Acura NSX Roadster Design Revealed in European Patent Filing

Acura NSX Roadster Design Revealed in European Patent Filing:

Either Acura is at work on an NSX roadster, or it’s just looking to protect the design of Tony Stark’s car in the upcoming movie The Avengers. These European patent filings show a car that very much resembles the rumored replacement for Iron Man’s Audi R8 Spyder.
A roadster version of the new NSX hybrid sports car, which was recently confirmed for production, makes perfect sense. An additional, potentially higher-priced NSX variant would help further amortize the car’s development costs and widen its appeal to more customers. Plus, the Audi R8 and Porsche 911, two likely competitors for the next NSX, both offer convertible options.

The NSX seen in these patent images looks basically the same as the hardtop concept car that Acura brought to this year’s Detroit auto show. The only major styling difference can be found around the rear deck, where the convertible gets roll protection that leads into a pair of speedster-style humps over the engine compartment. It’s not immediately clear what kind of roof, if any, the NSX in the patent drawings uses; it’s probably not a complicated bikini top like that on the Porsche Boxster Spyder. We’d prefer to see a softtop like the one used on the R8 Spyder. It’s important to note that while these patent filings seem to depict a production-ready design, Acura has yet to confirm whether such a model is even in the pipeline.
The hardtop NSX goes on sale sometime in the next three years, likely as a 2016 model. It is being engineered in the U.S. and will be built in Ohio.

World-famous 1972 Dodge Sportsman “MELVAN” Featuring Kurt Cobain Artwork for Sale on eBay

World-famous 1972 Dodge Sportsman “MELVAN” Featuring Kurt Cobain Artwork for Sale on eBay:

Long before the Ford E-series became the de facto transport for the punk nation, the venerable Dodge B-series/Sportsman (and, to a lesser extent, its Plymouth Voyager sibling) was the chariot of choice for transporting people, gear, and pompous arrogance cross-country in search of like-minded nonconformists hellbent on coloring outside the lines of society. Minor Threat, Negative Approach, the Misfits, and the Necros were but a few of the angry young groups to rely on Mopar power (the van used by Dead Kennedys had a camper-top conversion) for their initial forays into the alternate universe generally known as “Rock Band on Tour.”

But of all the derelict vans laid to waste by nascent hard-core, er, musicians, very few (Mike Watt’s million-mile E-350 a notable exception) can lay claim to genuine rock-star provenance. Here is an exception: Presenting the Melvan, an example of rolling art whose lineage is indelibly linked to not only to the Northwest’s most prolific purveyors of elegant bombast, the Melvins, but also Kurt Donald Cobain. You probably recognize the latter as the Nirvana front man whose hauntingly wounded yet melodic voice spoke to untold numbers of alienated youth and turned the music industry on its ear in the early 1990s.
Listed in the “Art > Art from Dealers & Resellers> Drawings” eBay category, it’s clear the seller, Ben Berg, realizes the value here is not in simple transportation but pedigree, validated in part by a “Kiss Mural on the (Van’s) side hand-drawn by Kurt Cobain using sharpie markers shoplifted from the Thriftway grocery store in Montesano, Washington. (Former employer of King Buzzo [of the Melvins]).” One of the first mentions of Cobain’s Kiss doodle appears in the Nirvana history, Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana.

Two registrations are included with the van: one in the name of Roger Osborne, (Buzz of the Melvins); the second in the name of Matt Lukin, the original Melvins bass player who went on to form Mudhoney with the members of Green River who didn’t end up in Pearl Jam. Berg, a longtime Melvins/Nirvana fan, was gifted the van by Lukin’s mother as a surprise after receiving his driver’s license. Berg states that the odometer “shows 12,000 and some change,” and that he believes “it has been over more than once.” The van was last driven in 1998, and its plates expired in April 1994—how’s that for a coincidence?
As of this posting, the current high bid was $7300, although it’s been steadily climbing toward an unspecified reserve. It’s going to be very interesting to see how high this one goes.

Infiniti Emerg-E: A Sexy Plug-In Hybrid On Lotus Bones [Geneva Auto Show]

Infiniti Emerg-E: A Sexy Plug-In Hybrid On Lotus Bones [Geneva Auto Show]:

You may have already seen the Emerg-E concept, thanks to some leaked photos and the teaser images Infiniti released. But is it yesterday’s news? Not at all. In addition to getting a complete look at the car at the 2012 Geneva auto show, we’ve now learned some very interesting technical details about the mid-powertrain extended-range EV that could preview a halo vehicle for the brand.

