Skip to main content

Iron Man’s Acura NSX Roadster will be real

iron mans acura nsx roadster will real hybrid powerplant arc reactor 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.

Recommended Videos

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

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)

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the automotive editor of The Manual. When Nick isn't behind the wheel on the open road, he can be found…
Discover the 8 best Max original series for every binge-watcher
Max is known for HBO shows, but these original series are just as good
The cast of Hacks Season 3

Back when Max was known as HBO Max, the Warner Bros. streamer was best known for its association to the first company in its title. HBO is the type of name that conjures images of Tony Soprano popping a cap in a rival mob boss and Tyrion Lannister delivering a monologue for the ages. When one channel has had so many great original shows it overshadows the other great content a streaming service that might also reside there.

Max has many original series made exclusively for them rather than HBO, and they deserve the same recognition. Max's original programming consists of excellent LGBTQ+ series, fascinating miniseries, top-flight medical dramas, and even this past year's winner for Outstanding Comedy Series at the Emmy Awards. These are the best Max original series you need to stream right away.

Read more
The 13 best Stephen King books to read, ranked
Need a good horror story? Here are our top picks from acclaimed author Stephen King
Stephen King book signing

We live among walking legends, from LeBron James and Steven Spielberg to Paul McCartney and Meryl Streep. I know that when I think about authors, Stephen King is right there at the top of my list. The 77-year-old from Maine has written countless classics, with a signature ability to instill fear and keep readers helplessly attached to the plot.

Dubbed the "king of horror," King is a living icon, still turning out quality material. Some of the scariest concepts that continue to creep you out — the clowns, the twins in the hallway, the buried pets — are the handy work of King. It's no wonder many join me in considering him to be one of the greatest writers of all time.

Read more
Disney CEO says that ESPN’s new streaming app will incorporate fantasy and betting
Disney is all in on ESPN as a streaming destination
ESPN Plus logo on smartphone.

The streaming landscape has been around for more than a decade, but the world of sports streaming is still emerging. In a recent earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger said that the company has a plan to win the war for sports fan's attention through ESPN.

Iger said that he wants to make ESPN available “however the consumer wants it, wherever the consumer wants it." The Disney head said that the plan to get ESPN in front of consumers involves giving them multiple ways to watch the app, whether it be as part of a cable package, on a standalone app that's set to launch later this year, or as part of streaming bundles that are being built out by Disney's rivals.

Read more