ScienceofSpeed

ScienceofSpeed FAQs > Natural Aspiration

Q: What is "natural aspiration"?

A: Natural aspiration refers to an engine that does not use methods of artificial compression or enrichment of the intake charge. An example of artificial compression or forced induction is turbochargers and superchargers. An example of enrichment in nitrous oxide injection. Both methods increase oxygen content of the mixture used in the combustion cycle of the engine.

Honda specializes in highly efficient power plants that generate power through natural aspiration.

Q: What are the benefits of natural aspiration?

A: Natural aspiration generates smooth linear power with out the heated intake charge, dynamic cylinder pressure, additional moving parts and weight of forced induction and nitrous. In general, it is more difficult and costly to generate the same relative amount of horsepower through natural aspiration, especially with smaller displacement motors.

Power achieved through natural aspiration tuning subscribes to Honda's philosophy of a balanced sports automobile. Our NA tune program builds upon an already highly tuned powerplant to achieve power gains through increasing engine efficiency, performance through better materials, engine component weight reduction, and balancing.

The resulting character of power gained is what many NSX owners prefer.