Honda is reportedly working on a mid-engine sports car that will sit underneath the upcoming NSX hybrid supercar. Last week, CAD illustrations, supposedly submitted as part of a patent filing, of a new Honda mid-engine vehicle appeared online.

The in-between model is reportedly deep into its development cycle. It will be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine used in the forthcoming Civic Type R, although it will likely produce around 250kW rather than the Civic’s 231kW.

It will be aided by a hybrid system similar to the NSX’s, with two electric motors at the front and one at the rear that’s built into the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. Estimated total output will be around the 300kW mark.

The mid-engine car will weigh under 1400kg thanks to an aluminium space frame and carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) body panels.

The new sports car will allegedly be built alongside the NSX at the company’s purpose-built factory in Ohio. In contrast to the NSX, which will be badged as an Acura in countries where the luxury brand operates, the unnamed mid-engine vehicle will wear Honda badges around the world when it launches in 2018.

Published: Wednesday, June 17, 2015