Photo: newspress.co.uk
The new Acura NSX fanbase is split into two main categories. If you happen to be part of those who were left waiting for a thoroughbred velocity machine with no hybrid ballast, be prepared to receive the goodies Honda is working on.
Until we get to see if the rumored no-hybrid RWD NSX Type R becomes reality, you can check out such a setup on the NSX GT3 racecar that's been keeping us busy on the New York floor.
While underneath the surface we have the same aluminum space frame as found on the street version, the body of the racecar features all sorts of changes aimed at boosting downforce, chief among which is the massive rear wing.
Since the electric part of the equation has been removed, the hybrid all-wheel-drive system had to go, which means we're left with an RWD track machine motivated by the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 we've met on the street car, with the obvious tweaks required by the motorsport world.
The racing destination of the powertrain means that, for instance, the fuel efficiency services of the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission are no longer needed. Instead, we should welcome a lightning-fast six-speed sequential box.
While the Acura NSX and the new Ford GT may have battled for attention (we saw the balance tipping towards the Blue Oval, but maybe it was just us) at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, but the fight won't be replicated at Le Mans.
While the Ford GT will duke it out with the Ferrari 488 GTE in the GTE category, the GT3 nature of the NSX racer means Acura will sit this one out. Don't worry, though, we'll get to see the NSX GT3 at work in various series across the world. And if you're looing for a track rival, think of Porsche's new 911 GT3 R or Ferrari's 488 GT3.
While underneath the surface we have the same aluminum space frame as found on the street version, the body of the racecar features all sorts of changes aimed at boosting downforce, chief among which is the massive rear wing.
Since the electric part of the equation has been removed, the hybrid all-wheel-drive system had to go, which means we're left with an RWD track machine motivated by the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 we've met on the street car, with the obvious tweaks required by the motorsport world.
The racing destination of the powertrain means that, for instance, the fuel efficiency services of the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission are no longer needed. Instead, we should welcome a lightning-fast six-speed sequential box.
While the Acura NSX and the new Ford GT may have battled for attention (we saw the balance tipping towards the Blue Oval, but maybe it was just us) at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, but the fight won't be replicated at Le Mans.
While the Ford GT will duke it out with the Ferrari 488 GTE in the GTE category, the GT3 nature of the NSX racer means Acura will sit this one out. Don't worry, though, we'll get to see the NSX GT3 at work in various series across the world. And if you're looing for a track rival, think of Porsche's new 911 GT3 R or Ferrari's 488 GT3.
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