Honda NSX Is Back!

The long awaited NSX makes its European debut at the Geneva motor show next month, exactly 25 years after the first generation car was revealed. Shown here wearing Acura badges Honda’s North American upmarket brand the latest car was revealed to the world at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. For Europe, it’ll have a Honda logo on its nose and tail, and will arrive in showrooms before the end of the year.

This time around, the supercar’s formula has been totally revisited, with a clean sheet design. Power comes from an all-new 3.7-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine, paired to three electric motors and a nine-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission, with the power transmitted to the tarmac via an all-wheel-drive system. The eye catching design is underpinned by an ultra-rigid lightweight multi-material space frame body.

An internal frame is made from aluminium and ultra-high strength steel, amongst other materials, and brought together by a carbon fibre floor. The outer body panels are made using a combination of aluminium and sheet moulding composite. Its engine boasts a race-inspired compact valve train and dry sump lubrication system to help lower the centre of gravity. The rear direct-drive electric motor, located between the engine and gearbox, supports acceleration, braking and transmission shifting performance, while at the front, twin independent high-output electric motors drive the wheels, delivering instantaneous torque. A ‘launch’ function is provided so that there’s no delay in acceleration, aided by the engine and the three electric motors. Ultra-high performance carbon-ceramic brake discs ensure that the NSX can stop as quickly as it has taken off.

Power comes from an all-new 3.7-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine, paired to three electric motors and a nine-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission...

Over the past three years, the latest iteration has been designed and engineered from scratch at Honda’s research and development centre in Raymond, Ohio, and will be built in the same US state by 100 workers at a new Performance Manufacturing Centre in Marysville. The latest NSX merges an aggressive frontal design with rear lights that have been inspired by the original car. The distinctive side intake and the floating C-pillar are designed to collect air to feed into the mid-mounted engine, as well as directing the airflow across the rear of the car to boost downforce. Extensive wind tunnel testing led to a number of detailed changes compared to the concept car, including modified vents for the bonnet, front wing and sides, as well as a aerodynamically optimised rear spoiler. Compared to the last generation 2005 NSX, the new car is 45 millimetres longer, 130 wider and 45 taller, with a wheelbase that is longer by 280 millimetres, and both front and rear tracks are notably wider, too.

The inside of the car has been designed all around the driver, with a cockpit-like feel. Forward visibility is said to be exceptional thanks to ultra-thin, but strong, A-pillars, and all of the controls are intuitive and simple to operate, with class leading ergonomics. The instrument cluster is configurable and uses the latest TFT-screen technology.

The latest NSX will be available to order from Honda dealers this summer, though its price tag has yet to be revealed. As before, it will be available in right-hand-drive, with the first lucky customers expected to take delivery before Christmas.