Honda NSX Type R?
Honda looks to be determined to revive its sporting heritage – an entry back into Formula One as engine supplier to McLaren, the rebirth of the NSX supercar and now a rumor of a track-focused Type R version of the NSX.
The new Honda NSX (or Acura NSX in the U.S.) has a mid-mounted 3.5L V6 twin turbo engine assisted by three electric motors, two of which drive the front wheels and one sits in between the engine and the 9-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Yes, the Honda (or Acura) NSX is a hybrid sportscar, T-shaped battery mounted in the center tunnel and all. And it comes with 550 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds.
Apparently that’s not good enough as sources inside Honda revealed the desire to produce a more track-focused, lightened version of the NSX, albeit in small numbers. The regular NSX itself is of limited quantity; Honda had received deposits from 100 customers for the £ 130,000 (approximate price) car two years ago and have closed pre-orders.
An NSX Type R would most likely see the loss of many components to shave weight, and probably the use of materials more exotic than the aluminum and sheet moulding composite as well as carbon fiber in the NSX. One of the main components to go could be the front electric motors and battery pack.
We might get a clue of what the NSX Type R could be when Honda sends its two NSXs to the Pikes Peak hill climb later this June, one of which is said to be equipped with electric superchargers.
