FRONTLINE. The Supercar, Reinvented (page 2) 2017 Acura NSX:

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1 FRONTLINE December 2015 Vol 17 Issue 12 Dedicated to the Success of the Acura Retail Sales Professional Insider Scoop: The 2015 North American Dealer Meeting (page 8) 2017 Acura NSX: The Supercar, Reinvented (page 2) The Right Material for the Right Purpose Advanced materials abound in the new NSX. (page 4) Acura Driver- Assist Technologies: Making Life a Little Easier (page 6)

2 2017 Acura NSX: The Supercar, Reinvented 1991 NSX: All-Aluminum Chassis 2017 NSX: Multi-Material Space Frame Like the original 1991 Acura NSX the world s first allaluminum supercar the all-new 2017 NSX has a cuttingedge structure. Only this time, instead of mainly using one type of material, the new NSX structure uses many types. Why? The NSX engineering team wanted to maximize strength and minimize weight to give their all-new supercar the absolute maximum performance. They carefully considered the design of each part and chose the precise material that would deliver the optimum result. Hey, nobody ever said building a supercar was easy. The NSX s multi-material structure features new materials and construction methods to create a platform with unprecedented dynamic rigidity. Translation: from the driver s seat, it s pure adrenaline as the NSX instantly responds to your commands. Multi-Material Space Frame Exceptional rigidity and light weight is critical in a supercar otherwise the results can be less than super. The NSX space frame features extruded and cast aluminum parts that work together to put strength where it s needed, and shave off weight at every opportunity. All car engineers hate weight. The NSX engineers are actually kind of weird about it. Scan here to see the 2017 Acura NSX press site. 02

3 Construction Techniques A universe of innovative construction techniques is used in the manufacture and assembly of the NSX at Acura s all-new Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. Robotic Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding The aluminum space frame components are joined by Robotic Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding. To allow the robotic welder to reach all of the nooks and crannies that must be welded, a robotic rotisserie-type jig precisely positions all the parts and rotates them into the optimal position for the robotic weld arms a first for automobile construction. And, it s pretty fun to watch! Flow Drill Screws/Self Piercing Rivets A supercar is essentially a bunch of expensive parts zooming down the road in close formation. How do you keep them all together? The NSX engineering team chose some new and exotic technologies to turn hundreds of parts into a rigid, integrated unit. A robot installs more than 345 Self Piercing Rivets (SPR) on the space frame to join two- and three-sheet material thicknesses together. Another robot installs more than 245 Flow Drill Screws (FDS) in places where you might expect to see a nut and bolt, reducing weight and simplifying assembly. Performance Manufacturing Center: Light Verification Booth Performance Manufacturing Center: Chassis MIG Weld Why use a robot to do the welding? In a car this fast and powerful, an ultra-high level of precision is needed for optimum handling at high speed. To make sure every weld is perfectly finished, PMC weld technicians monitor the welding robot, and then inspect every weld. Total Quality Assembly Quality is so paramount at PMC that you won t find a repair yard like typical assembly plants have. Instead, PMC associates fix or replace problem parts before the part or chassis is pushed (by a human, not a conveyer) down the line to the next station. With PMC associates, quality is personal. Scan here to see more information about NSX on AcuraLaunchTraining.com. Acura Frontline I December

4 The Right Material for the Right Purpose Advanced materials abound in the new NSX. Aluminum Ablation Castings Aluminum Gravity Die Castings Aluminum Extrusions Aluminum Stampings Ultra-High-Strength Steel Tube Steel Stampings It s all about the crush. How do you build a lightweight aluminum supercar with just the right proportions and short front and rear overhangs, but still manage crash energy absorption in key areas? Traditional aluminum castings won t work since they re too brittle. So NSX engineers tapped into their challenging spirit and applied a brand new technology called ablation casting a world first in the automobile industry. Ablation casting is an exotic variation of sand casting where the mold is dissolved and washed away with strategically positioned water jets, allowing rapid cooling of the casting to alter the properties of the aluminum. The high-strength, deformable aluminum ablation-cast parts allow the space frame to precisely, progressively and very predictably crush in a crash. In the NSX, ablation casting is used for six large joining members two upper and two lower in the front frame and two in the rear. Four of the six also serve as ultra-rigid and precise suspension-mounting points. 04

