Honda shows what is underneath the all-new NSX

The all-new Honda NSX sent waves across the motoring world when it was launched in Detroit earlier this year. Now, Honda has spilled more details of the new NSX’s technicals with the release of new images showing what’s underneath the supercar.

Twenty-five years after the debut of the original, much-lauded NSX, the production version of its successor is all set to continue the NSX’s performance edge with an all-new drivetrain.

Like the first generation model, which was the world’s first ever production car with an all-aluminium chassis, the new NSX challenges conventional beliefs about supercars, claims Honda. The approach is realised through an all-new power unit — a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre 75 degrees V6 engine with race-inspired compact valve train and dry sump lubrication to keep centre gravity low.

The new powerplant is paired with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system — two individually driving each front wheel and one in the back supplementing the engine, which powers the rear wheels.

The result is an all-wheel-drive system managed by the company’s renowned Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive system (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), integrated in an ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material body with world’s-first material applications and manufacturing processes.

To accommodate the new longitudinally mounted twin-turbo V6 and 9-speed DCT, the production vehicle was slightly lengthened and widened with a slightly more cab-forward package, compared with the proportions of the NSX Concept.

Honda says every element of the exterior body design has been carefully fashioned for total airflow management for both stability-enhancing downforce and vehicle systems cooling. The NSX has undergone extensive testing at the company’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Raymond, Ohio, leading to a number of significant changes from concept to final body design, including modified hood vents, new front fender vents, modified side air intakes, and an optimised deck spoiler.

Looking remarkably similar to the concept first shown in 2012, the new NSX body features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and tail lights that pays homage to the original NSX. The signature side intake and floating C-pillar collects air to feed the mid-mounted engine and directs airflow over the rear deck to increase downforce.

Honda has not disclosed official power output and performance figures, but claims the new supercar offers an instantaneous “zero delay” launch performance and handling response that seems to anticipate the driver’s desire. The NSX has undergone extensive testing at some of the world’s most challenging race circuits, including the famed Nurburgring.