Currently reading: Honda launches US-based NSX GT3 racer
GT3 race model uses tuned version of 3.5-litre twin turbo from standard car; it is rear-wheel drive and has bespoke aerodynamic pack

Honda, via its US-based Acura brand, has revealed a GT3 race version of its Honda NSX supercar that it intends to race in North America next year.

The car is powered by a tuned version of the 75deg 3.5-litre twin turbo from the standard car, complete with mostly standard internals, but there’s no mention of the nine-speed twin-clutch gearbox or the three electric motors that complete the standard car’s hybrid powertrain.

Instead, the car will use a six-speed sequential-shift racing gearbox and benefit from the weight saving brought by the removal of the electric motors and the battery that feeds them.

The 'aluminium intensive' chassis is close to standard, but the car will be rear-wheel drive only. It has a bespoke aerodynamic pack, consisting of a special front splitter, a large rear wing, an under-body diffuser and enlarged entry and exit vents for better engine cooling.

Acura nsxgt3 381

Initial development has been in Japan, with some testing in Europe, but the cars will be based and run from Acura’s Ohio plant (home of the road-going NSXs), and more testing will start soon on North American circuits.Honda-Acura has a rich heritage of race success in North America, winning the IMSA driver and manufacturer championships in 1991, 1992 and 1993, plus the 2009 manufacturer, team and driver championships in both LMP1 and LMP2 of the American Le Mans competitions.There has been no sign that the car will compete here, although it looks a natural for Le Mans, especially as some testing has already been carried out on European racing circuits.

Read more New York motor show news

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Honda’s super-sports icon is reborn as a ground-breaking hybrid, but is that enough to give it an edge over conventional supercars like McLaren's 570s?

Steve Cropley

Steve Cropley Autocar
Title: Editor-in-chief

Steve Cropley is the oldest of Autocar’s editorial team, or the most experienced if you want to be polite about it. He joined over 30 years ago, and has driven many cars and interviewed many people in half a century in the business. 

Cropley, who regards himself as the magazine’s “long stop”, has seen many changes since Autocar was a print-only affair, but claims that in such a fast moving environment he has little appetite for looking back. 

He has been surprised and delighted by the generous reception afforded the My Week In Cars podcast he makes with long suffering colleague Matt Prior, and calls it the most enjoyable part of his working week.

Join the debate

Comments
1
Add a comment…
serrity 23 March 2016

A natural for Le Mans...

...except GT3 cars aren't eligible for Le Mans!