NSX 2.0 Design Study and Comparison with First Gen and EmergE - PIC HEAVY

Well, I must admit I was intrigued with the new design after the initial release of the NSX 2.0 Concept back in January. I will refer to it as the N2X for short from now on. Many have complained about the front beak, but my initial reactions were that the front end is not that bad and quite unique. I think people have been thrown off by the bland silver coating and flashy environment. So I decided to 3D model the new NSX concept and then the Emerg-E concept too. I have been tweaking away on and off for the last month or two. Just scroll to the bottom for pics if you don't care to read. Here are some conclusions I have drawn:

• The N2X's motif is the flying buttress shape very much like the first gen's motif is the curved trapezoid. The new element's shape is just sharper and buffer. This new concept is definitely an evolution of the first gen and not so much a revolution like some other concepts.
  
• The trend for short and tight rear ends is holding back the N2X's design and deviates it from the first gen. This gives it a really bulky looking side profile whereas the old design is balanced with the same length front and rear end. Check the pics at the bottom and you shall see.
  
• The rear end by side profile for the N2X needs to be elongated for it to look even sleeker, more balanced and have better cargo space! This is a MUST for the production version! I imagine it would aid safety concerns also :tongue:
  
• Also, this short rear-end trend is why the N2X has been compared the R8 by stance, but in actuality, the two are nothing alike by dimensions. The N2X is very close to the original's size, just wider and buffer. The R8 is much more bloated and taller than the two; very much like comparing the 90s Supra or 350Z to the 300ZX.
  
• The front end is actually very exotic looking with it being wider than the first gen and its low stance compared to current modern offerings.
  
• The front beak is reminiscent of Mazda by the outline shape, but this Honda iteration is much more refined and sculpted. The comparisons to the Mazda 3 front end is silly and not in the same league. I think the previous failed attempts on other Acura models have left a bad taste in some people's mouths and that is why they are bashing it.
  
• The Emerge was much easier for me to 3D model than the N2X. This can say that the N2X design is very complex and sophisticated or the Emerge is very elegant and more simplistic in detail. Regardless, the Emerge appears to be production ready, whereas the N2X is not, but the N2X design is very well done.
  
• I like both the N2X and Emerge designs, as they are two different takes on similar categories. It's hard to say which one looks better, it would have to be the powertrain offerings that does it for me. The Emerge is a bit larger in all areas, so I could see why it going to weigh so much.
  
• I was worried about rear visibility with the flying buttresses emulating typical hatchback viewing limitations. It actually is not that bad, but it could better if, again, they adjusted the rear end some more for the production model. Perhaps thinning, with some offsetting or lowering of the arches would make it much fitter and slimmer.
  
• After putting the N2X next to the first gen, I would have to say that I finally decided personally that overall, the N2X is the better looking car. The side profile rear is the only lacking area and they can be improved if they shape the production model right. The ONLY area that should be getting larger(or longer actually) should be the rear end.

I have been finished with both models for a while, but I have been trying to get it as accurate as possible from all of the online reference pics or the lack thereof. Then there was the fun of setting up the scenes and rendering them all. Here are some quick renders for context:

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/N2XHDRI0023.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/N2XHDRI0023.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/N2XHDRI0035.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/N2XHDRI0035.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/N2XHDRI0054.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/N2XHDRI0054.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/N2XHDRI0083.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/N2XHDRI0083.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/N2XHDRI0105.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/N2XHDRI0105.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

So Infiniti dropped their mid-engine electric concept. I was even more intrigued at the similarities between the two concepts. It is very exciting to see a new class or category of sports car arise. So back to the lab again to make the Emerg-E. I did take some liberties on this model like adding mirrors and such. Also there are not as many reference photos, but I feel that I have an accurate representation, atleast by overall dimensions and proportions. Here are some side-by-side comparisons:

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinStudio0045.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinStudio0045.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinStudio0015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinStudio0015.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinStudio0110.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinStudio0110.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinStudio0020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinStudio0020.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/Road0000.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/Road0000.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

And finally, the previous gen comparison to help settle some disputes or perhaps enrage them further (Also, for the first pic, imagine if the top black part of the N2X's arch was erased or lowered to dramatically change the overall profile):

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinSnakes0045.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinSnakes0045.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinSnakes0022.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinSnakes0022.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinSnakes0110.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinSnakes0110.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/Road0061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/Road0061.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TriRoad0030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TriRoad0030.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

As you can see, the 20+ year old NSX design is finally getting a worthy successor. If Honda tweaks the concept right, they could have another hit on their hands by sticking close to the original. I look forward to perhaps picking up a used one some day, because I know I can't afford it new :wink:

You can view the rest of the gallery at:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/

Fantastic work N Spec!
I am always impressed with your renderings.
It is awesome to see the other cars side-by-side with the N2X.

