Honda NSX (second generation)

This article is about the second generation Honda NSX re-introduced in 2015. For the original model produced between 1990 and 2005, see Honda NSX (first generation).
Honda NSX

2015 Acura NSX
Overview
Manufacturer Honda
Also called Acura NSX
Production May 2016—present[1]
Assembly Performance Manufacturing Center,
Marysville, Ohio, United States
Designer Michelle Christensen
Toshinobu Minami (2012 Concept)[2]
Body and chassis
Class Sports car
Body style 2-door coupe
Layout Longitudinal, Mid-engine, four-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine Longitudinally mounted 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6, dual front electric motors, rear electric motor
Transmission 9-speed dual clutch PRNDLtronic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,630 mm (104 in)
Length 4,470 mm (176 in)
Width 1,940 mm (76 in)
Height 1,215 mm (47.8 in)
Curb weight 1,725 kg (3,803 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Honda NSX (first generation)

The second generation Honda NSX, marketed as Acura NSX in North America, is a 2-seater, mid-engined hybrid sports car manufactured by Honda in the United States. It succeeds the original NSX that was produced in Japan from 1990 to 2005.

Development

Acura NSX Concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show

In December 2007, American Honda CEO, Tetsuo Iwamura, confirmed a new supercar powered by a V10 engine would make its introduction to the market by 2010.[3] The new sports car would be based on the Acura ASCC (Advanced Sports Car Concept) introduced at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.[4] With Honda CEO Takeo Fukui challenging the developers to make the vehicle faster than its rivals,[5] prototypes of the vehicle were seen testing on the Nürburgring in June 2008.[6] On December 17, 2008, Fukui announced during a speech about Honda's revised financial forecasts that, due to poor economic conditions, all plans for a next-generation NSX had been cancelled.[7] In March 2010, the Acura NSX project changed name to Honda HSV-010 GT and was entered in the Japanese SuperGT Championship. The HSV-010 GT is powered by a 3.4-liter V8 sending more than 500 hp (373 kW) through the sequential manual gearbox from Ricardo. The HSV-010 GT was never made into production as a street-legal car.

In April 2011, Automobile reported that Honda was developing a new sports car to be a successor to the NSX.[8] It reported that Honda CEO Ito said the car would be exhilarating to drive but also environmentally friendly. It is expected the vehicle will incorporate an electric drivetrain to give the petrol engine a boost.[9] Back in late 2010, Motor Trend reported that Honda was looking into a mid-engine hybrid electric sports car to be an NSX successor.[10]

In December 2011, Acura announced that they would show the next generation NSX in concept form at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. On January 9, 2012, Acura unveiled the 2012 Acura NSX Concept.[11]

The new concept retained a 2-door coupe, mid-engine layout but with all-wheel drive. The use of a high-tech platform made from lightweight materials permitted weight to be kept down. Power came from a V6 mounted behind the cockpit, sending its output to the rear wheels. Acura's SH-AWD incorporates one electric motor in a dual-clutch transmission to augment the thermal engine thus forming a hybrid setup. Additionally, two more electric motors able to instantly send negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering also formed part of the powertrain.

Acura claimed the resulting all-wheel drive system would provide better handling and Ferrari 458-matching acceleration while offering greater efficiency relative to the naturally aspirated 4.5-Litre V8 engine on the rival supercar.

Honda NSX Concept at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show

Marketing and reception

In September 2011, during filming of The Avengers, Robert Downey, Jr. (playing the role of Iron Man) was spotted in an exotic sports car based on the new NSX, made specifically for the film,[12] rather than the Audi R8 he previously drove in Iron Man and Iron Man 2.[13][14] The car itself was built by Trans FX using an existing 1992 NSX.[15]

A Super Bowl advertisement for the vehicle began airing in early February 2012, featuring Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno.

