Honda is building a new Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio and has announced that one of the first cars to be produced there will be the upcoming Acura NSX, currently a concept, but slated for production in the 2015 model year. To go with that announcement, Honda has also named Ted Klaus as their new Global Chief Engineer for the project.
The advanced production facility has been $70 million in the making, comprises 184,000 square feet, and is using the former North American Logistics facility on the site. This will be Honda’s third car plant in Ohio and is close to the Honda R&D Americas Ohio Center where the NSX will see final production engineering – it is currently undergoing further pre-production engineering in Los Angeles.
The new manufacturing facility will employ about 100 skilled associates, which will be drawn from Honda’s current workforce as experience and expertise are important in high-tuned manufacturing. Those employees will be replaced with new hires for their current positions.
Honda also announced that Honda R&D Americas chief engineer Ted Klaus is leading the global team developing the new NSX, and Clement D’ Souza, associate chief engineer at Honda of America, is leading the team that will bring NSX to mass production in 2015.
“This new plant will be as unique as the vehicle we will build here,” said D’Souza. “In creating the plan for this plant, we looked closely at each process and determined the perfect blend of associate craftsmanship and technology to adopt a new approach to manufacturing.”
The NSX will feature a unique powertrain and body structure to provide an incredible driving experience. It will be powered by a mid-mounted V-6 engine mated to Honda’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.
It will be badged the Honda NSX in Europe and the Acura NSX in most other markets.
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