modern 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, 7.6 cm) and widened (+1 inch, 2.3 cm) with a slightly more cab-forward package, compared with the proportions of the NSX Concept shown in 2012.
The total airflow management has been optimized for both stability-enhancing downforce and vehicle systems cooling. The NSX has undergone extensive testing at the company’s 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
[minimal_table]
| 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 |
[/minimal_table]
Sport Hybrid Power Unit
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 dynamic torque-vectoring technologies, including Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), to design the 2015 NSX.
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 compact valve train and dry sump lubrication system to help lower the center of gravity. The all-new 9-speed DCT delivers faster 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 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.
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.
The NSX body utilizes a space frame design – an internal frame constructed of aluminum, ultra-high strength steel and other materials. Anchored by a carbon fiber floor, torsional and bending forces are taken up entirely by this structure which also utilizes advanced joining technologies.
The NSX features innovative 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).
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 enhance dynamic response.
The NSX utilizes a fully independent, all-aluminum front and rear suspension and puts its power down through ContiSportContact™ performance tires – 245/35Z R19 front and 295/30Z R20 rear – mounted on 19×8.5 inch front and 20×11 inch rear aluminum alloy wheels. Braking performance is provided by 6-piston front and 4-piston rear monoblock calipers squeezing carbon-ceramic brake discs.
Handling is enhanced by the Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive system (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), along with the stability, control and launch performance of all-wheel drive. Agile Handling Assist (AHA) uses the application of brake torque to 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.[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”center” alt=”Acura NSX 2015 interior” title=”The NSX’s dial-operated Integrated Dynamic System features Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes”]https://www.car-engineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Acura-NSX-2015-interior.jpg[/image_frame]
The NSX also features a “launch” function to achieve its best launch performance, aided by both the engine and three electric motors.
Source: Honda
[titled_box title=”Romain’s opinion:”]The NSX is very popular in the US but not so much in Europe. I’m wondering if this sports car will ever be sold in Europe and how it will compete with German and Italian sports car that lead this niche market today.[/titled_box]
