What's New for 2015

Introduction

The 2015 Acura NSX began its return to the collective automotive consciousness at the Detroit auto show two years ago, where Acura unveiled a prototype of the next-generation supercar. A subsequent Super Bowl commercial starring Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno signaled Acura's commitment to reviving its halo supercar, while recent sightings from shakedown tests show development well under way.

Like the original NSX, the 2015 Acura NSX will be a midengine two-seater, will share roughly the same proportions and will also use a V6. But unlike the original car, which bowed out in 2005 after 15 years in production, the new NSX's direct-injection V6 will be augmented with twin turbochargers, an electric motor and a dual-clutch transmission (Acura says it will have "more than six gears") sending power to the rear wheels. Additionally, two electric motors will power the front wheels, creating an advanced all-wheel-drive system which can both speed and slow the front wheels during cornering.

Acura hasn't announced the new engine's specifications yet, but figure about 3.7 liters of displacement and a combined gasoline-electric output of around 550 horsepower, perhaps more. As did its predecessor, the forthcoming NSX appears to promise a world-class alternative to today's Ferrari, McLaren and top-level Porsche performance models.

We're most curious to see how the new NSX manages its sophisticated systems, as heavy hybrid and all-wheel-drive components don't typically increase a sports car's responsiveness. It's also unclear how special the NSX will really be outside of enhanced fuel economy, as today's top sports cars like the Audi R8, Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 are already outstanding in terms of performance, handling and daily-driven usability.

The new Acura NSX is expected to go on sale in 2015. Check back for more information on the 2015 Acura NSX, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.