Fast Future Technology
Honda's next NSX test mule driven and tested.
With Honda's shift in their future direction towards fun and green driving, the company has set their ultimate goals higher by introducing one of the most vital developments for the new Honda NSX. Both of these technologies are called the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and Precision All Wheel Steer (PAWS) system, which keys its way through in forming the setup of the firm's most ambitious supercar rebirth.
Set to be an all-wheel drive supercar, the next NSX will be heavily based on both of this new technology. Sources have even indicated that the vehicle will be based on a range of modern and sophisticated hybrid system that offers the power of a V8 with a fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. The new NSX is expected to make its global debut in 2015.
Both of the test mules are specifically equipped with this new technology. Both prototypes are based on the US-spec saloon Honda Accord but each of them displays their very own technology. A new 3.5-litre, direct-injection V6 engine that is mated with a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission powers the SH-AWD Accord test mule, along with a lithium-ion battery pack.
Not only that, the test mule comes with a pair of 20kW electric motors that powers the rear wheel and the dual-clutch gearbox is designed with an electric motor that contributes up to additional 30kW of power. With a combined 50kW of external power that doesn't include the engine solely, it moves this large saloon rapidly along Honda's handling circuit.
The SH-AWD offers massive amount of grip during high-speed turns. The twin electric motors are specially designed to send power to the rear wheels that enables the driver to feel much more planted when enduring a high-speed bend. The system is designed to balance out the torque distribution, which enhances the vehicle's grip and power that is better than a basic all-wheel drive system.
On the other hand, the Precision All-Wheel Steer technology is loosely based on a much basic rear wheel-steering platform. Introduced by Honda back in the 1980's, it was one of their key success features in the Honda Prelude. The new PAWS system is now designed on an electronically engineered set up and it differs from the former, mechanically based system of the old.
The PAWS system compiles with an electronic actuator along with a unique hub carrier along the multi-link rear suspension. The system is able to control the toeing of the car during a turn, and this assist enables the wheels to be toed in as much as 2 degrees to improve tight manoeuvres and increases grip during high speed cornering.
Upon testing, the system has proven promising outcomes that will form the handling nature of the future NSX. The car handled well and stable and it feels much like a rear-wheel drive car due to the complexity of the PAWS system in focusing on the rear-wheel steer approach. Stability is also well tendered, all thanks to its toe control links that improves the body roll of the Accord.
Both SH-AWD and PAWS system remains a developing technology in the firm's stable of future offerings. Do not expect to see this technology inside regular, road going Honda's as it would be expensive to built and produce in mass volume. However, sources say that both of these systems will be making into the NSX's drivetrain, which is generally suitable for its nature and development.
