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Honda begins taking orders for NSX hybrid supercar in Japan; starting at US$236,000

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. began accepting applications in Japan for custom orders of the all-new NSX hybrid supercar (earlier post), which underwent a full redesign for the first time in 26 years since the introduction of the original NSX. Customer delivery will begin on 27 February 2017. Pricing starts at ¥23,700,000 (~US$236,000). Honda is targeting sales of 100 units in the first year.

The all-new NSX was created to be true to the “human-centered supercar” heritage of NSX and to bring the “New Sports eXperience” for this new era by integrating Honda’s original and advanced electrification technologies that have evolved with the times.

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In its quest to realize ideal dynamic performance, Honda has long been pursuing research of unique technologies that enable it to utilize the driving force of motors to enhance acceleration and turning performance. The newest technology resulting from such research, Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), was adopted for the all-new NSX to pursue the new joy of driving made possible by a high-level response and handling performance that are difficult to be achieved solely by an engine.

Sport Hybrid SH-AWD combines an all-new mid-mounted, direct-injected and twin-turbocharged V6 engine with a high-output rear direct drive motor and 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and front-mounted Twin Motor Unit (TMU) with independent, electrically powered left- and right-wheel torque vectoring.

The TMU enables sophisticated torque vectoring which not only freely controls positive torque (drive force) but also negative torque (braking force), which helps the all-new NSX to realize super-precise line tracing at all speeds.

The multi-material space frame—made mostly of high-rigidity extruded aluminum—was developed for the all-new NSX. Building upon achievements amassed through the long history of fundamental research at Honda, the world’s first automotive application of new ablation casting technology and a three-dimensionally bent and quenched (3DQ) ultra-high-strength steel tube front pillar were adopted to realize lightweight, high-rigidity, high space efficiency and excellent collision safety.

Combined with 19-inch front tires, 20-inch rear tires and forged aluminum wheels, the fully independent, all-aluminum front and rear suspensions demonstrate extremely high dynamic performance. Moreover, front 6-pot and rear 4-pot monoblock calipers and carbon ceramic brake discs realize braking force with powerful yet natural feel.

Furthermore, adoption of the Integrated Dynamic System, with four driving modes from which the drive can select the most appropriate set of vehicle characteristics depending on the driving environment, makes the all-new NSX a supercar that can be enjoyed in a broader range of environments, from everyday driving to sporty driving at a racing circuit.

Using the Dynamic Mode dial, the driver can switch modes—Quiet, Sport, Sport+ or Track—to accommodate a broad range of driving environments. The system applies high-precision integrated control over the response of the engine, motors, transmission and chassis.

Quiet mode gives the driver the ability to prioritize electric-only driving that makes the NSX virtually silent at lower speeds. Track mode enables the all-new NSX to demonstrate its ultimate dynamic performance.In Track mode, Launch Mode Control is available for maximum possible acceleration from a standstill, using the full capacity of three motors.

At the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) located in the area adjacent to Honda’s automobile production plant in Marysville, Ohio, approximately 100 associates are engaged in body construction, painting and final assembly of the all-new NSX based on the PMC concept of the “perfect blend of state-of-the-art production technologies and human craftsmanship.” It has been a common practice in the supercar world to outsource body construction to outside suppliers. However, Honda completes everything—from body construction to final assembly—in-house so that it can deliver the all-new, extremely high-precision and high-quality NSX to its customers.

The purchase and servicing of the all-new NSX will be supported by “NSX Performance Dealers” which are selected from the existing Honda Cars network throughout Japan. NSX Performance Dealers will be equipped with special facilities and equipment necessary for the maintenance of this supercar model, and there will be NSX Specialists, NSX service engineers certified by Honda.

Comments

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It sucks compared to Model S P100D.

sd

I am the FormulaSAE advisor for the local University (FormulaSAE is a student competition in which students build a small open wheel race car.) At the 2016 FormulaSAE competition in Michigan, Honda had several of the NSX cars on display. I looked one over and told the Honda Rep that I had a car with a similar layout, rear mid-engine V-6 with the radiator up front. He looked surprised and asked what it was -- a 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT. I got in the NSX which is a bit of a struggle but not worse than the Fiero. I am stiff partly from age and partly as the result of driving a dual sport motorcycle into the side of a AAA service truck about 5 years ago when I was not acting my age and the 19-year old driver made a U-turn in my face.
Anyway, once I was in the NSX, I decided that the seating in the 1987 Fiero was much better than the NSX. The Fiero has much better leg room than the NSX. I am only about 5'11". So much for being "Human-Centered". The NSX may run better but I would not be able to drive it long enough to matter.

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