New Honda NSX to Debut at North American International Auto Show in Detroit
Honda is bringing its famous NSX sports car back to life, only this time it will be packaged as a 400 hp hybrid model and will be sporting a unique powertrain system.
The NSX will be driven by a 3.5L V6 gasoline direct injection engine which will be strictly devoted to driving the front axle of the vehicle. The rear wheels will be powered by two in-wheel electric motors that operate independently of each other. This independent electric motor setup makes the car capable of delivering different power levels to the inside and outside wheels while cornering and maneuvering to add responsiveness and tighter handling.
Honda debuted this electric SH-AWD setup in late November ( see here) but never announced officially when the system would see production or in what vehicle it would make its debut. The original SH-AWD system was paired with a new dual clutch seven speed automatic transmission which may or may not find its way into the NSX.
Representatives at Honda say that the primary focus of the system is to increase fuel economy while keeping power and handling intact.
In terms of looks, we have already seen spy photos from the set of the new Avengers movie(Pictured Above), so we can only assume the finished product will be heavily influenced by that early model. The NSX will bow at the Detroit auto show badged as an Acura, but will be re-branded as a Honda when it hits the streets in the UK.
To read AutoGuide’s coverage of the electric SH-AWD powertrain system click here.
[Source: AutoExpress]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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1)If you're building a hybrid vehicle, space is at a premium due to having additional electric motor and batteries. midship engine is not an option due to inefficient layout. so the engine goes to the front like any hybrid cars. Given this, having RW driven by the engine would have meant that the engine has to be mounted longitudinally (less efficient use of space) and would need driveshaft (takes space and batteries block its path.) So, it's FE-RWD set up for the conventional engine. Furthermore, electric motors have pretty flat torque band, which means RWD with e-motor would provide for smoother acceleration. Plus, e-motors although lacking in hp/weight ratio, reaches peak torque/power quicker than comb-engine. So, again have e-motor driving the rear wheel is better for quick acceleration. 2) regenerative breaking is more effective on the front wheel, and you can have the alternator in the front. You don't need driveshaft to trasmit electricity from the front to back.
it's about time Acura bring this classic NSX back. the car is beautiful