Acura NSX lighter variant in development, hybrid system omitted
Acura is considering a purer, lighter NSX supercar, with project chief Ted Klaus confirming a version without the hybrid system is under discussion.
Acura is weighing a lighter, more focused version of the NSX supercar that would do away with the model’s hybrid system, according to project chief Ted Klaus. The move would create a purer, less complex NSX, potentially aimed at enthusiasts seeking a more direct driving experience.
Klaus, speaking to British media, said the NSX’s platform was intentionally engineered to support a range of variants, including those that are faster, lighter or use different powertrains. He described a lightweight, non-hybrid NSX as a 'more pure, simplified version', and confirmed there is internal appetite for such a model.
The current NSX uses a twin-turbocharged V6 paired with three electric motors, delivering all-wheel drive and instant torque. Removing the hybrid system would reduce weight and complexity, but also lower total power output and eliminate electric-only torque vectoring. Acura engineers are said to be evaluating the use of lightweight materials to compensate for the loss of hybrid assistance, aiming to deliver sharper handling and a more connected feel.
Possible directions for the NSX platform
Klaus said the NSX platform was 'over-engineered' to allow for variants including lighter or more powerful models. While a non-hybrid NSX is being discussed, other possibilities remain on the table. An open-top NSX has also been mentioned as a future possibility, and the company has tested a fully electric NSX at Pikes Peak to explore battery performance and torque vectoring.
- Current NSX: Twin-turbo V6, three electric motors, hybrid AWD
- Potential lightweight NSX: No hybrid system, reduced weight, simpler drivetrain
- Open-top NSX: Under consideration for future development
- All-electric NSX: Prototype tested at Pikes Peak
The company has not confirmed a timeline or production plans for any new NSX variant. The move towards a lighter, non-hybrid version would echo strategies seen from rivals such as Porsche, which offers purist models like the 911 GT3 without electrification.
What it means for supercar buyers
A lighter, hybrid-free NSX would appeal to drivers who prioritise simplicity and engagement over outright performance figures. It would also give Acura a direct answer to critics who view the current NSX as overly complex. The final specification, pricing and availability remain to be seen, but the company’s willingness to consider such a model signals flexibility in the NSX’s future direction.
For more on the NSX’s technical evolution, see Acura reveals NSX Total Airflow Management details.
