The Canada-only Acura CSX; is this what the ILX might look like?

The Canada-only Acura CSX; is this what the ILX might look like?

Acura is debuting three new models at the upcoming 2012 Detroit Auto Show, including a concept vehicle that shows the styling for the next NSX sports car, a second-generation RDX crossover concept and the all new Acura ILX sedan concept.

Based on the Honda Civic, the 2013 Acura ILX will serve as Acura's new gateway vehicle and hopefully bring new customers into the brand.

It will be offered in three distinctly different versions: base model ILX sedans will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while a sportier version inherits the 2.4-liter four-cylinder from the outgoing TSX, which comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Most interesting of all will be the ILX Hybrid, which should borrow the 1.5-liter engine and Integrated Motor Assist from the Honda Civic Hybrid. Acura will build the ILX Hybrid in its Greensburg, Indiana plant, making it the first Honda hybrid to be assembled here.

The Canada-only Acura CSX; is this what the ILX might look like?

The Canada-only Acura CSX; is this what the ILX might look like?

Less is known about the revised 2013 RDX, but Car and Driver believes the new RDX compact crossover will swap its overly-thirsty turbocharged four-cylinder engine for a more fuel-efficient six-cylinder variant, possibly the 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Acura TL.

Updating to a six-cylinder engine will allegedly attract more RDX buyers, too, since luxury shoppers tend to ignore four-cylinder crossovers.

Finally, the long-anticipated replacement to Acura’s sensible supercar, the NSX, will debut, also in concept form, in Detroit. What’s beneath the skin remains a mystery, but Honda has been clear that it wants to be seen as environmentally conscious.

We expect the rumors of a hybrid NSX will turn out to be true, and we suspect Acura will rely on light weight to boost performance, as with the original NSX.

We’ll update you on these Acura launches, as well as all other breaking news, as part of our comprehensive 2012 Detroit Auto Show coverage.

+++++++++++

Follow GreenCarReports on Facebook and Twitter.