Honda to build all-new NSX supercar in Ohio
IT may be one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars, but Honda has announced that its all-new NSX “bullet car” will be built in the United States.
The carmaker is going to build a new Performance Manufacturing Centre in Ohio. The new plant will cost $70-million and will be constructed inside Honda’s former North American Logistics facility.
It will be Honda’s third carmaking site in Ohio.
The Performance Manufacturing Centre will employ approximately 100 highly skilled associates drawn from within Honda’s existing operations in Ohio. The powertrain will also be assembled in Ohio at Honda’s engine plant in Anna.
The all-new NSX, which will be badged as a Honda in Europe and Acura in the U.S.*, is being developed by a global R&D team led by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. located in Los Angeles, Calif., and Raymond, Ohio.
Honda also announced that Honda R&D Americas chief engineer Ted Klaus is leading the global team developing the new NSX, and , associate chief engineer at Honda of America, is leading the team that will bring NSX to mass production in 2015.
“This new plant will be as unique as the vehicle we will build here,” said D’Souza. “In creating the plan for this plant, we looked closely at each process and determined the perfect blend of associate craftsmanship and technology to adopt a new approach to manufacturing.”
The NSX will feature a unique powertrain and body structure to provide an incredible driving experience. It will be powered by a mid-mounted V-6 engine mated to Honda’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.
“We have a very clear understanding of the high customer expectations luxury buyers around the world have for a supercar, and our challenge is to exceed them and create new value for the customer,” said Klaus. “This new Performance Manufacturing Centre will be key to this challenge.”
Once selected, the team of production associates at the Performance Manufacturing Centre will begin training and establishing manufacturing processes that will be used to build the all-new NSX. The next generation NSX will be built exclusively at the all-new Performance Manufacturing Centre. In addition to being sold in North America, the NSX will be exported to customers throughout the world including Europe.
The original Honda NSX was built at the Takanezawa Plant in Japan from 1990 until production moved to the Suzuka Plant in early 2004, where it was produced until 2005. Part of the Tochigi Factory, the Takanezawa Plant was the first manufacturing facility in the world to mass-produce an all-aluminum body and balance advanced production equipment with hands-on “craftsman” processes.