Acura plans compact sports car to sit below NSX
Acura is reportedly developing a smaller, four-cylinder sports car with SH-AWD, aiming to bring NSX-inspired performance to a lower price bracket within the next few years.
Acura is preparing to expand its sports car line-up with a smaller model positioned beneath the NSX, according to reports from Motor Trend in late 2012. The project, said to be internally named the "Small NSX," is expected to feature a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), bringing the brand's hybrid supercar technology to a broader market.
Acura's Plan for a Smaller NSX-Inspired Sports Car
Engine and Drivetrain Details
The compact sports car is understood to be powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. This marks a clear departure from the NSX’s hybrid V6 layout, instead focusing on a lighter, more accessible package. SH-AWD, Acura’s advanced all-wheel drive system, is expected to be standard, aiming to deliver the same kind of agile handling that has defined the NSX’s reputation, albeit at a lower price point and with less outright power.
While the NSX is known for its hybrid powertrain and high performance, the "Small NSX" is set to offer a more conventional petrol engine. This shift could make the new model appealing to drivers who want the handling and design cues of the NSX but prefer a simpler, lighter setup. The expected use of SH-AWD suggests that Acura intends to retain the dynamic driving experience that has been a hallmark of the NSX, even if the new car will not match its power output.
Positioning and Pricing
Sources indicate the new model is likely to be priced between $50,000 and $60,000, placing it well below the NSX. This would pit it against established sports coupés from brands such as Porsche and BMW, but with Acura’s focus on all-wheel drive and advanced chassis technology as differentiators. The car is expected to launch in 2016 or 2017 if development proceeds as planned. Acura is reportedly keeping the project under wraps, with no official comment or confirmation of specifications as of late 2012.
By targeting a lower price bracket, Acura aims to broaden its appeal to buyers who may be interested in performance cars but are not prepared to pay the premium for a flagship supercar. This approach could help Acura compete in a segment where value, performance, and technology are all important for consumers.
Comparison with the NSX
The current Acura NSX, which was set to debut in 2013, is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a hybrid system. This setup delivers power to one axle via the petrol engine, while electric motors drive the other axle, creating a four-wheel drive system with a total output of around 400 horsepower. In contrast, the "Small NSX" is expected to focus on a single 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, without the hybrid elements that add complexity and cost to the flagship model.
By offering a lighter, turbocharged four-cylinder alternative with SH-AWD, Acura aims to attract buyers looking for high-performance technology in a more affordable and practical package. The company’s focus on advanced drivetrain systems and handling technology is likely to be a key selling point if the project moves ahead.
Project Secrecy and Future Prospects
Acura has not made any official announcement regarding the car, and details remain unconfirmed by the company. The project is reportedly being kept under wraps, with no public comment on the car’s development or intended specifications. However, the reported specifications suggest a model designed to appeal to drivers seeking NSX-inspired dynamics without the six-figure price tag or hybrid complexity.
If Acura moves forward with production, the "Small NSX" could play a significant role in expanding the brand’s sports car portfolio. It would also give Acura a competitor in the mid-range sports coupé market, where buyers are looking for a balance of performance, technology, and price. The market launch, if it happens, is expected to be in 2016 or 2017.
Background: The NSX Legacy
The original NSX established Acura (and Honda) as a serious player in the world of high-performance sports cars. With its innovative use of lightweight materials, mid-engine layout, and advanced technology, the NSX set a benchmark for Japanese performance cars. The introduction of a smaller, more accessible sports car would build on this legacy, making the NSX philosophy available to a wider range of enthusiasts.
The NSX’s reputation for handling, reliability, and technological advancement has helped it maintain a strong following among enthusiasts. The "Small NSX" project, if realised, could extend this appeal to a new generation of drivers, particularly those interested in advanced all-wheel drive systems and turbocharged engines.
