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Honda NSX returns - this time to SA too!

DETROIT, Michigan - Twenty-five years after the debut of the original NSX supercar Honda has revealed its successor at the 2015 North American International Auto Show.

The production model, the second-generation of the iconic supercar, has a turbocharged hybrid engine, radical styling, lightweight construction and will be launched later in 2015.

What’s more, it’s headed for South Africa in 2016 though details will be revealed closer to the local launch. The previous model never made it here, except for one demo version which was followed around the country by its own mini-fuel bowser.

TRUE TO ITS HERITAGE

Specifically created to, Honda says, bring "a new sports experience" to the supercar segment, the NSX is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 and three-electric motors in a Sport Hybrid system that drives through a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission and, what Honda calls "super-handling all-wheel drive".

Mike Accavitti, senior vice-president and general manager of Honda's Acura division, said: "Our commitment was to create an all-new NSX true to the heritage of NSX - a supercar that delivers a new driving experience, one in which every part of the vehicle respects the smartest part of the car, the driver."  

IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Honda NSX

To accommodate the new longitudinal twin-turbo V6 and DCT, the production vehicle was lengthened (7.6cm) and widened (2.5cm) with a slightly more cabin-forward package, compared with the proportions of the NSX Concept shown in 2012.

Johnathan Norman, NSX interior design project leader, said: "Consistent with the 'human-centered supercar' development concept, the NSX was designed from the inside out with an uncompromising focus on the driver.

“Like the original NSX, we created a 'human support cockpit' that provides exceptional driver control, visibility and packaging, but further advanced to meet the extreme performance expectations of a modern supercar."

The instrument cluster has a dynamic display that responds to changes in the driver-selectable Integrated Dynamics System. Interwoven beneath the handmade leather facia is the exposed mid-frame, reflecting the aesthetics of a naked sports motorcycle.

The body uses aluminium and high-strength steel while the floor is carbon- fibred.

ADVANCED SPORT PACKAGE

The NSX features an "advanced sports package" with key power-train components - the mid-mounted engine, two front motors and Sport Hybrid battery pack and power control unit - positioned to concentrate vehicle mass low and toward the centre of the car.

Honda reports: “The combination of this packaging concept and the light body gives the NSX the lowest centre of gravity in its class.”

The NSX has independent aluminium front and rear suspension assemblies and sports ContiSportContactT high-performance tyres (245/35Z R19 front and 295/30Z R20 rear) with 19” (front) and 20” (rear) aluminium alloy rims. It's equipped with six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) monoblock callipers clamping carbon-ceramic discs.

The NSX's dial-operated IDS offers several modes - quiet, sport, sport+ and track. The system adjusts engine, transmission and chassis response, as well as the engine sound level. Quiet mode offers battery-only driving at low speed for short distances.

Vehicle response becomes increasingly sharp when Sport, Sport+ mode or Track mode is selected. It also has a launch function.

The NSX will be assembled at the automaker's Performance Manufacturing Centre in Marysville, Ohio.

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