When we look back at the cars shown at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, I'd argue the one that shall stand out as the most ultimately important to its segment, its manufacturer and the car scene in total will be the Ford Fusion. Unless it drives like crap (which seems very unlikely), this is the car we're going to be talking about for the next year.
At the moment, however, the biggest car at this year's Detroit show was without question the Acura NSX Concept. It was what everyone was talking about there and on the Internet as well. Our NSX Concept video on YouTube already has 500,000 views, which makes it already the most view auto show video we've ever done. People love the old NSX (you guys begged us to get one), they love the idea of a new NSX, and apparently they love what Honda came up with for its concept.
However, what does this new NSX need to do to match the success of the first and more importantly, learn from its missteps?
First of all, the new NSX needs to be a catalyst for engineering advancement throughout Honda and Acura. The 1991 NSX was the first production car to feature all-aluminum construction, titanium connecting rods and even electric power steering (on the automatic model). It was also the first U.S. production car to feature VTEC. It was a halo car that represented the world-leading capabilities that Honda was capable of back in the day. It was a Ferrari fighter from the people who brought you the Civic. Frankly, Honda has been lacking anything close to that unless you count the FCX Clarity or something.
Second, the new NSX needs to chisel a niche for itself amongst high-end sports cars. The 1991 NSX was noteworthy because it uniquely put a priority on comfort, usability and reliability as much for its performance and engineering attributes listed above. This is a priority we can attest to on a daily basis -- I never took our long-term Ferrari, I never take our long-term Porsche, I routinely take the NSX. In other words, the NSX needs to move the ball forward beyond what the Nissan GT-R, Audi R8 and others have achieved in recent years.
Third, the new NSX needs to match the original's success in its early years. In 1991, Acura sold 3,163 NSXs in the United States. That seems pretty puny compared to normal cars, but consider the first-year numbers for the GT-R and R8, which I consider to be the modern, spiritual heirs to the NSX (technological advancement, afordability, livability). Nissan sold 1,730 Godzillas back in 2008, while Audi moved only 900 in the R8's first full year.
However, here's where the "learning from past missteps" comes in. In the NSX's second year on the market, that sales number was slashed to 1,271. Year 3, it was 598; year 4 513 and by 1997 it was down to 338. It went down even more after that.
Compare that trend to the GT-R and R8, which have remained fairly consistent. The reason? Well, I theorize it differs for both, but each represents means of hanging onto sports car buyers.
The R8 benefits from more than just its capabilities as a driving machine. There is a desirability of the Audi name, the R8's awareness outside car guy circles thanks to Iron Man and other placements, and the freshness of styling that still catches eyes years on. The R8 could drive like a TT, but owning one would still make you cool. Frankly, our Acura NSX never enjoyed this type of longevity, and I can't fathom the new version could as well. It would initially (just as the original did), but once it's no longer the hot new thing, everyone would move on. It would just be another Acura to most people, correct and/or snobbish as it seems.
The GT-R's continued success is more attainable. Its sales dropped after initial demand was satisfied just like the NSX did; however, Nissan chose to update the GT-R for 2012. This (I contend) led to sales rising almost to launch levels in 2011. We'll see if further improvements for 2013 create a similar continuation of success, but the value of keeping the ball rolling is important. People buy GT-R's because they are incredible to drive and for the cache of engineering superiority appreciated by the owner and car guys "in the know." None of the R8's pop and fashion appeal could ever appeal to something as ugly as the GT-R badged as a humble Nissan. Instead, continued innovation must drive success. After the NSX was introduced, its innovation pretty much ended -- unless you count a six-speed gearbox, standard EPS and exposed headlights as innovation.
Really, the Acura NSX Mark II can draw from both cars. As we saw at Detroit, it definitely has the styling to stay desirable from an aesthetic stand point. Unlike the GT-R, people who aren't badge snobs will still drool over the prospect of being seen in it. Yet, Honda must make running improvements just as Nissan did to the GT-R in order to make it continually relevant to the marketplace and car guys like you and me. They need people to say "I like my 2015 NSX, but I HAVE to have the (insert fancy futuristic thingamajig) they added for 2018."
So, will we look back at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show as the beginning of a rejuvenation for Honda and Acura? Will it be, as before, the beginning of a fleeting moment of success? And finally, can the new NSX really live up to its predecessor and the lofty expectations thousands of car fans have for it and what it could mean for a car company that many see as losing their way?
