Detroit show: the NSX is back
New Honda NSX revealed and stakes an instant claim on 'best in show' at Detroit
HSV concept morphed into Super GT racer
Inevitably that means hybrid technology. But take heart – the electric motor is to supercars what the turbo was a few generations ago, and Honda isn’t about to dilute the NSX’s hardcore appeal.
This being a Japanese supercar, there’s no shortage of not-so-snappy acronym action to describe the technology, Honda’s new drivetrain announced under the banner (deep breath) Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive, or Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.
New NSX is a sharp looker
A ‘bilateral torque adjustable control system’ offers torque vectoring of the sort we’re already familiar with, but Honda also boasts that the motors will be able to generate reverse torque during cornering for an effect not unlike McLaren’s Brake Steer system on the MP4-12C. Can the NSX still be considered a purist machine even with all this tech? Ito says yes, declaring, “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”
NSX very much a new-school supercar
No figures for power output, weight or performance have yet been revealed (though around 300hp of petrol power and 100hp-or-so of electric shove is expected). But if Honda is true to its word it could mark a significant moment for supercars and an end to the horsepower arms race. Some would argue that’s what supercars should be about and it’s safe to say a hybrid Aventador is probably some way off but, as a mainstream manufacturer, Honda needs to be able to play the eco card too.
When? Honda’s playing coy, saying merely 'within the next three years'. We say it can’t come soon enough.
If it's more than £70k I think they may be pushing their luck.
When you get to £100k for super cars I'd personally be looking over at Italy and a baby Lamborghini. One that when you hit the throttle it makes a noise that releases the caveman hormones.
Not a whiney Honda engine and a big remote control car engine.
Visially it looks a whole lot more interesting than the old one did though.
Only joking of course, a V6 hybrid is actually a more interesting prospect, and I think it looks great. Undeniably R8-ish, but that's not a bad thing, and hopefully will compete with GTR and R8 rather than showy Italian alternatives anyway.
Being a Honda it will be as good as it looks 
I'd say it looks like the love child of senior designers at VAG & Mazda if ever I saw it.
Front bumper and nose is pure Mazda. DRL's are VAG. Rear air duct "blades" pure VAG.
About the only thing I'd say was Lambo'ish was the door mirrors which look far too "silly" for a Honda designed by VAG.
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