Coming to grips with new Acura NSX

By Russ Bond

When Acura takes the final wraps of the stunning new NSX, most of us will be at a loss on how it actually works.

You see, in today’s world of electronic wizardry, it is no longer necessary to have the engine power all the wheels all the time. I know that sounds weird, but it’s true.

In fact, having an engine power all the wheels presents problems. It’s all well and good when the car is going in a straight line, but when you have a supercar like the NSX, cornering grip becomes paramount.

Simply put, when a car – any car – turns, the wheels all go at different speeds. This is because the two wheels on the inside actually turn slower – because of the tighter radius – than the outside ones. Putting the same amount of power to both sides leaves one wheel no choice but to lose some grip.

Acura has solved this problem with an innovative solution.

The 2013 Acura NSX will feature a mid-mounted V6 engine linked to the rear wheels by a seven-speed dual clutch transmission integrated with an electric motor. A pair of independent electric motors drives the front wheels. This gives the car a lot of advantages.

Having two independent motors on the front axle of a rear-wheel-drive car means the motors can be independently controlled to give the car maximum handling and wheel grip in curves and on uneven pavement.

How it works is that load sensors at each wheel can measure the grip level and wheel speed. This information is then used to determine how much power to send to each wheel via the independent electric motor. The central computer gathers all the information from all four wheels and directs the appropriate amount of power to each wheel, so that each wheel has the maximum grip available.

One motor controls each wheel, so there is no need for differentials to drag brakes on the inside wheels, or torque vectoring systems to help balance the car.

In addition, Acura has used physics to help the NSX get the most out of the regenerative power. You see, as the inside wheel is going slower, it generates negative torque and the motor mounted on it can be used to regenerate electricity as it slows to control the turn. That gives both an unprecedented amount of control in the turn, but also a definite increase in efficiency.

The NSX is sure to raise the ‘cornering bar’ to all new levels.

Tags: Acura NSX, supercar