Keep Reading: Infiniti Emerg-E Concept – Auto Shows

Honda NSX Concept is Acura NSX Concept with Less Beak [Geneva Auto Show]

Honda NSX Concept is Acura NSX Concept with Less Beak [Geneva Auto Show]:

As was the case with the original NSX, the new one will be sold as an Acura in markets where the brand exists (such as the U.S.), and as a Honda in non-Acura-having places like Japan. At the Geneva auto show, Honda showed its take on the NSX concept that made its debut in Detroit this year.

Notable differences: Honda badges instead of Acura’s “A” calipers. A gloss-black grille insert instead of the Acura’s larger shiny-beak deal. Honda center caps on the wheels. No hybrid badge in front of the rear wheels.
Like Acura Integra owners switching to red Honda badges, we expect some NSX owners will opt to import and install the Honda NSX front-fascia bits for a personalized (and cleaner) look. We will not blame them for doing so.

January 2012     New Inventory Used Inventory Schedule Service Service Specials Parts Specials Testimonials     Nationally Recognized Sales Team Non-Commissioned Salespeople Locally Owned Business Breakaway Honda is happy to announce: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to Greenville, SC in February. How often do you get the change to be a part of a world class performance right here in Greenville. Please head on over to the Breakaway Honda Ticket office at Bilo Center for tickets. Showtime dates are February 1-5 2012.  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Dragons is a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon. Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros. presents Dragons to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros.® Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. Dragons is a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends that can be found only at The Greatest Show On Earth! Tickets Can Be Purchased At: Breakaway Honda Ticket Office at the BI-LO Center Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm. Weekend hours vary by event. Order Tickets By Calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000   Through the month of January, Breakaway Honda Has partnered with Jeff Lynch Appliances in Greenville to Give away 32” televisions with every New Honda Sold. Please take advantage of this exclusive offer or please tell your friends. It is our mission to reach out the community businesses and to our loyal customers in Greenville, Greer, and Easley in order to provide creative methods of engagement in order to prove that Breakaway Honda is a Fun and Enjoyable place to purchase your new Honda Vehicle.   Soccer Season is big business with the kids in and adults in Greenville. Unfortunately, the 2011 season has ended. Some would say Soccer Season never ends. Football Season has been checked off the list as well. That is why Breakaway Honda has introduced Civic Season this year. Come experience why the Civic is a favorite New Car for many Greenville, Greer and Easley SC Honda Buyers!

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January 2012     New Inventory Used Inventory Schedule Service Service Specials Parts Specials Testimonials   Nationally Recognized Sales Team Non-Commissioned Salespeople Locally Owned Business   Celtic Woman's breathtaking new show, BELIEVE, features the all-female singing sensation performing classic Irish tunes, such as 'The Water Is Wide,' 'Green Grow the Rushes,' 'A Woman's Heart,' and 'The Parting Glass,' timeless pop anthems such as 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and 'Sailing,' and inspirational songs including 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and 'Ave Maria,' with their signature Celtic Woman twist, under the distinct musical direction of Emmy-nominated music producer, David Downes. Celtic Woman's awe-inspiring vocalists and mesmerizing violinist will be backed by a dazzling six-piece band, the Aontas Choir, and renowned championship Irish dancer. Tickets Can Be Purchased At: Breakaway Honda Ticket Office at the BI-LO Center Order Tickets By Calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 "So what's the technology? A mid-engined V6 with the company's new SH-AWD system, which uses the gasoline engine to power the rear wheels and provide juice to a pair of electric motors up front. Acura didn't explicitly say this and, when asked, wouldn't admit to anything until I pointed out the image on a nearby TV screen showing essentially that configuration..." "Is an AWD hybrid Acura NSX better than no Acura NSX at all? Anything that's even remotely sporty is a revelation for a Honda product. This new Acura also is undeniably gorgeous (it's been a while since we said that about an Acura vehicle). If it works and it's actually fun to drive when it finally debuts we'll fondly remember the NSX for what it was and cheer it for what it becomes. If not, we'll continue to pine for our long lost NSX." Only time will tell if the new NSX will reach the cult status the previous model enjoyed. Please see Bradshaw Acura for continued information about this very exiting offering from Acura.   Bradshaw has been the Acura dealer in this area for 20 years. Our experienced staff is ready to assist you, with over 50 combined years in the business! Continental Breakfast with Starbucks coffee every weekday until 11:00am. Go Green! Save $3 on your next service by opting not to have your car washed. *Most vehicles. See dealer for details. Not valid with any other offer. Offers valid only at Bradshaw Acura Service Center. Prices plus tax, shop, supplies, hazardous waste fee, if applicable. Some models may be higher. Present coupon at time of write up to avail discount. Not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.

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