Take a walk around the hybrid tech-fest.
The second-generation NC1 Acura NSX is about to ride off into the sunset, exiting with the 2022 NSX Type S. However, despite less-than-stellar sales, the technical details and go-fast knowledge that Acura poured into this thing are still more than worthy of praise. Now, we're taking a walk around the NC1 Acura NSX at the Petersen Automotive Museum Japanese Car Cruise-In.
Making its debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the second-generation Acura NSX arrived at a time when the car world was still coming to grips with the insane performance potential of hybrid technology. No longer were batteries and electric motors the stuff of the mpg humpers - indeed, these components could be used to create some truly mind-bending speed, as proven by the likes of the McLaren P1, Porsche 918, and LaFerrari.
The new NSX sought to leverage this newfound appreciation for hybrid tech with profound innovations of its own. Mounted behind the cabin, we find a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 featuring a 75-degree bank angle, and a dry sump oiling system.
Boost pressure is rated at 15.2 psi. The turbochargers are mounted just underneath the cylinder banks, providing compact packaging that keeps the engine low in the chassis, thus improving handling. In fact, the engine is mounted so low, the top of the head is actually below the top of the rear tires.
In addition to a hand-built turbocharged V6, the NC1 Acura NSX powertrain also incorporates three electric motors and a 1.3-kWh lithium ion battery pack. Two of the electric motors are up front to drive the front wheels, while the third is located between the V6 and the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission.
All this electric muscle provides immediate response when digging into the loud pedal, filling in the torque holes for a fat, linear power band. The front-mounted electric motors also help to distribute the torque such that the handling is razor-sharp, pulling the front end where directed.
Acura's engineers designed the exterior of the NSX to produce meaningful downforce at speed, with the rear creating three times the downforce as the front for optimal driving dynamics - all without a gaudy rear wing.
Suspension highlights include all-aluminum components, with a double-wishbone in front, and a multi-link in the rear. The braking spec includes six-piston calipers fore and four-piston calipers aft, with optional carbon-ceramic rotors.
Put the hammer down, and 60 mph arrives in less than 3 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 190 mph. Back in 2017, German auto magazine sport auto ran the NC1 Acura NSX around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:36.
While it's a shame to see the NC1 Acura NSX depart, we hear the follow-up third-generation will likely be all-electric. We can't wait to find out.
Comments