It appears that not only is a more focused Type R version of the new Honda NSX sports car still on the cards, but that it may also drop some parts of its hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain, making it rear-wheel drive only in the pursuit of weight savings.
According to Autocar UK, NSX dynamic development leader Nick Robinson said that although the project has yet to be given an official green light for production, there is a “huge will” within Honda to do so, and the company hopes the standard NSX to be just the start of Honda’s return to building sportier machines. The British publication contends that a Type R would be a “logical first step.”
If the report turns out to be true, the NSX Type R could see the jettisoning of the standard car’s 72 hp pair of electric motors at the front, as well as their associated batteries. This, Autocar speculates, could be the first step of a crash diet that could see the Type R drop hundreds of kilos over the NSX’s 1,725 kg kerb weight.
The 47 hp rear electric motor – which, in addition to assisting the 500 hp 3.5 litre twin-turbo mid-mounted V6 in low-end response, also acts as the alternator, starter motor and flywheel – is expected to remain. Nevertheless, the removal of the front motors could still result in a sizeable weight saving, especially when the NSX’s hybrid system alone currently weighs some 150 kg.
Yet more weight could be shorn through the use of lightweight materials, while active aerodynamics – developed for the standard NSX but ultimately left out – could also find their way on the Type R. “There are places weight could be cut out,” Robinson said. “We are Honda, so cost is a consideration [on the regular car] – but for a limited edition? Why not?”
It turns out that the standard NSX can already be driven in rear-wheel drive-only form, as Robinson claimed that it has a maintenance mode, which switches off ABS and all electric motor assistance. And while he added the handling and steering – calibrated to work together with the all-wheel drive system – feels odd in this mode, he also said, “It’s a drift machine.”
In fact, a rear-wheel drive NSX will already be participating in the annual Pikes Peak hill climb this year, driven by Nick’s brother James. Significantly different from the near-standard model that Nick will pilot at the same event, the heavily modified version has had its hybrid system removed.
The V6 will also be given electric superchargers to make up the shortfall in low-end torque. So equipped, Nick said, the twin-charged engine would make significantly more than the current V6’s 500 hp.
It has also been confirmed that a roadster version of the regular NSX will likely make it to production after the coupé, with little penalty in torsional rigidity – as the coupé’s optional carbon fibre roof only provides a 5 kg weight saving with no difference to structural strength. “I’m not that convinced by a convertible myself yet, but it’s possible,” Robinson said.
We’ve taken the Honda NSX for a short spin on Honda’s Tochigi test track, and you can read about it here.
GALLERY: Honda NSX at Tokyo 2015
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honda is boring..
Because we are watching Star Wars. Not Iron-man anymore.
Gonna be expensive in Malaysia? Ask your beloved government and Proton lar.
Finally, the good people at Honda are listening. The problem with the current NSX is simple, it is too damned heavy. The statement also confirms why the normal NSX understeers in anything other than track mode when pushed hard around corners, but is more neutral in track mode. It drifts by default, without the front power!! But the NSX-R will be an oversteering beast if it does go public, sans front power. So Honda will have to get clearance from legal dept first if they ever intend to R the NSX.
The thing is, Honda’s Japanese bosses are so obsessed with Hybrid-engined sportscar concept.But the current sportscar market still favors the normal IC-engined sportscars and this segment is not like the normal passenger cars. Hybrid-engine not only adds complexity , it has no soul, which is one of the most important element in sportscars but the Japanese still fail to see this. I’m sure if Honda come out with a non-hybrid NSX and with right chassis tuning, it’s demand will far outweigh that of hybrid NSX..
Please, the LaFerrari, Porsche 918 and McLaren P1 are all hybrids. The BMW i8 is a hybrid. Next generation sport cars are probably going to be hybrid, the big companies have been testing them for years now. If not hybrid its low displacement force induction engines. Or even full on electric, like Mercedes and Audi has demoed with the SLS E-CELL (which has more performance than the normal SLS) or the e-tron series of concept cars.
And no soul? Really? The non-hybrid Nissan GT-R is said to have no soul too, and is that because its Japanese? What about the various Japanese sports cars of the past or even recent ones like the Lexus LFA?
“And no soul? Really? The non-hybrid Nissan GT-R is said to have no soul too, and is that because its Japanese? What about the various Japanese sports cars of the past or even recent ones like the Lexus LFA?”
I thought the western world has already fully appreciate the Japanese sportscar legends?
The only bad thing about the Lexus LFA is the price due to expensive carbon fibre chassis material/construction. Had Lexus utilized conventional steel or aluminium monocoque chassis and with higher production volume coupled with some electronic trickery, it could have been on par with Porsche & Ferrari in terms of market penetration.
You used the right “IF”. Is why it took years for Honda to finalize NSX and yet nothing solid.
Source? Have you driven it?
Squeeze another 100 bhp from the v6 as well
“Squeeze another 100 bhp from the v6 as well”.
Honda has the engineering capability to upgrade the Turbo V6 engine to 600bhp and still meet the emission regulation. It’s just that it’s very difficult (but not impossible) for them to part ways with the boring & fragile Hybrid system..
don’t just say, bring it out already
The NSX was designed as a daily sports car from the beginning, so the use of hybrid for the new NSX is understandable in order to keep the fuel consumption low enough for a sports car while keeping it fun and controlled under all driving conditions.
If they want to make a Type R NSX, then hybrid system must go. No need to increase power because the twin turbo V6 is powerful enough, what they need to tweak is the chassis and aerodynamics. And of course, weight loss.
Honda should leave hybrids and electronic wizardry to McLaren when building supercars.