You spend years tinkering with various concept studies, rolling the box bit by bit from one trade fair to the next and then: Then at the same time Ford puts an optical firecracker on wheels at the trade fair. And steals the show from the NSX. So it might be. The new Honda NSX, presented to the world in the USA as the Acura NSX, has finally shed its “concept” and is now ready to shake up the big names on the scene.
NAIAS 15 - HONDA NSX
At last. After years of concept studies, after being shut down just under 5 years ago and given up under the impact of the economic crisis. Now then again: NSX. The thing whose predecessor was then tuned by a certain Ayrton Senna. A car with almost perpetual construction time and yet driving dynamics sharpness, which is still at the height today - in short: the best that Honda has ever built. And what stands before us today is no less interesting. Visually so close to the study that you're really surprised how that came through the Japanese meetings.
Deep and wide (1.21 mx 1.94 m), the NSX stands in bright red at the fair, sharpened with a grim LED view and sharply drawn cooling air shafts. A fine sideline with a slim mid-motor waist, whereas the rear almost looks a bit clumsy. The lamps seem little inspired and the diffuser could have been more dramatic. We are not talking about interior design - if the press release emphasizes a good overview and the seating comfort is praised, then yes, then we do not know any further.
After all, we are sure that everything works without a big show.
Anyway, the Japanese make little show. Data for example: Nil. At the booth already started the happy speculation and the officials laughed in the mouth. At least the drive concept has been betrayed, so drives a V6 biturbo amidships, supported by an electric motor and an 9-speed dual-clutch transmission. Two electric motors are available at the front axle, forming the Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive, in short SHSHAWD.
How much power the system will have and how far it can drive electrically (not that anyone would care) remains unclear. Likewise the capacity, the weight and the price. That's why we're giving our bidding here:
- Displacement: 3.5 liters (others say up to 4 liters)
- Performance: 550-580PS (600 is certainly not, 500 would not be enough)
- Weight: 1500 kg (despite material Exotic, because: big battery)
- Price: € 135.000
We will see. At the latest in Geneva (hopefully!)
We remain excited about how the driving will be. The Japanese speak indistinctly of big opponents behind the scenes: the Ferrari 458 will be annoyed with the NSX. Also the Nissan GT-R. And all the 911 Turbo, Audi R8 and Lamborghini Huracan.