Iron Man’s Acura NSX Roadster will be real (with a hybrid powerplant, no arc reactor)

By Nick Jaynes Published November 27, 2013

acura planning drop top nsx supercar variant 2014 convertible hd 1024x585 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

When we saw Robert Downy Jr. turn up to the Avengers movie premier in the spring of 2012 piloting an Acura NSX convertible, we were convinced it was a one-off stunt to promote Iron Man’s new supercar. Turns out, though, Acura was giving us a glimpse at a drop-top variant of its forthcoming hybrid supercar.

That’s right. Acura plans to rip the roof of the NSX, creating a roadster, spider, convertible, or drop-top version, depending on how you care to refer to it.

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Although the broader concept has been agreed upon by Acura brass, what form the NSX Roadster – that’s the one I’m going with – will actually take is still up in the air. Principal NSX Designer Jun Goto told Autocar that the Japanese automaker isn’t sure if it’ll fit a hard- or soft-top to the all-new incarnation of its iconic supercar.

While I am sure Acura’s clever enough to create a distinctive hardtop convertible, I’d really rather see a soft-top, as there’s just something timeless about a soft spider roof.

avengerspremiere-01-627x391 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Not only would the cloth roof bring a classic look to the all-new Japanese supercar, it will also bring some much-needed lightness to the hybrid-powered, all-wheel drive rocket ship.

Although the all-new NSX will be powered by a twin-turbo V6, which is aided by three electric motors, I can only assume the mass of aluminum pistons and sensors is a hefty beast indeed. Add to that curb weight some extra scaffolding to keep the topless NSX rigid in the corners, and a complicated retractable hardtop could make the thing heavy on a cosmic scale.

Regardless, looking at the images of the conceptualized NSX Roadster and I almost wishing Acura designers had planned it as an open-air convertible from the get-go. If you can’t get sunburn your bald spot in your $300,000 hybrid supercar, what’s the point?

(Main photo credit: Cardiction) (Secondary photo credit: EGMCartech)

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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