2010 Acura NSX, it looks
like the shape has finally evolved into the real deal. Here is the first
look we've gotten at the front-engine successor to the mid-engine
supercar. The NSX is rumored to have a V10 under that long hood, and I
wouldn't be surprised to hear of some new transmission to handle all the
power too. They may even be able to put this one out there as a 2009
model, seeming how far along all is with this model.
It appears that Acura has finally settled on a direction for the
next-generation NSX, as evidenced by this prototype that has popped up
on the public roads surrounding the Nürburgring. Rumors of design
dissent have plagued the new NSX program since Acura's Advanced Sports
Car Concept debuted to a lukewarm reception at Detroit's North American
International Auto Show in January 2007. The resulting uncertainty
reportedly delayed the introduction of the production NSX at last fall's
Tokyo Motor Show, while Acura decided on a true design direction for the
supercar. Now that things have apparently sorted themselves out, we can
break down the design decisions that Acura has made.
It appears that the general layout of Acura's Advanced Sports Car
Concept has survived, but changes have been made to increase the level
of aggression for the NSX. The prototype's nose shows marked changes
over the concept, with two large, wide-set intakes flanking an even
larger central grille. The result is a less pretty, but more aggressive
face. The concept's straight slit-like headlights have been ditched in
favor of more expressive lights that have an angular, notchy quality to
their shape.
The general shape of the NSX's profile looks very similar to the
concept, although a taller, more production-feasible greenhouse appears
to be in play on the test vehicle. The side sculpting has also been
reworked with the prototype's convex rocker panels jutting outward,
instead of the concept's lower rockers, which tucked gracefully under
the car. Once again, the end result is a more muscled look for the
production model.
The production NSX retains the concept's dual stacked exhaust set-up,
but rest of the rear bumper is completely different, with reconfigured
air ducts now stretching all the way across the back. The aesthetic
result is a more squat, athletic stance for the production NSX. The
prototype's flowing, fastback rear deck also shows significant changes
over the concept's more svelte look. The rear hatch now kicks up between
the tail-lights, which gives the prototype a more broad- shouldered look
to match the likes of the Nissan GT-R. New tail-lights complete the
package, although it's hard to tell if they will stretch all the way
across the tail, or if they'll be confined to the outer
flanks.
|