Technical Details of the Next Gen Acura NSX

In advance of the market launch of the highly anticipated next generation Acura NSX, the engineers leading the supercar's development shared new technical details and design strategies with the automotive engineering community at the April 22nd SAE Detroit Section dinner, held in conjunction with the SAE 2015 World Congress and Exhibition. Additional information about the team's efforts to achieve a true "New Sports Experience" included details of the NSX's world's first body construction process that helped create a multi-material space frame resulting in class-leading body rigidity, the advanced total airflow management system and an update on NSX's power unit specifications.

Ted Klaus, chief engineer and global development leader of the new NSX, introduced key powertrain, body and dynamic performance engineers who shared new product and technical details in their related areas of the development. The unprecedented sharing of technical details prior to the car's market introduction reflects the desire of the NSX development team and the company to inspire the imagination of automotive and technology enthusiasts along with the next generation of engineers.

"Our goal is to create something altogether new and exciting, something that advances the concept of a next generation supercar in the spirit of the original NSX," said Klaus. "In order to provide NSX-level value, we needed to push ourselves to experiment with, refine and then realize many new technologies."

Significant technical revelations concerning the NSX included:

• The NSX includes Acura's first use of a revolutionary multi-material space frame design that delivers class-leading body rigidity while remaining lightweight.
• World's first automotive application of new ablation casting1 technology resulting in world-class body rigidity for ultimate handling and control.
• World's first use of a three-dimensionally formed, ultra-high-strength steel A-pillar, supporting class-leading rigidity and crash performance while providing outstanding outward visibility.
• The NSX achieves top-in-class aerodynamics targets without the use of active aerodynamic elements, while its three-motor Sport Hybrid power unit is cooled through 10 heat exchangers all thanks to a total airflow management strategy that maximizes the flow of air around and through NSX.
• Displacement of the NSX's all-new twin turbo V-6 engine was confirmed to be 3.5-liters.
• The NSX will mark the introduction of the most capable and highest torque capacity Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system in Acura history.
• The latest proprietary logic advances Acura's two decades-long pursuit of Super Handling that proactively responds to driver inputs, allowing the NSX to achieve a new level of line trace while at the same time intelligently supporting the driver in changing environments.

Additional details on each of these engineering achievements follow:

Multi-Material Body
Acura's First Application of a Multi-Material Body with Space Frame Construction 
Developing the Most Rigid-in-Class, Multi-Material Body

At the core of the NSX mission to deliver timeless sports car values is an aluminum-intensive, multi-material space frame. This innovative space frame represents a next-generation leap in body design with class-leading technology that is exclusive to Acura within the automotive market. Based on internal data, the all-new Acura NSX multi-material body is by far the most rigid in its competitive set.

While the all-aluminum monocoque body of the original NSX was ahead of its time, current aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel-intensive body architecture has been taken to the limit for supercar design.

"For this new NSX development, anything and everything that could offer incredible base rigidity and lightweight design was on the table," said Shawn Tarr, principal engineer and Acura NSX body development leader. "We considered all-aluminum unibody, carbon fiber monocoque and space frame designs and ultimately engineered a multi-material space frame because it offers the lowest weight and best rigidity, precision and hybrid powertrain packaging capability of any design."

A key advancement in casting technology allowed the NSX development team to realize a quantum leap in body design, for the first time being able to engineer a vehicle with castings in key locations for rigidity, that also support the ductility necessary for placement within crush zones.

World's First Application of Ablation Casting 
The Acura NSX heralds the world's first application of ablation casting technology in the automotive industry. Ablation casting combines traditional casting methods with rapid cooling techniques to offer the design flexibility and rigidity of casting with the ductility and energy absorption characteristics of extruded material.

Traditional castings provide the ultimate rigidity in space frame and other body designs, but have traditionally suffered a major drawback: traditional castings are brittle. With the no-compromise performance goals of the NSX, a groundbreaking new casting method within the crush zones had to be used.

