DETROIT — Acura’s iconic affordable supercar, the NSX, was never the huge sales success it should have been. It drew raves from enthusiats and owners who felt the mid-engine V6 coupe could run with the world’s most expensive exotics. But sales never justified putting too much refreshing or updating into the car, and so it died a quiet peaceful death. Enter the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept (ASCC) today in Detroit.Before I show it to you, I want to emphasize that this vehicle is about more than just great styling. As we advance toward building a car like this, I can tell you it will feature advanced technology matching our passion for performance. This will include an all-new V10 engine that is Acura’s most powerful ever. This front engine vehicle will also feature a new high performance, rear wheel drive version of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.“The Acura brand will always be a home for people who love to drive,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. And the ASCC will be the foundation of a soon-to-be NSX replacement that should make for a might fast and cozy home for two. Unlike the V6-powered NSX, the ASCC has a V10 powering its rear wheels. Those rear wheels, by the way, are carrying 295/35R20 tires to ensure that engine’s power gets to the ground. The front tires are 255/40R19 so inputs from the steering wheel should be as immediate and accurate as the NSX’s ever were.This car—or one very close to it—is on its way. —Jim DunneVITAL SPECS:Width: 78.6 in.Length:181.5 in.Height:48.1 inWheelbase:108.8 inTires:255/40R19 (front), 295/35R20 (rear)Click here for complete coverage of the 2007 North American International Automobile Show in Detroit. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)
