The fact that Honda and its premium division Acura are preparing something special shouldn't be a surprise to anybody by now. The all-new NSX was revealed as a concept well over a year ago and it's edging closer and closer to production with every passing day.
Like most automakers these days, Honda is combining hybrid technology to deliver not only better fuel economy, but also a groundbreaking package. Despite being expected to deliver over 400 horsepower, the NSX will be miles more efficient than an S2000 or a Civic Si.
But will it handle and will it be fun? The only way to find out is to check out the following two videos, shot yesterday at the Nurburgring track in Germany. The NSX is being put through its paces there and it looks like a pretty serious piece of kit.
Remember, the NSX is a hybrid all-wheel drive car with a total of three electric motors, two for the front wheels and one coupled to 3.5-liter V6 at the back. This in turn is twin turbocharged. Considering a normal Accord gets 280 PS from its naturally aspirated, low compression ratio V6, we can only presume that the petrol engine alone in this car makes at least 350 PS.
The comparison between this Japanese sports hybrid and BMW's i8 is inevitable. Both have the engines in the middle, both are hybridized and they're even expected to cost about the same. However, while all animals are equal, some are more equal than others. The i8 makes due with a MINI-like 3-cylinder turbo engine and its total output is well under 400 PS. It's also got a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the NSX is expected to get a seven-speed twin-clutch.
The NSX marks a return to form for the Japanese automaker, a blatent declaration of war against some of the more established names in the sportscar business. It's got the looks, the tech and the heritage. All we need now is a reasonable price and the Germans are going to be in trouble.
Videos by TourClips and Nordschleife27:
But will it handle and will it be fun? The only way to find out is to check out the following two videos, shot yesterday at the Nurburgring track in Germany. The NSX is being put through its paces there and it looks like a pretty serious piece of kit.
Remember, the NSX is a hybrid all-wheel drive car with a total of three electric motors, two for the front wheels and one coupled to 3.5-liter V6 at the back. This in turn is twin turbocharged. Considering a normal Accord gets 280 PS from its naturally aspirated, low compression ratio V6, we can only presume that the petrol engine alone in this car makes at least 350 PS.
The comparison between this Japanese sports hybrid and BMW's i8 is inevitable. Both have the engines in the middle, both are hybridized and they're even expected to cost about the same. However, while all animals are equal, some are more equal than others. The i8 makes due with a MINI-like 3-cylinder turbo engine and its total output is well under 400 PS. It's also got a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the NSX is expected to get a seven-speed twin-clutch.
The NSX marks a return to form for the Japanese automaker, a blatent declaration of war against some of the more established names in the sportscar business. It's got the looks, the tech and the heritage. All we need now is a reasonable price and the Germans are going to be in trouble.
Videos by TourClips and Nordschleife27: