NSX – Automobiles Review

Acura NSX GT3 Racecar is hot and sweaty on the racetrack

Acura reveals first official images of NSX GT3 Racecar

The first official images of the Acura NSX GT3 racecar have been revealed, showing the car sexy and sweaty on the racetrack. The twin-turbocharged NSX GT3 was shot with its exposed carbon fiber bodywork at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, MI. This happens at the time of continuous development at circuits throughout the United States. Acura is actually preparing to campaign the vehicle in North America in 2017 and at the same time it is slated for homologation as an FIA GT3 class racecar this fall.

But we believe that this time the task Acura has undertaken is way easier, since the racer is built over the very solid basis of the production NSX. As they both share many similarities, the most major one is the 3.5-liter, 75-degree, twin turbocharged DOHC V-6 engine. In both cars are used the same design specifications, including the block, heads, valvetrain, crankshaft, pistons and dry sump lubrication system. However, the GT3 comes equipped with 6-speed, sequential-shift racing gearbox, delivering power to the rear wheels.

To go further into details, the Acura NSX GT3 racecar has been given custom bodywork and aero components, namely large deck wing spoiler and underbody diffuser. We spot enlarged hood vents, which serve to cool down the (probably) uprated engine.

Acura NSX GT3 Racecar side view

By the way, the NSX GT3 has abundant legacy of Acura sports car racing campaigns and championships. These include the 1991, 1992 and 1993 IMSA Camel Lights as well as the 2009 American LeMans championships. Acura is currently campaigning a couple of TLX GT cars with Real Time Racing in the Pirelli World Challenge.

The first development stages of the NSX GT3 racecar were conducted on race circuits in Europe and Japan. Besides the additional development testing, the racer is under final homologation to FIA GT3 global racing specifications. Acura NSX GT3 will be produced by company’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, which is also responsible for the birth of the production NSX. More details to follow soon.

Source: Acura

July 8, 2016

Nasty Acura NSX EV Concept is about to conquer Pikes Peak with winner Tetsuya Yamano behind the wheel

The supercar is driven by world’s first all-electric four-motor SH-AWD drivetrain

Tetsuya Yamano will again be featured in Acura’s team for Pikes Peak, but this year he will be sitting behind the steering wheel of an NSX EV Concept (he is currently making extensive tests). He is going to be competing in the Electric Modified Class, raising the bars high. Last year he was first in the Challenge Exhibition class with a time of 10:23.829 in an all-electric Honda CR-Z prototype. The Japanese brand is also running two NSX hybrids in the hill challenge.

But what’s the difference between the CR-Z and the NSX EV? Well, both are driven by the same powertrain, which won last year’s Pikes Peak Challenge Exhibition class. However, Acura’s EV Concept features a further evolution of the experimental all-electric unit. In other words, the supercar will be driven by world’s first 4-motor Super Handling All-Wheel Drive drivetrain, or how Acura named it – the SH-AWD.

In short, the benefit is that the electric SH-AWD powertrain enables four-wheel independent torque allocation, thus producing three times the total system output of last year’s electric prototype. All of this is put inside NSX’ body to look more dramatic and menacing. And it is most certainly the best looking EV we have seen for a while. Unfortunately, only in a concept variant.

Acura NSX EV Concept rear view

“So, what’s the deal with the SH-AWD hype,” you might ask.The secret hides in the application of separate Twin Motor Units (TMUs) on each axle. This is how Acura actually achieved independent torque distribution to all four corners. In addition, the new technology uses highly responsive acceleration characteristics. Combined with the regeneration capability of electric motors, this further advances the torque vectoring systems that are currently applied to NSX. The experience and knowledge gained will be utilized in Acura’s RLX and the upcoming MDX.

Acura NSX EV Concept with its high-output electric motors and 4-motor torque vectoring will compete in the 156 complex corners up Pikes Peak on June 26^th.

Source: Acura

June 21, 2016

Acura showcases two new NSX models: what should we know for brand’s future plans?

2017 Acura NSX Acura will showcase two NSX supercars at the special 100th Anniversary of the Broadmoor Piles Peak International Hill Climb on June 26. This will mark brand’s North American race debut with the all-new 2017 NSX machines.