I don't know, but it'll take longer than the new NSX's three-year gestation period to find out.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor
throwback says:
12:44 PM, 01/13/12
I am impressed with what I have seen from the new NSX. IF Honda can deliver on the drivetrain, that alone would elevate the NSX. As far as I know Porsche is the only other company planning a hybrid supercar. The key for the NSX will be the driving dynamics. It doesn't have to be the fastest car around the Ring, but it has to deliver achievable performance for the average driver and unrivaled dynamics. I think it's a big deal Honda has decided to build the car here. I wish them well, after years wondering in the desert they seem to have found the path back to the (automotive) promised land.
trey_mont says:
01:01 PM, 01/13/12
Great Article Riswick . I Agree with you completly . Acura failed to keep the word out there with the NSX , from its introduction, all the way to its death in 2005. I truly hope that Honda/Acura really brings all it has to the table with the NSX & all of its future cars , so that they can finally produce cars that are exciting as the ones from the mid to late 90s.
duck87 says:
01:17 PM, 01/13/12
On the second point, Honda has made this mistake many times before. The S2000 was left to die with minor (to the eye) updates, and the original NSX was allowed to go forever before it was left to die. It's a shame. This NSX does represent a different level of potential continuous improvement, however; the hybrid SH-AWD can probably benefit from serious progress over the next decade as motor and battery design and efficiency is further increased.
The bright side is that NSX 2.0 is, true to the original car, a rolling cache of technology and exemplifies the company philosophy. If they can get power and weight to R8 levels, but improve handling significantly through the electric torque vectoring, and if they can achieve a high level of efficiency, this car can be a legend the same way the original was. If Honda fails though... I personally think it could destroy the brand in general, especially as Honda is already on defensive footing. There's no doubt that they will be pouring a ton of engineering resources into making this car a success.
devnix says:
01:28 PM, 01/13/12
I would like to start out by saying what a great and insightful article this is. Thank you for reminding me why I read this blog.
Acura has the same problems as Nissan has in that they don't have that "german auto" nameplate to back their amazing cars. Audi has somehow been able to skirt the fact that they are in fact Volkswagen and brand themselves as a true "luxury" brand. One thing that comes to mind is that Acura doesn't have any real performance cars, and that this halo car doesn't have any place for its technology to trickle down to. Think about the Integra. This was an enthusiast car that people could associate with and it helped raise Acura's awareness as a performance-oriented brand. This, in turn, helped the sales of the NSX, and technologies from the NSX helped sales of the Integra. The company was entirely aligned to making a driver-focused lineup of cars. I am unsure that a new NSX will solve all of Acura's problems.
jukiemcjuke says:
01:34 PM, 01/13/12
"...However, what does this new NSX need to do to match the success of the first..."
1) Loose the hybrid powertrain. A performance car company can build one hybrid model and get away with it as a novelty, but if you are only building one performance car, it cannot be a hybrid or you'll reveal yourself as a poseur.
2) Actually getting built and arriving in the marketplace. We've all seen hundreds of good concepts never make it to production.
3) No understeer this time around, a Japanese badge is handicap enough, you can build the fastest car in the world and still not get any respect. Add understeer into the mix and you might as well forget about it.
4) Intentionally build too few cars to fill demand. Just because someone wants the car and has the money to buy it doesn't mean he should be able to get one. Always leave 'em wanting more.
5) Price the car for more than it's actually worth. Guys who buy supercars brag about how much they cost, not how much money they saved.
spartan_racer says:
02:00 PM, 01/13/12
Fantastic article!
SH-AWD has great potential, I'm hoping it turns out to be a AWD McLaren MP4-12C. Understeer is the name of the safety game these days, another supercar with snap oversteer will do nothing but give us more sad YouTube videos.
Hopefully it's a success, I need a used supercar to buy in a decade!!
blueguydotcom says:
02:02 PM, 01/13/12
Odds are good Honda is NOT listening.
stovt001 says:
04:24 PM, 01/13/12
I wonder how many of those video hits were people who were thinking "New NSX, gee I hope it is like a modern day NSX and not ruined by green hybrid nonsense" then went away thinking "Darn".
hondacura4 says:
05:47 PM, 01/13/12
Actually if one follows Honda history like I do you would know that this NSX Concept (mechanically) is not new as a similar concept was shown around 10 to 12 years ago. It was called the Honda Dual Note and it was AWD, mid engined (V6) and used electric motors to motivate the front wheels. One has to love Honda's forward thinking.
In regards to many here that say that there shouldn't be a "hybrid supercar", the NSX WON'T be a traditional hybrid as the hybrid system itself should go unnoticed. With all the positive press and positive driving impressions/reviews of the soon to be EarthDreams drivetrains have received, the top shelf, premium drivetrain in the NSX 2.0 should be just as or even more impressive!
