BOLD RIDE
There’s plenty of reason to love the new Acura NSX. It’s a supercar, for one, and it was developed by a company (Honda) that’s built some pretty great cars in its very long history.
Design
The new look was penned by Michelle Christensen, and when she joined the Acura design team in 2012, the goal was to make something “striking.” The car sits low, and if you put it side by side with the original, shares a surprising number of similarities, in an evolved, futuristic sort of way.
Look at two cars like the Audi R8 and the Porsche 911; easily lost in a crowded parking lot. The NSX stands out (in a good way), and that’s the point.
Comfort
If it were up to me, the NSX would be less comfortable than it is. Because I’m a masochist. But the reality is, I’m not the person that’s going to be buying this car. People still want comfort, especially when they’re paying $156,000.
It’s arguably the most comfortable of the supercar family, riding around town like a seemingly nondescript two-door Acura when you need it to. Unless you’re in Sport+, you’d never know that it’s as quick off the line as a Nissan GT-R.
Efficiency
An integral addition to the previous ‘comfort’ point is also efficiency. ‘Efficiency in a supercar?’ you ask. Yes, efficiency in a supercar. It sips on gas, relatively speaking, returning nearly 20 mpg even when you push it (and we pushed it).
The secret is the tri-motor/engine setup. Two electric motors and a gasoline engine are not only efficient working together, but also help keep the car balanced. Acura says you might be able to get up to 30+ mpg, though, we don’t see that happening with 570 horsepower under the hood.
Track Performance/Launch Control
I’ll be the first to tell you that Acura’s nine-speed transmission doesn’t work. In this car or in any car. The being said, it’s probably the only thing keeping the NSX from being the most trackable supercar on the market.
The advanced suspension, immediate power, and quick steering make it a joy to toss around on the track. Four wheel slides are normal (and fun), while the immediate transfer of energy and cornering balance at speed allows you to push the limits.
We lumped in launch control with track performance because, well, where else do you need to use launch control? And it works perfectly.
Technology
One of the few times I’m not talking about what’s inside the car, but rather, what’s under it. Acura has talked plenty about the dual electric motors and twin-turbo V6—and for good reason; they works flawlessly in unison.
Turbo lag is a thing of the past with two electric motors thrusting the NSX from 0-60 mph in just about 3.0 seconds. The turbocharged engine kicks in at the right time and propels the car to speeds of over 200 mph.
It’s a very advanced setup, and Acura engineers spent many sleepless nights perfecting it.
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