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?