2012 NAIAS: RDX Prototye / ILX Concept / NSX Concept
Acura made a splash in Detroit by unveiling two new production models and a concept signaling the return of the dearly departed NSX. Since we’re enthusiasts around here you can bet our curiosity was piqued at every NSX detail they were willing to divulge. Unfortunately for us, and subsequently you, that wasn’t much. What we did learn was that the NSX will return to production within three years at the hands of a US development team and be built in Ohio of all places.
The Concept was appropriately mid-engine and V6 powered but no mention of power output was made. This being 2012 it would be politically incorrect to offer a powerful sports car for fear of killing baby polar bears so the NSX will feature a performance hybrid system to balance power with responsibility. We know that the latest version of Acura’s Super Handling All Wheel Drive will be standard so we can expect some stupendous cornering speeds. A new dual-clutch transmission ties into the electric motors to sort all the performance enhancing battery power out and shift torque around to whatever wheel needs it. Acura claims lightweight materials will give the NSX a favorable power-to-weight ratio and that’s music to enthusiasts’ ears.
If three years is too long to wait for your new Acura may we suggest the new RDX crossover that goes on sale this spring. Based on the new Honda CR-V but featuring an exclusive 273 hp 3.5-liter V6 and 6-speed automatic the RDX now offers the power expected in a luxury crossover while still returning 28 mpg on the highway. Looks have improved too with a much cleaner front end than the previous model giving the overall impression of a more upscale vehicle. The interior might be the RDX’s weak link since we’re not seeing a lot of separation from the CR-V donor vehicle. Still, the right price will draw consumer interest and we have no problem believing this RDX will outsell its predecessor.
To be perfectly honest we’re a bit perplexed by the ILX concept. Acura boldly declared a production version of the “luxury compact sedan” would be coming this spring and would act as a “gateway to the Acura brand”. Slap us twice and call us crazy but didn’t that used to the TSX? Regardless, the ILX will offer a couple gas engines and give Acura its first hybrid. The usual luxuries apply but we’ll have to follow this one through to production and report back on how the TSX fits in to Acura’s expanding family.
2013 Acura RDX Prototype
Photos by Jason Muxlow
2013 Acura ILX Concept
Photos by Jason Muxlow
2013 Acura NSX Concept
Photos by Jason Muxlow
