Last week, under the scorching Atlanta, Georgia sun, I found myself piloting a trio of cars that remain a dream for most. Stepping into Acura’s NSX lineup, I had no preconceived notions, but what unfolded was an extraordinary experience, one that redefined my perception of automotive prowess. The Acura NSX Type S, in particular, is so incredibly fast, it challenges everything you thought you understood about velocity, truly cementing its place as a remarkable Nsx Acura Sports Car.
Earlier that day, my Acura adventure began with a drive in the iconic 1991 Acura NSX. This wasn’t just any first-generation NSX; it was believed to be the very first one in America. Its unexpected presence allowed journalists a rare opportunity to experience automotive history firsthand.
For me, driving that original acura nsx sports car was akin to meeting a childhood idol. The NSX was, after all, a poster car of my youth. Thankfully, this encounter was pure joy, not disappointment. If finances allowed, I would acquire a first-generation NSX and make it my daily driver – that’s how captivating these cars are.
The original NSX concluded its production run in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of performance that surpassed many more expensive vehicles.
A Journey Through Acura NSX History
Honda allowed the NSX nameplate to rest for only a couple of years before announcing a successor in 2007. American Honda initially projected the NSX’s return in 2010, envisioned with a powerful V10 engine. The ambitious target was to outperform the Nissan GT-R’s Nürburgring lap time, setting a high benchmark. Enthusiasts were thrilled, but unfortunately, this vision was short-lived.
The development of this second-generation acura nsx sports car became a casualty of the 2008 Great Recession. As Honda scaled back operations amidst economic uncertainty, the project was shelved. However, two years later, reports emerged, signaling the revival of the new car’s development. Excitement resurfaced among fans.
In 2012, Acura launched a significant marketing campaign for the anticipated nsx acura sports car. A concept car graced the 2012 North American International Auto Show, a Super Bowl commercial featuring car enthusiast comedian Jerry Seinfeld aired, and Tony Stark even piloted an NSX concept in the first Avengers movie. The new NSX was officially on track, although the V10 engine was no longer part of the plan. Instead, a naturally-aspirated V6 was slated for its heart.
However, as Honda notes, the development trajectory shifted significantly midway through. Simply installing a V6 was deemed insufficient. To truly embody the spirit of its predecessor, this new NSX needed to be groundbreaking, just like the original. Consequently, the engine underwent substantial enhancements, including the addition of twin turbos. Mirroring the original NSX’s innovative powertrain approach which allowed for creative packaging, Honda decided to electrify this iteration of the sports car acura nsx.
In 2015, approximately eight years after the initial announcement of the second-generation NSX, Acura unveiled the production version of the acura nsx sports car at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. The first customer deliveries commenced a year later, marking the culmination of a long and eagerly awaited journey.
Design and Engineering Marvel of the Acura NSX Sports Car
Externally, the NSX maintains the first generation’s fighter jet-inspired aesthetic, but with significantly more pronounced sculpting. The jewel-style headlights, as explained by the NSX’s designer, Michelle Christensen, aim to give the car a menacing look.
The nsx acura sports car also incorporates an elegant floating C-pillar, a design element common in contemporary supercars. The entire design philosophy prioritizes aerodynamics, downforce, and efficient engine cooling.
Inside, the fighter jet theme persists. Acura’s objective was to create a driver-centric interior, largely free of clutter and minimizing obstruction from bulky pillars.
All of this is built upon an aluminum-intensive space frame with multi-material body panels. “SMC” denotes a high-strength composite material used in its construction.
A combination of steel and carbon fiber is utilized, and Acura highlights the implementation of novel technologies in the car’s construction.
Notably, the three-dimensionally bent and quenched A-pillars are a standout feature. This acura nsx sports car boasts exceptional frontal visibility, partly due to these A-pillars which appear remarkably thin, reminiscent of cars from decades past.
Acura details the formation process of these A-pillars:
The 3DQ component is heated and then shaped in three dimensions by an articulating robotic arm, after which the part is quenched using water jets to achieve an ultra-high tensile strength of 1,500 megapascals (MPa). This process enables the pillar to have a very thin cross-section with precise shape specification and tolerances, while meeting the increased structural rigidity standards for roof-crush performance. It also reduces the width of the A-pillar structure to just 1.65 x 1.42 in. (42 x 36 mm) and the finished A-pillar by 1 in. (25 mm), compared to a conventional construction process. The view is a full 36 percent less obstructed than the next-best supercar evaluated by the Acura team, and even better than the original NSX.
Similar levels of innovation were applied to the powertrain.
Power and Performance: Unleashing the Acura NSX Type S
At the heart of the acura nsx sports car lies a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 500 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The turbochargers produce up to 15.2 PSI of boost. In the final Type S model, the turbos are derived from the GT3 Evo, boosting output by 20 hp, 37 lb-ft of torque, and 0.9 PSI of pressure.
The NSX is also a sophisticated hybrid, incorporating three electric motors and a battery to amplify performance. Two 36 HP motors power the front wheels, while a 47 HP motor directly drives the rear wheels. This electric augmentation elevates the standard NSX’s output to 573 HP and 476 lb-ft of torque, while the Type S achieves 600 HP and 492 lb-ft of torque. These motors are energized by a 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Collectively, this powertrain configuration propels the nsx acura sports car from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 2.9 seconds. While the Type S’s additional power doesn’t alter the acceleration figure, Acura states that it shaved two seconds off the lap time at Suzuka. Interestingly, the Type S is slightly heavier than the regular NSX, weighing 3,960 pounds compared to 3,945 pounds.
