Acura brings NSX car production to US

Associated Press

MARYSVILLE, Ohio

The next generation of Acura’s top-of-the-line NSX is ready to begin full production in Ohio in late April – the first time in the car’s 27-year history that it will be made outside of Japan.

Honda Motor Co. confirmed the start of production of its new specialty car Thursday. It will make 800 per year in Ohio for global shipment.

Honda’s decision to build its top Acura specialty car in North America is a conscious decision to tap the U.S. market and distinguish itself from European competitors, such as Lamborghini, Ferrari and others, said engineering project leader Clement D’Souza.

“The new level of craftsmanship that we are promoting through this car, the technology that we are putting into this car, cascading down to the rest of our vehicles, will also help the brand image,” he said. “Overall, companywide, it’s going to be a huge boost not only to the Acura brand, but also to the Honda brand globalwide.”

The 2017 NSX starts at $156,000. It features a 3.5- liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with 573 horsepower that is hand-built in nearby Anna, Ohio. It’s an all-wheel-drive hybrid, with three electric motors that assist in acceleration and handling.