Photos by Philip Aragones
The recently concluded Philippine International Motor Show gave spectators a real surprise with having the Honda NSX Concept on display. The car, which was being promoted since 2012 in some of the biggest car shows across the globe, had some various iterations and improvements in the past 2 years. I think it’s looking so much better!
Check out the rest of the gallery below…
The first generation NSX was based on a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout…
In fact, on one of the later iterations of the first generation NSX – the refresh of the 2002 NSX-R (most notable in looks for the fixed headlights replacing the original pop-up headlamps)…
… the performance benchmark was the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale.
An article on the NSX on Wikipedia says:
The result of Honda’s second NSX-R effort was a vehicle that could challenge the latest sports car models on the track, despite having a base design that was more than 15 years old. For example, noted Japanese race and test driver Motoharu Kurosawa piloted a 2003 NSX-R around the Nurburgring road course in 7:56, a time equal to a Ferrari F360 Challenge Stradale (and the Porsche 911 Turbo (996) – CPR). The NSX-R accomplished this feat despite being out-powered by the Ferrari by over 100 bhp (75 kW).
But in the NSX Concept, though still retaining the mid-engine layout, Honda has opted for an all-wheel drive layout. I’m really curious what car this was benchmarked against, and how much power it will produce, but to give you an idea, the same article states:
The new concept retained the 2-door coupe, mid-engine, with an all-wheel drive formula. Weight is kept down through the use of a high-tech platform made from lightweight materials. Power comes from a V6 (a 90° design actually derived from the upcoming 2015 F1 engine that McLaren-Honda will be racing) mounted behind the two occupants that sends its power to the rear wheels and is augmented by an electric motor. Acura’s SH-AWD incorporates one electric motor in a dual-clutch transmission, forming a hybrid setup. Additionally, two more motors can instantly send negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering for improved handling and efficiency. Acura claims the new all-wheel-drive system will provide super car acceleration while offering better efficiency. Acura did not disclose how much horsepower its V6 engine and three electric motors will produce.
But either way, the NSX will definitely be geared towards racing, as the same article states:
Honda plans to develop a GTE racing version of the NSX to run at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2015 onward. It is unknown if it will be a factory effort or if it will be run as a customer program, but Honda expects to race it in America – likely the American Le Mans Series.
So, since the NSX is rumored to be launched into production in 2015, just for fun, which car would you pick if you had the money?
1. The New Honda NSX
2. Lamborghini Huracan
3. Ferrari 458
Share your thoughts in the comments!
Related Stuff:
– See more coverage of the Philippine International Motor Show here
– See more customized and tuned Honda NSX cars here