Honda’s NSX has emerged from the shadows! Wearing a black disguise tattooed with white flames, the Japanese newcomer is preparing to go to war with the Nissan GT-R and the forthcoming Lexus LF-A

The car in these shots already looks very similar to the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept unveiled in 2007, which featured the vertical rear light bar synonymous with the original NSX. The concept's quad stacked exhaust pipes remain too.

The mid-engined layout of the the previous NSX has gone though, replaced by a front-mid positioned unit for better weight distribution. This setup has also allowed Honda to squeeze two rear seats into the NSX, widening its appeal.

But there’s no suggestion that Honda’s flagship has gone soft, as insiders suggest an all-new, high-revving V10 engine will power the NSX, producing in excess of 450bhp.

That pits the Japanese fire breather firmly in Porsche 911, Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo territory, though Honda hopes its 2+2 layout and a competitive pricing strategy will enable the NSX to lure drivers away from more established rivals. Sales of the previous NSX were disappointingly small, despite it’s cult status.

Prices for Honda’s new supercar are expected to start at around £50,000 when it hits showrooms in late 2009. In the meantime, Auto Express has an exclusive UK drive of the Nissan GT-R supercar coming very soon, so keep coming back see what the NSX will be up against.