Both vehicles will compete in the Time Attack 1 and 2 classes and will be piloted by brothers James and Nick Robinson, both from brand’s North American Engineering team. Also, Acura will showcase a special NSX-inspired prototype in the Electric Modified Class that will demonstrate brand’s future plans for all-electric, 4-motor Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system.

2017 Acura NSX

A dedicated team of North American R&D engineers have been working on both NSX vehicles that now feature the same three-motor Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive unit. What is special about this system is not just the long name, but also the featured V6 engine, paired to a 9-speed dual clutch gearbox and Rear Direct Drive Motor.

Also, the supercar-inspired 4-motor EV Concept will be personally driven by Tetsuya Yamato, who campaigned last year’s CR-Z electric prototype. The Electric Vehicle Concept combines an all-wheel-drive system, Electric SH-AWD powertrain with world’s first technology for four-wheel independent torque allocation. This whole system is a sort of revolutionized CR-Z prototype engine system that produces three times the total output of last year’s electric prototype. Sweet.

2017 Acura NSX

Also, as Official Pace Car sponsor, Acura will feature three pace vehicles: the NSX, the seven-passenger MDX performance-luxury SUV and the TLX sports sedan and the TLX sports sedan. President Polyphony Digital and Producer of the Gran Turismo series Kazunori Yamauchi and Pikes Peak legends Randy Schranz and Leonard Vahsholtz will lead the field of 100 entrants to the top of the 14,115-foot Colorado peak.

Source: Acura

June 10, 2016

Honda reveals details about “the new NSX” [w/video]

Honda NSX Honda team talks about a holistic approach to the design, technology and manufacturing of the new NSX. The supercar will also feature a thing called “instant response”, which will challenge the conventional beliefs about supercars and will show the future of their development.

So, what should we expect?

The advanced design and incredible manufacturing, in Honda’s words. The new NSX is expected to respond ultra quick to all driver demands, whether they are accelerating, braking, turning, or similar. Of course, we will witness some sophisticated engineering solutions and new generation of engine, AWD system, bespoke nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox and rigid chassis. Ultra rigid in Honda’s words.

Some of the innovations will include Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive, Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit with zero-delay performance and Twin Motor Unit that provides independent drive force to each front wheel.

Also, the character of the NSX can be further changed, thanks to the Integrated Dynamics System and its four selectable modes: Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track.

Additional technical data

Honda engineers also delivered some multi-material body structure in order to provide class-leading structural rigidity and deliver some increased visibility, crash safety performance, durability and reliability.

This means that the vehicle incorporates aluminum frame nodes for shorter front and rear overhangs and reduced mass. Also, there will be a three-dimensional bent and quenched frame members that create thin and strong A-pillars.

These and many more additions will be present, many of which will also be announced soon. Meanwhile, tell me what do you think about Honda’s plans about the supercar segment?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNvoqFLDvZ4

Source: Honda

Video source: Youtube

June 9, 2016

Why the first production 2017 Acura NSX is a big moment for the brand and for everyone living in Ohio [w/videos]

2017 Acura NSX front view 2017 Acura NSX is finally here! The first serial production 2017 Acura NSX rolled-off the line of the new Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. In fact, this is a big moment for the Japanese brand, because it is a culmination of more than 30 years of manufacturing experience. Based on the work of many expert technicians and with the involvement of their passion, this car has achieved major innovations in its design and manufacturing, thus delivering incredible precision crafted performance.

The happiest person on Earth now is the first customer, Rick Hendrick, who had taken the delivery of the VIN 001. For the modest amount of $1.2 million USD he won the bid at the Barrett-Jackson auction in January. The proceeds are going to two children’s charities: Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground.

Hendrick’s Acura NSX is painted in Valencia Red Pearl and features VIN 001 interwoven wheels, carbon ceramic brake rotors, leather and Alcantara interior trim and carbon fiber upgrades including the engine cover, roof, and rear decklid spoiler.

2017 NSX is actually the only supercar designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S., and specifically in Ohio. It is produced exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) there. This center was designed to blend human craftsmanship and advanced technologies in order to achieve and deliver superior quality and precision crafted performance.

