Does the Acura NSX have a Honda engine?
Yes. The Acura NSX uses a Honda-designed 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with a hybrid system that adds three electric motors, delivering a high-performance powertrain unique to Honda and Acura’s performance lineup.
Engine origins and design
The NSX centers on a mid-mounted 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine developed by Honda for the model’s hybrid setup. This engine is engineered specifically for the NSX and works in concert with the car’s advanced hybrid system to deliver both performance and responsiveness. Honda Performance Development (HPD) has been involved in tuning and calibration to optimize the powertrain for performance driving.
Hybrid architecture and performance
In addition to the V6, the NSX employs three electric motors as part of its SH-AWD hybrid system. Two electric motors drive the front axle, while a third motor assists the rear and contributes to torque vectoring. This setup, combined with the turbocharged V6, provides a combined horsepower figure in the high 500s to near 600 horsepower, with the Type S variant offering even more aggressive tuning and output.
What this means for branding and manufacturing
The NSX’s heart is a Honda-engineered powertrain. While Acura is Honda’s luxury brand in North America, the engine itself is a product of Honda’s in-house engineering efforts rather than a collaboration with another automaker. The hybrid system and performance calibration reflect Honda’s global engineering approach, tailored for Acura’s flagship model.
Variant notes: Type S
The high-performance Type S version uses the same basic V6 twin-turbo foundation but is tuned for higher output and enhanced cooling and exhaust efficiency. It retains the three-motor hybrid layout and SH-AWD, delivering heightened performance while preserving the core Honda-engineered drivetrain.
Summary
In summary, the Acura NSX does indeed rely on a Honda-designed 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a three-motor hybrid system. This powertrain reflects Honda’s in-house engineering and performance-development practices, applied across standard NSX models and the higher-performance Type S variant.
