What's all this about?

Honda has released a lengthy technical document revealing some of the mechanical secrets of the new NSX. The details were presented at the annual Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress and Exhibition in Detroit.

So, what do we know?

We already knew that the NSX will use a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with an unusual 75-degree angle; the engine capacity has been confirmed as 3.5 litres. Frustratingly, Honda still hasn't revealed the maximum power figure. The engine uses a dry-sump layout to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible. Dry-sump lubrication also ensures the engine remains properly lubricated under high lateral-G.

Rapid cornering should be well within the new NSX's scope thanks to the 'Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive', which features Honda's latest torque vectoring. The system is designed to take advantage of the way electric motors can respond without delay, meaning the torque vectoring works even at low engine and vehicle speeds. Honda claims its system differs from others in that it is designed to respond accurately to driver inputs, rather than just reacting to feedback measurements about vehicle behaviour.

The double wishbone suspension up front has been designed to prevent torque from the front twin motor unit (TMU) interfering with the steering feedback. As for the steering, it will use a variable-ratio mechanism. We'll have to wait until we get behind the wheel to find out if the NSX delivers on Honda's promise to deliver 'timeless sports car steering communication' and 'on rails' cornering (Honda's descriptions, not ours).

Is there anything else?

Honda has also been working hard on the NSX's aerodynamics, cutting drag and providing consistent downforce without using active aerodynamics. Careful attention has been paid to airflow over the body and through the ten heat exchangers necessary to cool the various parts of the hybrid drive train.

The aerodynamics have been tested using detailed scale models and at full size in the company's wind tunnels in Ohio, USA and Japan. Tests at proving grounds around the world have also verified the work done on the car.