I can't even imagine how many hours it takes for you to do this.

Thanks for sharing.

Wow, this is amazing! You've obviously poured in a ton of hours into the models. Excellent work, and the renderings are really helpful...

indeed that is very helpful/instructive as to the new design direction.

I guess with me(and this is all personal) it had more visual keys to link it back to its predecessor. I don't know something like the fixed spoiler, or more NSX looking vents. The more I look at the car the more its grows on me. I personally don't care for the "beak" looking front end still. When I first saw the 02 NSXs I didn't care for the bug lights, but some time around when I saw concept pictures for the NA2 NSX-R those grew on me.

Amazing work there N Spec. I agree the NSX concept does look better than the Infiniti Concept. This picture of yours below really just show how much better the NSX concept looks. Edit: I have no idea why the image turned so big...

Amazing work!! Well done.

Thanks for the comments. The biggest thing about the new concept is that it it in fact essentially the same size as the original NSX. It threw me off at first too when looking at all of the photos online, until I reviewed many of them by various photographers and the dimensions were released. The Acura photos were poorly shot and the Honda shots are way better - showing off the lines with less distracting reflections and better angles were used.

The N2X just looks fatter because of the rear end treatment that also makes you think R8 or 350Z (pretty much any modern sports car ). How a shorter/tighter rear end is safer really eludes me?

Nukem said:

I guess with me(and this is all personal) it had more visual keys to link it back to its predecessor. I don't know something like the fixed spoiler, or more NSX looking vents.

Click to expand...

There are many nods to the original. It has the same overall shape - very noticeable in the front, then the wrap around rear glass, but the N2X has buttresses covering them, thus mimicking the hatchback look and limitations. The side vents are even present but in a much more subtle flow. The fixed spoiler is present with the N2X also, but it more of a homage than a celebration. You can see the spoiler is truly integrated and flows from the body in the top view more noticeable here:

<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinStudio0080.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/Ranryul/N2X/TwinStudio0080.jpg" width="960" height="540" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

They lost the gap, which I would not miss from the original, because I never liked cleaning between the spoiler with our current cars :redface:

If the new spoiler treatment was a bit more exaggerated, like say lifted up slightly higher and elongated, then it would have the dramatic effect of the original NSX design. So in a sense stretch out the top tip of the rear spoiler, but not so much at the bottom, so it would still not require that long 1980s rear bumper which is notorious for dust buildup to achieve the long tail look.

So I do agree with you about the spoiler in the sense that the rear end of the original NSX (which shouts I am mid engine or I have a good size trunk) has been lost and it should be reintegrated to this proposed evolution instead of following current modern trends of tight, stubbly butts. Let's bring back that long ass :wink:

Midnight_Raven: It's because the pics are all 1080p resolution, but I posted them with a resize code at 540p for ease of viewing.

Thank you N Spec that was a comprehensive graphic study. It's much appreciated. 21 years old and the NSX is aging very well.

Wow, impressive work. You are a talented artist!

Having sat in an Audi R8 recently, the front end of the N2X reminds me of it somewhat...which isn't a bad thing, except I didn't care for the poor visibility (compared to the original NSX). With the new NSX, I hope Honda can achieve the same "sitting on pavement" go-kart feeling that the old NSX has.

Very impressive work!
BTW...I'll take this version....:biggrin:

One of the comments in the other thread comparing the N2X to the Emerg-e is that the greenhouse on the N2X is much larger from the side .. and I really don't see that in these comparison shots .. they look very much the same for side glass area. So, assuming you've extrapolated the dimensions correctly from the pictures, it must have been some kind of optical illusion. The Emerg-e does also seem to be quite a bit narrower in width in the cockpit and as it sweeps to the rear.

