2016 Acura NSX (finally) revealed in full detail

[KingOfJericho]

I just realized I had yet to officially opine on the vehicle in the first place. I think it's beautiful!! I love the power plant, I love the looks, and I'm optimistic that it will end up being the most reliable of the halo cars. I don't think it will outperform many of its competitors, but I think they've executed the project quite well.

[solstice]

Nice car and welcome back Honda, I missed you!

As a hybrid sports car it's a bargain and very interresting. It will leave the almost as pricey i8 in the dust, look more exotic/better and it's factors cheaper than the 918,P1 and LaFerrari. Well positioned at $150k in this group.

However to make a splash as a sports car in general it need to match the GT-R's performance IMO. It's not a purist car with all that tech, it needs to be very,very fast around a track to make up for it to be really interresting to the group that isn't limited to a hybrid when selecting their sports car.

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by solstice

Nice car and welcome back Honda, I missed you!

As a hybrid sports car it's a bargain and very interresting. It will leave the almost as pricey i8 in the dust, look more exotic/better and it's factors cheaper than the 918,P1 and LaFerrari. Well positioned at $150k in this group.

However to make a splash as a sports car in general it need to match the GT-R's performance IMO. It's not a purist car with all that tech, it needs to be very,very fast around a track to make up for it to be really interresting to the group that isn't limited to a hybrid when selecting their sports car.

Agree.

The NSX will definitely make a better attempt at being a legitimate sports car, than the i8.

[Slops]

Originally Posted by Nkc

Don't forget this beauty

i'm all ears for this bad boy... thought there would be more coverage of it at the show

[dtwyim]

Originally Posted by Iron Man

I believe the i8 was recalled already for risk of catching fire, and there are pictures and reports of Porsche 918's catching fire, so the fire issue is not isolated to Honda/Acura hybrids.

I am pretty sure they will have the fire issue sorted by sell date. They re-designed the cooling openings (and added more cooling to the vehicle, 11 cooling systems total) in response to the problem.

That 918 caught fire because there was gas spillage onto hot exhaust/ engine components. I don't think it is hybrid related.

150k is decent value for the money. The question is whether people will spend that kind of cash on a Japanese car. The same problem that the GTR has. I know it is selling, but there are lots of people rather spend it on the badge eg get a Porsche, rather than pay for the performance of the GTR/ NSX when you won't use all that performance anyways.

[Demetrius Joel]

Front end is trash. Kinda reminds me of Mazda 3. Smiling front end. And to be be honest not all that impressed overall.

[PatrikG]

I'm probably the only one but I find the NSX dull and boring looking.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Now we wait for the Supra, and see what that brings to the table.

[Blindside_137]

Visually I love the side profile.

But the front and rear I think could be much better.

The headlights look like most other Hondas and the rear looks really cheap. Boring tail lights... Choppy and poorly integrated rear vent architecture, just seems like low end Honda designs in some areas while high end nsx in others IMO. Not a great overall design flow.

[Sered]

Originally Posted by Levi

What you get with the NSX is 918 Spyder/P1 at an affordable price.

You're kidding right?

[Topspeed]

What a great looking supercar! I love it from every angle especially the front and rear. Not only is better looking than the hideous i8, it will most certainly destroy it in every single performance category. How can the Acura cost $150k and the i8 $130k?

[Earthmaster]

I8 is closer to 150k actually, also since its out of stock dealers that do get it in are charging massive premiums on the car anywhere from 30k to 100k more than the car's worth.

[BMW269]

New Technical Details of the Next Generation Acura NSX Revealed at SAE 2015 World Congress and Exhibition

Apr 23, 2015 - DETROIT

• New information disclosed on innovative powertrain, body and manufacturing technologies further solidifies the NSX's position as a world-class supercar
• NSX legacy of innovative, lightweight body design for high performance is advanced with world's first automotive application of ablation casting
• Total airflow management design strategy employed to achieve world-class supercar performance

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.

[vividracing]

Much better alternatives for $150k out there IMO. The NSX looks nice and all but still not as sexy to me as the Audi R8, and while it's a twin turbo V6, the R8 still has the luxurious and sexy sounding V10.

I saw some people mention the Ford GT and good luck affording that when it comes out, word has it the GT will sell more like $400,000, paring it with Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lambo, etc.

The NSX is more a high-tech competitor to Porsche and Mercedes AMG, and the lower end Lambos.

-RyanG

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by vividracing

Much better alternatives for $150k out there IMO. The NSX looks nice and all but still not as sexy to me as the Audi R8, and while it's a twin turbo V6, the R8 still has the luxurious and sexy sounding V10.

I saw some people mention the Ford GT and good luck affording that when it comes out, word has it the GT will sell more like $400,000, paring it with Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lambo, etc.

The NSX is more a high-tech competitor to Porsche and Mercedes AMG, and the lower end Lambos.

-RyanG

R8 looks so boring and technically outdated. Same engine, and loses manual. There are no better alternatives than NSX, not even for 300K. The NSX is hypercar tech and performance for lower end price, whereas the GT-R is supercar performance for sportscar price.

[NickyC]

Originally Posted by PatrikG

I'm probably the only one but I find the NSX dull and boring looking.

Nope, I think it's beyond dull and boring.

[PopsnBurbles]

Originally Posted by Levi

R8 looks so boring and technically outdated. Same engine, and loses manual. There are no better alternatives than NSX, not even for 300K. The NSX is hypercar tech and performance for lower end price, whereas the GT-R is supercar performance for sportscar price.

What exactly defines hypercar for you among the cars today?

P1/LaFerrari/918/Regera/Agera R? These are what I would call hypercars.
or are you talking about something lower tier?

If an NSX performs at the level of those five mentioned above while still keeping its relatively close to 150k USD price tag, that is a sign that miracles do exist in today's age. With that said, I highly doubt it will perform at that level. It's more of a 458 competitor at half the price.

[happos2]

Kind of related to what VIVID said above...everyone keeps on talking that the performance is a bargin for $150k. I haven't read anywhere what this performance is nor I have I read that it has been proven. So until then, I reserve judgement other than how it looks which is quite terrible (my opinion obviously).

And just because it had a hybrid powertrain doesn't mean it compares to a hypercar with 900+ hp, etc.

[AW335TT]

Originally Posted by happos2

Kind of related to what VIVID said above...everyone keeps on talking that the performance is a bargin for $150k. I haven't read anywhere what this performance is nor I have I read that it has been proven. So until then, I reserve judgement other than how it looks which is quite terrible (my opinion obviously).

And just because it had a hybrid powertrain doesn't mean it compares to a hypercar with 900+ hp, etc.

Some people in this thread have the ability to know exactly what a cars performance will be by just looking at pictures of it.

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by AW335TT

Some people in this thread have the ability to know exactly what a cars performance will be by just looking at pictures of it.

+1


When they see JDM, it means fail.

[AW335TT]

Originally Posted by Levi

+1


When they see JDM, it means fail.

Lol, my post included you also. Mr. NSX is a hypercar.. Hahaha, can't wait for the NSX to be destroying the P1 and Agera R, am I right??

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by AW335TT

Lol, my post included you also. Mr. NSX is a hypercar.. Hahaha, can't wait for the NSX to be destroying the P1 and Agera R, am I right??

Where did I say that? But yes, according to current information, NSX will destroy anything below P1 and Agera R and those other 500 PS/500kg cars if it weighs under 1600 kg.