Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

A conversation with Ted Klaus, chief engineer of the new Acura NSX

Last week, Autoblog sat down with Ted Klaus, chief engineer of the upcoming Acura NSX flagship, at the corporate headquarters of American Honda in Southern California. The roundtable discussion with a few other members of the media was very casual. However, since the hybrid supercar isn't due in showrooms for another couple years and most of the engineering program is still shrouded in secrecy, the bulk of our detailed questions about powertrain and performance were mildly deflected. Nevertheless, it was nice to probe the mind of the man holding the weight of the project on his shoulders – the NSX is immensely important to Honda, and it's Klaus' role to steer the program to fruition.

As revealed earlier today, the all-new second-generation NSX will be built at a new Performance Manufacturing Center located in the midst of Honda's existing R&D and production engineering operations near Marysville, Ohio. Acura expects the U.S. to be the largest market for the NSX, and the company takes great pride in its North American operation, so it was both logical and complementary that the Japanese automaker chose Ohio to be the sole world supplier for the upcoming second-generation Acura/Honda NSX. When asked about the program dates, Klaus maintained that the program was moving forward on schedule, and that its estimated arrival was set for 2015 – the original goal. Like many halo models, the made-in-USA NSX will pioneer innovative building technology for Acura and Honda alike. Klaus wouldn't discuss specific building materials, but the monocoque chassis will be assembled with several "world firsts" when it comes to construction techniques and materials. Remember, it was the first-generation NSX, introduced at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, which debuted with lightweight aluminum body panels, titanium connecting rods and forged wheels.


We know that the next-generation NSX will feature a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain built around a mid-mounted V6 mated to Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive). The three-motor hybrid system puts one motor at each of the front wheels, and a third integrated with the combustion engine, to provide instant power delivery and torque vectoring all-wheel drive. The standard transmission will be a dual-clutch automated gearbox.

When questioned if the NSX would be forced induction or naturally aspirated, Klaus was unable to discuss specifics. Someone asked if the NSX will use Acura's new P-AWS (Precision All-Wheel Steer) system, but that answer was also brushed aside, too, noting only that the upcoming model has access to all of the automaker's innovative technology. Klaus revealed that running test mules exist, but don't look for them on Nürburgring. That famed German circuit will be used later, for fine tuning, he added. The engineers have benchmarked a handful of competitors, including the Ferrari 458, McLaren MP4-12C, Audi R8 GT, Chevrolet Corvette and the Porsche 911. Even after production starts, the new NSX will be continuously refined on the track where it will compete in the ALMS GT class going head-to-head against race variants of the Corvette, SRT Viper, 911, Aston Martin Vantage, BMW Z4 and 458 Italia.

When asked about the driving attributes of the upcoming NSX, Klaus said it was a goal to use all of the positive attributes of a hybrid - efficient packaging, low center of gravity and centrally mounted power source - to ensure "the mass is kept close to the driver." The electric motors will supplement the combustion engine to provide visceral excitement. "It is all about acceleration, turning and stopping... to put a smile on the driver's face," added Klaus with a grin.

If you've shopped for an Acura recently, you'll note that they don't traditionally offer their clientele a list of stand-alone options. Instead, the automaker chooses to bundle equipment into trim levels. The new NSX should follow the same pattern, but Klaus said customers may open their wallets for bespoke upgrades and appointments. As expected, Klaus was unable to give us pricing. However, he dropped more than a few hints when he stated that the upcoming NSX will offer "the value of a Ferrari" but with amazing affordability "within the range of a Porsche 911." That's a big spread.

Lastly, we spoke about volume. Honda/Acura sold a total of 18,685 first-generation NSX models
during its eight years of production (interesting fact: the most popular color, with over 5,000 units sold, was Formula Red over Black leather), with its highest volume sold in its launch year. The automaker isn't speculating about the second-generation model, but the engineer promises "supply-minus-one verses demand." In terms of exclusivity? "The car will be rare," Klaus grinned.

It isn't easy "reincarnating a legend," Klaus admitted, but his team is determined to make the all-new NSX a flagship exotic every bit as impressive as its predecessor - a sports car still celebrated more than a decade after its production ended. "If your intentions aren't to build a halo project... stop now."

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/a...aus-interview/

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Thanks Hoovey.

This was also discussed over on nsxprime.

And here's the twitter for asking question to the lead engineer, Ted Klaus:



And a copy/paste from the Moderator:

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 31m Just like #AcuraNSX redefined sports car values for the 90's, our intention is to create a new driving experience for next generation. ^TKE

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 41m We have 5 min left with #AcuraNSX LPL Ted Klaus...thx for all the ?'s Answering as many questions as he can.

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 49m Thx 4 ur ? Abhinav - The #AcuraNSX brake system will combine powerful convention brakes plus leverage the Sport Hybrid Motors. ^TK

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 50m ? from FB: Abhinav G. asked us about the regenerative Braking Capability with the 3 motor hybrid system. #AcuraNSX

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 56m Thx Josh - We understand it is important 4 high end sports car buyers 2 personalize their cars. ^TK #AcuraNSX

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 59m ? from FB: Josh N asked "can we design our new #AcuraNSX online then buy @ the local dealer or do u decide what my Supercar options will be"

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 1h ? from FB: Josh M asked us about horsepower of the #AcuraNSX -

Efficient Power/Weight is what NSX is all about. Don't worry! ^TK

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 1h Love the questions about technology. Key is in how #AcuraNSX responds to the driver's will. ^TK

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 1h Thx 4 ur ? Aizuku – No backlash… like an F1 team w/ 2 cars, both cars want to win for the team. ^TK #AcuraNSX

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 1h ? from FB: Aizuku K asked "How much of it was designed
in America versus in other global Honda design studios?" #AcuraNSX

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 1h .@dshenouda We’re focused on creating a new sports car experience with Sport Hybrid SH-AWD. ^TK #AcuraNSX

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 1h .@JonGrace Power/Weight ratio is fundamental to deliver on our promise of supercar performance. #AcuraNSX ^TK

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 1h .@Iraleventhal Yes, the 1st thing the R&D team did was meet Mr. Uehara & other members of original NSX team. ^TK #AcuraNSX

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 1h .@ChrisBruce1985 The #AcuraNSX is bench marked against 458 Italia, R8 GT, 911, and MP4-12C. ^TK

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 1h Ted oversees strategic planning, targets & execution 4 the entire #AcuraNSX project. Previously he worked on the CL, TL and MDX. Welcome!

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 1h Welcome 2 our live chat w/ #AcuraNSX LPL Ted Klaus. He'll be answering ur burning NSX ?. Tweet ur ?s w/ #AcuraNSX

Acura Insider ‏@Acura_Insider 1h Acura NSX Production Site Selected in Ohio http://cot.ag/15JQKWt #AcuraNSX

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

They're doing it wrong. You do not benchmark 5 year old cars and release your product years later.

The only thing that's remotely interesting are the "worlds firsts", whatever they may be. I'm all for new material technology.