You might not be able to drive the next-generation Acura NSX just yet unless you own a next-generation Playstation gaming console and the Gran Turismo 6 game. With the Vision GT program and the development of real world vehicles for use in said video game, it’s quickly turning fans of the racing game into fans of the real cars.
With your choice of such awe inspiring cars like the new Acura NSX, there are a multitude of other dream cars from the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7, Audi R8 or S1 Quattro race car, a classic Renault Alpine, Tesla Model S or Nissan GT-R, among others.
With recent developments like Google’s Android OOS and Apple’s IOS as well as others developing and redefining the relationship of technology and cars, it’s easy to see that these two totally different worlds may not be so different for much longer.
Even though the Gran Turismo game series is well received and renowned for it’s kinetic and dynamic handling and realism, there’s no replacing the real deal. Enter the 2015 Acura NSX the vehicle that has had quite a few controversial false starts in it’s bid to return since 2005, especially regarding Acura’s ACC (Advanced Car Concept)
Originally debuting at the Detroit Auto Show, Honda had originally believed that their Advanced Car Concept was their original choice as the new Acura flagship. The NSX had morphed from a supercar with its engine mounted amidships to a front-engine V-10 GT and in this version underwent extensive testing. However concerns regarding the V10, the recession and the carbon footprint that the large engine would imprint led to Honda making the ACC a pure race car.
Enter the latest iteration of the fabled supercar which completes the technological facets of it’s groundbreaking design by integrating a twin-turbocharged, direct injection V6 with a three motor hybrid system.
Details regarding the exact displacement and power figures have yet to be announced, but considering the Nissan GT-R received a healthy bump to 600hp, don’t be surprised to see the NSX follow suit.
However many purists seem to be conflicted on the new Acura flagship, citing the use of Acura’s Super Handling AWD and hybrid system as departures from the NSX name. Even with the increase in horsepower from 270 hp to an estimated 500+hp, many enthusiasts seem to be finding different ways in which to complain about the much anticipated sports car.
Due to release by mid-2015 the Acura NSX will retain the mid-mounted V6, and the titanium connecting rods, two of the more recognized traits of the previous NSX. It’s the additional changes that may have fans rankled however, with the dual electric motors powering the front wheels and providing torque correction under acceleration and braking while turning.
The car’s styling and sizing seem to compare favorably to the Audi R8, which wouldn’t be a bad move in and of itself. Pricing seems to be in the 100k range, as the NSX is being developed by Acura in America and moving forward, Honda’s U.S. team will be responsible for the bulk of the luxury unit’s cars.
| 2015 ACURA NSX | |
| BASE PRICE | $130,000* |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Mid-engine, AWD, 2-pass, 2-door coupe |
| ENGINE | 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V-6 + 2 front and 1 rear electric motors; 480 hp comb* |
| TRANSMISSION | 7-speed twin-cl auto |
| CURB WEIGHT | 3100 lb* |
| WHEELBASE | 101.4 in |
| LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT | 170.5 x 74.6 x 45.7 in |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.0 sec* |
| EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON | Not yet rated |
| ON SALE IN U.S. | 2015 |
| *MT est – from Motor Trend | |
Scheduled to make a big-screen debut in the upcoming Marvel movie “The Avengers 2” the NSX will be restoring another piece of the Japanese supercar legacy in America.
What do you think of the new NSX? Are you a fan of the new model or the old one? Do you like the incorporation of the hybrid system and the SH-AWD? Leave us a comment and let us know!