Acura NSX concept

Acura NSX concept

Here’s what we know conclusively about the next Acura (or Honda) NSX: Honda will show something, in concept form, at the upcoming 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Aside from that, everything else is still speculation, although credible sources are throwing down some rumors in advance of next month’s show.

One such rumor comes from Auto Express, which says the car shown in Detroit will carry an Acura badge, at least for North America, and will use a previously-reported hybrid drivetrain. A 3.5-liter V-6 will power the NSX's rear wheels, while up front, a pair of in-wheel electric motors supplement both traction and horsepower.

Combined power output is reported to be in the 400-horsepower range, which will be enough to get the new NSX from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds. As with the original NSX, the focus of the car will be more about balance and handling than outright speed.

Unlike the original Acura NSX, which was available as a coupe or open-top targa, the new model will allegedly come in both coupe and roadster variants. In keeping with Honda's desire to be seen as a "green" automaker, expect the new NSX to deliver impressive fuel economy as well.

We’ll keep you up-to-date on the new Acura NSX as part of our complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show coverage.

Pictured above is the Advanced Sports Car Concept from 2007, an original design for the NSX successor that was canned along with the car just prior to the 2008 global financial crisis.