Gasoline Engine on Two Wheels + Electric Motor on Two Wheels = Hybrid SH-AWD All-Wheel Drive

Gasoline + Electric Motors = Hybrid SH-AWD

A breakthrough in all-wheel drive!

Debuted on the second-gen NSX (NC1)

Intelligent Power Unit with a perfect 42:58 weight balance

Front wheels powered by a TMU, rear by a turbo V6 + electric motor

A single motor system is called IMA or i-DCD, two motors are i-MMD, and three motors make up Hybrid SH-AWD.

The full name of Hybrid SH-AWD is Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive. This four-wheel-drive system revolutionized the automotive industry’s perception of traditional mechanical AWD systems. Although Honda announced in 2019 that it would cease further development, its impact on technology and mechanical engineering remains groundbreaking. The Hybrid SH-AWD debuted on the second-generation NSX (NC1) and was later adapted for models like the Legend, RLX, and MDX. If Honda hadn’t shifted its focus to hydrogen fuel cells, Hybrid SH-AWD might have seen broader applications, including mid-tier AWD systems.

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NSX and the Birth of Hybrid SH-AWD

The Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) comprises a 72-cell smart battery pack, while the Power Drive Unit (PDU) controls the battery system. Positioned between the driver and the engine, these components contribute to the NSX's perfect 42:58 front-to-rear weight distribution.

The second-generation NSX went on sale in 2016, though its concept car debuted in January 2012 at the North American Auto Show. Alongside its V6 engine, its standout feature was the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, a four-wheel-drive system without a central drive shaft.

Breaking Convention: TMU and the Front Wheels

Instead of a central driveshaft, the NSX uses a TMU (Twin Motor Unit) for its front differential, derived from the ATTS system in the 1996 Prelude Type S (BB4). TMU replaces the traditional driveshaft with two 37-horsepower electric motors, controlling the torque on each front wheel for precise handling.

Rear Wheels: Gasoline Engine and Electric Motor

The rear wheels use a 3.7L V6 JNC1 engine, producing 507 horsepower and 56.1 kg·m of torque. The Direct Drive Motor (H2 AC synchronous motor) assists with 48 horsepower and 15.1 kg·m of torque. This hybrid setup enhances cornering performance rather than fuel efficiency, making Hybrid SH-AWD an advanced evolution of SH-AWD.

How Does Hybrid SH-AWD Work?

The system enhances cornering through active torque distribution, with electric motors providing pull or push forces depending on the driving scenario:

Braking into a turn: Inner wheels apply more braking force.

In the turn: Outer wheels provide more torque for controlled oversteer.

Accelerating out of the turn: Electric motors maximize propulsion.

Adapting Hybrid SH-AWD for Other Models

The 2014 Honda Legend (Acura RLX) and the Acura MDX also received modified versions of Hybrid SH-AWD.

Legend’s JNB-H2-H3-H3 setup delivers 314 horsepower, with adjustments for its FF layout.

MDX places the battery in its undercarriage for SUV-specific flexibility.

Beyond Engines: A Philosophy of Balance and Control

Honda is not just about engines—its engineering philosophy emphasizes harmony between power and handling. Hybrid SH-AWD epitomizes this vision, focusing on cornering precision rather than outright horsepower. It’s not about quarter-mile times or raw speed; it’s about redefining performance.