Acura Precision Concept revealed at NAIAS

Probably one of the most stunning concepts with a chance of becoming reality was the Precision Concept revealed by Acura Monday at NAIAS.  Why do I say that?  Look at the NSX concept revealed in 2012 in Detroit and compare it to the production car roaming the streets now in final testing for release this spring.  Nominal changes but the main thrust of the design language remained intact.  Thankfully so.

The Precision Concept outlines the design language for the future of the brand.  Gone is the slab sides and safe soft corners and edges with the deep vee beak of the current models.  (The latter was so controversial and devisive I think it discouraged many buyers).  This concept is sharp edges and creases forming fractal planes.  Its bejeweld LED headlamps and floating taillamps.  Nothing at all like the current line up and a very strong language for the future.  Paraphrasing that baseball movie...Build it and the buyers will come.

All pics by me.  More in my flickr album from NAIAS.

Acura Press release on the Precision Concept after the jump.  

NAIAS 2016 next week in Detroit and I'll be there

Lincoln Continental Concept at Los Angeles Auto Show

Rumors abound on what will be revealed next week at press days for NAIAS aka Detroit Auto Show.  I'll summarize here a few of what I've been able to gather from official manufacturers news and snippets from reliable sources.

Lincoln.  Production ready Continental will be revealed along with details on the cars features including Black Label top of the line trim.   Expected the twin turbo 3.0V6 generating 400 horsepower to be the talk of the town.

Buick.  Envision concept is definitely to be revealed along with a hinted at Verano replacement possibly a Buickized Opel Astra hatch.

Audi.  I love my A4, its been all but confirmed next generation A4 will be revealed here.  I'll be curious to see how far upmarket they bring it and if they will have a true "M" fighter in the mix.

Acura.  I love this underdog.  Great cars, ugly grills that keep them from  hitting the mainstream luxury market hard.  It may change with the reveal of their "precise" concept with entirely new body language for the brand.

Ford.  We get to see the redesigned 2017 Fusion. What else remains to be seen.  Pure speculation, rumor mills in the tech industry swear Ford and Google went to bed together for the autonomous car so its possible it will be confirmed here since no one has denied it publicly from either camp.  That would be the coup to swipe every ones thunder this year at NAIAS like the reveal of the GT at last years show did.  Pure speculation...so don't quote me.

Mercedes Benz.  Their deluxe mid-size E class is to be revealed during a press conference on Monday.

Honda.  I could snark but they are set to reveal their pickup truck based on their capable minivan.  Look for Ridgeline to be their big reveal.  Rumor has it they'll tease us further with a hot hatch turbo motorized Civic there as well.

Chrysler.  The minivan inventor promises to reveal their best minivan ever at this show.  Will it be good enough feature wise to take on the heavy hitters from Toyota/Honda and even Kia remains to be seen.  I really want them to succeed with this launch.

Watch my flickr album for blogging on the fly recap of NAIAS next week. All I shoot at the show will be uploaded Weds 1/13/16.   Stay tuned for more thorough write ups when I return.

Complete photos from my time at NAIAS courtesy Ford Motor Company can be found in a flickr album. 

2016 Acura NSX Revealed at NAIAS

Acura's next NSX is the halo car the division needs to put it back on the map as a technology driven luxury brand.  Will it deliver they way the original did some 20 years ago?  Likely as its got the goods and good looks to pull it off.

I saw it first at the 2012 NAIAS and was completely blown away.  3 years later its ready for production and the real deal stacks very favorably with the concept.

But don't take my word for it compare the original reveal video with the new car.

Some of the key features of the car are as follows:

• Sport hybrid technology -Twin turbocharged 3.5L V6 coupled with hybrid electric motors producing 550+ horsepower
• Twin electric motors in front provide instantaneous torque delivery and dynamic torque vectoring. These three-motors, one aft and two in front, comprise the Sport Hybrid system.
• aluminum space frame, suspension and strategically placed high strength steel and carbon fiber
• "human support cockpit" a first ever for super cars that are designed to fit the driver like a glove for ultimate driving performance
• combination of its lightweight chassis and low-mounted Sport Hybrid power unit, give the NSX the lowest center of gravity in its class. They call it the  Advanced Sports Package designed to deliver ultimate handling
• all-new 9-speed dual clutch transmission of our own design, housing an electric motor that helps directly drive the rear wheels
• Acura's Integrated Dynamics System, supports performance at the will of the driver in every driving situation. Four modes, Quiet, Sport, Sport-Plus, and Track

Yes, there were subtle changes from the original concept.  Its still a low slung beauty but it picked up bulges here and there to accept the twin turbo V6, comply with EU pedestrian impact standards, our archaic lighting system requirements.  In the end its still a marvel of modern technology and one sexy beast.  Nicely played Acura, nicely played.

The car at NAIAS was locked so you couldn't get in to take pictures and I just don't have the juice to get them to open it up for me.  I'll have to take their word for it that the seats are the ultimate in comfort and ergonomics.  The two following pics of the interior and cockpit is courtesy Acura's press kit and used with their permission.

The opening video is courtesy my friend Tyson Hugie who was able to get the reveal captured as well as a glimpse of Jerry Seinfeld.  You can follow Tyson on his YouTube channel as well as his blog documenting his over 500,000 mile Acura Legend, Drive to Five.

I have additional photos of the NSX in higher resolution as well as a host of other cars at NAIAS in my flickr album.