TOKYO: Honda introduced Honda NSX a mid-engined, hybrid powered and supercar at the 2015 North American International Auto Show that it took centre stage. It is the literal and importantly spiritual successor to the 1990 NSX that had its chassis tuned by Formula 1 legend, Ayrton Senna.
Honda says it has the “world’s first all-aluminium supercar” body that complements a carbon fibre floor. It sits on 19” wheels at the front and 20” at the rear. It also has four-wheel-drive, aluminium suspension, multi-piston callipers and carbon ceramic discs.
Honda has not confirmed the engine’s full specification, but it takes the form of atwin-turbocharged V6 petrol that is teamed with 9-speed, dual-clutch and transmission.
NSX power is at least 550PS that most likely propels it to 62mph in about four seconds.
The petrol engine complements an electric motor mounted close to the gearbox that “supports acceleration, braking and transmission shifting”. The front wheels are driven by separate, high output, electric motors that “deliver instantaneous torque response”.
New Honda NSX trim levels have not been revealed. It might only have one.
Standard equipment includes a launch function to ensure it gets off the line with “zero delay”.
The Integrated Dynamic System has Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes. It adjusts the engine, motor, transmission and chassis response as well as the engine sound to suit the conditions. Operation comes courtesy of a dial rather than a computer based menu.
Quiet Mode enables it to proceed using only electric power at low speeds for a short period. The NSX’s responses become increasingly sharp as it moves through the settings.
The NSX launches in the US in summer 2015 at $150,000. In this market, it sports the “Acura” badge which is Honda’s upmarket brand. Think Lexus/Toyota and Infiniti/Nissan.
The UK launch date and price have not been confirmed.
