The New Zealand launch of the new Honda NSX hybrid supercar has been delayed yet again.
As recently as March Honda New Zealand had been signalling a May debut for the second generation NSX, when it said the NZ pricing and specifications would be confirmed.
That launch has just been postponed and a Honda NZ spokesperson said the delay is due to “reconsidering the regional Asia/Oceania NSX strategy” and there is currently no information to share about plans for the NSX here.
The NSX launch in New Zealand has been in the works for more than three years — starting in early 2015 when Honda NZ announced it would launch the NSX during 2016. That introduction had been pushed back at least twice before the most recent delay.
Production of the new Honda NSX hybrid supercar for right-hand-drive markets began in Ohio in August 2016.
Honda Australia launched the new NSX in October 2016 as a strictly limited volume car sold through five selected dealerships. Including Australian Luxury Car Tax (LCT), the launch price was A$420,000 (approximately $450,000).
The second-generation NSX is Honda’s global performance and technology showcase vehicle and features the advanced Honda Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain.
At the rear, a direct drive electric motor is housed between the 3.5-litre V6 twin turbocharged engine and the nine-speed dual clutch transmission.
In addition, the front wheels of the NSX are powered independently by two parallel high-performance electric motors.
The NSX uses the front-mounted Twin Motor hybrid electric motors to provide electronic torque vectoring that enhances the precision of handling and cornering performance in all driving situations.
The question now is whether or not all that technology and performance will make an appearance in the New Zealand market.