The 2017 Acura NSX: Hybrid Horsepower

It doesn't matter if you are in Utah or on the East Coast—when you mention hybrid cars, most people think of saving money on gas and protecting the environment. Generally, people would not consider terms such as high horsepower, high speed and high performance to be associated with a hybrid car. However, making hybrid part of sports cars is exactly what Acura has done with its 2017 NSX.

Powerful Electric Power

There are three electric motors that contribute to the horsepower of the NSX. The first motor is attached to the flywheel and has several functions beyond that of charging batteries. As the NSX is an all-wheel-drive vehicle, this motor contributes to the powering of the back wheels. It is also able to help slow the car down much like an engine brake. 

Acura calls the next two electric motors a Twin Motor Unit, which has one motor directing power to each of the front wheels. Unlike in many other hybrid cars, these two motors are not for charging the car. Rather, they are able to provide instant power to the front wheels and help reduce torque steer. But they may have also solved one of the biggest problems for high performance enthusiasts. 

Working Together

The Acura NSX runs a twin-turbo V6 engine. From Utah to to the West Coast, one problem with a turbo engine that has plagued cars for years is turbo lag. This is where the hybrid system complements the traditional fuel system. The electric motors have power that is ready to engage the moment the accelerator is pressed. By applying the electric power, the NSX provides boost that compensates for the lag before the turbos are able to fully engage. 

In Utah and across the nation, the NSX promises to deliver similar performance to that of of a traditional top sports car and much of it is thanks to creative engineering. By using a creative combination of tradition muscle and innovative technology, Acura has made the 2017 NSX one incredible car. 

Ryan Muir is an automative writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Mike Hale Acura. Follow on Twitter.