Acura NSX-inspired EV Concept will be racing at Pikes Peak

Under the bonnet, the EV concept ditches the production car’s 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 petrol and nine-speed transmission for a twin motor unit on each axle.

In addition to two 2017 NSX supercars that will run in the Time Attack 1 and Time Attack 2 classes, Acura is bringing an “NSX-inspired EV concept” for the Electric Modified class. That electric drivetrain consists of four electric motors, providing the EV Concept with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

It’s badged as an Acura, and we’re told the drivetrain is a development of the four-motor package that was fitted to a CR-Z prototype for last year’s Pikes race.

The supercar-inspired Acura EV Concept will be driven by Tetsuya Yamano, who campaigned last year’s CR-Z-based electric prototype. Acura says the EV Concept is also the first application of four-wheel independent torque allocation.

It follows a class win past year by driver Tetsuya Yamano in an electric CR-Z – but this time, he will be piloting the NSX with three times the power output.

There hasn’t been much said about the changes to the torque allocation system from a year ago, but it has been updated to provide “more precise thrust at each wheel”. A pair of electric motors on each axle give the vehicle all-wheel drive, and can shunt torque side to side to help cornering. “We’re honoured to be running at Pikes in this historical, anniversary year – an event respected by racing fans all over the world”. James will race to the clouds in a slightly modified NSX while Nick will do the same in a stock version. These details may be released later this week, with the race scheduled to take place Sunday, June 26, local time.