The NSX to get a well-deserved (and highly anticipated) new lease on life.

Acura’s original NSX, introduced to the (unsuspecting) public in 1991, was nothing less than revolutionary when it burst into the super sports car world. Before then, super cars (e.g. Vettes, Ferraris, even Lamborghinis) were generally terrible in terms of handling and reliability, and absolute ergonomic nightmares to boot. But then something happened.

The Acura NSX came about and pulled a (aesthetics aside) Susan Boyle on consumers and automotive critics alike. It wasn’t a super car that was merely huge on power yet mediocre on just about everything else; it was a super car that actually handled the road with near surgical precision and proved extremely reliable—not to mention, introduced technologies like electric powering steering and a four-channel anti-lock brake system. Oh, and it’s creators (rightfully) touted it as “the first all-aluminum, unibody car in the world”.

However, since 2005, when the last NSX rolled off the Suzuka R&D Plant (Suzuka, Japan) assembly line, fans have eagerly awaited the rebirth of the mid-engine, rear-drive super car. And, as of now, their wishes will become fact in 2015. That’s when Acura will release the next NSX. It’s expected to carry on the V6 legacy of the former car but will now boast a hybridized powertrain (presumably a 3.x-liter turbo with two-to-three assisting electric motors), a couple of (or more) turbos, and a seven-speed ‘wet’ twin-clutch. Honda/Acura boldly asserts that the V6 will deliver big, throaty V8 power at a sub-four-cylinder fuel economy.

It’s a pretty lofty goal in a somewhat crowded field nowadays, but Acura claims that—despite a car that’ll be loaded to the brim with state-of-the-art tech—the new NSX won’t be a practically-automated car (like the Google Prius that featured a BLIND man at the wheel is). Instead, they envision it as the ultimate driver’s car with the latest technology, combining the best of both worlds.