In addition, at the PMC have been developed 12 patent-pending technologies and other advanced methods of producing a made-to-order supercar. At the plant there have been also made innovations to the NSX construction, painting, assembly and quality.

In another location (Anna, Ohio) is positioned Acura’s largest engine plant. There master builders hand-assemble the NSX’s 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. The unit is connected to an advanced 9-speed dual clutch transmission and rear direct drive electric motor. At last, the powerplant is installed at the PMC, as it is the front-mounted Twin Motor Unit, which enables electrically powered torque vectoring.

https://youtu.be/C0NbMNtmhqM

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Acura

May 25, 2016

Acura Reveals the NSX GT3 Racer in New York

Acura NSX GT3 Race Car and Acura NSX Acura NSX GT3 Race Car was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show yesterday. The twin-turbocharged NSX supercar is about to be featured in a campaign in North America starting in 2017. What is currently happening with the NSX? It is undergoing testing and this means that this fall it will be slated for homologation as an FIA GT3 class racecar.

The car featured at the event has its custom bodywork and aero components. These include large deck wing spoiler, underbody diffuser and enlarged hood vents. Of course, the latter serve in terms of engine cooling. Speaking of which, it is the NSX GT3 will be powered by a 3.5-liter, 75-degree, twin turbocharged DOHC V-6 unit, a.k.a. the same one in the production 2017 Acura NSX. The powerplant will be mated to a six-speed sequential-shift racing gearbox, driving the rear wheels.

Another thing in common between the production and the GT3 NSX is that the latter will utilize the ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material body of the production model, which comprises of with aluminum-intensive space frame. It will be produced by the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio as the twin turbocharged V-6 engine.

Acura NSX GT3 Race Car Interior

The NSX GT3 was initially developed by the race engineering team of Acura and additionally tested in Europe and Japan. The FIA GT3 global racing specifications are currently being undertaken by the company’s North American race engineering group.

The production variant of the 2017 Acura NSX will be launched on the market this spring. The serial production begins in late April at Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center. Those willing to buy the exclusive car can already place their order online with the help of the NSX online configurator at NSX.Acura.com.

Source: Acura

March 24, 2016

2017 Honda NSX Production Start Scheduled for April

2017 Acura NSX The production start of the Honda NSX from the MY2017 is commenced in April this year, announced Honda. The series production of the super car will begin in the world-class facility in Ohaio, which combines innovative technologies with craftsmanship. The company also announced that the deliveries for European customers are due to start in this fall.

The NSX super car will be is constructed entirely in-house, and its body will be made of the unique multi-material body and aluminium-intensive space-frame. For instance there will be a lot of new technologies used there and one of them is the precision robotic weld technology. In it, the aluminium-intensive spaceframe is created with 100 percent robotic MIG welding. Eight weld robots apply 860 MIG welds to the space-frame, thus making possible a highly accurate body assembly process.

Another interesting innovation is the zirconium pre-treatment, where the space-frame undergoes an etching process prior to application of corrosion-resistant primer. This procedure utilizes zirconium-based material, and this process also lessens the environmental waste during painting.

2017 Honda NSX

There is a lot to be told about the 2017 NSX but specifying it to the most interesting features, an example is the 11 coats of primer and paint applied as a paint finish, thus resulting in a high-quality surface. Furthermore, the twin-turbocharged V6 engine with dry sump lubrication is hand assembled by a small group of specialists.

The process for one engine takes over six hours, where every component is literally assembled by hand. An instance is that each of the 547 bolts is manually tightened to precise torque tolerances. Once assembled, the engine is then machine balanced, bench tested and run-in to the equivalent of 150 miles of service. This means that every NSX will be track-ready upon delivery to the owner.

Source: Honda

March 21, 2016

Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype to Stun the Geneva Motor Show with Exclusive Premiere

Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype in its renewed form is going to make 2016 Geneva Motor Show debut, which also happens to be its world premiere. The company has just shared a teaser image of the upcoming car that shows its rear and innovative tail-lights. Honda has also disclosed that the prototype actually previews the exterior design of the all-new hatchback model, which is scheduled for a European launch in the beginning of 2017. The car will be produced in the United Kingdom and then exported globally, including the United States.

