Honda NSX to spawn additional Type R, cabriolet, all-electric variants? Possible, says chief engineer

The second-generation Honda NSX may have hit a few speed bumps on its way to production, but it’s now here, and certainly has the goods to hopefully recapture the essence of the 90s original.

Much like its predecessor, the NSX is launched in a two-door coupe body style. However, the new model could look to spawn into other variants, unlike the first-generation NSX, which was limited to just being a coupe.

According to Australian publication Drive, the reborn Japanese supercar line-up could spawn a convertible version. If that sounds familiar, recall the closing sequence of the Marvel movie, The Avengers, and you’ll spot a drop-top version of the model, albeit a fake one at the time.

2017 Acura NSX

A convertible is not the only probable model expansion for the NSX either. Like the original, a Type R variant could also be on the cards.

This could see the hybrid powertrain, which consists of a 3.5 litre DOHC twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine and front-mounted Twin Motor Unit (TMU), receive further enhancement to exceed its 573 hp and 645 Nm output. Handling enhancements should also form part of the Type R transformation.

Speaking to Drive, Ted Klaus, the NSX’s chief engineer said, “all I’ll say is we have a really solid platform and we will be able to experiment in the future. We’d like to make the whole car lighter and to make the electric bits more powerful – but that’s just one possible direction.”

Making the electrical bits more powerful could also serve as an indicator that the NSX could be retooled to become a high-performance all-electric supercar, taking aim at Audi’s R8 e-tron.

“Audi has decided to diversify the R8 with its e-tron, and I imagine it will be a very niche vehicle. But it will also cool to experiment. Who knows what we’ll do down the track, what our customers demand and where the competition is moving. It’s a crazy time for new technologies,” Klaus said.

Should the all-new Honda NSX decide to diversify itself, which variant would appeal to you the most? A convertible, a Type R version, an all-electric version, or is the standard car more than sufficient?

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