No more concepts and teasers, folks. You are looking at the Honda NSX in its production ready form, courtesy of an unveiling at the 2015 North American International Auto Show.
The Honda NSX seen here in its NSX red finish is every bit as drool-worthy as we hoped, which it should be as it has been 25 years since its predecessor showed the world what a Japanese car can really do.
Let’s talk power. The Honda NSX has more than 550hp, most of which comes from a twin-turbo DOHC V6 mated to a 9-speed dual clutch transmission. Now here’s the crazy bit. There are also not one, not two but three electric motors. Wait, what?
A rear direct-drive electric motor between the engine and transmission deals with acceleration, braking and transmission, while two independent electric motors provide instantaneous torque that can be distributed to each of the front wheels as needed.
What all that means is oodles of torque without the need for the engine to rev up or the two turbos to spool up, a method employed in the McLaren P1 hypercar to dangerous effect.
Honda is yet to talk performance figures, but let’s just say it should be frightening. Why? Because supposedly the new NSX can outdo a Tesla Model S and Nissan GT-R comfortably and neither cars have ever been called slow. Let that sink in for a second.
Not that Honda cares much. It is actually gunning for the Ferrari 458, Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 V10s of the world. Mad when you consider the original NSX debuted with ‘just’ 276bhp.
The new NSX body is built from aluminium, steel and ‘other advanced materials’ that are too secret to mention. A carbon fibre floor, meanwhile, helps with rigidity.
Three computer systems do their utmost best to help the NSX obliterate whatever is thrown at it. Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive enables ‘lightning quick’ responses to steering, braking and throttle.
Agile Handling Assist uses brake torque to help the car turn faster, while the dial-operated Integrated Dynamic System lets you choose between Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track driving modes. There’s also a launch system for ‘zero delay’ in making you soil yourself.
Last but not least are the looks, which we think are fantastic. It’s like a beefier, sleeker Audi R8 with various neat touches, such as the four exhaust pipe exits and the headlights comprised six separate bulbs. It looks so aggressive it hurts – what’s not to like?
Orders are set to begin in the summer of 2015, with deliveries expected later in the year. A price is yet to be confirmed but think upwards of £100,000. Hopefully Honda will release all the missing details soon.
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