This could be the first real look at Honda’s long-awaited next-gen NSX, as the Acura supercar that Robert Downey Jr (who plays Tony Stark in the Iron Man flicks) has been seen driving on the set of The Avengers ostensibly previews the all-new mid-engined sportster.
Pictured alongside, the Acura (Honda’s US-focused premium brand) features hints of Audi R8 (which, incidentally, was Stark’s previous ride) in its profile, although its pointy snout ushers in a new look for the Japanese brand.
It’s believed the new-age NSX will pack an eco-friendly hybrid drivetrain, with a 3.5 or 3.7-litre V6 driving the rear wheels, with each of the front wheels equipped with an electric hub motor.
As we previously reported, Honda boss Takanobu Ito has said the focus for the newbie will be on efficiency and a strong power-to-weight ratio, rather than outright grunt.
This would be consistent with the recipe for the original V6-powered NSX, which launched in 1990 to glowing reviews. At the time it set new standards for supercar driveability and reliability, as well as eclipsing the driving dynamics of its Ferrari and Lambo contemporaries.
A 15-year production run, punctuated by a series of mechanical/weight-saving upgrades and cosmetic tweaks, culminated with the last NSX rolling off the line in 2005, as dwindling demand and the high cost of manufacturing it meant the business case no longer added up.
Honda then shifted focus to developing a V10 successor, based on the Acura ASCC (Advanced Sports Car Concept) introduced at the 2007 Detroit motor show, but in December 2008 Honda’s president Takeo Fukui announced during a speech about Honda’s revised financial forecast that, due to poor economic conditions, all plans for a next-generation NSX had been cancelled.
The project then seemingly sprung back to life with Honda creating the HSV-01 GT for the 2010 Japanese Super GT Championship, which packed a 3.4-litre V8 rather than the originally mooted V10.
Now it appears the NSX revival is a step closer, with Iron Man’s slinky new ride providing the first tangible clues to the new-gen car. Further news could be in store at January’s Detroit motor show…
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