For the Nsx-perienced
It’s been 10 years since Honda’s first supercar last rolled off the production line, and after a couple of false starts with front-engined concept cars powered by a V10 and V8 engine, the new NSX is finally here.
The production version of the second-generation NSX sticks closely to the formula set out by the concept first exhibited at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. Instead of the high- revving, naturally aspirated V10 engine it was initially supposed to have, the NSX has a twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid drivetrain.
Total system output is 581bhp – the aforementioned combustion engine drives the rear wheels through a nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a pair of electric motors power the front axle. Unlike other hybrid hypercars (such as the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder), the new NSX’s electric motors have a relatively modest 37bhp output each.
Interestingly enough, the purpose of those electric motors isn’t to produce headline-grabbing power figures, but to increase agility. The electric motors can apportion power to the left or right wheel where needed, and they can even apply negative torque (in effect, applying reverse thrust), says Honda.
A multi-material chassis and body with large amounts of aluminium contribute to a relatively low kerb weight of a little over 1,700kg.
