An early concept version of the future all-electric NSX.
Honda has a revolutionary new fully electric lineup in the pipeline, and it includes the firm’s first-ever EV supercar, thought to be a reinterpretation of its halo car—the NSX.
Notably, Honda's high-end Acura brand in the US has already revealed an early concept of its own electric supercar, with the aggressive, cab-forward design highlighting the NSX's mid-engine configuration.
Honda is already "researching sports cars in the EV era," according to company CEO Toshihiro Mibe. He also confirmed that "at our R&D center, we have a sports car." These revelations came after the unveiling of the electric Saloon concept, which will be the first vehicle in the brand’s new 0 Series lineup.
The second generation NSX features a V6 hybrid with 3 motors.
The new NSX—although it’s still unclear whether that name will be used—is intended to act as a halo for the 0 Series line of electric vehicles, regardless of how it is positioned. With a plethora of technological advancements designed to optimize interior space, minimize battery weight, and boost economy, these vehicles will go on sale in 2026 and, according to Mibe, encourage the "joy of driving" by emphasizing driver engagement.
Unveiled at CES in Las Vegas last month, the new coupe will inherit design hints from the 0 Series ‘Saloon’ concept, most notably its minimalist, driver-focused cockpit and a low-slung, cab-forward profile.
In an effort to maximize passenger space, the battery will be much smaller and slimmer than those found in Honda's current electric vehicles. Propulsion will be provided by e-axle drive units, which combine the motors, inverters, and gearboxes into a single, compact unit.
Crucially, Mibe stated that a sporty EV will "have a completely different taste" from any performance vehicle Honda has previously introduced, implying that a major focus of the research and development project is figuring out how to make a vehicle with such a unique personality and engaging driving experience.
Mibe's disclosure comes after rival manufacturer Toyota's chairman, Akio Toyoda, made similar remarks in 2018. At that time, Toyoda acknowledged that his company has started testing a prototype electric sports car, the Toyota FT Se concept we got to see at last October’s Japan Mobility Show.
Mibe is the impetus behind the development of a Honda sports electric vehicle, much as Toyoda is an outspoken supporter of Toyota's ongoing commitment to high-performance vehicles. He stated, "We haven't decided on timing or mass production, but personally, I would like to see it happen.”
It was Mibe who confirmed, way back in 2011 when he was Honda’s R&D boss, plans to revive the NSX for a third generation with an electrified powertrain.
He reiterated this idea more recently when the redesigned Prelude coupé concept was unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. He referred to the athletic hybrid as an example of “Honda’s unwavering sports mentality” and cited the company’s continuous participation in Formula 1 as evidence of its dedication to excellence.
The current model second generation, all-wheel-drive NSX boasts a twin turbocharged V6-powered, 3-motor hybrid setup pumping out 573 hp, so we can expect a next-gen electric model to deliver even more power through a newly defined AWD setup.
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