Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

Acura’s Advanced Sports Car Concept has finally been revealed, a car whose styling hints at the next generation NSX supercar that’s expected to be displayed at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. The Acura concept showcases a new high-tech look for exotic sports cars, and is designed to incorporate a front-mounted V10 engine with drive sent to the rear wheels. The concept is also said to feature a unique rear-wheel-drive based version of Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

According to Honda boss Takeo Fukui, “a car like this, I can tell you it will feature advanced technology matching our passion for performance." The exterior itself combines advanced material technologies with the emotion that only a sports car can conjure. The concept car is wide and low to the ground with a 108.8 inch wheelbase. Up front is a pair of 19inch rims with matching 20inch wheels at the rear. Powerful, ventilated carbon ceramic brake discs and eight-piston calipers accent the wheels.

Although modern in its appearance, the Advanced Sports Car Concept retains the subtle cues associated with its predecessor, the NSX. The concept's slim, LED headlights are pushed wide and designed to mimic the pop-up headlights found on the first generation NSX. Other styling hints include a modern take on wraparound rear taillights and the all black cockpit.



Official press release after the jump.

Acura “Advanced Sports Car Concept” Debuts at North American International Auto Show

Concept Provides a Glimpse of the Next Generation Acura Exotic Sports Car

DETROIT, January 7, 2007 – The show-stopping Acura “Advanced Sports Car Concept” made its world debut today at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The dynamically styled concept provides a preview of the design direction for the successor to the Acura NSX.

Created to take exotic sports car styling to a new level, the concept is designed to incorporate a powerful front-mounted, V-10 engine and a new high-performance, rear-wheel-drive based version of Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™).

“The Acura brand will always be a home for people who love to drive,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “As we advance toward building a car like this, I can tell you it will feature advanced technology matching our passion for performance.”

The concept’s exterior demonstrates a dynamic fusion of advanced technology and emotion. The long, pronounced hood features deeply sculpted lines and embossed air vents, both of which hint at the powerful engine beneath. The exterior lines run the length of the body, creating a ribbon-like effect from the front headlights to the rear wheel arches, evoking a feeling of movement and power.

Although modern in its appearance, the Advanced Sports Car Concept retains the subtle cues associated with its predecessor, the NSX. The concept’s slim, LED headlights are pushed wide and designed to mimic the pop-up headlights found on the first generation NSX. Other styling hints include a modern take on wraparound rear taillights and the all black cockpit.

“Our intention was to design an exotic sports car that gracefully combines advanced technology and strong emotion,” said Jon Ikeda, principal designer, Acura Design Center. “The technical, machined surfaces and keen-edge design are balanced with sweeping curves and dramatic lines, all of which results in the ultimate exotic sports car.”

Wide and low to the ground with a 108.8 inch wheelbase, the concept is anchored by grippy 19 inch front and 20 inch rear performance tires which are mounted to custom billet-machined, polished aluminum wheels. Powerful, ventilated carbon ceramic brake discs and eight-piston calipers accent the wheels. Bold wheel arches and flares add to the concept’s aggressive appearance.

The low slung cabin is constructed entirely of tinted glass and sits flush against the body. Door handles are also flush mounted, allowing the sports car to retain a clean and aerodynamic appearance. The Advanced Sports Car Concept features a carbon fiber underbody and the rear is finished with aggressive quad exhaust pipes and integrated rear diffusers, further communicating its high performance potential.

The Advanced Sports Car Concept was designed by the Acura’s Los Angeles-based design team that will be based at the new Acura Design Center, opening this summer.

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Advanced Sports Car Concept dimensions:

Width: 78.6 in

Length: 181.5 in

Height: 48.1 in

Wheelbase: 108.8 in

Tires:

Front: 255/40R19

Rear: 295/35R20