Detroit Auto Show: Acura confirms production NSX supercar

Acura’s NSX is coming.

Not the concept, not the prototype, not the pre-concept roadster that was in “Avengers.” After years of teasing and speculation that the car would never reach production, Honda’s luxury arm has confirmed the real, live production model will debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show in January.

“The next-generation NSX will deliver a ‘new sports experience’ true to its heritage and to the supercar concept that originally gave rise to the name NSX,” Mike Accavitti, Acura’s general manager, said in a statement.

This is the second generation of Acura’s NSX model; its rear-wheel-drive predecessor was sold from 1990 to 2005. That model was renowned for its sublime handling -- courtesy of a lightweight aluminum body -- and a smooth-revving 270-horsepower V-6 engine.

The 2016 version of the NSX will still have a mid-mounted V-6, though it will now be an all-wheel-drive hybrid. A twin-turbocharged V-6 will be nestled behind the two-seat cockpit and will power the rear wheels. It will be paired with two electric motors, one mounted near each of the front wheels.

Specific power figures haven’t been announced, but the car is expected to clock in around 500 horsepower. Pricing, too, remains unknown, though it will compete with cars in the $120,000-$180,000 range including Porsche’s 911, Audi’s R8, Mercedes-AMG’s GT S and the Aston Martin Vantage.

It will begin selling later in 2015. It was designed primarily in Acura’s Torrance design studio and will be built in Ohio.

The NSX will officially debut on Monday, Jan. 12 in Detroit.