A Rear-Wheel Drive Honda NSX Type R Could Be On The Way

Judging by comments from the NSX project's dynamic development head, it's looking likely that a Type R version will happen, potentially in rear-wheel drive form

Matt Robinson

09 Mar 2016

A Rear-Wheel Drive Honda NSX Type R Could Be On The Way

While it certainly hasn’t been slated on the whole, it’s fair to say the long-awaited second-generation Honda NSX has experienced a fairly lukewarm reception from the world’s motoring press thus far. However, there may be a solution on the way for those left underwhelmed: an NSX Type R.

The old Type R NSXs were legendary machines, so it’s no surprise that Dynamic Development Leader Nick Robinson reckons Honda is incredibly keen to give the new car the R treatment. And it should be some car: Autocar reports that the removal of the front motors and associated batteries in an eventual Type R is a possibility, drastically cutting down the weight of the 150kg hybrid system and making the car rear-wheel drive.

With a kerb weight of 1725kg, putting the standard NSX on a diet seems like a rather good idea, and fancier materials would make the R even lighter. The publication quotes Robinson as saying “There are places weight could be cut out…We are Honda so cost [of materials] is a consideration, but for a limited edition? Why not?” It’s likely the turbocharged V6 engine’s output would be increased too, to make up for the power lost from the motor removal.

What do you think of the prospect of a lighter, rear-wheel drive only NSX? Would you have one over something like a Porsche 911 GT3 RS?

Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.

Comments

Guess it really is Sports eXperimental now. (but it’s still not for me, even though it’s RWD)

650S wheels . . . . .

Good eyes 👀

OK but doesn’t removing the hybrid system defeat the point of the car in the first place? If anything I thought they would follow after laFerrari with the type R.

Before I think we want the normal one first than you can start making the type r cus we all waiting

Yes! And please make the car a little scarier/more challenging to drive, like an actual supercar. Supercars shouldn’t be like Camrys, they need skill to drive and scoff at those drivers they deem unworthy. No random housewife should be able to get in and drive without at least sensing the might and speed of the car.