Acura NSX Roadster prop from Avengers movie

Acura NSX Roadster prop from Avengers movie

After having already been spotted on the set of the upcoming movie The Avengers during filming last year, Acura has finally decided to unveil its new NSX Roadster that will be used by the character Tony Stark (a.k.a. Iron Man), played by actor Robert Downey Jr.

Acura says the car was created specifically for the film, though its resemblance to the hard-top NSX Concept is unmistakable, right down to its beak-like grille.

Acura will possibly use its appearance in the movie to gauge interest in the car and determine whether to build a production version.

Along with the reveal of the new NSX Roadster, Acura also formally announced its participation in the latest movie as the official vehicle of the fictional government agency S.H.I.E.L.D., a role it first played in last year’s Thor.

To coincide with the announcement, the automaker used this week’s 2012 New York Auto Show to present a S.H.I.E.L.D.-enhanced MDX. A ZDX and TL are also expected to appear on screen.

The Avengers opens in cinemas nationwide on May 4, though more than 130 Acura dealers will be hosting pre-release screenings before that date.

S.H.I.E.L.D.-enhanced Acura MDX from the Avengers movie

S.H.I.E.L.D.-enhanced Acura MDX from the Avengers movie

If built, the Acura NSX Roadster will almost certainly be powered by the same Acura Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system as the hard-top. The new system, a detuned version of which will debut in the 2013 Acura RLX next year, features a gasoline V-6, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and three electric motors.

In the NSX, two of the electric motors run independently of the V-6 engine and are used to power the front axle. The third electric motor is matched with the V-6 and dual-clutch transmission, all of which drive the rear axle.

The setup allows multiple driving modes, including electric- or gas-only modes, plus a hybrid mode calling on both electric and gas power and offering all-wheel drive capability. The sophisticated setup utilizes a bilateral torque control system to instantly generate negative or positive torque to the rear wheels during cornering, providing what Acura calls an “on-the-rails-cornering” experience.

The new Acura NSX supercar, which is being developed primarily in the U.S., is due in showrooms in about three years. The NSX Roadster could potentially launch shortly after.

Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept