What type of drive is the Acura NSX?
The short answer: the Acura NSX is a mid‑engine hybrid with all‑wheel drive (SH‑AWD), pairing a gasoline twin‑turbo V6 with three electric motors to drive all four wheels. It is not a plug‑in hybrid.
More detail: Since its revival in 2016, the NSX uses a mid‑mounted 3.5‑liter twin‑turbocharged V6 and a trio of electric motors—two at the front axle and one connected to the rear transaxle—working through Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH‑AWD system. The car relies on the gasoline engine and regenerative braking to charge its battery; there is no external charging port on standard models.
Drivetrain Architecture
Key components and how they work together.
- Mid‑mounted 3.5‑liter twin‑turbocharged gasoline engine
- Three electric motors: two on the front axle, one connected to the rear via the transmission
- 9‑speed dual‑clutch automatic transmission (DCT) driving the rear axle
- Sport Hybrid SH‑AWD all‑wheel‑drive system that distributes torque between front and rear as needed
- High‑voltage battery pack recharged by the gasoline engine and regenerative braking (not a plug‑in system)
The NSX’s hybrid layout enables instant torque to the front wheels for quick response while letting the rear motor and engine deliver power for high‑speed performance. In normal driving, the system blends electric and gasoline power for efficiency; in sportier modes, it prioritizes performance with torque vectoring and rear‑wheel emphasis.
Drive Modes and Performance Feel
How the system adapts to driving conditions and driver preferences.
- Sport and Sport+ modes sharpen throttle response, increase energy to the front and rear motors, and adjust transmission mapping
- Normal/Comfort modes tune the system for smoother operation and efficiency
- Electric motors assist with cornering grip and stability, enhancing handling through torque vectoring
With its SH‑AWD hardware and multi‑motor setup, the NSX can feel balanced and responsive. The front motors contribute to traction and initial acceleration, while the rear motor and V6 deliver sustained, high‑speed power, all coordinated to maintain composure through corners.
Performance notes
Although the NSX includes multiple electric motors and a high‑tech drivetrain, its battery is not designed for extended electric‑only driving. The vehicle’s emphasis remains on a seamless hybrid performance experience within a mid‑engine chassis.
Bottom Line
In sum, the Acura NSX is a mid‑engine hybrid all‑wheel‑drive sports car that uses a twin‑turbo V6 and three electric motors under the SH‑AWD system. It is not a plug‑in hybrid, but it delivers advanced, electrified performance through a sophisticated drivetrain.
Summary
The NSX’s drive system blends gasoline power with electric propulsion across all four wheels, leveraging a mid‑engine layout and an advanced torque‑vectoring SH‑AWD setup. This arrangement prioritizes performance and handling while relying on the gasoline engine and regenerative braking to recharge the battery, rather than external charging.