• The ablation process allows the ultra-rigid castings to be located within the crush zones and to function as large aluminum nodes, or junction points. Aluminum extrusions are then inserted into sockets in the ablation cast nodes, which act as fixtures that hold the space frame in place during welding.
• During the welding process, shorter stitch welds can be applied, enhancing the exceptional, repeatable precision of the NSX space frame construction by reducing heat deformation during the production process.
• Ablation castings also enable traditional aluminum castings to be used at strategic locations in the space frame and as the primary mounting points for suspension and power unit components, in addition to being the reference and temporary attachment points during the highly accurate space frame construction process.
• Full space frame construction and vehicle assembly are conducted on-site at the new Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, OH, providing a high level of quality control.

New A-Pillar Construction Technique
In addition to the world's first casting technology, the NSX applies an all-new three-dimensionally formed ultra-high-strength steel A-pillar that provides next-generation rigidity and precise shape specification tolerances.

The previous generation NSX had a thin A-pillar that provided very good outward visibility. Reflecting this heritage with modern rigidity and roof crush performance requirements demanded this new, ultra-high-strength production method.

Advanced Materials Strategy
NSX represents an advanced expression of modern body design theory: the strategic integration of multiple materials to achieve optimal body performance for numerous targets, including rigidity, dynamic response, superior fit-and-finish and occupant protection.

• The aluminum-intensive space frame is complimented with precisely crafted ultra-high-strength steel and anchored with a carbon fiber floor together producing body performance at its peak.
• For the new NSX, the body design and technologies are about more than just raw performance – a goal of any supercar development.  In keeping with the human-centered supercar concept, the NSX development team went further, to optimize how the car's performance capabilities are experienced by the driver through the body.
• Drivers will experience all of the on-the-rails handling provided by the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit because it is communicated in high-fidelity through the most rigid body in its class.

Total Airflow Management
Engineering a Next Generation Thermal and Aerodynamic Package via Total Airflow Management

To meet the challenge of the ambitious performance targets, radical packaging design and exotic styling for the next generation Acura NSX, the development team had to totally re-imagine the thermal and aerodynamic engineering for this modern supercar so that maximum energy is extracted from the flow of air around and through the NSX with the highest efficiency.

This new total airflow management strategy supports component cooling, aerodynamic performance (drag and downforce) at a very high level without the use of active aero technology, while also contributing to even more dynamic styling.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used extensively during development to allow the U.S.-based development team to maximize the performance of a power unit being developed in Japan. CFD models were run on computers totaling many years' worth of computational uptime.

Thermal CFD was effectively used in two ways during development: first, for the proof-of-concept in establishing heat management strategy at the earliest development stage and second, for continuous thermal performance improvement as the vehicle matured through development. Extensive involvement of thermal CFD with design engineers during the development enabled maximum design optimization.

Along with the use of advanced CFD, wind tunnel and real world testing, the development team also employed computerized lap-time simulation models of some of the world's most legendary proving grounds that could then be run on chassis-dynamometers allowing testing and validation of computer models for thermal management.

• The all-new NSX employs 10 air-cooled heat exchangers responsible for cooling the front twin-motor unit (TMU), twin-turbo V6 engine, rear direct-drive electric motor and 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).
• The all new, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine at the heart of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit requires the greatest cooling and receives it through three radiators: one center and two side units to get maximum airflow volume and efficiency. The center radiator is tilted forward 25-degress, allowing the largest, optimized configuration that best utilizes the inherent pressure gradient while maintaining the strict low center of gravity targets of the NSX's Advance Sports Package.
• Condenser and power drive unit (PDU) coolers are efficiently packaged in front of the center engine radiator.
• The TMU is cooled passively through strategic use of air in the front motor room and by a heat exchanger mounted in front of the right engine sub-radiator.
• The 9-speed DCT is cooled by two heat exchangers, one mounted in front of the left engine sub-radiator and the other in the engine compartment.
• Twin-intercoolers located in the signature side intakes are used to cool the intake air charge.

