Honda's new NSX goes green 07 | 03 | 2012
HONDA GAVE A European debut to its new NSX concept, which is believed to be a strong pointer to the new cars which, according to Honda President Takanobu Ito, could be be on sale within the next three years.
And seven years after pulling the original mid-engined two-seater from production, Ito also hinted the new NSX supercar could also go racing.
The new model, badged Acura in the States, will retain the original NSX’s mid-engined layout. But unlike the previous model, the newcomer will feature extensive use of aluminium and other lightweight materials: expect there to be quite a bit of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
See more official photos of the all-new Honda NSX
And there will be major changes to the powertrain, signalling Honda's pioneering approach to engines. Indeed such is the advancement in technology that it should allow the new NSX to be billed as the world’s first ‘green’ supercar.
The new NSX will be based on the new, electric version of Honda’s ‘Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive’, or E-SH-AWD system. This new system will make an appearance on the new Acura MDX which will be sold in the US.
Essentially, according to Honda boffins, it's a “through-the-road all-wheel drive” system, as there’s no mechanical link between front and rear axles.
And the NSX will take the powerplant from the imminent MDX, and turn it on its head.
The MDX will feature a front-mounted 306bhp 3.5-litre V6 paired with a 39bhp electric motor., both driving the front axle through a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Meanwhile, twin 27bhp electric motors, one driving each wheel, will power the rear axle.
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The NSX though will flip the the E-SH-AWD driveline, with the V6 driving the rear wheels and each front wheel receiving power from the smaller, twinned motors up.
“The NSX will be the ultimate expression of synergy between man and machine," Ito said. "The car development will be led by the US, and it will be sold globally within the next three years. It is a car that is up to the performance of racing and, while this car is for customers, you might see it racing as well.
“This is a car that demonstrates our passion for performance. The NSX became an icon through its power-to-weight ratio and the driving experience that it gave anyone behind the wheel.
“Since 2005 we have strived to make a successor but global change has had a colossal effect on the industry in that time. Even a supercar must respond to environmental responsibility. This car is about high performance through efficiency."
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Jim McGill