In 2013, Acura launched an online configuration tool for the new NSX on Facebook.[16] Later that year, the car was featured in the video game Gran Turismo 6.[17]

Referring to the second generation NSX, noted automotive design critic Robert Cumberford said that its "very hard to mess up the styling of a mid-engine sports car... but Acura has managed it."[18]

Although the original name was retained—which stood for "New Sportscar eXperimental"—the second generation's has been defined as "New Sports eXperience".[19]

In addition, as opposed to the first generation NSX, the second generation NSX is being described by its lead designer, Michelle Christensen, as "An American muscle car in an Italian exotic car's body."

Official launch and production

Acura NSX at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show

Announcements

On December 27, 2014, Honda announced that its second-generation NSX would debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. The introduction of the 2015 Acura NSX on January 12, 2015 was broadcast live on YouTube.

Debut

Honda Performance Manufacturing Center (Marysville, Ohio)

In December 2015, the North American pricing was announced as commencing from US$156,000 for the base specification, to US$205,000 fully equipped.[20]

At the same time, Honda announced the European debut for the NSX at the 85th Geneva Motor Show, alongside the fourth generation Civic Type R.[21]

The first production vehicle with VIN #001 was auctioned off by Barrett Jackson on January 29, 2016.[22] NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick won the auction with a bid for US$1,200,000. The entire bid were donated to the charities Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground.[23][24][25][26][27] The first NSX rolled off the line in Ohio on May 24, 2016. Hendrick was there to drive it off. [28][29][30][31][32]

Specifications

Mechanically, the second generation NSX represents a significant departure from the first generation since it features a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC 3.5L V6 engine producing 500 bhp (373 kW; 507 PS), mated to a three electric motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system and a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The total output is 573 bhp (427 kW; 581 PS). The 2015 NSX accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 307 km/h (191 mph).[33] Structurally, the body utilizes a space frame design, which is made from aluminum, ultra-high strength steel, and other rigid and lightweight materials, some of which are the world's first applications.

Production of the second generation NSX commenced in 2015 at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, which is housed inside Honda's former North American Logistics facility and located in the midst of Honda's existing R&D and production engineering operations. The powertrain is separately assembled by Honda associates at its engine plant in Anna, Ohio.[34][35]

Acura NSX - 2016 Miami International Auto Show

Dimensions

Honda NSX Concept at the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi

The table below indicates the change in dimensions,[36] relative to the original second generation concept car presented in 2012:

Second-gen NSX 2012 NSX Concept Difference 2005 NSX Difference
Length 4,470 mm (176 in) 4,390 mm (173 in) +80 mm (3.1 in) 4,425 mm (174.2 in) +45 mm (1.8 in)
Width 1,940 mm (76 in) 1,915 mm (75.4 in) +25 mm (0.98 in) 1,810 mm (71 in) +130 mm (5.1 in)
Height 1,215 mm (47.8 in) 1,200 mm (47 in) +15 mm (0.59 in) 1,170 mm (46 in) +45 mm (1.8 in)
Wheelbase 2,630 mm (104 in) 2,610 mm (103 in) +20 mm (0.79 in) 2,530 mm (100 in) +100 mm (3.9 in)
Front track 1,655 mm (65.2 in) – – 1,510 mm (59 in) +145 mm (5.7 in)
Rear track 1,615 mm (63.6 in) – – 1,540 mm (61 in) +75 mm (3.0 in)

Awards

Road & Track named the NSX as its 2017 Performance Car of the Year. The magazine lauded the NSX for its use of hybrid technology in the service of an emotional driving experience.[37]

Motorsport

Honda NSX Concept-GT at the 2014 Suzuka 1000 km

The NSX Concept-GT, a race car based on the NSX concept, made for the GT500 class of the 2014 Super GT season, was unveiled in Round 5 of the 2013 Autobacs Super GT at Suzuka Circuit.[38][39] The NSX Concept-GT got its first pole by Keihin Real Racing at Fuji Speedway in August and the race was won by the Weider Dome Racing team.

