Acura NSX Delayed Until 2016 Due to Engine Swap

2017 Acura NSX (Credit: Honda)

There are folks everywhere clamoring to get their hands on the resurrected NSX, myself included. Unfortunately, it appears as if we will all have to wait just a bit longer, as Honda has pushed production of its halo car back to the spring of 2016, making it a 2017 model year. Previously, Honda had the NSX slated for a late-2015 launch as a 2016 model year vehicle.

While the press release that included the new estimated release date didn’t mention why the delay happened, there are plenty of rumors floating around. The one with the most validity is that Honda decided to change the engine midway through development. With this change came two turbos, but it forced Honda to fully redesign the engine to make it fit.

Instead of sitting transversally, as Honda initially intended it, Honda had to flip the 3.5-liter V-6 into a longitudinal position. While this may seem like a pretty easy change on the surface, it actually required a bespoke engine, according to Automobile Magazine. I am pretty certain that Honda had to also tweak the chassis and body slightly to make everything fit nicely behind the seats.

While this delay is a little disheartening, it isn’t the end of the world by a long shot. We’ll just have to deal with a little more teasing by Acura. Besides, I am willing to lay a few bucks on the table that most buyers will forget about the delay after about five minutes behind the wheel of this 500ish-horsepower Japanese supercar.

Keep it locked here for additional details on the now-2017 NSX. We’ll continue to bring you all of the latest as it becomes available.