The Acura Stealth was designed by Alex Chou, a 2008 graduate of the transportation design course at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.
The Stealth was designed to fit under the NSX in Acura's line up based on a shared platform with the Honda S2000. The front-mid engine layout of the Stealth is coupled to Acura's SuperHandling All-wheel Drive system that distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels. The system's direct yaw control helps reduce understeer to enhance steering accuracy and add to total cornering power.
The Acura Stealth was partially influenced by the spirit of the Gumball 3000 Rally. Therefore, the car is an accomplished sports car which also offers the comforts and luxuries premium car buyers have come to expect. The sleek styling of the Acura Stealth is designed to mimic some of the features of the F117 Nighthawk stealth jet. This is especially evident in the heavy use of triangular shapes in many areas of the vehicle, including the headlights, grille, exhausts, taillights and interior features. The twisted surfaces of the Acura Stealth concept (door panels, rear quarter panel etc.) which are inspired by modern architecture, are intended to add sophistication to the overall design.
One of the more unusual design features of the Acura Stealth is the triangular window cutting into the left of the engine cover. This changes color depending on engine rpm. Powering the Acura Stealth is a V6 engine backed up by an electric motor to improve fuel economy.
The interior of the Acura Stealth is extremely driver focused. The dash and center console are aimed directly at the driver, and the bold use of color clearly separates the driver and passenger zones.
Of all the Mercedes-Benz models that could be accused of being born with a silver spoon in its mouth, the SL arguably tops the list. Unlike many grand-touring cars, the Mercedes SL has never been forced to compromise its blue-blood personal-luxury/sport ideals with feigned attempts at practicality to please executives or attract buyers. It has, more or less, remained an unapologetic take-it-or-leave-it proposition since it debuted nearly six decades ago, and the 2013 SL550 does nothing to alter its course. Cool, Quiet Confidence Every move the 2013 SL550 makes is steeped in a competent, laid-back confidence; pin the throttle, and the car takes a moment to gather itself, as if saying to the driver, “Okay, dude, you ready? This is gonna be pretty awesome.” And with that, the seven-speed automatic downshifts, the twin turbos gorge themselves on air, and the whole shebang takes off, pulling hard to an observed 159-mph top speed (Mercedes claims an electronically limited 155). Life in th...