Hot Honda NSX Type R in the pipeline

Honda bosses confirm an even more powerful NSX Type R will join the hybrid supercar at a later date.

Ted Klaus, chief engineer for the new Honda NSX, has confirmed the carmaker is working on an even faster NSX Type R for release at a later date.

When asked whether he’d like to see a ‘Type R’ added to the NSX range at some point in the future, Klaus commented: “I think everyone who loves cars wants to see a version that we say is pure red.

“The NSX has always been silver first, moving towards red later. Someone asked me, ‘when will you be satisfied?’ Probably never. What you do today, you can improve on tomorrow.”

The original Honda NSX went on sale in 1990, with an R version joining the range in 1992. The NSX-R was specially modified for improved on-track performance, featuring stiffer suspension and a lighter body. The stereo and air-conditioning were removed, while new forged alloy wheels and a titanium gear lever helped drive down the car’s overall kerb weight.

While we can only speculate on the new car’s power, price and performance, the Type R to likely to be at least a couple of years away. We’re still waiting on official figures for the car standard NSX revealed yesterday.

It’s clear Klaus and his team of engineers have high aspirations for the new NSX. It’s said to have the lowest centre of gravity in its class, designed to make it more agile and fun to drive. We asked which cars Klaus considered to be ‘in the NSX’s class’ – with him immediately listing the Ferrari 458, Audi R8 V10 and Porsche 911 Turbo as rivals.

That might sound ambitious, but with more than 550bhp on tap and peak torque available from zero revs, we can expect 0-62mph in less than four seconds. The standard gets Ferrari 458 gets 562bhp and will cover the same sprint in 3.4 seconds.

Mike Accavitti, Senior Vice President for Acura, commented on how the NSX felt to drive, claiming it is both “outstanding and astounding”.

Source: www.autoexpress.co.uk