Now that the Acura NSX has been on the market for some time, the automaker really ought to be examining ways to keep it fresh, aside from an expected facelift. One way of doing is to launch variants, and a topless NSX is likely at the top of the list. And, lo and behold, Autobild is reporting Acura will do just that, launch an NSX roadster, before the end of this year. Acura has yet to confirm the news, but we wouldn't be surprised if this report turned out to be true.

Now, we also know Acura has been testing something NSX-related at the Nurburgring in recent months, and this could turn out to be a more powerful Type R variant. Acura is refusing to divulge anything, despite us inquiring about this very subject at both Detroit and New York. But bear this in mind: it would not make much financial sense for Acura to pour all of that R&D money into a single NSX variant, today's coupe. Sure, there's the track-only NSX GT3 but it's not something anyone can just walk into a dealership and purchase. Offering an NSX roadster and Type R could certainly help prop up the NSX brand and, of course, bringing in additional revenue.

If an NSX roadster is in the pipeline, don't expect its styling to differ much, if at all, from the coupe, aside from the top. Speaking of which, are we talking about a retractable folding hardtop? A soft top? As for the powertrain, also don't expect any changes (a Type R is a different story). The NSX roadster, if it were to happen, would in all likelihood come powered by the same 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid setup, with a total of 573 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. So if an NSX roadster were to debut this year, when would that be? Our best guess would be at LA in November, but take that with a grain of salt.