While we were originally led to believe that, the next generation NSX would utilize a naturally aspirated V6 mated to the brand’s latest three electric motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system, it turns out the hybrid sports car’s main source of power will be a turbocharged unit.
It only makes sense that the company’s top offering and the halo car for both the Honda and Acura brands (depending on the region it will be marketed with one or the other nameplate) would use a turbocharged engine after Monday’s announcement for the development of a new line of VTEC Turbo gasoline units for the automaker’s mainstream global cars.
According to Edmunds, Honda showed a mockup of the new NSX powertrain during a media event before the Tokyo Motor Show, which included an unspecified V6 twin-turbo engine mounted in the center and linked to the SH-AWD system that uses a three-motor (one for each front wheel and a third one integrated into the engine acting as a motor generator) hybrid system.
Completing the powertrain setup is a new dual-clutch transmission. Autonews reported that Honda officials said they “have not yet decided how many gears it would have”.
Taking into consideration the twin-turbo V6 and the electric motor, the new NSX should come with some serious grunt under the hood. How much, remains a mystery, but as pointed out by Edmunds, a 500 plus hp output sounds completely feasible…
The new NSX will be manufactured at Honda’s Ohio plant with sales to begin in 2015.
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