Since the Acura NSX launched in Detroit last year, many have wondered what would happen if its complex hybrid all-wheel drive system was replaced by a lightweight, rear drive setup. The race-spec NSX GT3 launched at this year's New York Auto Show is set to provide some answers.
Okay, so the GT3 isn't quite the roadgoing NSX Superleggera some had hoped for, but it's certainly a start. Designed to go head-to-head with cars like the equally wild Lamborghini Huracan GT3, AMG GT3 and BMW M6 GT3, Acura's new racer will compete in - you guessed it - the FIA's fast growing GT3 class.
To make the transition from supercar to bona-fide racer, Acura has completely reworked the car's aerodynamics kit to include a large rear spoiler, a trick underbody diffuser and bigger hood vents for optimized cooling of the car's engine.
As we'd hoped, that engine is a reworked version of the NSX's twin-turbocharged, narrow angle 3.5-liter V6. It uses the same block, heads, valvetrain, crankshaft, pistons and dry-sump lubrication system as the road going car, but isn't paired with its hybrid system.
Big aero kit aside, there's still plenty of road-car parts on the NSX racer. On top of the carryover engine components, the GT3 uses the production car's mixed-material body and aluminum-heavy spaceframe.
The loss of a hybrid boost means the car is down on power compared to the 427 kW (573 hp) NSX, but the race car's weight saving, combined with a proper sequential racing gearbox, should more than compensate for a hit on the dyno chart.
Acura will be entering the NSX GT3 in North American competition from the start of 2017, with homologation to take place later this year.
Source: Honda
