PHOTO GALLERY: More photos of the tantalizingly cool next-gen 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.

EL34 - 5/1/2007 12:19:15 AM

-3 Boost

I can tell already I'm not gonna like it.

I don't like any of the new Acura styling.

PintoRacer - 5/1/2007 12:20:13 AM

+3 Boost

I like it but they should not call it an NSX. This still looks a little like the Vette. They should keep the NSX as a MR!

TruenoAE86 - 5/1/2007 3:45:43 AM

+1 Boost

I agree. The HSC looks way better than this. Disappointed to see the front engine placement. HSC with a V10 mid-engine placement and SH-AWD would have been perfect.

aeyjay - 5/1/2007 3:01:15 AM

-1 Boost

Note to Acura: Are you even TRYING to compete with the Likes of MB, Audi, BMW and Lexus?

Step UP! You can do it!

Let's see your RWD/AWD (not sure) Advanced Sedan (RL?) FIRST and not another low-volume sports car.

kryo - 5/1/2007 7:31:27 AM

+2 Boost

When Acura showed the Advanced Sports Car Concept off at Detroit this January, the car drew a lot of wows, but insiders let it be known that the shiny showstand beauty was not for real.

Now comes word from a source familiar with the program that the Tokyo Show car won’t be for real, either and that secretly, behind the scenes, Acura has completely torn up the whole script and started over. Honda’s top management isn’t happy with either car, so we hear, so it’s back to the drawing board, again, at least in terms of how the finished car will look, although the basic proportions and front-engined V-10 package and all-wheel drive layout will stay…

weaponX - 5/1/2007 9:50:45 AM

+2 Boost

Two words --- mid-engine please!

d1sinfo - 5/1/2007 9:56:47 AM

+1 Boost

Fantastic surfaces, awesome lines. I really enjoy the brand Acura is starting to style. It is almost as though they are filling the simple, stylish, purposeful lines BMW ditched for there more flamboyant, high tension surfacing. I am not trying to compare styles, but rather trying to compare where they are going.

Alec - 5/1/2007 10:04:04 AM

+1 Boost

This concept is dead.

http://www.autospies.com/news/Report-Next-generation-Acura-NSX-to-get-23-5-mpg-14519/

I am more than exicted to see a V10 be fitted with the next gen NSX with its SH AWD system. Maybe Honda can source a V8 from their F1 cars.

Matthew1 - 5/1/2007 4:08:42 PM

+1 Boost

"Maybe Honda can source a V8 from their F1 cars."

Totally impossible and unfeasable.

mobiustech - 5/2/2007 11:28:03 AM

+1 Boost

I like the basic form. Needs work but is true to Acura's style language.

Steve - 5/3/2007 5:44:20 PM

+1 Boost

We've seen these Corvette look-alikes before. They're old news. The latest news is that Acura is backing off from this form. And that was on 'Spies recently, too.