Honda unveils new NSX prototype

Honda has released the first image of a prototype version of its new NSX supercar ahead of its international launch in 2015.

The prototype will appear in public for the first time on 4 August at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course race circuit in Ohio, the state in the US in which the car is being developed by Honda North America. This is also where the supercar will be built.

Honda first revealed a concept version for the new NSX at the Detroit motor show last year, with a subtly revised version following in January of this year. Honda has confirmed the production car has retained the concept’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system, while the styling and themes and proportions of the concept are also retained.

The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system features a mid-mounted V6 petrol engine coupled to an electric motor to drive the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and twin electric motors to drive the front wheels, making the NSX all-wheel drive.

Total power of the system is likely to be around 400bhp, but the torque from the three electric motors and engine is set to be the most significant factor in the NSX’s lightning performance potential. Sharp handling is promised too, because the twin motors up front will permit highly response torque vectoring.