Is the Honda NSX supercharged?
No. The NSX is not equipped with a factory supercharger. The modern NSX uses a turbocharged V6 with hybrid assistance, and the original 1990s NSX was naturally aspirated.
This article explains how the NSX powertrain has evolved across its generations and clarifies the difference between turbocharging and supercharging in the context of this model line.
Current NSX powertrain
The contemporary NSX features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor system as part of Honda/Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD setup. This configuration combines turbocharged power with hybrid electric assistance for enhanced torque, handling, and all-wheel-drive dynamics. There is no factory supercharger in this arrangement, and the hybrid hardware plays a key role in delivering performance.
Note: The NSX Type S, a higher-performance variant of the second generation, uses the same turbocharged V6 architecture with revised tuning to extract more power, but it remains non-supercharged.
Here is a quick overview of NSX powertrains across its generations:
- First generation (1990–1994): Naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V6; no turbocharger or supercharger.
- Second generation (2016–2023): 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with Sport Hybrid SH-AWD and three electric motors; turbocharging only, no supercharger.
- NSX Type S (2022–2023): Enhanced version of the second-generation powertrain with higher tuning; still turbocharged with hybrid assist.
Conclusion: Across its history, the NSX lineup has not used a factory supercharger. The early cars relied on a naturally aspirated engine, while the modern generation employs turbocharging supplemented by hybrid technology.
Understanding the difference: Turbocharging vs. supercharging
Turbos and superchargers both increase engine air intake, but they operate differently. A turbocharger is driven by exhaust gases, typically delivering greater boost at higher engine speeds but can incur lag. A supercharger is belt-driven from the engine crankshaft, providing immediate boost across the rev range but usually at the cost of some efficiency. The NSX’s approach uses turbocharging with hybrid support, rather than a belt-driven supercharger.
Summary
In short: The Honda NSX is not supercharged. The modern NSX relies on a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with hybrid SH-AWD, while the original NSX was naturally aspirated. There has been no factory-supercharged NSX model.
Is the Honda NSX V8?
In the area of power, for a combustion engine the NSX-GT FR Hybrid used a 3.4-liter V8 which was derived from the Formula Nippon (now Super Formula) motor.
Is the Honda NSX turbocharged?
The second-generation NSX has a hybrid electric powertrain, with a 3.5 L twin-turbocharged V6 engine and three electric motors, two of which form part of the SH-AWD (Super Handling-All Wheel Drive) drivetrain, altogether capable of 573 hp (427 kW; 581 PS).
Which is faster, NSX or GTR?
Then we're going to floor it so let's see what happens. 3 2 1 go oh instant pick up. There. It's those electric motors. And a bit more torque. I have got Whoa 646 new m he's got 637.
Why is NSX so expensive?
The original NSX is expensive due to its precision engineering, use of exotic materials like aluminum, and limited production run. Its high-performance handling and driving dynamics, which challenged luxury sports cars of the time, also contributed to its value. The later, more technologically advanced second-generation models are also expensive because of their performance-focused hybrid drivetrain and premium price tag when new, which has kept them a niche, sought-after car.
First-generation NSX
- Revolutionary engineering: The first NSX was groundbreaking, featuring the world's first all-aluminum monocoque body and an all-aluminum V6 engine.
- Performance: It offered supercar-level performance and handling, including exceptional balance and responsiveness, which made it a direct competitor to luxury sports cars from Italy.
- Usability: Its reputation for reliability, practicality, and a more comfortable ride than many European supercars helped it stand out, making it more desirable and thus increasing its value over time.
- Limited production: The NSX was not mass-produced, which inherently limits supply and drives up demand and prices for well-preserved examples.
Second-generation NSX
- High-tech hybrid drivetrain: The newer models feature an expensive hybrid system that contributes to their high performance and cost.
- Niche market: The new NSX launched with a very high price tag and is in a competitive market with other luxury and supercar brands, making it a niche and therefore expensive vehicle.
- Specialty components: The use of specialized and high-performance parts in the second-generation NSX also adds to its maintenance and overall expense.
