A Stint at Pikes Peak: 2016 Acura NSX EV Concept Making Waves in the Electric Modified Class
For all those out there who enjoy the thrill of the unconventional, the announcement of Acura taking their all-electric, NSX-inspired EV Concept to the notorious 2016 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was certainly a nugget of electrifying news. A direct descendant of last year's Pikes Peak Challenge Exhibition class victor, this EV Concept is here to stake its claim, flaunting a finely tuned, all-electric 4-motor Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) powertrain, showcasing the prowess of Acura's electric capabilities.
A Vision of Electric Supercar Grandeur
It's the prodigy of the seasoned Tetsuya Yamano, who also piloted last year's CR-Z-based electric prototype. This time around, Yamano takes to the wheel of the Acura EV Concept - a superior manifestation of the all-wheel-drive Electric SH-AWD powertrain. It's a groundbreaker, being the world's first to facilitate four-wheel independent torque allocation. This electric beast takes the power game up a notch, boasting a system output triple that of last year's electric prototype, while seamlessly integrating with the NSX body.
In Yamano's own words, the car has undergone considerable fine-tuning at Pikes over several weeks, significantly enhancing its performance. It's the team's way of paying homage to the Pikes event in its historic anniversary year - a revered competition among racing fans globally.
The 4-Motor Evolution: The Secret Sauce
It's no surprise that Honda R&D has spent over two decades perfecting their "super handling" technology, as reflected in the Acura EV Concept. By implementing separate Twin Motor Units (TMUs), the nerve centre of Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, on each axle, Acura managed to independently distribute torque to all four corners - an engineering feat that exemplifies true four-wheel torque vectoring. Guided by the insights gleaned from last year's race, the team optimized the powertrain's system management to ensure more accurate thrust at each wheel.
The unique Sport Hybrid SH-AWD technology of Acura combines the rapid acceleration traits and regeneration ability of electric motors, taking the existing torque vectoring systems of NSX, available on RLX and the upcoming 2017 MDX, a step further. This advanced system harmonizes all dynamic systems, including Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, promising optimal handling in various driving situations.
Taming the 156 Corners of Pikes Peak
Equipped with high-output electric motors and 4-motor torque vectoring, the Acura EV Concept seems perfectly tailored for the challenging 156 corners that drivers face on their Pikes Peak ascent. This is a testament to Acura's commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology and challenging the status quo of performance cars.
Cracking the Electric Code: The Road Ahead
While we await the results of Acura's audacious venture at Pikes Peak with the EV Concept, one thing is certain - Acura has set the bar high for electric performance cars. Whether this will prove to be a turning point in the electric vehicle industry remains to be seen. But, it's unmistakably a thrilling time to be a part of this electric revolution in the automotive landscape. Let's stay tuned for more electrifying news in the weeks and months to come.
-Ed
2016 Acura NSX EV Pikes Peak Concept