5 Aluminum castings are used at all suspension and power unit attachment points, as well as the joints between extrusion members. Skinny, but strong. Forward visibility is important in any car, but in a supercar that s built for high-intensity track days, panoramic forward visibility can make the difference between hitting the apex or hitting the dirt. The NSX A-pillars have been precisely crafted using an all-new, three-dimensional forming and tempering process that allows for complex parts shapes made with ultra-high-strength steel. These 3D bent and quenched components are heated and then robotically bent. During the bending process, the parts are cooled and tempered (quenched) using water jets. This process makes for very narrow section A-pillars that have the structural rigidity to meet roof-crush performance requirements. Step on it. For the floor section forward of the seats, the NSX uses a carbon-fiber sandwich material. In addition to its light weight, carbon fiber is strong enough to handle the loads from the driver s and passenger s feet. Why not just use aluminum? Aluminum sheeting would have required additional crossmember frame support beneath it, which would have added additional weight. The carbon fiber deadens sound better, too. Strength where it s needed. The NSX uses a bunch of extruded aluminum. Extrusion is a process where aluminum alloy is pushed through a die with a custom-engineered cross-section. Each extrusion has complicated features, like internal ribs and varying wall thickness, that put added strength where it s needed, and whittle away at weight where stresses are lower. Other exterior body design highlights: Aluminum and composite exterior body panels Optional carbon-fiber roof panel Sheet-Molded Composite (SMC) rear trunk Magnesium fuel door hinge Acura Frontline I December Acura Frontline I October

6 Making Life a Little Easier Acura driver-assist technologies help take some of the stress out of daily driving. If you participated in the recent Acura Product and Technology Training Tour, you had the opportunity to try out some of Acura s available driver-assist features on a test drive led by a professional driver. For many participants, it was an eye-opening experience they have since shared with clients. Here s a quick key to Acura s driver-assist technologies. BSI LDW RDM MVRC LKAS FCW RCTM CMBS ACC SVCS ACC/LSF Rear Radar Camera Monocular Camera Front Radar Lane Departure Warning LDW The Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system is designed to alert the driver if the vehicle is leaving a detected lane without the turn signal being activated. The system uses a monocular camera (mounted on the upper portion of the windshield) to identify solid or dashed painted lane lines, Botts dots and Cat Eye markers, and functions at speeds from mph on straight or slightly curved roads. 1 1 LDW only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions. Lane Keeping Assist System LKAS The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) helps the driver in maintaining lane position. The system uses a monocular camera (mounted on the upper portion of the windshield) to identify solid or dashed painted lane lines, Botts dots and Cat Eye markers, and functions at speeds from mph on straight or slightly curved roads. 2 2 LKAS only assists driver in maintaining proper lane position when lane markings are identified without a turn signal in use and can only apply mild steering torque to assist. LKAS may not detect all lane markings; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions. 06

