The Next-Generation Acura NSX: A Supercar For Now

Acura Nsx
The Acura NSX deserves to be on a pedestal – and at the track. Credit: Judy Antell for AGirlsGuidetoCars

Developed and produced in the US, the long awaited Acura NSX is about to hit the road.

Acura’s supercar actually debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January, but it was half a year away from actually hitting dealerships. In April at the SAE World Congress, the $150,000 sports car was much closer to its release date and the engineers the show is geared towards got an in-depth look at this car.

Though Acura is owned by Honda, a Japanese brand, the 2016 Acura NSX is being built in Marysville, Ohio.

A different kind of hybrid

Acura Nsx
The cockpit-like interior of the next gen Acura

The environmentalist in me thinks of a hybrid as a fuel efficient vehicle. Not so this sports car. The NSX is a three-motor hybrid with a twin-turbo V-6 engine. It has two electric motors attached to the front wheels, with a third sitting between the engine and transmission. What does that all mean? It is fast. And powerful.

The Acura NSX is also a hybrid in that it bridges the gap between performance and luxury. Ted A. Klaus, Chief Engineer & Acura NSX Global Development Leader – Honda R&D Americas said that the “X’ in the name stands for the “exploration of technology” and that the new sports car will allow drivers to “experience the road in a new way.”

In your cockpit

At the SAE World Congress, Honda also showed off its lightweight HondaJet, the company’s first airplane. The interior of the NSX mimics a cockpit, so it was apt to see these side by side – and think of the Acura racing along at Mach speed.

No longer all aluminum

Acura Nsx
A side view of the 2016 Acura NSX. Credit: Judy Antell for AGirlsGuidetoCars

The first generation Acura NSX was noted for being an all aluminum car. But composite features have been incorporated into the next gen to keep the weight down. Shawn Tarr, Principal Engineer & Acura NSX Body Development Leader – Honda R&D Americas, said ultra high strength steel keeps passengers safe.

Accessible high performance, for casual drivers to pros.

Thomas Ramsay, Principal Engineer & Acura NSX Aerothermal Project Leader – Honda R&D Americas, noted that the Acura “supports all drivers in all situations.” He said the new Acura makes driver response easier, so whether you are a professional race car driver, or just dream of the Indy 500, you get high performance. Ted Klaus called this “accessible performance for real drivers and at the track.”

Thomas Ramsey added that the Acura requires ” a low level of driver workload.” Who wouldn’t want to lower her workload?

What price glory?

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but it is expected to be in the – gulp – $150,000 range.

Note: I was a guest of Honda at the SAE World Congress. Opinions expressed are my own.

Judy Antell
Judy Antell

Judy Antell, who is TravelingMom.com's Free in 50 States editor, lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband and three daughters. Between road trips to visit colleges, travel sports and seeing East Coast sights, she spends a lot of time on the road for a city girl.

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