NSX tuning specialist ScienceofSpeed thinks so. Since its founding in 2001, the Arizona-based company has been rebuilding and upgrading Acura’s supercar, and now it’s taking a crack at the new version. Dubbed the “Dream Project” by its creators, ScienceofSpeed’s modified second-generation NSX debuts at the 2017 SEMA show this month.
It wouldn’t be a tuner build without increased horsepower, although the NSX’s hybrid powertrain was left mostly stock. The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 breathes a bit easier thanks to high-performance downpipes and a new stainless steel exhaust system (which also shaves 16 pounds), and a new intercooler system that lowers the temperature of the air getting sucked into the two turbos.
The result is a total system output of 610 horsepower and 507 pound-feet of torque, which represents an increase of 37 hp and 31 lb-ft over the stock NSX. Keep in mind that, while only the V6 engine was modified, the NSX gets its full power from a combination of both the engine and three electric motors.
As if the stock NSX didn’t look aggressive enough, ScienceofSpeed added a body kit consisting of new front strakes, rocker panels, a big rear spoiler, and a larger rear diffuser. Brembo carbon ceramic brakes sit within Advan GT forged wheels (2o inches in front, 21 inches in rear), and the car rides slightly more than 1 inch lower than stock. ScienceofSpeed also installed a lift system that automatically raises the front axle when obstacles are detected.
On the inside, ScienceofSpeed swapped out the stock seats for Recaro racing buckets, and installed a gaugeART OLED display. The entire car also features a black-and-blue color theme, with the interior matched to the exterior.
If the second-generation Acura NSX helped prove that performance cars still have a place in a future of hybrids and fuel efficiency, then ScienceofSpeed’s modified version proves that tuners also have a place in that future. In fact, the NSX won’t be the only hybrid show car at SEMA this year: Hyundai is bringing an Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid modified by tuner Bisimoto Engineering. Could this be the start of a new trend?
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