The NSX taught American and European car manufactures a lesson or two on how to build a high-performance sports car that not only looked good but also was reliable and reasonably priced for what it had to offer.
The fact that it remained in production virtually unchanged for 15 years from 1990 to 2005 is a testament to the innovation of its original design.
We don't know if the Japanese carmaker will be able to repeat the success with the new NSX that is due in 2015 as an Acura in North America and as a Honda in the rest of the world, but the company is doing its best to create a connection between the first and second generation model.
In the promo video that follows, you'll find more than seven minutes worth of film from both the original NSX and its successor which is previewed by NSX Sport Hybrid Concept.
The Japanese automaker has shown several concept models over the years for a replacement to the iconic Honda / Acura NSX that was built from 1990 until 2005, but for one reason or the other, none of them managed to reach the production phase.
This time, however, Acura says the NSX Concept is the real deal with the production model to debut within the next three years. Interestingly, Acura says that it will developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, and manufactured in Ohio, at a yet to be named facility.
Like the original model, the NSX features a mid-mounted naturally aspirated V6 engine but with a twist; Acura's engineers added the firm's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system that utilizes three electric motors.
The next VTEC V6 engine comes with direct-injection and is linked to a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor. In addition, two-motor electric-drive unit can provide torque to the front wheels during cornering to improve handling.
"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. "The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way."
"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 NSX also employs lightweight materials while its styling doesn't bear many similarities to the original model.
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