Acura NSX GT3 Looks Ready to Race in New York

Just three days before hitting the big three-oh, the Acura brand gave itself and the racing world a big, sticky, swift present in the GT3-racing-spec version of its American-made NSX supercar — a variant that was planned for and engineered into the program from the very beginning. We’re told that Honda’s racing engineers in Japan took the lead on development, handing off to their North American colleagues for all the homologation development.

So close to the production car is this purpose-built racer that its cast, extruded, and MIG-welded aluminum space frame is built right alongside those of the production cars in Ohio’s Performance Manufacturing Center. It carries over virtually unchanged except for a few key suspension mounting points. Ditto most of the important engine parts, like the 75-degree block, heads, crank, valvetrain, and dry-sump lubrication system. Naturally the race version gets unique intake, injection, and exhaust hardware and it takes direction from racing-grade engine-control electronics. All of this elevates output (and we expect peak engine RPM) to “within anticipated FIA series requirements.” Expect 500-plus horsepower.

Sorry, the team is mum on specifics beyond what’s listed above, except to say that of the various global series in which GT3-spec cars may run, the NSX will participate only in those racing in the U.S. There are also no specifics on the transmission, except to say that there will be no electrons contributing to the forward motion of the car. So it’s rear-wheel-drive, and it’s not a hybrid. Much of the bodywork is unique to the race car as well, including the big rear wing, hood vents, and an elaborate underbody diffuser.

In the weeks to come, Acura intends to reveal many more details, including what teams will run the car with which drivers in what series. Until then, stay tuned. And light a birthday candle for Acura, wishing them racing success as you blow it out.

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