The Acura NSX

After more than six years in the works, the Acura NSX is finally coming to town. Acura recently said that they will release their newest iteration of its famed NSX supercar on February 25, 2016. Here’s the low down on the NSX.

To begin with is the styling. Some think the NSX is outright rigid and ugly. But I have a different take. The broad lines that run from the gaping air intakes attached to the end of the door panel make the NSX seem agile and aggressive. The jewel LED lights show that Acura was a little late to the LED party (it looks like they stole it from any higher end Audi). The back portion of the NSX also hints to the minimal design of the Lamborghini Huracan. Better yet, the refined design makes the Acura look like a R8 look alike.

Inside the track weapon is a cabin full of dramatic lines that scream sportiness. I’ll give Acura credit for improving on their interior design as they have brought in new finishes to complement this legendary supercar. The tech inside is pretty standard Acura and features the common amenities that any Acura would have.

Now, let’s get to the performance of the car. Acura scrapped the original NSX replacement back in 2008 and went back to the drawing board. They decided to go for the combination of a turbocharged V6 in the rear and two electric motors in the front. Reviewers say that there is no turbo lag (take that GTR), yet the electric motors are rendered useless when slinging the car around a track at high speeds. But, there is immense power and grip when pulling out of a hairpin! Total output is 573 HP and 0-60 is done in 3.0 seconds. Better yet, this baby has a top speed of 191 MPH.

In typical Japanese automaker fashion, this car has some ridiculous performance tech. The NSX has a 9-Speed Dual Clutch transmission that loves to rev up to 7,500. The real party pleaser is the magnetic dampers that transform the car. You see, the NSX is software centered. Sure it has a great engine and electric motors, but everything is being done by the computers. The result is the insane level of ride configurability. In the track mode, the NSX over steers and performs like the true Japanese racing machine that it is. But turn the dial to Sport and the car is prone to understeer. The snarls of the Acura feel like they have become extinct when the NSX is put into the standard comfort setting which also numbs the steering considerably. The NSX’s extensive suits that it puts on when drivers manipulate the dampers has never been taken to this extent.

I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these! But, a NSX prototype recently was sold for $1.2 million at an auction. Why are the interesting cars always so expensive?

The NSX’s technology is pioneering for Acura. Now if they just put this tech into everyone of their cars, injected some bonkers styling into their range, and focused on making more performance cars like the NSX, Acura would be a definite winner! Let me know what you think about the NSX and I’ll see you guys next week.