New Honda NSX-R
With the release of the NSX-R last month, Honda has pushed the performance envelope of its superlative sportscar further to become a pure sports edition. Since its release in 1990, the NSX has continued to evolve, earning accolades as a true sporting machine and able to rub fenders with the supercars of the world.
The original NSX-R, released as a pure sports model in November 1992, enjoyed a 3-year limited production run. Now, 7 years later, it is being re-introduced in an all-new form.
The new NSX-R, also aluminium-bodied, represents a further evolution of the painstaking weight reduction, circuit-tuned suspension refinement, and high-precision engine balancing cultivated in the previous-generation NSX-R. Newly-developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance, resulting in greater driving performance and handling stability than in its previous incarnation.
A carbonfibre bonnet with an outlet duct, finned front under-cover, rear diffuser, carbon fibre rear spoiler, and other innovations create a degree of negative lift rarely seen in a street-ready car. This downforce facilitates a quantum leap in the car’s driving performance and handling stability at high speeds.
Racecar-like responsiveness and powerful acceleration are said to be achieved through high-precision balancing of the crankshaft assembly – a measure unheard of in production engines – along with a recalibrated final gear ratio, DBW (Drive-By-Wire) electronic throttle control, and other specialized tuning.
The suspension has been hard-tuned to cope with the added downforce, and custom-designed high-grip tyres, precision custom chassis tuning, and slitted brake disc rotors with stronger brake pads for potent stopping power are added, creating a level of handling performance that delivers spirited driving pleasure on or off the racetrack.
In addition to weight reduction measures inherited from the previous-generation NSX-R, the new model employs carbonfibre aerodynamic devices formed using special advanced technologies for even greater weight savings.
The well-proven V6 3.2-litre DOHC VTEC engine – with a 6-speed gearbox – employs racing engine assembly technology for enhanced output efficiency and nimble response. It has precision balancing of pistons and connecting rods between each cylinder, with precision dynamic balancing of crankshaft, clutch case, and pulley assembly. A pre-loaded LSD (limited-slip differential) is employed, with a custom preset weight.
The ‘hard-tuned’ suspension plus a more rigid body and special roll rigidity balance settings result in superior handling performance in tight turns. The new settings involved increased spring rate, increased damping rates, firmer bushings for damper mounts, rear control arms, etc. Stronger stabilizer bars have also been fitted.
Bridgestone developed special high-grip Potenza RE070 tyres, sized 215/40R17 in front and 255/40R17 at the rear. They are mounted on lightweight forged aluminium wheels (painted a special ‘Championship White’) which have been jointly developed with BBS.
Slitted 16-inch brake disc rotors and stronger brake pads ensure enough stopping power while there is also a high-response brake master power cylinder and custom-tuned ABS.
In the NSX-R cockpit, the ambience is that of high-performance with improved functionality and an exhilarating sportscar feel. The shifter has a custom ball-shaped titanium shift knob and a lightweight mesh shift boot, while the Momo steering wheel is leather-wrapped. Recaro carbonfibre Aramid full-bucket seats with leather upholstery are standard.
A shift indicator with LEDs flash then illuminate to tell the driver the engine’s power peak and rev limit. They are set on an instrument panel with carbon-black background and yellow needles.
Destined to be one for the history books, the new NSX-R will only be produced in a very small quantity – 100 units a year for domestic sales.