Very impressive work. I like the NSX over the infinity, especially based on your renderings. The beak seems more subtle, could be the coloring and the wheels are SOOOO much better than the concept wheels. Nice to see it in other colors too...I'll take mine in red thank you!

Wow! I love this thread!!

NSX2398 said:

One of the comments in the other thread comparing the N2X to the Emerg-e is that the greenhouse on the N2X is much larger from the side .. and I really don't see that in these comparison shots .. they look very much the same for side glass area. So, assuming you've extrapolated the dimensions correctly from the pictures, it must have been some kind of optical illusion. The Emerg-e does also seem to be quite a bit narrower in width in the cockpit and as it sweeps to the rear.

Click to expand...

I can confirm the cockpit for the Emerg-E is smaller/narrower than that of the N2X, but the Emerg-E has larger overall dimensions. The N2X's seating also appears to sit low like our current NSX compared to the Emerg-E. This is based on how much lower the greenhouse/glass panels reach compared to the Emerg-E.

N Spec said:

I can confirm the cockpit for the Emerg-E is smaller/narrower than that of the N2X, but the Emerg-E has larger overall dimensions. The N2X's seating also appears to sit low like our current NSX compared to the Emerg-E. This is based on how much lower the greenhouse/glass panels reach compared to the Emerg-E.

Click to expand...

I was probably not as clear as I could have been. I think the comment was about the height of the driver's door window compared to the the height of the beltline. Now it might be that the window height is the same for both the N2X and Emerg-E and the Emerg-E has a thicker side profile. But if you look at the side shots in this post (http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1538173&postcount=1), they just don't seem to have the same "glass to door vertical proportions".

NSX2398 said:

I was probably not as clear as I could have been. I think the comment was about the height of the driver's door window compared to the the height of the beltline. Now it might be that the window height is the same for both the N2X and Emerg-E and the Emerg-E has a thicker side profile. But if you look at the side shots in this post (http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1538173&postcount=1), they just don't seem to have the same "glass to door vertical proportions".

Click to expand...

I think your eyes may be playing tricks on you. The perspective used in the studio photos for the Emerg-E can distort things as can the perspective in my renders too.

I can assure you that both cars are highly accurate in proportions. It would be the very fine details where I may have missed something. Here is each side profile singled out and laid on top of each other:



You can see that the glass to body ratio much better.

Does the Infinity have a longer wheelbase than the NSX? Your graphic seems to imply that.

Tremendous effort as usual NSPEC, with great results. Hats off to you, let's hope Honda at least fixes the ugly outta their new car considering it's the wrong formula for an NSX. I can start to see some potential there through your renderings.

Thank you for the design study - I heard about it on FChat. BTW, I am very curious about the wheels on the original NSX shown in the comparisons above. Are they made up or based on a real forged 5-spoke wheel for the NSX? They look great!

I'm in love with both designs, thanks for the effort in putting both together

Dude youve definitely got some skills!
This just reinforces what ive been saying all along.........the new NSX is better looking than that Infiniti by a long shot!

N Spec said:

I think your eyes may be playing tricks on you.

Click to expand...

N Spec, that side comparison is an amazing piece of work!! And, if you look at it closely, I think it confirms my assertion that the ratio of "window height-to-door height" is different. The side glass heights are about the same in both but the Emerg-E is slightly taller as is the beltline (distance from the ground to bottom of the door glass) ...so therefore the ratio is different. But your sketches have obviously taken that into account and therefore, in the other perspective shots, my eyes must "be playing tricks on me" as you say.
You really do have a gift with this stuff. We're not worthy.

M Baker said:

Thank you for the design study - I heard about it on FChat. BTW, I am very curious about the wheels on the original NSX shown in the comparisons above. Are they made up or based on a real forged 5-spoke wheel for the NSX? They look great!

Click to expand...

They are of my own design with some inspiration from other models.

sadlerau said:

Does the Infinity have a longer wheelbase than the NSX? Your graphic seems to imply that.

Click to expand...

It does have a longer wheelbase by a few inches. It is larger than the N2X in pretty much all overall dimensions.

Holy crap, I didn't realize I exceeded my bandwidth. It should be fixed now :redface: