New York 2016: Acura NSX GT3 racecar debuts

Acura will be fielding a racecar in the FIA GT3 class after revealing race-spec NSX at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. The NSX GT3 is currently undergoing testing and is scheduled to be homologated by autumn.

It features customized bodywork along with extra aerodynamic components that help keep it on the ground when running at significant speeds. Up front, it gets large air intakes on its bumper, a modified Solid Wing Face grill, front lip spoiler finished in red and canards on the far-flung corners of the bumper.

The sides get blacked-out engine intakes, NSX GT3 decals, larger side skirts and lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in racing tires. Towards the rear, a large deck wing spoiler makes its home on the engine cover, while a diffuser-integrated bumper improves the car’s aerodynamics.

Inside, it gets a carbon fiber racing bucket seat, flat-bottom racing steering wheel, toggle switches, a rollcage and a race-spec instrument panel.

Providing power is the same 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that is helped along by three electric motors at the front and rear axles. It has a combined output of 581 PS at 7,500 rpm. Moreover, it will share most of its components in the 2017 production model like its block, heads, valvetrain, crankshaft, pistons and dry sump lubrication.

It does not however, get AWD due to GT3 specifications. Replacing the Super-Handling AWD system and 9-speed dual-clutch gearbox is a 6-speed sequential shift racing transmission that drives the rear wheels.

“The NSX was designed as a pinnacle expression of Acura Precision Crafted Performance, and we're looking forward to proving out its ultimate performance capabilities in GT3 racing. We'll be working with the NSX engineering teams in Ohio and Japan to bring our dream of a truly world-class new Acura NSX racecar to fruition,” said Art St. Cyr, President of Honda Performance Development.

The NSX GT3 was initially tested by the company's M-TEC racing arm in Japan. The final tests, development and homologation are currently underway and are being conducted by the company’s North American racing engineering group in Santa Clarita, California.

It will be manufactured alongside the production version at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.