The NSX is a fine dynamics package, featuring several world-first technologies, but there is always scope for a little more refinement. Honda’s engineering team has been busy making enhancements for the 2019 model, with the seemingly opposing aims of making the hybrid supercar easier to live with day-to-day, and more exciting on track.
Dynamics changes include fitting larger front and rear stabilizer bars, which Honda’s engineers claim increase stiffness by 26% at the front and 19% at the rear. The team has also specified stiffer rear hubs and control-arm toe link bushings to enhance responsiveness through the chassis.
The dynamics enhancements extend beyond hardware upgrades, with engineers recalibrating the software that controls the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit, electric power steering, and the vehicle stability assist system. The software settings for the active magnetorheological dampers have also been tweaked to provide a more comfortable ride and response in the softest setting, while maintaining the stiffer set-up for higher speeds and on-track driving.
Honda’s dynamics project leader, Nick Robinson has been primarily responsible for the dynamic development of the NSX model. See HERE to hear his thoughts on the model
The 2019 NSX will also be fitted as standard with the Continental SportContact 6 high-performance tire, which has been developed exclusively for the car with a focus on dynamic response and feedback during braking, cornering and acceleration.
Combined with powertrain updates including upgraded injectors and enhancement to the heat response of the turbocharger, the result is intended to be a more responsive, involved experience for the driver, greater stability and more throttle-modulated controllability during on-the-limit track sessions. These claims can be put into figures, with Honda stating that the 2019 NSX is two seconds faster around the Suzuka circuit than the current model.
