Acura NSX Prototype Released: Japan Getting Ready For Third Supercar
July 29th, 2013 by Road Test TV
Acura has dropped the very first image of a prototype NSX supercar, announcing to the supercar world that the first running test-model will hit the racetrack just prior to the Honda Indy 200 IndyCar Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
The Acura NSX prototype will hit the track with custom graphics and will lap the road course in advance of the race on August 4, 2013. Acura says that the prototype you see here maintains the styling and measurements of the NSX Concept that made its debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The company also said that the prototype also packs the production model’s id-mounted V-6 engine mated to Acura’s innovative new three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.
The Acura NSX will go on sale in 2015 and will compete with a bunch of supercars including the Audi R8, Porsche 911 and even the Ferrari 458. However, how will Acura’s new and improved (not to mention half-hybrid) supercar stack up to its Japanese rivals?
Nissan GT-R:
The Nissan GT-R is undoubtedly the king, the Godzilla and the beast of Japanese supercars – in fact, the GT-R even puts some extremely expensive German and Italian supercars to shame all for a price tag right under $100K. The Acura NSX, on the other hand, will cost above $100,000 and will be a partial hybrid. If I were to wage a bet on a Acura NSX vs.Nissan GT-R performance battle, I’d throw all my money on the GT-R – without thinking twice.
Lexus LFA:
When Lexus decided to go produce a supercar – the number 1 luxury Japanese automaker decided to go all out with a loud 552 4.8 liter V10. With a 0 to 62 mph time of 3.5 seconds with a top speed of more than 200 mph, the LFA definitely was a supercar pleaser. Unfortunately, the limited production has ended and the LFA is no more – well, at lease until Lexus decides to build another supercar.
At the end of the day, it seems like the Acura NSX has only one competitor in its homeland. Do we think it will topple the GT-R – there’s not even a slight chance – however, at the end of the day, we’re glad the the Acura NSX is back.
