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Acura has come out with some bold numbers for its second-generation NSX, but before you rush out to your local dealer recall that the hybrid supercar won’t be available in showrooms for some time as production only starts next spring. Nevertheless, fans have a lot to look forward to.
Although the styling already looks a little dated—the first concept was unveiled at the start of 2012—the technology remains as impressive as ever. The list includes a light yet rigid all-aluminum monocoque chassis, a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V-6, a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission and a trio of electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery.
While the engine, a 3.5-liter unit, develops 500 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque on its own, the car’s hybrid system, known as Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All-Wheel Drive, boosts this to 573 hp and 476 lb-ft. This enables the NSX to accelerate from 0-60 mph in a claimed 3.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 191 mph.
As previously reported, the hybrid system pairs one of its three electric motors with the engine and uses this to drive the rear wheels. This motor also aids braking and transmission shift quality, and is also used to recharge the battery. Up front, the remaining two electric motors help provide more forward traction, as well as torque vectoring to improve handling to a level that the driver should enjoy an “on rails” experience. They do this by applying a precise application of torque, even negative amounts if necessary, at each of the front wheels at any moment.
Also aiding the handling is fully independent front and rear suspension system, equipped at all four corners with magnetic dampers. And electric power steering has been installed but tuned in such a way as to help deliver as much response and feel as possible. The wheels are forged aluminum pieces, measuring 19 inches up front and 20 in at the rear, and the brakes are ventilated steel discs from Brembo with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers in the rear. Carbon-ceramic discs will be available.
Unfortunately, all of the technology comes at a cost, with Acura quoting a curb weight of 3,803 pounds, which is relatively heavy for a two-seater coupe. The weight distribution, meanwhile, is 42/58 front/rear.
Read more on Motor Authority.