Honda NSX – Automobiles Review

Nasty Acura NSX EV Concept is about to conquer Pikes Peak with winner Tetsuya Yamano behind the wheel

The supercar is driven by world’s first all-electric four-motor SH-AWD drivetrain

Tetsuya Yamano will again be featured in Acura’s team for Pikes Peak, but this year he will be sitting behind the steering wheel of an NSX EV Concept (he is currently making extensive tests). He is going to be competing in the Electric Modified Class, raising the bars high. Last year he was first in the Challenge Exhibition class with a time of 10:23.829 in an all-electric Honda CR-Z prototype. The Japanese brand is also running two NSX hybrids in the hill challenge.

But what’s the difference between the CR-Z and the NSX EV? Well, both are driven by the same powertrain, which won last year’s Pikes Peak Challenge Exhibition class. However, Acura’s EV Concept features a further evolution of the experimental all-electric unit. In other words, the supercar will be driven by world’s first 4-motor Super Handling All-Wheel Drive drivetrain, or how Acura named it – the SH-AWD.

In short, the benefit is that the electric SH-AWD powertrain enables four-wheel independent torque allocation, thus producing three times the total system output of last year’s electric prototype. All of this is put inside NSX’ body to look more dramatic and menacing. And it is most certainly the best looking EV we have seen for a while. Unfortunately, only in a concept variant.

Acura NSX EV Concept rear view

“So, what’s the deal with the SH-AWD hype,” you might ask.The secret hides in the application of separate Twin Motor Units (TMUs) on each axle. This is how Acura actually achieved independent torque distribution to all four corners. In addition, the new technology uses highly responsive acceleration characteristics. Combined with the regeneration capability of electric motors, this further advances the torque vectoring systems that are currently applied to NSX. The experience and knowledge gained will be utilized in Acura’s RLX and the upcoming MDX.

Acura NSX EV Concept with its high-output electric motors and 4-motor torque vectoring will compete in the 156 complex corners up Pikes Peak on June 26^th.

Source: Acura

June 21, 2016

Honda reveals details about “the new NSX” [w/video]

Honda NSX Honda team talks about a holistic approach to the design, technology and manufacturing of the new NSX. The supercar will also feature a thing called “instant response”, which will challenge the conventional beliefs about supercars and will show the future of their development.

So, what should we expect?

The advanced design and incredible manufacturing, in Honda’s words. The new NSX is expected to respond ultra quick to all driver demands, whether they are accelerating, braking, turning, or similar. Of course, we will witness some sophisticated engineering solutions and new generation of engine, AWD system, bespoke nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox and rigid chassis. Ultra rigid in Honda’s words.

Some of the innovations will include Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive, Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit with zero-delay performance and Twin Motor Unit that provides independent drive force to each front wheel.

Also, the character of the NSX can be further changed, thanks to the Integrated Dynamics System and its four selectable modes: Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track.

Additional technical data

Honda engineers also delivered some multi-material body structure in order to provide class-leading structural rigidity and deliver some increased visibility, crash safety performance, durability and reliability.

This means that the vehicle incorporates aluminum frame nodes for shorter front and rear overhangs and reduced mass. Also, there will be a three-dimensional bent and quenched frame members that create thin and strong A-pillars.

These and many more additions will be present, many of which will also be announced soon. Meanwhile, tell me what do you think about Honda’s plans about the supercar segment?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNvoqFLDvZ4

Source: Honda

Video source: Youtube

June 9, 2016

2017 Honda NSX Production Start Scheduled for April

2017 Acura NSX The production start of the Honda NSX from the MY2017 is commenced in April this year, announced Honda. The series production of the super car will begin in the world-class facility in Ohaio, which combines innovative technologies with craftsmanship. The company also announced that the deliveries for European customers are due to start in this fall.

The NSX super car will be is constructed entirely in-house, and its body will be made of the unique multi-material body and aluminium-intensive space-frame. For instance there will be a lot of new technologies used there and one of them is the precision robotic weld technology. In it, the aluminium-intensive spaceframe is created with 100 percent robotic MIG welding. Eight weld robots apply 860 MIG welds to the space-frame, thus making possible a highly accurate body assembly process.

Another interesting innovation is the zirconium pre-treatment, where the space-frame undergoes an etching process prior to application of corrosion-resistant primer. This procedure utilizes zirconium-based material, and this process also lessens the environmental waste during painting.