Supercar Aerodynamics
NSX achieves top-class aerodynamic balance and supercar aerodynamic downforce without the use of active aero. Aerodynamic drag is minimized, even while moving large airflows through NSX as it inhales and exhales. Aerodynamic downforce is created through the total airflow management focus on utilizing airflow through each vent, as NSX exhales, and through more traditional aerodynamic shape optimization.

NSX has undergone extensive testing at the company's state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Raymond, Ohio, using ultra-detailed 40-percent-scale models that replicate all of the intake and exhaust vents, heat exchangers and major under-hood components. These highly accurate scale models replicate drag and lift performance with near perfect approximation. It has been verified and put through its paces at the company's full-scale wind tunnel in Japan, and on real and simulated proving grounds throughout the world.

Total airflow management vents and precision ducting also help create strong, consistent downforce for NSX and were tuned to optimized forms with aerodynamicist and designer input during working wind tunnel sessions.

• Six vortices flow at the rear of the NSX including those that support creating the highest downforce across the rear deck lid.
• Flowing from below the car and exiting through meticulously optimized lower, rear diffuser fins is a critical vortex that further anchors NSX to the ground. Uniquely, the fins are not parallel to each other, but are narrower toward the front of the car and wider at the rear. This design creates low pressure and further maximizes downforce.

Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
A new handling paradigm decades in the making

The groundbreaking Sport Hybrid SH-AWD dynamic torque vectoring technology applied to this all-new NSX represents research and development that has been ongoing for well over two decades.

Next-generation torque vectoring
Acura has been continuously refining its advanced torque vectoring technology while in parallel developing new ways of accomplishing the timeless sports car values of lightweight, rigid chassis and potent powerplants. This all-new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD represents a system injected with more electric power, delivered more directly, managing more internal combustion power than any system Acura has engineered to date.

In keeping with the development team's 'human-centered supercar' concept, the new NSX and its Sport Hybrid Super Handling drivetrain were truly engineered from the driver out. While the NSX provides a new sports experience with 'on rails handling,' its Super Handling technology was optimized to enhance the driving experience by responding instantaneously and intuitively to the will of the driver.

• Super Handling is brought to its pinnacle form in NSX where the strengths of electric motors –delivering zero delay acceleration – allows the NSX to offer dynamic torque vectoring even at low vehicle and engine speeds.
• Super Handling logic has progressed along a parallel path with hardware. While many advanced automotive technologies are focused on feedback, measurements of how the vehicle is reacting, NSX uniquely applies additional technology to focus on accurately responding to driver input through immediate, precise application of torque at each wheel at any moment.
• Using cutting edge computer-aided engineering (CAE) optimization software, engineers created a double-wishbone, double lower control arm front suspension that decouples the twin-motor unit (TMU) torque from the driver's experience at the steering wheel, providing timeless sports car steering communication to the driver with a new experience of on rails handling provided by the precise torque vectoring of the TMU.
• Variable gear ratio steering is applied to further enhance the confident, race-ready driving dynamics of the all-new NSX.

Powertrain
Sport-Hybrid SH-AWD Power Unit 
Powering the Sport Hybrid Power Unit with Racing Technologies

As announced at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, the new NSX will utilize an all-new power unit from a clean sheet design. At its heart is an all-new longitudinally mounted twin-turbo V6 engine that is mated to an all-new, Acura-developed 9-speed DCT with an electric motor that applies its torque directly to the crankshaft for higher output with immediate power delivery to the rear wheels.

