Rumor: Near-Production 2016 Acura NSX Spotted at Nurburgring, Appears To Require More Testing

Production time frames for the introduction of the new Acura NSX have been vague, but rumors had been circulating earlier this year that a production-based test mule was expected to make an appearance at Goodwood last month. Disappointingly, those speculations never became a reality. This week, spy photographers at Nurburgring caught a glimpse of an NSX prototype lapping the ‘Ring in what appeared to be near-production form, reigniting hopes that the hybrid supercar might soon break cover. Unfortunately, events seen today at the track seem to indicate that the NSX might not be quite ready for primetime just yet.

Rumors suggest the long-awaited resurrection of the NSX will include all wheel drive and a hybrid drivetrain that would include use of a twin turbocharged V6 engine for a total output north of the 600 horsepower. That power is expected to be sent to a dual clutch gearbox, further indicating that the new car has legitimate supercar aspirations.

The video below bolsters expectations and shows no indication of being in conflict with the those rumors, and the spy shots give us a glimpse of a car with what appears to be a fully realized interior to go along with an exterior that seems almost ready for production.

All of this sounded quite promising (and still does), but this morning, this same car was spotted burnt to a crisp at the track. Witnesses indicate that the prototype was not involved in a collision with another vehicle, and appeared to have caught fire all on its own with a Honda engineer behind the wheel.

Fortunately, we’re told no one was injured in the incident, but we can’t help but wonder how this might affect the time frame for the NSX’s debut, which was expected in early 2015.