Acura Automobiles: 2017 Acura NSX Press Kit

Every custom-built Acura NSX embodies a rich history of precision craftsmanship, innovation and quality. Made with US and globally-sourced parts, the new Acura NSX has the distinction of being the only supercar designed, developed and manufactured in the United States. The new Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, is the exclusive global manufacturing facility for the all-new Acura NSX.

Like the next-generation Acura NSX, the PMC is a clean-sheet design. Combining human craftsmanship and technological innovation, the PMC utilizes new approaches to vehicle construction, paint, assembly and quality confirmation to deliver on the Acura brand DNA of Precision Crafted Performance. The PMC is optimized for low-volume production of high-performance specialty vehicles. Complementary production of the bespoke, twin-turbocharged V6 engine of the new Acura NSX is undertaken by a small group of master engine builders at Acura’s Anna, Ohio, engine plant.

Though the fundamental concepts for a New Sports eXperience remained clear and consistent throughout the development of the NSX, the technologies and means by which the RD team would realize their concept underwent a process of continual evolution. As a result, the PMC was designed around the unique, multi-material space frame and body panels of the all-new NSX.

NSX space frame construction at the Performance Manufacturing Center

“All of the innovative thinking and hard work that has gone into the creation of this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility has fulfilled our goal to build a supercar in America,” said Acura NSX Engineering Development Leader, PMC Clement D’ Souza. “The incredible passion and challenging spirit of our highly skilled associates is readily seen in the world-class quality and incredible dynamic performance of this next generation Acura NSX supercar.”

A number of advanced technologies and techniques are used in the construction of the NSX space frame, which is built entirely in-house at the PMC. All structural joints in the multi-material space frame are created with 100-percent robotic metal inert gas (MIG) welding—an automobile industry first.

Eight weld robots apply 860 MIG welds to the space frame, ensuring highly precise and repeatable welds and a highly accurate body. Aiding precision, 360‑degree-rotating rotisserie-style body fixtures turn the body during the process to provide optimal access for the robotic weld arms.

Highly-skilled weld technicians visually inspect each part and take precise measurements at every stage of the welding process to validate the quality, precision and dimensional accuracy of the space frame to assist the dynamic performance of the vehicle and precise fitment of its components.

The PMC employs approximately 100 associates, including roughly 70 associates that are directly engaged in body construction, painting, final assembly and quality confirmation, working in concert with advanced robotics to build the NSX to the highest levels of quality and craftsmanship. The efforts of PMC associates to innovate many aspects of the NSX manufacturing process have led to 12 U.S. patent applications.

The NSX development and manufacturing teams were determined to maintain in‑house control of the complete construction process to ensure the highest levels of quality and performance for Acura customers. Through strict manufacturing build processes and quality controls, the precise dimensional accuracy of the multi-material body is maintained throughout the construction process, which eliminates the need for post‑process machining.