• The new engine has a displacement of 3.5-liters and utilizes pinnacle racing technology, applying both direct and port injection to its design.
• The 75-degree V-angle and dry sump design optimizes engine rigidity and further supports the NSX's Advanced Sports Package by allowing the engine and components to be lowered in the chassis to the maximum extent, resulting in the lowest center of gravity in its class. This also supports the advanced packaging of other engine components. 
• The engine's dry sump design also helps maximize vehicle performance in high lateral-G conditions.
• The rear direct-drive electric motor applies its torque directly to the crankshaft.
• The 9-speed DCT's main, counter, secondary and output shaft design maximizes the advanced sports package through a configuration that lowers weight and helps to center the mass nearer the driver.

About NSX
The all-new Acura NSX represents the convergence of timeless sports car values and advanced technology in a pinnacle supercar. Timeless sports car values include classic goals like a rigid and light chassis with the mass placed low and close to the driver. Advanced technologies include those that enhance the driving experience in new ways.

To bring back the legendary NSX the global development team has innovated in the critical, timeless areas of frame and aerodynamics in addition to tirelessly refining its key advanced technology - the state-of-the-art hybrid power unit. The NSX has many innovative components, but the basic recipe is simple: timeless sports car values blended perfectly with advanced technologies that deliver a new sports experience.

New Acura NSX Unveiled

Twenty-five years after the debut of the original, paradigm-shifting NSX supercar, Acura revealed the production version of its highly anticipated successor—the next-generation Acura NSX, developed and produced in the U.S.—to the world's auto media at the 2015 North American International Auto Show today. The production model, in a scintillating NSX Red finish, took the stage with a growl from its twin-turbocharged engine.

Highlights include:

• The company will begin accepting custom orders for the new NSX starting in the summer, with customer deliveries expected later in the year.
• The approach is realized through an all-new power unit—a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system—integrated with an ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material body with world's-first material applications and manufacturing processes.
• To accommodate the new longitudinally mounted twin-turbo V6 and 9-speed DCT, the production vehicle was lengthened (+3 inches) and widened (+1 inch) with a slightly more cab-forward package, compared with the proportions of the NSX Concept shown in 2012.
• The NSX will be manufactured exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, where approximately 100 highly-skilled associates will conduct full body construction, paint, and final assembly using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

For more pictures and the full press release, please see Rebirth of an Icon: Next Generation Acura NSX Unveiled.

Buzz from around the net:

• Almost everyone loves the exterior.
• Mixed reviews on the interior. Lots prefer the concept interior then this interior. Complaints include current interior looking cheap and less luxurious.
• Horsepower is rumored to be 550+ hp and car weight is currently not being reported.

Next Gen Acura NSX Delayed?

Rumor has it that the next generation Acura NSX will be delayed for at least 6 months. A couple of things could have helped cause this schedule change.

First, there was a crash at Honda's Takasu Proving Ground in May (2014). Reports are saying that a car went off course while testing and two men in their 20's were hurt. The passenger was transported to a nearby hospital while the driver sustained minor injuries. Rumors are saying the vehicle was the new NSX.

If that wasn't bad enough, now there are images of a charred NSX destroyed due to fire while testing on the Nurburgring in Germany. The camo-ed prototype was completely destroyed after the engine compartment caught fire at the end of July (2014).

Here's video of the test NSX without fire:

On Track With The New NSX

From the moment it first turned a wheel at the 1994 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Acura NSX has always been right at home on a racetrack. So it is not surprising the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course played host to the very first high-speed, public appearance of a new NSX prototype. Preceding the Honda Indy 200—and broadcast live on NBC Sports—the Acura supercar lapped the undulating circuit at speed in front of thousands of cheering fans. The rolling NSX prototype maintains the beautiful styling and proportions of the concept car and adds the dynamic NSX enthusiasts have waited months for—the sound. The mid-mounted V6 did not disappoint, howling to redline several times. Slated for launch in 2015, the production NSX will be built just down the road from the Mid-Ohio track in Marysville, OH using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Acura NSX Teaser on Vine and Instagram

You have to wait to see the Acura NSX prototype August 4 at the Mid-Ohio Raceway for the Honda 200 IndyCar race, but you can catch a couple of teasers from Vine and Instagram now.

Vine: First for Acura fans. New NSX prototype. Right now. #AcuraNSX




Instagram: First for Acura fans. New NSX Prototype.

Acura at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show

• 2014 Acura MDX Prototype
• There will be a new MDX design for 2014.
• Acura is calling it a "prototype" because it's not 100% finished yet.
•  Although, it's completely redone it looks like a beefed up RDX with the new RLX LED lights. Overall, it doesn't look bad. I still don't like the beak grill, but I'm a broken record hopeful that Acura will hear my cries.
• Expect the usual 3.5 liter V6 (no power figures yet), technology standard, and SH-AWD. The twist though is this generation of MDX will have the first front wheel drive version.

• Next Evolution of NSX Concept
• Acura is continuing to tease us with the Acura NSX Concept.
• The car maker is giving us a glimpse of what the interior could look like.
Acura's goal is deliver a "new sports car experience that combines next-generation supercar dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance ... Acura NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine mated to Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system."

• Launch Plan and Pricing for 2014 Acura RLX Flagship
• Acura's new RLX Flagship will debut in dealerships on March 15, 2013 with an MSRP is starting at $48,450.
• Features include 310 HP V6 direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC, most spacious passenger cabin in its class, Acura's new Precision All-Wheel Steer and Jewel Eye LED headlights, fuel economy of 20/31/24 mpg.
"Precision All-Wheel Steer is the world's first technology to feature independent and continuous control of the left and right rear-wheel steering (toe) angles. Its benefits include crisper lane changes, more nimble cornering, enhanced dynamic response, tighter radius low-speed turning, and confidence-inspiring control."
• In February, every Acura dealer nationwide will feature 2 2014 Acura RLX sedans ahead of the March 15 sale date so that clients can experience the car in what Acura is calling the "Destination RLX" client experience program.
• "A version of RLX featuring Acura's new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive® (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD®) technology, producing 370 horsepower with expected EPA fuel-economy ratings of 30 city/30 highway/30 combined, will debut later in 2013."
• The 2014 Acura RLX will be available in five grades – the well-equipped RLX, the RLX with Navigation, the feature-packed RLX with Technology package, the RLX with Krell Audio package, and the top-of-the-line RLX with Advance package.

  TRIM	MSRP*
  RLX	$48,450
  RLX with Navigation	$50,950
  RLX with Technology Package	$54,450
  RLX with Krell Audio Package	$56,950
  RLX with Advance Package	$60,450

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

The Acura NSX Commerical for Superbowl 46

Acura NSX Coming To Superbowl 46!

The first Acura Super Bowl spot will feature comedian Jerry Seinfeld trying to bribe a man who holds the rights to the first 2015 Acura NSX. Seinfeld starts by offering $20.

I don't really want to spoil the commercial, so that's as much as I say and show for now. But you can continue reading at the link below if you must know more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20120130/RETAIL03/301309930#ixzz1kxzrjL48

New Acura NSX Supercar to be Built in Ohio and Developed in the U.S.

Acura today announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that an all-new Acura NSX supercar will be manufactured in Ohio. In addition, the new sports car will be developed in the U.S., including the Ohio Center of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. (HRA).

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO Takanobu Ito unveiled a concept version of the Acura NSX today in Detroit. Although Acura is keeping most of the vehicle's details under wraps, the new NSX will employ a lightweight chassis, a mid-mounted V-6 engine and Acura's innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system. Ito said the new supercar will come to market within three years.

Along with unveiling the NSX concept, Ito announced that it will be built in Ohio. Honda plans to produce the new supercar near its current auto production operations in central Ohio at a unique, advanced manufacturing operation. The original Acura NSX was built at Honda plants in Japan from 1990 to 2005.