2017 Honda NSX

There is a lot to be told about the 2017 NSX but specifying it to the most interesting features, an example is the 11 coats of primer and paint applied as a paint finish, thus resulting in a high-quality surface. Furthermore, the twin-turbocharged V6 engine with dry sump lubrication is hand assembled by a small group of specialists.

The process for one engine takes over six hours, where every component is literally assembled by hand. An instance is that each of the 547 bolts is manually tightened to precise torque tolerances. Once assembled, the engine is then machine balanced, bench tested and run-in to the equivalent of 150 miles of service. This means that every NSX will be track-ready upon delivery to the owner.

Source: Honda

March 21, 2016

Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype to Stun the Geneva Motor Show with Exclusive Premiere

Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype in its renewed form is going to make 2016 Geneva Motor Show debut, which also happens to be its world premiere. The company has just shared a teaser image of the upcoming car that shows its rear and innovative tail-lights. Honda has also disclosed that the prototype actually previews the exterior design of the all-new hatchback model, which is scheduled for a European launch in the beginning of 2017. The car will be produced in the United Kingdom and then exported globally, including the United States.

Another European debut is going to happen for the Clarity Fuel Cell, being world’s first production fuel cell saloon which features entire fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet. It has a range of up-to 700 km (435 miles), thus achieving best-in-class range. In addition, it includes unique packaging and one-off interior with room for five persons. All will be presented at the Geneva event.

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

In three days the NSX and the Precision Concept will be exhibited at the Chicago Auto Show, and then follows an appearance in Geneva. By the way, the first European customer deliveries for the Honda NSX will begin this year, meaning that we are soon to see this unique sports car on the streets. With its classic low and wide proportions, modern and alluring stance, aggressive front- and rear end, make the car inspired by the original NSX. The new hybrid NSX is driven by new mid-mounted DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT.

Honda NSX

The last two debuts at the show are making the Jazz ‘Keenlight’ Concept and the CRF1000L Africa Twin. The first one is a design concept model of the famous Jazz, which highlights the customizing potential of the model. It features sleek design elements, special decals and a one-off colour named ‘Keenlight’. The last model announced for Geneva is the CRF1000L Africa Twin, which packs an innovative and powerful parallel twin-cylinder engine into a lightweight and agile chassis.

Geneva Motor Show starts on March 3rd.

Source: Honda

February 10, 2016

Acura Releases More Technical Details on the Super Cool NSX

Acura just released more details on the NSX and I am super excited about that, because this happens right before the market launch of the car. The reason for the disclosed information were the engineers, who lead the development of NSX and have shared more technical details and design strategies two days ago at the SAE 2015 World Congress and Exhibition. At the base of the working process was the goal to create a “New Sports Experience”, which required a totally new approach in the body construction, engine development and manufacturing technologies.

So, Acura has used for the first time an innovative multi-material space frame design, which you can view in the gallery below. The result is excellent body rigidity mixed with light weight. In the process of achieving this, the engineers have applied for the first time ablation casting technology, which not only ends in a better rigidity, but also promises exceptional handling and control.

Another first use here is the three-dimensional and ultra-high-strength steel A-pillar, which also supports the high level of the rigidity, crash performance and at the same time delivers great outward visibility.

In terms of aerodynamics, the NSX probably scores the best among all. Note that this happens without the utilization of active aerodynamic elements. In support comes also the three-motor Sport Hybrid power unit, which is cooled through 10 heat exchangers, due to the application of a general airflow management strategy. This optimizes the flow of air around and through the beautiful NSX.

As we know already the car is driven by a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine mated to nine-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system. The news here is that the twin turbo unit has been confirmed to be 3.5-liters. It will also use racing technology, which will apply both direct and port injection to its design. In addition, the NSX will show one of the highest torque capacities in company’s history, due to the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

In fact, Super Handling is the last announced super-cool feature that the car will be equipped with. It will proactively respond to driver inputs. This in turn will allow the vehicle achieve more in the line trace and give a substantial support in the changing driving environments.

Everything sounds very exciting, doesn’t it?

Source: Acura

April 24, 2015

Salute the Next-Gen Acura NSX! [VIDEO]

Acura has finally taken the wraps off its icon, the 2016 NSX supercar, at the North American International Auto Show. Twenty-five years after the debut of the original model, the new NSX comes to make a huge shift in our understanding of sports cars! The production model comes in shiny red finish and is driven by a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine mated to nine-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system. All of this is imbibed in rigid and lightweight multi-material body.

