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Not to be outdone by Ford’s reveal of the 2016 GT, Honda kicked off the start of their 2015 revival with the reveal of the production-spec Honda (In this guise Acura) NSX supercar. Finally. After years of promises, rumours, and concepts, Honda have revealed a production ready car, and given us the details of the powertrain to succeed that of the legendary 1st gen NSX.
The stunning production model, wearing an NSX Red paint finish, made its debut looking only marginally different to the concept that’s done the rounds at motor shows across the globe.
The big news for the mid-engined supercar’s revival comes via the powertrain though. Powering the NSX is a hybrid drive system combining a twin-turbo V6 with one electric motor driving the rear wheels, and two electric motors driving the front wheels. The claimed final power output is promised at being “over 550hp (410kW)” delivered via a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission. The drive system also lends itself to Honda’s Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), promising handling that hopefully does the 1st NSX proud, whilst providing the stability and launch performance of all-wheel drive.
The hybrid system also allows for multi-mode driving, including Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes. Each mode adapts engine, motor, transmission and chassis response, as well as sound levels, with Quiet mode allowing electric-only driving for short distances.
Additionally the NSX is also equipped with Agile Handling Assist – Honda’s way of saying it has brake-assisted torque vectoring. Aiding both the torque vectoring and overall stopping power, the NSX is fitted with carbon ceramic brake discs with 6- and 4-piston callipers fitted at the front and rear respectively – housed within 245/35 R19 front and 295/30 R20 rear alloy wheels.
Construction of the NSX is of the lightweight variety, countering the hybrid system’s weight with the use of aluminium for the internal frame, and a carbon-fibre floor pan.
The interior of the NSX has been designated as a “Human Support Cockpit”, consistent with Honda’s ‘human-centered supercar’ development concept. All visibility, instrumentation, and packaging is driver focused, right down to the seats, which Honda claim provide top-class holding with outstanding comfort and easy entrance/departure. The instrument cluster features a TFT display that adapts depending on the selected drive mode, displaying varying graphics and information the driver may need.
There is currently no word as to whether or not the NSX will make its way to South African shores; but several dealerships have already taken deposits and if the demand is present, we might just see the famed second coming of the famed NSX on our roads.