Echoing the exploits of the first generation, Honda announced plans to develop a GTE racing version of the new NSX to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, starting in 2015. Although it is unknown whether this will be a factory effort or as part of a customer program, Honda appears set to race in America, most likely in the United SportsCar Championship.[40] In an interview with Racer magazine in July 2015, HPD Vice President Steve Eriksen hinted that the changes in LMP2 regulations proposed for 2017 - which would rule out manufacturer-linked entries such as HPD's ARX-04b - could prompt them to use the NSX in the USCC or WEC.[41] During the 2016 New York International Auto Show, Honda announced the Group GT3 version of the NSX, to begin competition in 2017.[42]

In September 2016, Acura confirmed their factory support for the NSX GT3 during the 2017 season. Michael Shank Racing will field two entries in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD class, whereas RealTime Racing will also enter two cars at the Pirelli World Challenge GT class, the latter replacing the Acura TLX.

References

  1. ↑ "First Serial Production 2017 Acura NSX Rolls off the Line – Acura Connected" (Press release). May 24, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  2. ↑ Griemel, Hans (June 11, 2012). "Designers Aim to get Honda Back in Sync With the Times". Automotive News. Crain Communications. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  3. ↑ Schweinsberg, Christie (December 17, 2007). "Acura NSX to Arrive in 2010". WardsAuto. Penton. Retrieved December 17, 2008.
  4. ↑ Spinelli, Mike (January 8, 2007). "Detroit Auto Show: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept". Jalopnik. Gawker Media. Retrieved December 17, 2008.
  5. ↑ Hellwig, Ed (June 17, 2008). "Fukui Tells Honda R&D: NSX Must be Faster Around the Nurburgring Than the GT-R". Inside Line. Edmunds.com. Archived from the original on July 15, 2008. Retrieved December 17, 2008.
  6. ↑ Arnold, Mark (June 20, 2008). "2010 Acura NSX Screams Around the 'Ring". Jalopnik. Gawker Media. Retrieved December 17, 2008.
  7. ↑ Aziz, Nick (December 17, 2008). "Acura NSX Cancelled; Honda Slashes Forecast". LeftLane News. MNM Media, LLC. Retrieved December 17, 2008.
  8. ↑ Holmes, Jake (April 25, 2011). "Revival, Part Deux: Honda President Dishes on New NSX Successor". Automobile. TEN: The Enthusiast Network. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  9. ↑ Greimel, Hans (April 25, 2011). "Honda Works on Successor to NSX". Automotive News. Crain Communications. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  10. ↑ Diehlman, Steve (October 22, 2010). "Report: Honda Developing Hybrid Successor to NSX". Automobile. TEN: The Enthusiast Network. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  11. ↑ McCausland, Evan (January 9, 2012). "Acura NSX Concept". Motor Trend. TEN: The Enthusiast Network. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  12. ↑ Nunez, Alex (September 3, 2011). "Tony Stark Trades his Audi for Mystery Acura in The Avengers (UPDATED)". Autoblog. AOL. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  13. ↑ Choy, Danny (October 6, 2011). "Acura Sports Car Concept from "Avengers" Flick Previews NSX Successor". AutoGuide. VerticalScope Inc. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  14. ↑ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (October 5, 2011). "Avengers Movie Acura Concept Points the Way Towards New NSX: Report". Motor Authority. High Gear Media. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  15. ↑ Undercoffler, David (May 12, 2012). "Saturday Drive: The Story Behind 'The Avengers' Acura NSX". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Publishing. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  16. ↑ Joseph, Noah (September 16, 2013). "Acura Launches NSX Colorizer on Facebook". Autoblog. AOL. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
  17. ↑ "Acura NSX Virtually Launched in the Gran Turismo 6". CarPower360.com. December 9, 2013. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
