Acura NSX returns at Detroit auto show

The Acura NSX took on an aura of immortality the moment it died in 2005. Its legend only grew when a potential replacement was killed in 2008 amid the global financial crisis, dashing the hopes of enthusiasts everywhere. Finally, the return of the NSX was confirmed last year, and it will become production reality sometime in the next three years.
The Detroit auto show marks the coming-out party for the NSX, which was revealed in concept form with a number of many true-to-life features—some of which stand in stark contrast its forerunner. Namely, the concept is all-wheel drive, unlike the iconic rear-wheel original. This employs Acura's latest technology, using a two-motor electric-drive unit that can vary torque to the front wheels during cornering. There's also a dual-clutch transmission with a built-in electric motor that's said to aid acceleration.
Intriguingly, the next-generation NSX will be developed by Honda's research arm in the United States and assembled in Ohio at a site to be announced.
What's familiar? The V6 is mid-mounted, and the styling is a vaguely reminiscent of the original. The new car also will place emphasis on the power-to-weight ratio rather than brute power. The first NSX was a standard-bearer for performance and a marvel by many engineering measures. We'll see whether the next one can live up to that.