The Honda NSX and Civic Type-R – A Quick Glance

The iconic Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda has been making cars since 1959. Its cars and motorbikes have garnered rave reviews throughout.   Its famous cars are receive frequent updates and refits to keep them relevant in the market.

Intro to the Honda NSX

One such vehicle is the Honda NSX, a sports car which was first manufactured in 1990.  Recently, Honda unveiled the second generation of the NSX.  To some extent, it resembles a cross between Audi R8 and McLaren 650S with its aluminium composite and steel body. It has a striking profile. All aspects of its look are aggressive-low roofline and gaping side vents. Four centrally mounted exhausts, LED lights and a race-inspired diffuser complete the rear profile of this exciting new sportscar. The wind tunnel testing in Honda’s Ohio base has indicated that the NSX is an aerodynamically powerful vehicle.

NSX Design

The design is built to maximize speed, with weight reduction and centre of gravity optimization being one of the core concerns.  The front and rear suspensions are all-aluminium with carbon ceramic brakes and 19 and 20 inch tyres.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine is a longitudinally-mounted direct-injection petrol, boosted by a single electric motor and the rear axle is driven through a brand new dual-clutch gearbox. Two electric motors at the front axle can regulate the torque to the car and this feature is known as the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.  Other features of the NSX include an intricate and richly detailed central console with 4 driving modes-Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track.

Production plans of NSX

It will be built exclusively at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Centre at Ohio. Honda are labeling it as the next generation supercar, which builds upon the NSX heritage and takes it even further.

Intro of Type-R

Now on to the new Honda Civic Type-R. The first Civic Type-R was built in 1997, and like all cars, it has garnered a lot of updates over the years.  The latest Type-R is like its predecessors in more ways than one.  On the whole, Honda hasn’t focused on enhancing the car’s horsepower, which has increased only by 1 hp over all these years. However, the distinctive Type-R’s independent rear suspension is a thing of the past and the new Type-R has a torsion beam at the back like the regular Civic.

Engine

The engine continues to remain crisp and smooth, and is an all-new direct injection 2.0 liter single turbo four with VTEC and variable timing control producing 280 bhp.  It has a very responsive clutch pedal to add to its repertoire.  The R button nestling beside the steering column provides weightier steering and a reduced traction control threshold.  Overall, it is probably the best handling hatch with an arcane solid rear axle.

Design

In terms of looks too, a lot of development has gone into the Type-R, producing a smooth, well developed car with elegance.

Design Philosophy Question and Conclusion

The showcasing of these two cars however, has made users ask if Honda is deciding to move away from its design philosophy. However, according to Tetsuo Iwamura, Honda CEO, the styling principles continue to remain based on the same philosophy, which is geared towards optimization.  One can only offer Honda best wishes as it embarks on brave projects to take the car market by storm.