Honda NSX set to return

Acura, Honda's luxury division, is set to launch two new concepts alongside a showcar preview of the next generation US-market Accord Coupe at the NAIAS in January.

The most significant Acura vehicle set to make its global debut is the much rumored and long-awaited NSX replacement, which will be making its debut 23 years after the original appeared at the Chicago auto show.

The new NSX concept will adopt a new stance on the super car paradigm. Where the original made its name through its exquisite chassis and handling characteristics, the new car's main focal point will be its tuned hybrid drive system – built around the ‘Electric Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive' drivetrain.

The original NSX ceased production in 1995, with Honda promising a replacement in time for the car's 20th anniversary. The two-seat vehicle was to be based on the 2007 Acura Advanced Sports Car concept, but the V10-powered supercar was another to fall victim of the global economic meltdown and the project was shelved in late 2008.

The forthcoming concept is set to differ from the competition Honda HSV-010GT – the racecar spawned from the aforementioned stillborn ASCC concept – and is said to preview the next generation design language for Honda's premium brand. No official images of the car have been released as of yet, however, earlier this year a unique Acura model was spotted on the set of the latest ‘Iron Man' film, prompting speculation that this is the car set to debut in Detroit.

Other cars set to be unveiled by Acura at the show include the IDX concept (which previews a forthcoming compact sedan) and a redesigned version of the RDX crossover.

By John O'Brien