The wait for the 2015 launch of the new Honda NSX may be agonizing, but the Japanese firm has at least given us a taster of what’s to come by taking its Acura/Honda NSX prototype for a full-speed blast on the 3,8-kilometre Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Details surrounding the new NSX’s power and torque outputs remain sparse, but the Honda has stated that the powertrain comprises a mid-mounted, direct-injection V6 petrol engine coupled with Honda’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel-Drive system).
This three-motor set-up (one motor coupled to the V6 engine and another to its dual-clutch transmission channelling drive to the rear wheels) incorporates torque vectoring all-wheel drive that apportions torque between the left and right wheels to counter the default understeer that afflicts powerful all-wheel drive cars.
Ted Klaus, Chief engineer of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. said: “With leadership from our R&D and manufacturing teams here in Ohio, we are developing a next generation sports car that will be equally at home on the street and on the race track, so it is natural for us to showcase the prototype vehicle here at Mid-Ohio. It is exciting for us to see the prototype running on track, reflecting the great progress we’re making toward the 2015 global launch of the NSX, as we engineer a new sports-car experience for customers around the world.”
