It looks like Honda may be cooking up a hotter version of its new NSX sports car, folks. According to The Detroit Bureau, insiders at Acura revealed that engineers are currently looking at several new ways of improving the NSX’s power output by a “notch or two.” Best of all, it is said that this added performance could be for an NSX Type R.
There aren’t too many details yet, but the US publication reports that several ways of boosting the NSX’s power are being looked in to at the moment. For one, engineers are said to be closely focused on the NSX’s 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6 engine. As standard, the mill produces 500 hp and 550 Nm of torque, but its makers claim that this is still far from the engine’s limits.
Insiders at Acura say that the current engine’s 143 hp per litre output may be “impressive, but far from nearing the limits of its design.” The report continues to say that increasing output by just 10 or 20 hp per litre would yield a considerable performance improvement. The efficiency of the turbochargers is another area that is being examined.
Upgrades to the sports car’s electrical system is also likely, with engineers believing that the current motors could actually deliver significantly more power if only they could get more energy from the battery pack at a quicker rate. One method of achieving this would be to include a larger battery pack altogether, or to rework the chemistry of the battery itself.
There’s also reason to believe that the NSX Type R would get a bunch of carbon-fibre exterior components for aerodynamic gains. Further weight shaving is also possible, on top of the several opportunities to do so on the current NSX, courtesy of the optional carbon-fibre exterior replacement bits.
Currently, the hybrid all-wheel drive Acura NSX sports car is powered by a Sport Hybrid Power Unit powertrain. The rear axle is driven by a 500 hp/550 Nm 3.5 litre DOHC twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and a 47 hp/148 Nm Direct Drive Motor. Two more motors exclusively power the front axle. The front-mounted Twin Motor Unit (TMU) delivers 36 hp at each wheel and 146 Nm. Collectively, the NSX has a total system output of 573 hp and 645 Nm.
No timeline has been set for what could be the NSX Type R, but rest-assured we will be keeping a close eye on how this develops. In the meantime, feel free to check out the online configurator for the Acura NSX, detailing it to your preferred specifications. Enjoy!
GALLERY: Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX
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- 2017 Acura NSX – Sport Mode.
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- 2017 Acura NSX – Quiet Mode.
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it won’t be so difficul to reduce the wait, strip it out except the bare necessities , titanium akrapovic exhaust , a la 458 speciale / AMG black series ,add on plexiglass, CF parts ,and more and more power , to absolutely transform NSX into a different beast altogether , something really thrilling, loud and special
*weight
u r engineer from which university? Kampung University is it?
Note to Honda/Acura. A Type R model is suposed to provide raw, unadulterated driving experience. Bringing along complex and heavy batteries for the ride, is anti Type R in my opinion. Just ditch them batteries, ditch the hifi system and speakers, ditch electric assist for the seats for manual controls, remove all the leather, and plastic bits down to just the carbon fibre/aluminium tub (ala Lotus), then give more power from the internal combustion engine (bigger engine capacity and bigger turbos). Performance (AND handling) will come from the lighter weight. Emissions be damned.
Honda could have chosen a simpler powertrain for the NSX – just the normal engine without the complex hybrid system. How ironic though, Honda currently is struggling supply a truly reliable F1 Hybrid engine for the Mclaren F1 team, and yet they still pursue hybrid powermotive for their halo road model. For the type R & GT3 version, the hybrid unit must go Honda.A straight-to-the-point 600+bhp V6 Twin Turbo engine sounds rather more tempting without the hybrid thing..
I thought one of the concept of NSX back in the 90s till now was all about NA (Naturally Aspirated) Engine only. If it puts Hybrid or Turbo it wont be the same anymore.
Just plonk in McClaren-Honda engine inside, kautim sau kung.
The NSX was a technological breakthrough since its inception back in 1992. Today also is the same hence the use of hybrids and AWD. But honestly if they want to make a Type R NSX now, it has to do away the hybrid systems. Leave the engine mildly updated and strip the car off unnecessary gadgetry and keep it RWD. Benchmark it against R35 GTR and Honda will be cooking supercars again.
I hope there is a link between their F1 project and the team designing the NSX. After being absent from F1 for a while Honda found themselves in a catching up situation and is currently learning tremendously. No need to rush with the NSX when the learning curve is so steep.