The NSX earned its street cred long before the 2017 model went into production. Its cult-like following dates back to 1990. First-generation NSXs — the first mass-production cars with all-aluminum bodies — were made for a decade and a half and have become coveted among collectors, pillars of the Japanese supercar scene.
It's a big reputation to live up to, and the 2017 NSX certainly looks like it means business. The black roof and wide-set taillights are signature cues from the first generation, while the functional air intakes give the new NSX its menacing face. Later in the day, parked on a country road, the cherry red aluminum body caught the light at the just the right reflection, and several people — not one, several — pulled off the road to get a closer look.
The NSX's interior is remarkably comfortableBut despite its aggressive appearance, the NSX's interior is remarkably comfortable. The seats hug the body; it’s more like a cockpit than a driver’s seat. My favorite aspect of the interior is in a tiny detail: the hidden stitching on the steering wheel, which feels like the seam of well-sewn suit jacket. The wheel stands in contrast to the buttons, knobs, and screen, which are reminders that deep down NSX is still a trusty, straight-shooting Honda. (Again, for better or worse.)
So does NSX have the mustard to compete with the Ferrari 458s of the world? Acura isn’t mincing words on that goal, but the real answer depends on what the driver is looking for.
On the one hand, it’s hard to dismiss Acura's claims of 0 to 60 in 3 seconds and a top speed of 191 miles per hour. Honda went back to the drawing board several times to tweak the car on its way to production, scrapping the original powertrain plans that called for a normally aspirated V-6 engine. The company ultimately settled on a twin-turbo V-6 that makes 500 horsepower and 406 pound feet of torque, and combined with the juice from the electric motors and the nine-speed dual clutch transmission, sends additional power to the wheels that add to the NSX’s grace on turns and straightaways. Combined, the car is good for 573 horsepower and 476 pound feet of torque. What this means is that NSX has serious racetrack credentials, but it doesn't have a problem regaining its composure. It’s crispy, fast, and reckless when you want it to be, but it can easily be reigned in. I found the sweet spot in Sport Plus mode, which sounds great and offers ridiculously responsive performance.
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