The new Honda NSX – shown here with the US Acura badge

Hot on the heels of Ford announcing their new GT, Honda have debuted the NSX at the Detroit Motor Show. Promising the speed of a Ferrari 458 for a fraction of the price, the new NSX comes 25 years after the original model made its debut.

Produced by Honda’s luxury car divison Acura, the new Honda NSX has been built to offer the performance of a high end sportscar without the somewhat extortionate costs of most big name brands. This doesn’t mean the new car will be cheap though, just cheap in comparison. The Honda NSX is set to cost around £100,000 when it arrives on the road, if the US price of $150,000 is accurate.

Hybrid Technology

Like the new Ford GT, the Honda NSX will be fitted with a V6 engine. Unlike the Ford, the NSX will use hybrid techonologies to provide its impressive vital statistics. Combining Honda’s high performance engines with new hybrid electric-drive technology, the car has had to be increased in size from the previous generation to fit the new engine. Super Handling All-Wheel Drive gives the car one of the most advanced and intelligent powertrains on the market. Front electric motors create dynamic torque, enhancing acceleration and braking performance. A dial operated control system gives four different driving modes: Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track. To put its through its paces, the new NSX has gone through vigorous testing including around the iconic Nurburgring circuit.

Away from the engine, the new NSX body has its frame constructed from aluminium and ultra-high strength steel, as well as other advanced materials. Carbon fibre floor completes the body. World first casting technologies give the body strength whilst also reducing weight.

The interior has been designed for ease of use, with an excellent seating position providing great visibility. Simplified controls keep the focus on driving, whilst the seating has been designed for comfort.

Original NSX

The original NSX was first developed in 1984, with Honda commissioning the famous Italian designer Pininfarina to begin work on a sportscar. From the beginning, the idea was to match Ferrari for speed and power whilst costing far less. The bodywork was inspired by the design of the F-16 fighter jet, as well as other military aircraft. The first car to be built with an all-aluminium monocoque body, the Honda NSX was debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989.

Image source: wikipedia.org

Various variations of the original NSX were added across its lifetime, with a GT and convertible model all being produced. One of the most famous appearances of the NSX has been as the safety car at the Suzuka circuit in Japan, often seen leading a stream of Formula One cars during the Japanese Grand Prix.

New Honda NSX

“Our commitment was to create an all-new NSX that is true to the heritage of NSX-a supercar that delivers a new driving experience, one where every part of the vehicle is respectful of the smartest part of the car, the driver,” said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager of the Acura division. “The soul of a car is the emotional connection it makes with the driver. With the NSX, that connection will be intense and immediate.”

The new Honda NSX will be released in 2016 with prices to follow. You can watch a video of the car’s reveal at the Detroit Motor Show below.