October 25, 2017. Copyright 2017, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Honda NSX must fight likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren to win sales
By Neil Winton

LONDON, October 25, Graphic News: YouÕve just banked the Euromillions lottery cheque and youÕre off to buy a supercar. Excitement mounts as you relish the choices.

It could be a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, a McLaren, an Aston Martin or maybe a Porsche. There are top of the range Mercedes, BMWs and Audis. But a Honda? That surely is never going to fit the bill, with its image of worthy good value but boring.

ThatÕs the mountain the Honda NSX has to climb. It has to be at least as beautiful as the competition, ridiculously fast, and also show the traditional competition a thing or two about technology.

To be fair to Honda it is no stranger to this game. In 1989 its original NSX shook up the supercar world with its dramatic styling, performance and innovative engineering. The latest iteration builds on this reputation. It has fabulously beautiful styling and an engine that puts it at the forefront of engineering, not least because the specification includes the buzzword ÒelectricÓ.

The NSXÕs V six-cylinder twin-turbocharged 3.5 litre petrol engine produces 500hp, but its three electric motors boost this to 580hp. The 0-60mph (0-100km/h) sprint comes up in a 3.3 second blur. The petrol engine is located in the middle, just behind the driverÕs head. ThereÕs an electric motor attached to the engine. There are electric motors driving the two front wheels for four-wheel drive.

So this is a petrol-electric hybrid. The electric motors help the traditional engine to provide more power while at the upper edges of performance, but also limit fuel consumption in everyday use. In Europe, Honda claims the NSX will get the equivalent of 28.2mpg (10.0 l/100km).

The electric mode gives you quiet starting and silent takeoffs. You can opt for a more ear-shattering reaction when you press the start button to remind the neighbours of your good fortune. After pressing the starter thereÕs a button between you and the passenger to engage drive. You can select various modes, including ÒtrackÓ or Launch Mode Control.

As you quietly drive along country roads you can hear the technology murmuring behind you as the 9-speed gearbox does its business. The ride is harsh, but thatÕs no surprise. The cockpit-like cabin wraps around you. ItÕs a civilised cinch to drive down to the shops.

But find an empty road and floor the accelerator and its personality changes and the murmur becomes a startling, high pitched roar as the car leaps forward. As illegal speeds appear very quickly, you will be searching for a track to find out how fast it really is. The handling is amazingly precise and the stick-like glue road-holding more go-cart than car.

The NSX certainly fulfils all the criteria you would require for a supercar, and the hybrid angle surely gives it a lead in technology. As you do the rounds of Ferrari, Lamborghini etc, with 180,000 smackers burning a hole in your back pocket, you would have to have a strong personality to resist their traditional charms. But if youÕve got unlimited resources, why not buy one of each? Problem solved.   
/ENDS
    
Honda NSX
Engine Ð 3.5 litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol
Power Ð 500hp @ 6,500-7,500rpm
Torque Ð 550 Nm @ 2,000-6,000
Electric motor 1 Ð 47hp @ 3,000
Electric motor 2 Ð twin motors on front wheels 37hp @ 4,000
Total power Ð 580hp
Total torque Ð 646 Nm 
Drive Ð all-wheels 
Gearbox Ð 9-speed automatic
Acceleration Ð 0-60mph (100km/h) 3.3 seconds - quarter mile 11.4 seconds.
Top Speed Ð 191mph-308km/h
Fuel consumption Ð claimed combined 28.2mpg-10.0 l/100km
C02 Ð 228g/km  
Suspension Ð double wishbone/multi-link
Length Ð 4,487mm
Width Ð 1,939mm
Height Ð 1,204mm
Wheel-base Ð 2,630mm
Weight Ð 1,814kg
Boot capacity Ð 110 litres
Competition Ð Ferrari 488GTB, McLaren 650S, Lamborghini Aventador, Aston Martin DB11, Noble M600, Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8, Mercedes AMG c63, Jaguar F-type R, BMWi8  
Price £180,250