Acura Releases More Details About The New NSX

2016 Acura NSX (Credit: Acura)

Acura used the Society of Automotive Engineers 2015 World Congress to release some new juicy details about the new NSX. Pretty much everyone is wondering about the hybrid powertrain, which Acura has said precious little about. Horsepower and torque numbers are still under wraps, but the company did confirm that the twin-turbo V-6 engine has a 75-degree V-angle and a displacement of 3.5 liters. It uses port and direct injection, plus dry-sump lubrication, keeping the center of gravity appropriately low. The rear electric motor sends its torque straight to the crankshaft.

Power goes to the wheels using a nine-speed dual-clutch tranny, plus a version of Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system with dynamic torque vectoring that’s supposed to be more advanced than any previous iteration. The setup was designed to be responsive to inputs from the driver, plus quickly adapt to changes in the road surface.

2016 Acura NSX (Credit: Acura)

Cooling the gasoline engine, twin turbos and three electric motors are ten different heat exchangers, including three radiators for the engine, which explains all of the functional scoops on the body. Acura says that there are zero active aero elements, while the car achieves “top-in-class” aerodynamics figures.

The first generation of the NSX used an all-aluminum frame, something that is becoming more common in the automotive industry. Instead of repeating that design, the supercar is striking out in a new direction with a space frame made of several advanced materials. Ultra high-strength steel is used in strategic locations and the car’s floor is made of carbon fiber. Acura used ablation casting tech to assemble the frame, which is a first in the auto industry. The result is stronger stitch welding that takes up less space, making the entire construction more rigid.

2016 Acura NSX (Credit: Acura)

Thanks to A-pillars being made of ultra high-strength steel, they are skinny enough to give the driver an excellent view all around, while protecting against the roof crushing in an accident. Acura’s so confident about the car’s design it’s claiming that the NSX has “the most rigid body in its class.”

Production of the new NSX is set to fire up this fall.