2013 Honda NSX

The Honda NSX is a sports car that was originally produced between 1990 and 2005 by the Japanese automaker Honda. It was equipped with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, powered by an all-aluminium V6 gasoline engine featuring Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control system. A long-rumored second generation NSX debuted as a concept car in 2012, equipped with a V6 hybrid vehicle power-train, and is scheduled to enter into production by 2015.

The NS-X was the first production car to feature an all-aluminum monocoque body, incorporating a revolutionary extruded aluminum alloy frame, and suspension. The use of aluminum in the body alone saved nearly 200 kg in weight over the steel equivalent while the aluminum suspension saved an additional 20 kg; a suspension compliance pivot helped maintain wheel alignment changes at a near zero value. Other notable features included an independent, 4-channel anti-lock brake system; titanium connecting rods in the engine to permit reliable high-rpm operation; an electric power steering system; Honda's proprietary VTEC variable valve timing system and, in 1995, the first electronic throttle control fitted to a Honda.

Honda spent a great deal of time and money developing the NS-X. With a robust motor-sports apparatus, Honda had significant development resources at its disposal and made extensive use of them. Respected Japanese Formula One driver Satoru Nakajima, for example, was involved with Honda in the NS-X's early on track development at Suzuka race circuit, where he performed many endurance distance duties related to chassis tuning. Brazilian Formula One World Champion Ayrton Senna, for whom Honda had powered all three of his world championship-winning Formula One race cars before his death in 1994, was considered Honda's main innovator in convincing the company to stiffen the NSX chassis further after testing the car at Honda's Suzuka GP circuit in Japan. American Bobby Rahal also participated in the car's development. Senna was given two cars by Honda. The newer one, a black 1993 model, license plate BSS-8888 is still in his family's possession.

Today the NSX is still considered by owners of the marque as one of the most reliable exotic cars ever manufactured, with many examples exceeding 100,000 miles without serious notable reliability issues or having suffered manufacturer recalls. Despite the original NSX ceasing production in 2005, the marque still has a strong base of fans and supporters worldwide with owners clubs flourishing in Asia, the USA and across Europe. International motoring authors like Andrew Frankel Russell Bulgin Mark Hales Gianni Marin and Bernd Ostmann have not only lent their name to the NSX in print but publicly praised the technology and innovation of Honda's NSX and in the BBC book NSX - Hondas Super Sports Car describe the vehicle as worthy of the title supercar.

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

2013 Honda NSX

2013 Honda NSX

2013 Honda NSX

2013 Honda NSX

2013 Honda NSX

2013 Honda NSX

2013 Honda NSX

The new concept retained the 2-door coupe, mid-engine, with an all-wheel drive formula. Weight is kept down through the use of a high-tech platform made from lightweight materials. Power comes from a V6 mounted behind the two occupants that sends its power to the rear wheels and is augmented by an electric motor. Acura's SH-AWD incorporates one electric motor in a dual-clutch transmission, forming a hybrid setup. Additionally, two more motors can instantly send negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering for improved handling and efficiency. Acura claims the new all-wheel-drive system will provide super car acceleration while offering better efficiency. Acura did not disclose how much horsepower its V6 engine and three electric motors will produce.

The production NSX is not expected to be produced until at least 2015 and will be built at the Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio. An advertisement for the vehicle began airing in early February 2012, featuring Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno.