Acura Teases Next Generation NSX Hybrid Supercar Ahead Of Detroit Unveil

The Acura NSX first hit U.S. streets in 1990 and soldiered on relatively unchanged until it received a facelift in 2002; worldwide production of the aluminum-based two-seater ceased in 2005. During its 15-year production, the NSX was praised for its performance, handling, and everyday drivability.

In the nearly ten years that have passed since the first NSX went out of production, its successor has undergone an extremely long gestation period. Honda went back to the drawing board at least once during the development of the second-generation car, but finally showed the world a near-final version of what the vehicle would look like with a fresh NSX concept vehicle in 2012.

Now, Acura is teasing the production version of the NSX that will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. As you can see in the teaser video below (and typical for Honda/Acura concept-to-production transformations) not much has changed visually since the concept was first shown nearly three years ago. That’s a good thing, because the NSX concept was definitely a great-looking vehicle, albeit a bit bland to some eyes.

Under the hood will be the most advanced hybrid system ever installed in a Honda/Acura vehicle. Primary motivation comes from Honda’s venerable 3.5-liter V6 — forced-fed with twin-turbochargers in this application — that will send power to the rear wheels. Two wheel-mounted electric motors will power the front wheels, giving the NSX all-wheel-drive (AWD) capabilities.

According to Automobile Magazine, the NSX’s hybrid powertrain should allow it generate over 500hp.

"The next-generation NSX will deliver a 'new sports experience' true to its heritage and to the supercar concept that originally gave rise to the name NSX," said Mike Accavitti, Acura division Senior VP. "The NSX will serve as the ultimate expression of Acura performance that is fueling a reenergized brand."

"After three years of intensive development work we are excited to reveal this next-generation supercar-the Acura NSX-to the world," said NSX chief engineer Ted Klaus. "We've developed a human-centered supercar that responds to the will of the driver and that builds upon the NSX heritage."

The NSX will makes its global debut on January 12, 2015.