The automotive media roared in applause today at COBO Center as Honda CEO Takanobu Ito unveiled the new Acura NSX concept. The rebirth of the NSX brings a type of excitement that hasn’t been felt in recent years by Honda and Acura enthusiasts.

Automotive journalists, reporters and photographers crammed the Acura floor to get the first glimpse of a trio of new Acura models. After an introduction by Vice President and General Manager Jeff Conrad, taking turns on stage to present the three vehicles were Assistant Vice President of Product Planning Vicki Poponi, Head of the Acura Design Studio Jon Ikeda, and Honda CEO Takanobu who had the honor of presenting the NSX Concept. Full press conference remarks are available for viewing at www.acuranews.com

Covered for most of the day the NSX sat centre stage, teasing its viewers with sharp edges that creased the sheets. Finally, at the climax of Acura’s presentation and to the delight of the anxious audience, the stunning mid-engine concept was revealed, with aggressive futuristic styling and sharp lines that left most in awe. It was the return of the NSX. It filled the room with emotion, and it left a good feeling for fans and all those who support Acura.

While Acura’s hybrid halo car was the definite show stopper and received most of the attention, we can’t ignore the debut of the next generation RDX prototype and the all-new ILX Concept. The upcoming RDX gains a 6-speed automatic transmission, V6 engine, and looks “grown up” with bold new exterior styling. The ILX Concept was revealed as a luxury compact sedan, with nice proportions and a sleek, “jet-like” front end. It will be offered with a 2.0-liter I4 engine, a 2.4-liter I4 engine, and a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid power train. More details should be coming in the next few months.

The RDX and ILX are scheduled to be released this year, but NSX fans will have to wait another 2-3 years to see a production model. Acura is not done with concepts quite yet though, watch for a new flagship possibly at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April.

[Source: Acura Connected]