Driving The NSX
My first experience behind the wheel was in one of the last second-generation NSXs produced. The second generation of the acura nsx sports car had a relatively short production run, partly due to modest sales figures: Honda and Acura sold only 2,908 units worldwide. Production ceased for Japan, Australia, and Europe in 2020. The Type S variant serves as the swan song for this generation, with only 350 units being produced, and just 300 allocated for the U.S. market.
So, how does this farewell edition drive?
Frankly, it redefined my understanding of speed. My personal fastest car is a Saturn Sky Red Line. With a perfect launch, it can reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, matching the original NSX’s time. For many car enthusiasts, this might represent the benchmark of “fast.”
The NSX Type S dispatches the 60 mph sprint in a mere 2.9 seconds. A 2.3-second difference might seem marginal, but this sliver of time distinguishes between a car that firmly holds you in your seat and one that snaps your neck back. Engaging the NSX’s launch control results in such an explosive departure that catching your breath becomes a secondary concern. If your head isn’t firmly against the headrest, prepare for a forceful reminder of inertia.
Drawing a parallel to aviation, an Acura NSX reaches 120 mph in less time and distance than a Cessna 172 requires to achieve takeoff speed. Unleashed, the NSX will relentlessly accelerate to a top speed of 191 mph.
The remarkable aspect of this acura nsx sports car’s speed is its seamless delivery. Achieving the advertised acceleration figures is as simple as pressing the accelerator and steering in the desired direction. There’s no drama, no tire smoke, no erratic shifting or engine behavior. It simply performs flawlessly. Despite being my first modern supercar experience, the NSX Type S made me feel like a seasoned supercar driver. Returning home and driving my Saturn, the sensation of speed was undeniably diminished. Experiencing supercar performance recalibrates your entire perception of velocity.
Handling is equally composed. Opportunities to rigorously test the car’s handling limits in Atlanta were limited, but the initial impression was of one of the most confidence-inspiring vehicles I’ve ever piloted. The cliché of “driving on rails” accurately describes the NSX’s handling prowess, without exaggeration.
Beyond outright performance, the nsx acura sports car offers a range of driving modes. I primarily drove in Track Mode to fully appreciate its capabilities. However, Quiet Mode deserves special mention.
In Quiet Mode, the car lives up to its name. You can start the car and navigate your neighborhood entirely on electric power, maintaining neighborly peace. In urban environments, you can travel several blocks in EV mode without the engine activating. Throttle response in this mode is reminiscent of a Prius. While practical for noise-conscious drivers, it felt somewhat surreal driving such a visually striking, ICE-powered car in complete silence.
Regarding the exhaust note, it’s relatively subdued in the NSX. You can elicit pops and crackles during redline shifts, accompanied by the satisfying whistle of the turbos. However, under normal driving, the engine emits V6 sounds that lack a truly exotic character.
Nevertheless, the sheer driving enjoyment likely overshadows any sonic shortcomings. And aftermarket exhaust systems undoubtedly exist to amplify the auditory experience.
The interior is a pleasant environment, although not overtly opulent. Leather and Alcantara are prevalent throughout. The steering wheel is appropriately tactile, incorporating carbon fiber. Instrumentation is partially digital, complemented by an infotainment screen. While the interior design isn’t groundbreaking, the materials feel premium, and the exceptional forward visibility is again noteworthy.
Rearward visibility is compromised, but the mirrors and physical head checks prove adequate.
My primary interior critique concerns the headunit. While Honda and Acura have transitioned to more refined and responsive interfaces, the NSX features a headunit seemingly borrowed from the 10th-generation Civic. It’s functional, but feels out of place in a vehicle of this price caliber. The graphics appear dated, and the system is less responsive than current Volkswagen infotainment systems. The interface is also somewhat unintuitive. Notice the partial physical HVAC controls, with some functions seemingly missing?
That’s because the remaining controls are integrated into the touchscreen interface.
Later that day, I drove a standard NSX, finished in a vibrant red. Honestly, discerning significant differences between the two proved challenging. The Type S felt marginally firmer, but acceleration was equally breathtaking. This isn’t surprising, given the subtle performance enhancements of the Type S model.
At the conclusion of my day with these remarkable acura nsx sports cars, I felt a tinge of sadness at their limited global sales. While they may lack the overt flamboyance of a Lamborghini, Honda has engineered a truly exceptional machine. The NSX is visually captivating and remarkably approachable, even for drivers less experienced with high-performance vehicles. It could realistically serve as a daily driver.
However, I perceive this second-generation NSX as only a partial successor to the original. The first-generation NSX is inherently mechanical and analog, providing a visceral sensory experience. It forges a deeper connection between driver and machine, allowing you to feel the car’s every nuance.
From a technological standpoint, Acura has undeniably excelled with this sports car acura nsx. Like its predecessor, the new NSX achieves its ambition of being distinct and forward-thinking. However, this technological sophistication has, to some extent, diluted the raw driving feel. For me, the genuinely breathtaking speed is a worthwhile trade-off. But some enthusiasts might crave a more overtly aggressive and vocal driving experience.
The 2022 Acura NSX starts at $169,500 before options and other fees. Acura reports that orders for the 300 U.S. allocation are pending. Therefore, if you aspire to own one, contacting a dealership and joining a waiting list is advisable.
I inquired with Acura’s PR team about the possibility of a third-generation NSX. Understandably, they refrained from commenting on future product plans. However, I sincerely hope that Honda and Acura grant the NSX a third iteration, because even after all these years, the NSX continues to make automotive dreams a reality.