"Honda associates are up to the challenge of producing the new NSX for global customers with a high degree of craftsmanship," said Hidenobu Iwata, head of Honda's North American manufacturing operations and president of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. "Honda associates in Ohio have been building high-quality Honda and Acura vehicles for nearly 30 years, so this news in many ways is a culmination of their determined efforts."

A team from HRA Ohio Center will lead the continued design and development of the new vehicle. Headquartered in Torrance, Calif., Honda R&D Americas has major research and vehicle development operations in the Raymond, Ohio center, where much of the work on the NSX will take place.

"We have a rich history of creating innovative new products for our customers in the U.S. and in markets around the world," said Hiroshi Takemura, president of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "The responsibility to develop the all-new Acura NSX demonstrates the maturity of our organization, the know-how of our associates and their ability to create an advanced and innovative supercar."

About Honda Manufacturing in Ohio
Based on Honda's longstanding commitment to "build products close to the customer" Honda opened its first auto plant in the U.S. nearly 30 years ago, on November 1, 1982, in Marysville, Ohio. Today, Honda builds more cars and light trucks in the state of Ohio than all other automakers combined. Honda has the capacity to build 680,000 passenger cars and light trucks at its two auto plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio.

The company's Anna, Ohio, engine plant, with capacity of 1.18 million units, is the largest automobile engine factory in Honda's global production network. Honda also manufactures automatic transmissions in Russells Point, Ohio.

Honda currently employs more than 13,500 Ohioans and has invested more than $8 billion in its extensive operations in the state. In addition, Honda annually purchases nearly $7 billion in parts and materials from more than 150 Ohio suppliers and more than $17.5 billion in parts and materials from more than 600 North American suppliers.

Honda has seven auto plants in North America with the overall capacity to manufacture 1.63 million automobiles. Using domestic and globally sourced parts, approximately 90 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are built in North America.

About Honda R&D in Ohio
Honda began auto research and development in Ohio in 1985. Today, the Honda R&D Americas, Inc. Ohio Center is engaged in complete product creation, encompassing everything from market and technology research to engineering design, prototype fabrication and testing, local parts procurement, and support for mass production.
Honda's U.S. R&D operations have developed 24 new models and are responsible for six vehicles in the company's current U.S. product portfolio—the Honda Odyssey minivan, Pilot SUV, Ridgeline pickup, and the Acura TL, MDX and ZDX luxury-performance automobiles.

Acura NSX

• Mid-mounted V-6 engine
• Powerful next-generation VTEC® V-6 engine with direct-injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.
• New Sport Hybrid SH-AWD®
• Utilizing an unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering.
• "While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favorable power-to-weight ratio."
• Developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and manufactured in Ohio, at a yet to be named facility.

Acura Debuts Three New Vehicles at the 2012 North American International Auto Show

New ILX compact sports sedan to feature Acura's first hybrid powertrain;All-new RDX sport utility vehicle features new engine and all-wheel-drive system; NSX Concept to be developed and built in America with new performance hybrid system.

Representing the leading edge of a wave of new products and technologies, Acura today unveiled three new vehicles at the North American International Auto Show, including a concept version of the all-new gateway to the Acura brand, the ILX luxury compact sedan; a prototype of the 2013 RDX crossover sport utility vehicle; and the NSX Concept, which presages the direction for Acura's next-generation supercar.

Acura also announced that the next-generation NSX will feature Acura's innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® technology and that the vehicle will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio.

"Over the next 24 months the Acura brand will unleash a series of new models that will remake our product lineup and shake up the luxury market," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura. "Acura will once again defy conventional wisdom to become one of the top luxury brands by creating luxury vehicles based on our own unique values."

Debuting three new models in Detroit heralds the beginning of Acura's second 25 years as a premium luxury-performance automobile brand.

Acura ILX Concept

The Acura ILX Concept is the precursor to an all-new Acura luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch in Spring 2012. To be positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand, the ILX will feature three different powertrains, including Acura's first-ever gas-electric hybrid.

