Honda Unveils a New Concept for Upcoming NSX Supercar

Honda Motor Co., which revealed its Acura NSX supercar in concept form at the Detroit auto show a year ago, used the same venue yesterday to present an "evolution" of that exterior design and a hint about the car's purposeful interior.

Honda affirms that the car, which will be assembled at a new facility in central Ohio, will be powered by a direct-injection V-6 gasoline engine mounted midship and mated to Acura's "sport hybrid" all-wheel-drive system.

The drivetrain, currently available in the Acura TL sedan, ZDX fastback sedan and MDX crossover, automatically optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear wheels and between the left and right rear wheels. The system can channel extra torque to the outside rear wheel in curves to reduce understeer and help rotate the vehicle into the turn.

The new NSX concept is fitted with an interior Honda describes as "human-connected space." That means simple, straightforward instrumentation that minimizes clutter and enables the driver to focus on the driving experience, according to the company.

Thin-shell seats include grippy suede inserts, pronounced side bolsters and an "exotic" seating position. Predictable carbon-fiber trim abounds. The unusually tall center console rises from the driver's elbow to the center of the instrument panel, sharply dividing the driver and passenger seating areas.