Spycam: Acura NSX

This prototype of what is believed to be the next Acura NSX that was recently captured prowling German city streets near the famous Nurburgring. Originally expected to debut at last fall's Tokyo Motor Show, the long-awaited second-generation of Honda's supercar was delayed, possibly due to the less-than-stellar reception the Advanced Sports Car Concept -- reportedly the initial next-gen NSX blueprint -- received at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.

This prototype retains most of the concept's proportions, albeit with a taller, more production-realistic greenhouse and quarter-panels. Although most of the front end is covered up, it's easy to see the large grille and twin cooling ducts in the front fascia. The concept's twin-stacked exhausts remain.

The slight fold running down the side of the concept appears to have been removed in favor of a more traditional flat surface. From a rear-three-quarter perspective, the NSX doesn't look too much unlike the Nissan GT-R. Overall, at least from these first photos, it appears to be a much more conservatively-styled car than the 2007 concept.

The new NSX is expected to be powered by an all-new V-10 making around 500 horsepower. Layout should be front-engine (instead of the old car's mid-engine layout), rear-biased all-wheel drive, likely featuring a re-worked version of Honda's SH-AWD system. It should also be a 2+2 rather than a dedicated two-seater like the original. There is no word on when a production debut is to be expected, but with prototypes now running around, it shouldn't be too far off. The 2009 Tokyo show would be a good bet to see some sort pre-production version.

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