  18. ↑ Cumberford, Robert (January 26, 2015). "By Design: 2016 Acura NSX". Automobile. TEN: The Enthusiast Network. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  19. ↑ Mukminin, Amirul (January 13, 2015). "2016 Honda NSX Shown in Production Form at NAIAS". wemotor.com. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
  20. ↑ Snavely, Brent; Woodyard, Chris (December 18, 2015). "Honda Acura NSX SuperCar price". USA Today. Gannett Company. Retrieved December 18, 2015.
  21. ↑ Shakeel, Roshaan (January 28, 2015). "Honda Plans To Debut New Civic Type R and New NSX at Geneva". CarSpecWall. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  22. ↑ "Barrett-Jackson yo Auction 2017 Acura NSX VIN #001 for Charity at 45th Anniversary Scottsdale Auction". Barrett-Jackson. December 18, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  23. ↑ Acoba, Paulo. "First 2017 Acura NSX Sells for $1.2 Million at Barrett-Jackson". Art of Gears. Fansided. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  24. ↑ Perkins, Chris (January 30, 2016). "The First 2017 Acura NSX Sells for $1.2 Million at Auction". Road & Track. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  25. ↑ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (January 30, 2016). "First 2017 Acura NSX Sells for $1.2 Million at Charity Auction". Motor Authority. High Gear Media. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  26. ↑ McCants, Parks (January 20, 2016). "2017 Acura NSX VIN #001 to be Auctioned for Charity January 29". TorqueNews.com. Hareyan Publishing. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  27. ↑ Taylor, James (February 2, 2016). "First Production 2016 Honda NSX Sells for $1.2m". Car. Bauer Media Group. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  28. ↑ "First 2017 Acura NSX rolls off the line (and it'll get Android Auto!)". Android Central. May 26, 2016. Retrieved May 28, 2016.
  29. ↑ Nickinson, Phil (May 26, 2016). "Honda Unleashes The First 2017 Acura NSX Supercar: Calm Yourselves, Autophiles". Tech Times. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  30. ↑ Migliore, Greg. "2017 Acura NSX #001 is finally here". Autoblog. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  31. ↑ Snavely, Brent (May 24, 2016). "Honda rolls out first Acura NSX supercar in Ohio factory". USA TODAY. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  32. ↑ Krok, Andrew (May 25, 2016). "Prepare yourselves: The first 2017 Acura NSX is out in the wild". Roadshow. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  33. ↑ Revolta, Doug (October 30, 2015). "2016 Honda NSX - Full Spec, Details, Pictures". What Car?. Haymarket Media Group. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  34. ↑ "Honda to Build Acura NSX Supercar in Ohio". USA Today. Gannett Company. May 14, 2013. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
  35. ↑ Ewing, Steven J. (May 14, 2013). "Acura NSX to be Built in Ohio in 2015". Autoblog. AOL. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
  36. ↑ "Rebirth of an Icon: Next Generation Acura NSX Unveiled" (Press release). Detroit, MI: Honda Motor Co. Honda Media. January 12, 2015. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  37. ↑ Baruth, Jack. "Road & Track's 2017 Performance Car of the Year". 2017 Best Performance Car of the Year - 2017 Acura NSX Name Road & Track's PCOTY. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
  38. ↑ Ross, Jeffrey N. (August 16, 2013). "Honda Debuts NSX Concept-GT Hybrid Racer". Autoblog. AOL. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
  39. ↑ "Honda Unveils the NSX CONCEPT-GT Designated for Entry in the 2014 SUPER GT Series GT500 Class" (Press release). Toyko, JP: Honda Motor Co. Honda Worldwide. August 16, 2013. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
  40. ↑ Watkins, Gary (March 21, 2012). "Honda to Race New Acura NSX". Autoweek. Crain Communications. Retrieved March 25, 2012.
  41. ↑ Pruett, Marshall (July 10, 2015). "IMSA: Honda Looks to NSX with P2 Program Set to Conclude". Racer. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  42. ↑ Dagys, John (March 23, 2016). "Acura NSX GT3 Revealed". Sportscar365. John Dagys Media. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/18/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.