Honda readies GT-R beating NSX

[Plex]

The latest news regarding the upcoming Honda/Acura NSX has the supercar making closer to 600 horsepower than the previously reported 550hp from its 5.5-liter V10. The other important piece of news is that the engine will feature Honda�s cylinder deactivation system, called Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which would allow it to run on one bank of cylinders during low-load conditions.

When firing on all 10 cylinders, the engine will make about 434lb-ft of torque, or pretty much the same as Nissan�s GT-R. Like the GT-R, the power will flow through all four wheels, say Japan�s Holiday Auto reports. The engine will be related to the 4.5-liter V8 that will power the next-generation Acura RL, although it will be a 90-degree V10 as opposed to the 72 degrees of separation between the V8�s banks. To reach its output, the V10 will rely on lightweight connecting rods and pistons that are fully balanced along with the rest of the rotating assembly. A dry-sump lubrication system will keep the pricey bits oiled during high-g maneuvers.

This engine may also appear in a high-performance version of the RL (RL-F?), the reports suggest. This would be easier since the two will be assembled at a dedicated line in a new Honda plant, and share certain parts.

The true second-generation NSX is also expected to weigh in at about 3,300lbs, which would give it a much better power-to-weight ratio than Nissan�s mind-blowing GT-R. Between Honda�s Super Handling AWD system and aerodynamic tricks lifted from its experience in Formula 1, the NSX should also trump the GT-R�s impressive handling. Like in the original NSX, the wheel and tire package will be staggered, with 255/30R19 Bridgestone RE070R�s up front and the same tires in a 295/35R20 dimension in the rear.

The NSX should beat the GT-R as it will be priced well north of it, competing at the price level with the likes of Jaguar�s XKR and Aston Martin�s Vanquish. The equivalent retail price is expected to be the equivalent of about $150,000.

Leftlanenews