With the debut launch of the hybrid NSX, Honda just couldn’t resist building a GT3 spec racing car of their flagship supercar!
The Honda NSX is a spectacular engineering marvel and will compete with the likes of the Ferrari 488 and the Audi R8. Technically called the Acura NSX, it derives the name of Honda’s American cousin Acura. Now the “Acura” NSX GT3 is a demonic, stripped down and heavily re-engineered race spec version of its road going cousin. The GT3 series is a playground for International manufactures to stretch their muscles and swap paint on the race track with their competitors. Currently, around 34 cars are homologated to race in this FIA regulated series and Honda will once again join this elite group of manufactures.
Unveiled this week at the New York Auto Show, the NSX GT3 definitely looks the part of a racing car. Powering the NSX GT3 is a 3.5 litre V6 motor exactly like the road car. But unlike the road legal NSX the V6 motor is the sole part of the drivetrain and is not supplemented with hybrid motors. There is no official power figure mentioned by Honda but since the NSX GT3 will strictly follow the FIA rule books we expect the power figure to hover around the 500 HP range. Honda has also ditched the complex four wheel drive system for a conventional rear wheel drive setup. Power is transmitted through a race derived 6-speed sequential transmission rather than the double-clutch 9-speed affair on the road car.
The NSX GT3, like any GT3 spec racing car features heavy aero elements in its design. Huge front and rear diffusers complement this already aggressive looking supercar. Not to mention that huge rear wing that should ensure an obscene amount of down-force to keep that rear section in check. The NSX GT3 features extra bits of carbon fibre scattered across the body work to reduce weight and improve overall strength. The cockpit has also been completely stripped down and features a carbon race bucket seat with a GT3 spec digital display and all the other racing bells and whistles along with safety harnesses and a full spec roll-cage.
The NSX GT3 is still undergoing homologation as an FIA GT3 car. It should see a debut on the world circuits early next year. Now the Pirelli World Challenge and IMSA’s Weather Tech Sports Car Championship seem like the most likely competitions where the Acura NSX GT3 will make its debut, at least in North America. The NSX would also compete in the Japanese Super GT series as well. However since it’s been designed to FIA GT3 regulations and the not the more advanced GTE regulations, don’t expect to see the NSX compete in the LMP (Le Mans Prototype) category. Wherever the NSX GT3 will compete though, it looks very serious even standing still and we can’t wait to watch it in action!
Image Source: AutoBlog
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