Honda has big plans for their new NSX. Unlike the first-generation model that debuted in 1993, the Japanese marque knows a missed opportunity the first time around and sees a family of varied performance vehicles spawning from the hybrid supercar.
Given how the first NSX had a production life of a long 15 years, Honda may elect to stretch the second-generation that far, but interspersed with new and innovative permutations. It certainly the most ‘future-proof’ of all their cars (barring the FCV Clarity) and among its price peers.
Speaking to Autocar UK, head of Honda’s NSX project Ted Klaus revealed that they see the NSX as a platform from which they continue to build more amazing cars. Everything from a convertible, naturally-aspirated high-revving purebred road car, lightweight track special, and even an all-electric version are all possibilities. Oh yes, that and an NSX Type R.
Currently the new NSX is solely available as a single hybrid configuration, blending supercar and GT qualities in a compact powerful hybrid package. It’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is mid mounted with an electric motor sandwiched between it and the 9-speed dual-clutch transmission to provide instant torque anywhere in the rev range.
Two additional electric motors provide drive to the front wheels, and together results in a power output of 473kW, 645Nm of torque, and a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 2.9 seconds.
Honda poured a vast amount of engineering and monetary resources into the new NSX project, even constructing their new Performance Manufacturing Centre in Ohio specifically to develop and manufacture the cars. And with the new facility, Honda can comfortably pursue different variations of the NSX without affecting usual production.
They’re intention is to have the new PMC be the epicentre of Honda’s reinvigorated performance image and spawn new and exciting versions of the NSX that will sustain the car against new competition throughout it’s life while also preparing for a possible successor.
Honda recently participated in the Pikes Peak hillclimb with two NSXs, one was a lightweight and more focused version of the production NSX while the other was more intriguingly a full electric version that used four individual electric motors. Klaus added that the team wanted to experiment with torque vectoring as well battery and electronics durability.
On the matter of an NSX Type R, Klaus that any car to wear that badge had to be the most focused version of any platform” and also said that there was no technical reason prohibiting the NSX from being purely petrol-powered, or for that matter, lacking a fixed roof.
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