Another European debut is going to happen for the Clarity Fuel Cell, being world’s first production fuel cell saloon which features entire fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet. It has a range of up-to 700 km (435 miles), thus achieving best-in-class range. In addition, it includes unique packaging and one-off interior with room for five persons. All will be presented at the Geneva event.

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

In three days the NSX and the Precision Concept will be exhibited at the Chicago Auto Show, and then follows an appearance in Geneva. By the way, the first European customer deliveries for the Honda NSX will begin this year, meaning that we are soon to see this unique sports car on the streets. With its classic low and wide proportions, modern and alluring stance, aggressive front- and rear end, make the car inspired by the original NSX. The new hybrid NSX is driven by new mid-mounted DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT.

Honda NSX

The last two debuts at the show are making the Jazz ‘Keenlight’ Concept and the CRF1000L Africa Twin. The first one is a design concept model of the famous Jazz, which highlights the customizing potential of the model. It features sleek design elements, special decals and a one-off colour named ‘Keenlight’. The last model announced for Geneva is the CRF1000L Africa Twin, which packs an innovative and powerful parallel twin-cylinder engine into a lightweight and agile chassis.

Geneva Motor Show starts on March 3rd.

Source: Honda

February 10, 2016

Acura Reminds Everyone Why NSX and Precision Concept Are so Awesome

2016 Acura Precision Concept Acura Precision Concept comes to the Windy City to make its Chicago Auto Show debut, following the demonstration at the North American International Auto Show last month. The concept vehicle embodies the Acura DNA of Precision Crafted Performance – as we all know, Acura brand is notorious for paying incredible attention to small details, which, ultimately, results on delivering stunningly well-performing vehicles.

Embracing the idea of a modern and yet versatile components, Acura Precision Concept features restyled Diamond Pentagon grille, next-gen HMI interior technology, advanced facial recognition, large central screen, heads up display and touch pad navigation.

The Concept was crafted by Acura’s California Design Studio under the strict direction of Acura global creative director, Dave Marek, aided by Michelle Christensen, principal designer.

Also, the all-new 2017 Acura NSX will return to Chicago Show to remind everyone why is it so awesome, and also to demonstrate its new color: 130R White, paired with passionate red-dominated interior. How cool is that? Furthermore, the NSX will one more time challenge the conventional beliefs about supercars and cutting edge technologies. Just as the first-generation NSX broke the ice 15 years ago, the contemporary heir will try to do the same.

Designed and manufactured in America, the 2017 Acura NSX will be offered for $156,000 USD and about 205,700 USD, when geared with the additional features and technologies.

Source: Acura

February 9, 2016

2016 Acura NSX Supercar Was Sold for Nearly Ten Times its Book Price

2016 Acura NSX The first production model of the latest Acura NSX was sold at auction in US last week for nearly ten times its book price: $1.2 million USD. The sweetheart comes with #001 VIN number personally brought by Rick Hendrick, owner of the Henrick Motorsports NASCAR team with all the money raised and donated to children’s charities of the Paediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Souther Ground.

Furthermore, the high amount of money marks the highest charity sale of a VIN #001 manufacturer vehicle in the auctioneer’s almost half a decade of history. Also, Rick Hendrick, known for his passion of first-edition performance vehicles, will add the unique NSX to his museum collection in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Acura NSX and why is it so special

With starting price of $157,800 USD, the sweetie is the first built-to-order car with orders available from 25th of February, 2016 worldwide. There is also a special online platform that allows customers to take a close look at the 573-hp (421kW), twin-turbo hybrid beast.

2016 Acura NSX

Especially created to deliver “new sports experience” to the whole supercar segment, the NSX sets new benchmarks, just as it did 25 years ago. And the engineers have a point: with the addition of a three motor electric hybrid system, a twin-turbo V6 power unit, mated to a 9-speed DCT gearbox and multi-material body architecture with cutting edge technologies, the NSX beast will be a center of attention for a long time. Or at least it looks so.

And with the concept of “human-centered supercar”, the next-gen NSX also delivers the latest and greatest of technologies and systems that ensure exceptional driving experience and immediate response to every single driver impulse.