With that said, Honda hasn't been asleep as many of you have stated as these new drivtrains should put Honda at the front of the pack.
wheelmccoy says:
07:08 AM, 01/14/12
Like @hondaacura4, I am all for the behind-the-scenes hybrid power train.
Supercars, by definition, push the boundaries of speed, beauty, and technology. Sure, a V-8 engine is exciting. How much more exciting would a V-10 be? V-12? We could just keep going, or try something that could be just as fast or faster, and be cleaner and fuel-efficient at the same time.
Some readers are probably afraid an NSX hybrid power train would accelerate like a Prius. What's forgotten is that electric motors have instant torque right off the line.
nsx1696 says:
11:41 AM, 01/14/12
@jukiemcjuke
I disagree with almost all of your points.
1) "Loose the hybrid powertrain."
Are you kidding? The NSX as well as most "supercars" and exotics are all about new technology. If hybrid tech can be more eco-friendly and not impede but rather improve the performance of the car I'm all for it. Auto racing is trying to utilize some of the technology that the new NSX is proposing. And Porche no less is developing a car with similar technology as well. Like it or not Hybrid is the future of sports cars.
2) "Actually getting built and arriving in the marketplace."
Your pessimism is well deserved. This is the 3rd concept of the NSX from Honda.
3) "No understeer this time around."
Part of the Hybrid tech you are so against is aimed at the handling problems of the past. The original NSX suspension and handling was attributed to F-1 World Champion Arton Senna's input. The current NSX in it's stock configuration is very predictable. However, when modified with different wheels, tires and suspension the predictable handling is greatly reduced. I just hope this new technology doesn't get in the way of a fun driving experience.
4) "Intentionally build too few cars to fill demand."
This will all depend on Honda's philosophy this time around. The original NSX was never about making a profit but rather a statement in technology and performance for slightly less money than the standard supercar of the time. And it was to promote the Honda brand not Acura. It's production was limited to 24 hand built cars per day. (That average was never achieved.) I am still surprised that Honda continued to build them for 15 years.
5) "Price the car for more than it's actually worth. Guys who buy supercars brag about how much they cost, not how much money they saved."
Obviously you have never owned a supercar and I take particular exception to the generalization that owners of high end sports cars are so shallow. We all are attracted to a car's design, technology and performance. However, the cutting edge of that design, technology and performance costs a premium and none of the people that I know who can afford that premium ever discusses how much they paid for it. And in fact it's considered rude to ask about the how much was spent. Like you I too have my reservations about the new NSX. For me the jury's out until I see the finished product. So, in the meantime, I'll just enjoy the one I own now.
nefariousnigel says:
10:43 PM, 01/14/12
I was cracking up how the internet losers were panning the looks of this car last week right here on Edmunds. As I was reading the hater drivel, Winding Road reported how this was the only car at the Detroit Auto Show to get an ovation from the motor press when introduced. Considering what a jaded group automobile journalists are, that is an accomplishment.
The old NSX was not about replicating the status quo. The car was innovative and yet a reliable to drive daily. Its technical breakthroughs didn't break the buyer's bank (relative to Ferrari or Porsche). THIS is the legacy Honda must maintain. With the hybrid power train and its expected fuel efficiencies at a very high performance point, it seems the forward thinking legacy of the 'everyman sports car' will be revived.
One thing the author completely misses is the stagnating Japanese economy contributed to the failure of innovation due to instability and a failure of money. All the great Japanese sports cars of the mid-to-late 1980's died a slow death as the Japanese recession brought a sort of chaos that shook Japan to its industrial core. The sports/supercar market today is far more global. Nevertheless, we all would agree that Honda must continue evolutionary improvements to the NSX to keep it competitive.
bodyblue says:
05:43 AM, 01/16/12
"died a slow death as the Japanese recession brought a sort of chaos that shook Japan to its industrial core."
Very impressive analysis ......and very true. Many "car guys" are not interested or aware of the many factors in producing cars. All they do is scream "if they would make so and so it would sell" when in reality it would not. Remember back then everybody was saying that in 20 years Japan would surpass the US as the world top economy? Well that did not happen and the same thing is being said about China. I dont think that will happen either.
spartan_racer says:
08:06 AM, 01/16/12
Saw it in person yesterday.... first car to trigger a near emotional response since seeing my first R8. Pictures aren't able to convey how arresting the design really is.
jacton says:
07:57 AM, 01/17/12
I think its kind of ironic that you compared the old NSX to the R8. IMO the new NSX looks to be heavily influenced by the Audi R8. I do however, like the NSX concept a whole bunch.