Honda plotting 1000hp pure-electric NSX

Honda has admitted the advanced twin-turbo petrol-electric hybrid powertrain in the NSX supercar may not continue to the next generation.

Instead, engineers are considering a pure-electric four-motor hypercar based on the Acura EV Concept created for the famous Pikes Peak Hillclimb.

Thanks to an incredible combined 746kW (1000hp-plus), Honda says the emission-free, all-electric NSX of the future could hit 100km/h in 2.5 seconds and reach 200km/h in less than 6.2 seconds.

Despite such neck-straining thrust, top speed would be a rather mediocre 250km/h but, nevertheless, Honda says it is seriously considering the powertrain for an application in the next NSX.

According to an insider, the pure-electric racer impressed senior Honda executives when it finished an impressive third overall at Pikes Peak, prompting more support within management for a road car application.

Last year Honda established a new Electric Vehicle Development Division to help it fast-track the creation of pure-electric cars.

Honda hopes to have more than two-thirds of its global sales powered by hybrid, hydrogen or pure-electric powertrains by 2030.

One obstacle to overcome in development of the pure-electric NSX is the hefty weight of the large 70kWh lithium-ion battery cells which contribute to the Pikes Peak racer tipping the scales at a substantial 1500kg.

Reports indicate Honda plans roadster and Type-R versions of the current NSX and the next-generation model is not due until 2023.