Acura NSX Concept Presages Coming Hybrid Supercar

During its production until recent times, Acura’s NSX supercar was notable for its ability to provide a high-intensity driving experience along with dependability and daily livability, something most exotic sports cars simply can’t claim as core attributes.

We’ve always viewed the NSX fondly since our first experiences with this car on winding Southern California mountain roads some 20 years ago. Although the NSX has always been a model of efficiency through its use of a lightweight aluminum monocoque body/frame and mid-engine 3.0-liter VTEC V-6 – making use of Honda’s F1 experience to achieve amazing performance and an impressive power-to-weight ratio – we just wished it could be a bit ‘greener.’

Now that’s in the works with the recently-debuted NSX Concept, which Honda/Acura says presages its direction for the next-generation production Acura NSX, to be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio. The important distinction: This latest-generation model will integrate Acura’s new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system.

This new performance hybrid system utilizes a two-motor electric drive unit with adjustable bilateral torque control, enabling it to instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. The car’s next-generation, direct-injection VTEC V-6 engine will use a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to provide expected supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency. All this goodness is expected to emerge at Acura showrooms within the next three years.