Technical details for the Acura NSX are the hot topic after engineers revealed details well in advance of market launch. The technical details and design strategies were shared during the SAE 2015 World Congress and Exhibition.
According to Honda, the release of info was an effort to inspire the imagination of the next generation of engineers and automotive/technology enthusiasts. To hardcore sports car enthusiasts however it feels more like teasing.
"Our goal is to create something altogether new and exciting, something that advances the concept of a next generation supercar in the spirit of the original NSX," said Ted Klaus, chief engineer and global development leader of the new NSX.
Comparing the New 2016 Acura NSX to the Old Honda NSX
The original Honda NSX first began production in 1990 and had various incarnations up until 2005.
So what does 10 years of technological advancement have in store for the Acura NSX?
Technically, a great deal. The aluminum and steel multi-material space frame for example, is lightweight yet strong, a definite step up from the original’s all-aluminum monocoque body.
"We considered all-aluminum unibody, carbon fiber monocoque and space frame designs and ultimately engineered a multi-material space frame,” said Shawn Tarr, principal engineer and Acura NSX body development leader. “It offers the lowest weight and best rigidity, precision and hybrid powertrain packaging capability of any design."
The vehicle’s space frame was engineered with new “ablation” casting technology, allowing more rigid casting to be used in the cars crush zones.
The A-pillar of the old NSX is also replaced with a stronger and more rigid steel A-pillar.
New Hybrid Super Car will feature All Wheel Drive (AWD)
The NSX boasts zero-delay acceleration along with a double-wishbone, double lower control arm front suspension. The design removes the torque felt from the front axle motors of the twin-motor unit (TMU), providing smooth steering communication to the driver, already enhanced by variable gear ratio steering.
With a displacement of 3.5 liters, the longitudinally mounted twin-turbo V6 engine is mated to the new, Acura-developed 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with a third electric motor. Torque is applied directly to the crankshaft for higher output with immediate power delivery to the rear wheels.
With a 75-degree V-angle and dry sump design, vehicle performance in high lateral-G conditions is maximized and components are lowered in the chassis, giving it the lowest center of gravity in its class.
The 9-speed DCT's main, counter, secondary and output shaft design lowers weight and helps to center the mass nearer the driver.
The first generation NSX offered Ferrari-like performance with Honda-level reliability and operating costs… can the new iteration exceed the original?
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