7 Road Departure Mitigation RDM Road Departure Mitigation provides steering assist and, in certain circumstances such as crossing over a solid lane line, braking assist to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road. The system uses a monocular camera (mounted on the upper portion of the windshield) to identify solid or dashed painted lane lines, Botts dots and Cat Eye markers, and functions at speeds from mph on straight or slightly curved roads. 3 3 Road Departure Mitigation may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road conditions. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions. Forward Collision Warning FCW Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses a monocular camera (mounted in the upper portion of the windshield) to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead and to determine whether a collision is imminent. 4 4 FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. FCW does not include a braking function. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions. Collision Mitigation Braking System CMBS A form of autonomous emergency braking, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS ) alerts the driver when it determines there is the potential for a collision, and then can apply emergency autonomous braking to help reduce the severity of a collision if the driver fails to initiate corrective action. Utilizing a millimeter-wave radar unit (located behind the front grille) and a monocular camera (mounted on the upper portion of the windshield), CMBS continually scans traffic conditions ahead of the vehicle. CMBS can recognize shapes and even differentiate between a vehicle and a pedestrian, warning the driver if either is detected. The system starts monitoring the roadway ahead at speeds from 3 62 mph. 5 5 The CMBS is designed to reduce the severity of an unavoidable collision. It does not prevent all collisions nor stop the vehicle automatically. CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by high interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions. The system has three alert stages for a possible collision. Depending on the circumstances or CMBS settings, CMBS may not go through all of the stages before initiating the last stage. Adaptive Cruise Control ACC Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and following interval behind a vehicle detected ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic conditions. The system uses a millimeter-wave radar unit (located behind the front grille) and a monocular camera (mounted on the upper portion of the windshield) to continually track the distance to the vehicle detected ahead, and then adjusts the car s speed to maintain a set interval. A short, medium, long, or extra-long interval can be selected. 6 6 ACC cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather or on winding roads. The driver remains responsible for avoiding a collision. Low-Speed Follow LSF Integrated low-speed follow extends the ACC automatic following capability to stop-and-go traffic situations (down to 0 mph). 7 7 ACC with low-speed follow cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather or on winding roads. The driver remains responsible for avoiding a collision. Blind Spot Information BSI The blind spot information (BSI) system continually monitors conditions behind the vehicle and alerts the driver if another vehicle is detected in close proximity. BSI uses two radar sensors. 8 8 BSI is not a substitute for your own visual assessment before changing lanes; system accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object and speed. Multi-View Rear Camera MVRC When any Acura is placed in Reverse, the view from a rear-mounted camera is shown on a central display. The rearview camera has a multi-view functionality, meaning that the driver can choose between three distinct views. The primary view is Normal View, which delivers 130 degrees of rearward visibility. For certain conditions, there is the Wide View, which delivers 175 degrees of rearward visibility. Finally, the Top View generates a bird s-eye view of the parking area behind the vehicle, which helps the driver maneuver in tight spaces. 9 9 Always visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up, as the rearview camera may not provide complete information about conditions at the rear of your vehicle. Rear Cross Traffic Monitor RCTM The Rear Cross Traffic Monitor enhances driver confidence when backing up, especially when reversing in congested parking lots with an obstructed view from driver s seat. The system utilizes a pair of BSI radar sensors located in the rear bumper corners. The system functions at speeds from 0 3 mph Always visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up, as the Rear Cross Traffic Monitor may not provide complete information about conditions at the rear of your vehicle. Surround View Camera System SVCS Acura s Surround View Camera System provides a 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle. The Surround View Camera system is designed to assist drivers during critical and precise maneuvers in snug parking situations Always visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up, as the rearview camera may not provide complete information about conditions at the rear of your vehicle. For more information on how each feature works and its availability, scan this QR code with your smartphone or visit AcuraLaunchTraining.com. After logging in, select Resources and then Driver Assist. Acura Frontline I December Acura Frontline I October

8 The 2015 North American Dealer Meeting Acura leadership reinforces their commitment to the strength of the Acura lineup. You know the Acura brand is on a roll, with TLX sedan breaking sales records this fall. But what about the future? At the October 2015 Acura North American Dealer Meeting, Acura leadership previewed what lies ahead for the brand. John Mendel, Executive Vice President of the AHM Automobile Division, assured dealers that Acura intends to keep sales momentum up, with emphasis on sedans: We ve got two benchmark trucks in the lineup. Both home runs. We are committed to making our sedans benchmarks as well. Jerry Chenkin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Canada, detailed the significant investments that global Honda has made in Acura s manufacturing capability, including: John Mendel A second production source Jerry Chenkin being added in Ohio to produce the MDX A new, state-of-the-art paint system to boost paint quality to meet higher Acura standards The new, fully operational Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, which is exclusively building the Acura NSX Chenkin noted that the road to sustained growth for Acura travels through a luxury segment that is booming. Luxury is the fastest growing segment in North America as well as the most profitable. A key component for growth will be attracting and retaining Honda customers. Chenkin observed: One of the reasons Acura was created was to keep Honda customers in the family when they were ready to move up. We didn t want to lose them to another brand. Today, there are more than 20 million Honda units in operation in Canada, Mexico and the United States. This is an opportunity that we must make the most of. Mendel also recognized the Council of Sales Excellence top performers in attendance, noting that their outstanding sales performance underscored the meeting theme of Committed to Excellence. While proud of Acura s many achievements, the speakers were clear that there is more to achieve. Takuji Yamada, Chief Operating Officer for North American Regional Operations, said: Acura must challenge to create products that Takuji Yamada can compete at the top of the luxury market we have a great NSX supercar on the way. This shows that we make great products when we demonstrate our Racing Spirit to compete and win. Now, we will challenge to create a strong Acura sedan lineup a winning lineup that is a real competitor to the best luxury brands. So, the message for you and other sales associates is that Acura has made significant investments to strengthen the lineup and to produce the luxurious vehicles that will bring new clients and more opportunities to you and your dealership. 08 Acura Frontline is published by the Auto Sales Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Sales Communications Department, solely as an informational aid for Acura Retail Sales Professionals. By publication of this material, Acura does not create any warranty either expressed or implied as to Acura products. Employees, representatives, or agents shall not be held liable for any omission of data or inclusion of erroneous data American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.