Performance automotive development

Research.
Design.
Prototype.

Blackshear Automotive Development (BAD LLC) uses a 2021 Acura NSX as an integrated R&D platform. Our work connects hybrid performance, vehicle networks, powertrain engineering, instrumentation, and precision component design.

Explore our projects
MechanicalElectronicsSoftware
Front view of the red Acura NSX on the road
Blackshear Automotive DevelopmentUnderstanding the vehicle as a whole.
Business activity
Automotive R&D & prototyping
Development focus
Performance automotive systems
Current project platform
2021 Acura NSX (NC1)

01 / Our focus

Specialty automotive R&D.
Connected disciplines.

The NSX brings a twin-turbo V6, three-motor hybrid AWD, and a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission into one development platform. Our research follows the connections between its mechanical, electrical, and control systems.

CAN & vehicle networks

Original multi-network signal research, confidence-graded telemetry, and non-destructive breakout-interface design. Confirmed signals are distinguished from candidates.

Signal correlation · Network topology · Interface design

Embedded & calibration toolchains

Ghidra and WinOLS workflow research, including Renesas SuperH SH72543/SH72546 and comparative Infineon TriCore architecture studies.

MCU research · Technical references · Calibration workflows

Hybrid AWD & torque delivery

Investigation of observed launch and power-delivery behavior across combustion, electric drive, the DCT, and chassis controls. Causes and remedies remain under study.

Launch behavior · Torque coordination · Vehicle dynamics

Turbo, fuel & thermal systems

Twin-turbo and electronic-wastegate design, combined direct and port injection, alcohol-fuel strategies, and charge-air and exhaust integration.

System engineering · Component selection · Thermal integration

Instrumentation & electronics

Custom logging harnesses, AEM display integration, CAN measurement, sensor interfaces, and time-correlated acquisition of vehicle and powertrain data.

Data acquisition · Harness design · Signal quality

Precision design & test development

Measured CAD, 3D-printed prototypes, ignition-interface packaging, and test-facility planning. An AWD chassis dynamometer is acquired; installation and commissioning are pending.

CAD · Prototyping · Controlled test planning

02 / Selected projects

Selected work connecting custom wiring, vehicle instrumentation, current CAD designs, and early physical prototypes.

Data logging, hidden in plain sight.

A custom wiring harness and bespoke data-logging setup, designed and built for the NSX. The installation fits behind the trunk trim, preserving a seamless appearance in the finished car.

Built & installed
Custom data-logging electronics and wiring installed inside the NSX trunk
Custom data-logging installation
Custom wiring harness under construction in the NSX trunk
Harness construction
Factory-style trunk trim covering and concealing the custom data-logging installation
Concealed behind the trim

From CAD to the center dash.

A replacement center dash display mount, developed through CAD and 3D printing. The CAD preview shows the current development form; the in-car video shows an earlier PLA prototype and its fit within the NSX interior.

CAD & early PLA prototype
Current CAD development form · automatic rotation
Early PLA prototype · shown in the NSX

PSIplug fitment & ignition interfaces.

A hand-measured CAD model of the PSIplug, paired with prototype modifications to the NSX ignition-coil high-voltage tower. The work explores fitment for planned combustion analysis.

CAD & prototype development
PSIplug & coil-tower assembly · automatic rotation

Development hardware

A platform for deeper investigation.

A spare NC1 engine and transmission acquired as a separate platform for powertrain research and hardware development.

Spare NC1 powertrain · development hardware

03 / Our approach

Knowledge across
the whole vehicle.

Measured evidence connects every part of the program. We correlate vehicle-network signals with independent sensors, document engineering assumptions, and use traceable specifications to guide CAD, electronics, and test design.

Completed analysis, bench work, design concepts, and vehicle-tested results are treated as distinct stages. Current test development includes a Mustang MD-AWD-800-DE AWD chassis dynamometer, acquired and awaiting installation and commissioning.

From understanding to development

Study the system

Technical references, operating data, and physical measurements

Develop the concept

CAD, circuit design, software analysis, and integration studies

Prepare, prototype & refine

Fitment models, interface concepts, and staged verification plans

04 / Collaboration

Collaborative partners.

Independent teams we collaborate with in automotive research. Blackshear Automotive Development has no ownership or business involvement in these organizations.

05 / Memberships & verification

Engineering communities & tools.

Company and individual professional memberships, alongside WinOLS software-license verification.

06 / Contact

Connect with BAD LLC.

For automotive industry correspondence, research discussions, and collaborative development inquiries: