Honda to expand NSX line-up

Honda is considering developing a lighter, more hardcore version of its NSX supercar as a Type R variant. The development of the more track-focused supercar could see the company giving the hybrid setup from the standard NSX a miss, to save weight.

Currently, the NSX is equipped with a 500bhp 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 engine in its middle, with a 47bhp electric motor attached to the crank and driving the rear wheels, and a pair of electric motors at the front. A Type R could mean the loss of the front-mounted electric motors and batteries amongst other components, in a bid to reduce hundreds of kilogrammes from the standard car’s kerb weight.

Nick Robinson, Dynamic Development Leader on the NSX project, confirmed at the launch of the standard NSX that, although the Type R project hasn’t officially been signed off yet, there is a huge will within Honda do to it.

All in, the NSX’s hybrid drive system weighs 150kg. Although not all of that would be dispensed to create a Type R – the rear drive motor, which would act as an alternator, starter motor and flywheel would remain – its loss would make a considerable difference to the NSX’s 1,725kg kerb weight.
Intelligent use of other lightweight materials, could reduce the weight further. “There are places weight could be cut out,” said Robinson. “We are Honda, so cost [of exotic materials on the regular car] is a consideration, but for a limited edition? Why not?”

A rear-wheel drive Type R would not be out of the question with the current NSX offering a maintenance mode that shuts down the electric motors. Additionally, the company is using two rear-wheel drive NSX at the Pike’s Peak hill climb, with one being a completely stripped-down car with only the petrol engine and the other to feature electric superchargers to boost power.

Robinson also confirmed that a convertible-roofed version of the NSX is likely to follow the coupé. The body is exceptionally rigid, and losing the roof panel would make little difference; fitting the optional carbon-fibre roof to the standard NSX saves 5kg but makes no discernible difference to torsional rigidity.