The iconic car has been developed under the concept of a “human-centered supercar”. This means that it puts the driver first in every aspect of its design. Next to the hybrid power unit, the body and chassis deliver exceptionally intuitive and immediate response to driver inputs.

The body of this fantastic car has low and wide proportions coupled with contemporary and aggressive front design and tail lights. Every element of the exterior has been optimized and modified with the aim of perfection, including the hood vents, front fender vents, side air intakes, and the deck spoiler.

When it was introduced for the first time, the NSX was world’s first all-aluminum supercar. The new NSX includes an innovative new multi-material body design with world’s-first material applications and construction processes.

To be more precise, the body uses a space frame design. This is an internal frame constructed of aluminum, ultra-high strength steel and other advanced materials. Anchored by a carbon fiber floor, torsional and bending forces are taken up entirely by this structure. The body panels are composed of a combination of aluminum and sheet molding composite.

Inside, the NSX offers exceptional forward visibility, simplicity and intuitiveness in terms of controls, and exceptional ergonomics. The instrument cluster features a dynamic TFT display, while the center console holds the Power button that readies the sport hybrid powertrain.

What is more, the supercar utilizes a fully independent, all-aluminum front and rear suspension. It puts its significant amount of power down through ContiSportContact high-performance tires. They come in dimensions of 245/35Z R19 at the front and 295/30Z R20 at the rear, and are coupled with 19×8.5 inch front and 20×11 inch rear aluminum alloy wheels.

The braking performance is provided by 6-piston front and 4-piston rear monoblock calipers squeezing ultra-high performance carbon-ceramic brake discs. Handling is greatly improved by Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), which enables lightning-quick response to all driver inputs.

2016 Acura NSX has been specifically created to bring a “new sports experience” to the supercar segment. It challenges conventional beliefs about supercars that we have. Acura will begin accepting custom orders for the new NSX in the summer, while the first customer deliveries are expected later in the year.

2016 Acura NSX dimensions:

	NEW NSX	2013 NSX Concept	Diff (in.)	2005 NSX	Diff (in.)
Length	176 in. (4470 mm)	172.8 in. (4390mm)	+3.1	174.2 in. (4425 mm)	+1.8
Width	76.4 in. (1940 mm)	75.4 in (1915 mm)	+1.0	71.3 in. (1810 mm)	+5.1
Height	47.8 in. (1215 mm)	47.2 in. (1200 mm)	+0.6	46.1 in(1170 mm)	+1.8
Wheelbase	103.5 in.(2630 mm)	102.8 in. (2610 mm)	+0.8	99.6 in. (2350 mm)	+11.0
Front track	65.2 in. (1655 mm)	– –	– –	59.5 in. (1510 mm)	+5.7
Rear track	63.6 in. (1615 mm)	– –	– –	60.7 in.(1540 mm)	+3.0

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Acura

January 13, 2015

Aryton Senna’s Supercar For Sale

92-Honda-NSX-Senna-shadow 92-Honda-NSX-Senna-medium The original Honda NSX cars are already rare and valuable on their own. But the one that’s going to go under the hammer at the Silverstone Auctions’ Race Retro & Classic Car Sale next month blows all other deals out of the water.

Let’s start from the top though. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the death of racing icon Aryton Senna. The tragic accident that happened at the Imola track in 1994 sent shockwaves through the motoring world. A man of exceptional qualities, both domestic and professional, he has been deeply missed ever since. A three-time world F1 champion, he was also deeply involved in the racing industry.

This is where the Honda NSX comes into play. Did you know that the McLaren F1 Team used Honda-sourced engines back then. 2015 will see that relationship rekindled again. On his part, Senna, helped the development of the NSX model.

So what about the NSX that will go on sale at the Silverstone Auctions? Well, it belonged to Senna: a 92′ Honda NSX with a black leather interior and a black paint job. The car was previously owned by Senna’s close friend, Antonio Carlos de Almeida Braga. He kept it in a garage in Portugal for two years (nobody was allowed to drive it). It was then sold to a buyer who kept it for a very short while before being passed on to the next buyer: a man who held on to it for 17 years. Regardless, the car has done only 31,800 miles. It has a manual gearbox, a 3.0-liter engine with six cylinders and its value has been estimated at $132,696 (give or take).

One thing’s for sure then. This tiny piece of history won’t end up in our hands.

92-Honda-NSX-Senna-medium-2

Source: Silverstone Auctions

January 28, 2014

Honda NSX Concept-GT To Enter The 2014 SUPER GT Series

Another brand has announced a new vehicle prepared to compete at the 2014 SUPER GT and this time is Honda. It has just unveiled that the Honda NSX Concept-GT will be its racing machine.

