Acura Provides Up-Close and Personal Look at Its NSX V6 Engine

When Honda released the Acura NSX back in 1990, it immediately launched a sensation. With an all-aluminium 3.0 L V6 engine that could do 270 hp, and looks that kill, it was effectively a supercar, but the price made sure it could serve as an everyday driver as well.

Since that jaw-dropping introduction, the following releases of the NSX—particularly the second generation that launched in 2016—failed to live up to the hype, and soon, the model basically fell out of sight, out of mind.

Despite the waning interest, there’s no denying that at the engine bay of the Acura NSX lies a powerful heart.

To prove its point, Honda released a video that shows up-close look at the development, construction, racing prowess, and human connection that underpins the bespoke twin-turbocharged V6 engine that powers Acura's one-of-a-kind hybrid supercar.

The latest version of the NSX hybrid sports car possesses a powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with three electric motors, two of which comprise part of the "SH-AWD" all-wheel-drive drivetrain. Paired with a 9-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic gearbox, this system is capable of pushing the NSX close to 600 hp.

According to Acura, each NSX engine is built by hand at the Anna Engine Plant in Anna, Ohio, assembled to exacting standards by a lone master builder.

"It's here at the Anna Engine Plant, where the heart of the NSX gets to beat for the very first time," said Jim Mankin, who served as the engine quality project leader for production of the NSX engine. "The NSX engine room is staffed with the best-of-the-best talent from our assembly department who hand-build the engine that powers Acura's American-made super car and who help the NSX make its mark on the world of manufacturing."

Aside from the NSX road car, the NSX's unique engine is also fitted in the Acura NSX GT3 race cars, which have propelled its race teams to multiple championships with little to no modification. This ability to handle both road and race duties in virtually "bone-stock" form is evidence of the engine's superior design, performance and durability.

As a testament to the engine’s performance capabilities, during the 2020 edition of the 24 Hours of Daytona held last January 25 to 26, two NSX GT3 EVO race cars ran a competitive race, with the Meyer Shank Racing’s #57 car completing 762 laps for a total distance of nearly 4,366 kms at race pace.

In addition to highlighting the craftsmanship that brings the NSX engine to life, the video explores the background and development of the bespoke engine design, including an in-depth interview with Ted Klaus, who served as the global development leader for NSX and is now president of Honda Performance Development.

"The core thing is that it's not technology for technology's sake,” said Klaus, who oversees Acura's multiple championship-winning North American sportscar racing program, including the Acura NSX GT3 EVO. “It's technology in service to our customers, and it makes me extremely proud. This is an engine that is truly worthy of the name 'NSX.'"

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