Acura Sport Hybrid Technology in Indiana

While the new ZDX represents the fully electric future, Acura established its dominance in electrification years ago with the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system. This technology was not designed solely for fuel economy. It was designed to use electric torque to make cars faster and sharper in corners.

Found in the MDX Sport Hybrid, the RLX flagship sedan, and the legendary NSX supercar, this system uses a unique three-motor layout to vector torque physically, creating a driving experience that standard hybrids cannot match. At Ed Martin Acura, we understand the complexity of these rare machines and know how to maintain them for peak performance.

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The 3-Motor Sport Hybrid System

Most hybrid systems focus on efficiency by using one large electric motor to help the gas engine move the car forward. Acura took a different approach derived from racing..

The Front Motor:

One electric motor is built directly into the transmission (7-speed or 9-speed Dual Clutch). Its job is to add instant torque to the engine's output and smooth out shifts, eliminating the "jerk" of a gear change.

The Twin Motor Unit (TMU):

Two independent electric motors are mounted on the rear axle (or front axle in the NSX). They operate independently of each other. In a hard corner, the system can send positive torque to the outside wheel to push the car into the turn while applying regenerative braking to the inside wheel to pull it in. This is true torque vectoring.

3.0L & 3.5L Sport Hybrid V6 (MDX & RLX)

These models brought supercar technology to the street. They offer V8-level power with V6 fuel efficiency.

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MDX Sport Hybrid (2020 Only)

Engine: 3.0L V6 (Port Injection) + 3 Electric Motors
Transmission: 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)
Output: 321 hp / 289 lb-ft torque
The Advantage: It uses active dampers and the hybrid system to offer a sportier drive than the standard 3.5L MDX, while achieving significantly better city fuel economy (26 MPG City rated).

RLX Sport Hybrid (2020 Only)

Engine: 3.5L V6 (Direct Injection) + 3 Electric Motors
Transmission: 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)
Output: 377 hp / 341 lb-ft torque
The Advantage: This was the most powerful Acura sedan until the modern TLX Type S. The instant electric torque makes it accelerate like a V8 luxury liner, yet it retains the quiet composure of a flagship.

3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid (NSX & NSX Type S)

The Acura NSX is the halo car that proved hybrid technology belongs on the racetrack. It reverses the layout of the sedans, placing the Twin Motor Unit on the front axle for pulled torque vectoring, while the gas engine pushes from the middle.

Acura NSX (2020–2021)

Engine: 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 (Dry Sump) + 3 Electric Motors
Transmission: 9-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)
Output: 573 hp / 476 lb-ft torque
Top Speed: 191 mph

Acura NSX Type S (2022 Only)

Engine: 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 (Upgraded Turbos) + 3 Electric Motors
Output: 600 hp / 492 lb-ft torque
The Difference: Only 350 units were built globally. It features turbochargers from the GT3 Evo race car, a retuned gear ratio for the electric motors, and a more aggressive battery management system.

Maintenance for Hybrid Supercars

Owning a Sport Hybrid requires specific care. The high-voltage components are robust, but the fluids are critical.

Dual-Clutch Transmission Fluid: Unlike a standard automatic, the DCT uses specific fluid to manage heat and gear engagement. This must be changed on a strict schedule (typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on use).
Twin Motor Unit (TMU) Fluid: The rear electric motors (or front on NSX) spin at extremely high speeds. The cooling fluid inside this unit degrades over time and must be replaced to prevent overheating the electric motors.
Dry Sump Oil System (NSX Only): The NSX engine does not hold oil in a pan at the bottom; it circulates it from a separate tank to ensure lubrication during high-G cornering. Checking and changing this oil requires a specific factory procedure that should only be performed by certified NSX technicians.

Service Your Rare Acura at Ed Martin

Whether you drive a daily-driver MDX Sport Hybrid or a collector-grade NSX Type S, Ed Martin Acura has the specialized tools and training to keep your 3-motor system performing at its peak.

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