Developed under the concept of a “human-centred supercar,” a car that puts the driver first in every aspect of its design, the next-generation NSX leverages its state-of-the-art hybrid supercar power unit, body and chassis to deliver exceptionally intuitive and immediate response to driver inputs.

2016 Acura NSX

Source: barrett-jackson.com

February 1, 2016

2017 Acura NSX Makes it Official in America with Hot Super Bowl Spot!

2017 Acura NSX Super Bowl Spot First Picture Acura has finally released the NSX in America and has done this exclusively with a hot rocking Super Bowl spot! The soundtrack of an iconic Van Halen rock song infuses high-voltage energy into the NSX rollout. By the way, this is the first time the rock band is releasing “Runnin’ with the Devil” (the song you hear in the spot) for use in advertising. The spot debuted during the Super Bowl 50, and the moment we saw it, we loved it. It was then inevitable of not showing it to you!

“Runnin’ with the Devil” by Van Halen is probably the best song choice for this ad. Its high-energy vocal effects provide the powerful beat for the Acura NSX and describe it character very well. In addition, via the advertisement, the company also showcases the Precision Crafted Performance direction, which is now that is core to Acura and is vividly imbued in the NSX supercar.

The commercial is tagged with the words “What He Said,” and this is not devoid of sense, because “NSX is better described through raw emotion than words alone”. Besides the loud vocals, the spot evokes the emotions via its elegant design and powerful inner-workings. In the end, the NSX erupts in a powerful crescendo through rapid-fire vocals. You ca see how every hollers and screams respond to the camera movement across the details of the car.

2017 Acura NSX Super Bowl Spot Second Picture

2017 Acura NSX is one of the most exciting and exclusive cars in the world. It has been created to bring about unforgettable experience infused with emotion and exclusivity. Basically, the next-gen NSX Acura is challenging the conventional beliefs about supercars. The reason for this is the cutting-edge and world-first technologies it includes.

The car is equipped with the unique Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive power unit, has a multi-material body structure, rides with advanced aerodynamics and features a cabin inspired by motorsport performance but that does not sacrifices comfort. Who wants more than this?!

At last, we should mention that the Acura NSX online vehicle configurator is going to be launched on February 25 and it will enable potential customers to design and build their dream NSX. On the same date, those interested in purchasing the car can contact an authorized Acura retailer to place their order. The production of the 2017 Acura NSX is going to start this spring at the new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.

Videos Source: YouTube
News Source: Acura

February 1, 2016

2017 Acura NSX VIN 001 to be Auctioned at Barrett-Jackson in January

2017 Acura NSX was teased today with additional details. The strongly anticipated supercar, is coming to market next spring and the starting price has been announced at $156,000 USD. When equipped with additional options and available factory feature the car will top out at $205,700 USD. Acura will also auction the very first serial production NSX, VIN 001, at the Barrett-Jackson car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. This will happen at the last week of January 2016. The proceeds are going for charity: the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground.

In addition, customers will be able to design their NSX. They can design one of eight rich exterior colors and four interior schemes available. There are also available three different seating surface options, three wheel designs with painted or polished finish, carbon-ceramic brake options, a carbon fiber interior sport package, carbon fiber roof, etc.

2017 Acura NSX Front View

If you are keen on buying an Acura, then you should also know that first orders will be taken starting February 25^th. You can do this at the authorized NSX retailers or directly online with the help of the vehicle configurator on Acura’s official website. Once customers have created the NSX they wish, they can then schedule an appointment with an authorized NSX retailer to finalize the order.

And speaking of charity, this 2017 NSX will be the first all-new Acura vehicle to be auctioned for the benefit of charitable organizations. With VIN 001 this is the very first serial production NSX, which will be also strictly customized to owner’s wishes.

This makes the first NSX not only a special but also a historic vehicle. And the best part of it is that it can be yours if you submit the highest bid for VIN number 001. This will do a good deed to two incredible children’s charities, Camp Southern Ground and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Source: Acura

December 21, 2015

Tag: NSX

Acura reveals first official images of NSX GT3 Racecar

The supercar is driven by world’s first all-electric four-motor SH-AWD drivetrain

So, what should we expect?

Additional technical data

Acura NSX and why is it so special