News · 13 Dec 2016 · Car Deal Expert Editorial Team
Originally published 2016-12-13T03:40:51+00:00. This article is part of the CarDealExpert historical archive — see our latest UK car-finance, insurance and used-car coverage in the menu above.
Iron Man’s Tony Stark drives a one-of-a-kind Acura in “The Avengers.” Image: marvelousRoland/Flickr/CC BY-SA
“The Avengers” is an upcoming Marvel superhero team-up movie that unites Iron Man, Green Arrow, the Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye and Black Widow. Iron Man, billionaire philanthropist Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.), lost his Audi R8 in his previous cinematic incarnation. But never fear, he now drives a fabulous one-of-a-kind Honda Acura NSX Roadster. But it is a car with a few secrets.
Acura on the Red Carpet
“The Avengers” had its premiere on April 11 at Hollywood’s El Capitan theater. At that event, Robert Downey Jr. drove onto the red carpet in the sleek convertible. Other Acura models, customized for the movie, were also used at the premiere to shuttle actors. They include the tricked-out Acura MDX driven by Avenger’s leader Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) in the film, as well as some Acura TL models.
Acura and Marvel team up
Not surprisingly, the premiere was co-sponsored by Acura.
Acura’s Mike Accavitti spoke at the premiere:
“Acura is excited to continue our presence as the official vehicle of S.H.I.E.L.D. in Marvel films.”
The Acura was also the official car of last year’s “Captain America” and “Thor” movies. S.H.I.E.L.D. is an acronym for the fictitious Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.
A test drive reveals secrets
Last week, the automaker released a photo of the picture car, calling it “an Acura convertible sports car.” Torque News predicted that it was a one-of-a-kind, convertible version of the 2015 NSX sports car. That was right, to a point. However, Inside Line got the opportunity to drive the car used in the movie. And they have returned with a few secrets to reveal.
The test drive took place at Honda’s test track outside of California City, Calif., in the Mojave Desert. Tony Stark’s Acura was delivered inside a plain, white semi trailer. When it was rolled out, Inside Line’s John Pearley Huffman said it was “Gorgeous. Stop and stare, devastatingly, truly gorgeous.”
However, as Huffman and his colleagues approached the car, they noticed a familiar interior. It was the un-retouched inside trim of a 1991 Acura NSX. The interior of the car is never seen in “The Avengers” movie, so no redo was necessary.
The car was built by the Trans FX shop in Oxnard, Calif. , with a resin and fiberglass body that fit over the chassis of a 1991 Acura NSX, painted it the same red shade as Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit.
[Be a superhero. Buy the car of your dreams.]
‘Right up there with the Batmobile’
Huffman also remarked that the car was in extraordinary condition, calling it “one of the most impressive movie cars ever built. It’s right up there with the Batmobile.” Generally, movie cars are required to preform stunts and do all kinds of strenuous maneuvers. But this time, Stark’s ride doesn’t have to perform any heroics, leaving it with a straight body and a glossy finish.
Marvel’s “The Avengers” opens everywhere on May 4.
Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’ trailer
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