The 2016 Acura NSX takes the legendary NSX nameplate forward as Honda’s new halo product and uses a twin-turbo V6 engine that is speculated to produce well over 550 HP of power.
If patience is the key to virtue, the NSX fans are surely in for a treat. 25 years since the first NSX hit the world, Honda has finally unveiled the production ready 2016 Acura NSX at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) beginning an all-new chapter in the iconic supercar’s history. Unveiled in a feisty red shade, the new Acura NSX is defined as a mid-engine hybrid supercar and started life as a concept in 2012 with an extremely stunning and provocative design, most of which has been retained on the production version.
Moving away from its naturally aspirated roots, the 2016 Acura NSX comes with a 75-degree twin-turbocharged V6 engine that is paired to a 9-speed dual clutch transmission. The V6 gets a race inspired compact valve train with dry sump lubrication system, which Honda says offers the lowest centre of gravity in its class. In addition, the NSX gets 3 electric motors i.e. the Sport Hybrid system which uses 2 electric motors to power the front wheels each, while the third fills the gap when the engine turbos are spooling up. While the automaker does not admit it, the powertrain on the new NSX does share similarities with the Honda F1 engine developed for the McLaren team.
The 2016 NSX had to be lengthened by 3-inches and widened by another 1-inch, compared to the concept in order to accommodate the new twin-turbo V6 and the 9-speed gearbox. The new model is also 45 mm longer, 130 mm wider and 45 mm taller than the original model from 2005, while the wheelbase is significantly larger at 2630 mm. In terms of design, the NSX definitely is a looker and will grow on you in no time with the jewel themed headlights at the front, while the rear pays homage to the original NSX from the 80’s.
The handling prowess on the 2016 Acura NSX comes from the tech on-board including the Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive system (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD). You also get Agile Handling Assist and Integrated Dynamic System that allows 4 driving modes namely Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track and will adjust the engine, transmission, chassis response and sound level as per the driver’s liking. The Quiet mode here translates into all-electric power which can be driven for short duration, while the track mode will unravel all capabilities of the supercar.
In terms of build, the new Acura NSX comes back from the future with the space frame design using aluminium, ultra-light high tensile strength steel among other advanced materials in its construction, with the floor made out of carbon fibre. While the specs have not been revealed yet, Honda earlier confirmed that the NSX will produce well over 550 HP beating the Nissan GT-R and Tesla Model S comfortably and will attract a price tag of $1,50,000 (Rs. 93.5 lakhs excluding taxes). A final figure will be revealed close to launch.
The 2016 NSX is set to go on sale in the US by mid-2015 and will be produced at Honda’s facility in Ohio in the US, unlike the original NSX that was produced in Japan. Early last year, Honda had showcased the Acura NSX concept at the Auto Expo making its debut on Indian soil and there is a good chance that the 2016 NSX might just make it to India in the near future under the Acura brand.