"First time luxury buyers place the highest value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues and that's a virtual definition of what we have created with the new Acura ILX," said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. "The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market."

Sleek, sporty and aerodynamically efficient, the exterior of the all-new Acura ILX combines luxury, performance and efficiency. A beautifully styled luxury sedan, the ILX Concept has a compact, yet formal proportion, targeting a very professional image. The Acura ILX delivers both, with a greenhouse that provides excellent visibility, an aerodynamic low and wide stance, the ILX is immediately recognizable as an Acura

The lineup of ILX models will include an entry-level model powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine; a high-performance model with a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission; and a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, Acura's first-ever hybrid offering.

The ILX will feature a high–quality, well-appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty. It will offer a number of new, high-value features, including a smart entry keyless access system and pushbutton start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

As with all Acura models, the ILX will have a long list of standard features, different trim levels (that will include a Technology Package), multiple transmission choices, and excellent standard safety features— including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA™). Acura anticipates that the ILX will achieve top ratings in both NHTSA and IIHS crash safety testing.

The new ILX will be manufactured exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC, in its Greensburg, Ind. plant— one of only three plants in the world to receive J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding quality.

Acura RDX

Shown as a prototype version of the 2013 RDX, the second generation of Acura's five-passenger crossover SUV will up the ante with a new approach to achieving both advanced performance and fuel efficiency via a new engine, transmission and all-wheel drive system.

The 2013 RDX, scheduled to launch in Spring 2012, will have as standard equipment a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 273 horsepower— 33 more than the outgoing model. For even higher performance and improved fuel economy, the RDX makes use of a 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter. The RDX also gets a new, lighter all-wheel-drive system that provides the required performance and safety with increased efficiency.

With anticipated EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, front-wheel-drive models of the 2013 RDX are expected to offer the best fuel economy of any gasoline-powered luxury SUV in its class.

The RDX exterior incorporates a sleek, more aerodynamically efficient body, evolving RDX from a sporty, compact SUV to a more formal look with a longer, sculpted hood and styling that is more elegant and sophisticated to match the Acura philosophy of timeless, beautiful design. Chassis updates include a longer wheelbase and wider track, all-new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, and a new motion adaptive electronic power steering system.

Inside the 2013 RDX, new sweeping shapes, matte surface trim, and generous use of leather combine to give the RDX interior an upscale look and luxury feel that Acura customers have come to expect. Abundant use of sound deadening materials and Active Sound Control team to provide an exceptionally quiet cabin. Additional interior features, such as larger door openings, more passenger room, increased cargo volume and a power rear tailgate make the RDX interior even more accommodating and flexible.

As with the ILX, the 2013 RDX will receive a host of new technologies including Pandora internet radio interface, SMS text message feature, a smart entry keyless access system, pushbutton start, and a three view rear camera. An available Technology Package will provide a full complement of relevant technologies, including AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps. New for 2013, the even more advanced navigation system utilizes a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity – including 15 gigabytes that can be allocated for music storage.

Acura anticipates that the RDX will achieve top ratings in both NHTSA and IIHS crash safety testing.

Production of the new RDX will move to the East Liberty, Ohio plant of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.— home to one of the four top assembly lines in North America in the J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS). The first generation RDX has been built at the Marysville, Ohio auto plant, an IQS award winner for both of its assembly lines.

Acura NSX Concept

The dynamically-styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from the Acura brand. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies for Acura, including application of Acura's innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Utilizing an unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Acura anticipates the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, a powerful next-generation VTEC® V-6 engine with direct-injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

"This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make NSX the ultimate expression of Acura's idea to create synergy between man and machine," said Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way."

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favorable power-to-weight ratio.

"Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency," added Ito, who led the development of Acura's first NSX supercar. "In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities."

The new Acura supercar, expected to debut in the next three years, will be developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and manufactured in Ohio, at a yet to be named facility.