The Rebirth of the Iconic Acura NSX

Twenty-five years after the debut of the original, paradigm-shifting NSX supercar, Acura revealed the production version of its highly anticipated twin-turbocharged engine successor. The next generation NSX showcases the production styling, design and specifications of Acura's mid-engine sports hybrid supercar, and Acura announced key details of the all-new vehicle's design and performance.

The NSX features a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system—integrated with an ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material body with world's-first material applications and manufacturing processes. The NSX will leverage its state-of-the-art hybrid supercar power unit, body and chassis to deliver exceptionally intuitive and immediate response to driver inputs.

The NSX body features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and tail lights that pays homage to the original NSX. The signature side intake and floating C-pillar collects air to feed the mid-mounted engine and directs airflow over the rear deck to increase downforce.

Acura engineers leveraged the company's expertise both with high-performance engine and hybrid electric-drive technologies, as well as its two decades of experience with industry-leading dynamic torque-vectoring technologies, including Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), to create the most sophisticated, technologically advanced and intelligent powertrain in the supercar universe.

Ford partners with Coscharis Motors to assemble Ranger in Nigeria

Ford has announced that it is partnering with Coscharis Motors Limited to assemble the Ranger pickup in Nigeria starting in the fourth quarter of 2015 as part of its expansion in the Middle East and Africa where the small truck is popular. Cosmas Maduka, president of Coscharis Motors, said "this partnership will boost Nigeria's much needed march towards industrialization and create an important step in the development of the automotive industry."

Nigeria will be the first African country outside of South Africa to produce Ford vehicles. The Ranger will be assembled in Ikeja Lagos State, about 470 miles from the capital city of Abuja, creating about 180 jobs. An investment figure is not being released. Ford will send employees to Nigeria to train them in the Ford manufacturing system.

The Ranger is built and sold around the world with the notable exception of North America. The last U.S.-built Ranger rolled off the line in St. Paul, Minn., in December 2011. Ford redirects truck buyers to the larger Ford F-150 but a core of customers continue to ask for the return of the smaller pickup. The Nigerian operation will be a "semi-knockdown" plant that will receive parts and components partially assembled from South Africa and complete the assembly. The kit assembly plant has capacity for 5,000 trucks a year, all for the Nigerian market.

Dr. Cosmas Maduka; CEO Coscharis Motors

For Ford, "assembling Ford Ranger trucks in Africa's largest economy is an important milestone in our Middle East and Africa growth plan," said Jim Benintende, president of Ford Middle East & Africa. "With Coscharis we have the right partner and with the Ford Ranger we have the right product to deliver a world-class truck that Nigerian customers want and value."

The Ranger is the best-selling vehicle in South Africa, and Ford sees Nigeria as a priority market in Sub-Saharan Africa. The truck is sold in 24 African countries and 148 markets worldwide.

‘This will allow us to better serve our customers both from a retail point of view, and in terms of vehicle and parts availability," said Jeff Nemeth, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Sub-Saharan Africa region. "We are committed to supporting Nigeria's developing automotive industry and economy, he said, noting assembly operations, even on a smaller scale, have positive ripple effects in the local economy and workforce.

By Tosan Aduayi in Texas with contributions from Agency Reports