In addition, the Japanese brand has also revealed a dozen of images of the racer. The NSX Concept-GT is a dedicated racing vehicle which of course is based on the NSX Concept. The latter is a super sports model which made its official appearance in 2012 at North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The racing vehicle is built in accordance with the 2014 regulations on GT500 vehicles prescribed by the Japan Automobile Federation. It is equipped with a mid-mounted 2.0 l inline direct-injection 4-cylinder turbo engine which is combined with a racing hybrid system.

Acura NSX Concept was shown at the Mid-Ohio Indy 200 on 4th of August. The model is going to make a special appearance at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 18th of August.

Source: Honda

August 16, 2013

Honda to Reveal Two Concepts in Geneva

More news for the show in Geneva is coming! This time the main “actor” is Honda, which will introduce the Civic wagon concept model and the next generation NSX Concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

Next to those concepts at Honda’s stand is going to be the CR-V featuring the new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine. But to go further into details, the Civic wagon concept delivers strong cues for the exterior design of the final mass produced version. It comes to add its forces to the famous Civic range.

Next, on the show will be the biggest star – the NSX Concept. Although we have already seen it at NAIAS a month ago, the model will make an official European debut. This concept gives glimpses of a potential direction for the next-generation NSX’s interior design.

As you can see, the exterior design stays true to the original concept styling. It delivers low and wide stance with the dynamic and alluring proportions that are highlighted by clean, modern and simple surfacing, and edgy details.

At last but not least, Honda CR-V equipped with the new Earth Dreams Technology 1.6i-DTEC diesel engine, will be available in two-wheel drive, with manual transmission, providing an exceptional balance of performance and economy. This unit is the lightest engine in its class and it helps the CR-V achieving an energetic performance, agile handling and low running costs for customers.

Source: Honda

February 6, 2013

2013 NAIAS: Honda reveals NSX Concept [VIDEO]

Honda NSX Concept was just revealed at the 2013 North American International Auto Show which in Detroit. The new NSX Concept is an evolution of the next-generation supercar in terms if styling and design.

Its design philosophy will be possibly used in other vehicles produced by the brand. The original concept styling, the low and wide stance with the dynamic and alluring proportions are now even more highlighted. The clean, modern and simple surfacing, and edgy details show perfectly the attitude and a high-tech feel of this Honda concept.

The interior package offers outstanding visibility, a strong driving position, and an intuitive “Simple Sports Interface”. The latter makes minimal the interior clutter thus allowing the driver to put their attention on the driving experience.

By creating this supercar, the designers have aimed to delivering more of the driving experience by combining vehicle’s dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance. More importantly, the NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine mated to Honda’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system.

European debut, the Honda NSX Concept will make in March during the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

httpv://youtu.be/IBb2RnvySxo

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Honda

January 16, 2013

Honda NSX Twin Turbo vs Porsche 911 Turbo S [HD video]

“Power is nothing without control”, this is very popular phrase in the world of motorsport and especially in drag racing, where the highly tuned cars have to be driven extremely carefully in order to get maximum traction and perfect times.

In this video by Dragtimesinfo, you’ll see a Honda NSX Twin Turbo prepared by Total Race with 700HP versus Porsche 911 Turbo S (997) Mk.2 Stock with just 530HP. However, the Porsche made a perfect start and set a terminal speed of 282.74 km/h in the first, which was more than enough to beat the mighty Honda.

In the second start, the NSX also had huge troubles with the launch, but after that it managed to get the needed traction and won.

Check out the video below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3rzXN1hTTY

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

April 9, 2012

Honda NSX Concept

Honda NSX is the super sports car of the manufacturer and it has been produced for 15 years, from 1990 to 2005. It had a mid-engine, RWD layout. The engine was V-TEC all-aluminium V6 with superb power and torque.

Now however, Honda has announced the new NSX Concept vehicle, which will be on display at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It continues the line of the original conception – a V6 mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. There will be also a number of technologies in the new NSX like the innovative Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

The NSX Concept looks fantastic and hopefully, it will hit the world market in the next three years.

The Honda Press Conference will take place at 09.15 on Tuesday 6 March.

Source: Honda

February 6, 2012

Tag: Honda NSX

The supercar is driven by world’s first all-electric four-motor SH-AWD drivetrain

So, what should we expect?

Additional technical data