The Nissan GT-R is definitely the hottest thing to come from Japan nowadays, but when it comes to mid-engined supercars,->ke177 the Honda/Acura NSX set all the benchmarks. At least it did until 2005, when Honda->ke34 decided to pull the plug on the sports car it had developed with input from Ayrton Senna, a man regarded by many as the best Formula One->ke190 driver of all time. The NSX went on sale in 1990 with a 270-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 behind its seats. The engine was later updated to a 3.2-liter V-6 that cranked out 290 ponies. While its output wasn't exactly impressive compared to contemporary supercars,->ke177 the NSX was still incredibly fast thanks to its low curb weight. Zero to 60 mph took 5.1 seconds when the car was first released, but the benchmark dropped to 4.5 seconds by the late '90s. The NSX ceased production in 2005, when Honda announced plans to develop a successor. Fast-forward to the 2015 North American International Auto Show,->ke222 where after years of teasing and concept reveals, the 2016 Acura NSX->ke307 finally became a reality.

A quarter of a century after the original NSX debuted, the second generation couldn't be more different, apart from the number of cylinders and engine configuration, of course. Powered by a twin-turbocharged, 75-degree V-6 engine paired with three electric motors and a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the 2016 Acura NSX is here and it means business.

"Our global team embraced the challenge to create a new sports car->ke506 experience, leveraging new technology to deliver incredibly vivid performance in a vehicle that responds intuitively and immediately to the will of the driver," said Ted Klaus, chief engineer and global development leader for the model. "The NSX delivers pinnacle supercar performance, with zero-delay acceleration and exhilarating, confidence-inspiring driving dynamics."

Unlike the rear-wheel-driven first generation, the new NSX comes with SH-AWD, with the front wheels powered by two of the three electric motors. Despite being a globally developed sports car, the 2016 NSX was largely designed by a team led by American engineers from Honda'->ke34s development center in Raymond, Ohio, while production took place in Marysville, Ohio.

Updated 05/25/2016: Th first Acura NSX rolled out of the production line at the new Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. The first unit went to Rick Hendrick whom will receive a custom-ordered NSX, after a winning bid of $1.2 million at the Barrett-Jackson auction in January. Hit "play" to watch the video from the event.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Acura NSX.

2016 Acura NSX

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Acura NSX
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 573
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As expected, the production sports car is a close reproduction of the concept vehicle we saw back in 2013. The front end is nearly identical, with the same Acura beak and massive grille occupying most of the nose. The manufacturer kept the bumper configuration and its air dams nearly intact. However, a closer look reveals a host of modifications. A larger splitter sticks out underneath the grille, while the massive blades separating the main grille from the side intakes have been revised and reshaped. The silver ornament of the Acura beak is different too, while the headlamps boast new graphics, with six LEDs and an LED stripe replacing the concept's five-point configuration. The front hood is different too, sporting two large vents right above the wheel arches.

As far as the rear fascia goes, it seems the production version inherited the concept's taillights with minor modifications, and the same goes for the motorsport-inspired diffuser and large vents on each side. The biggest difference is in the position of the four exhaust tips, which now sit in the middle instead of being incorporated in the side vents. A protruding spoiler adds some complexity to the concept's otherwise simple hood design. The side view is where the biggest changes lie, as the production NSX features a more pronounced "cab-forward" look, larger and higher side vents, a slightly different character line on the door, and a new vent on each front wheel arch.

Predictably, aluminum and carbon fiber were used extensively in the construction of the exterior panels.

There are many, many components that need cooling on the NSX, so proper thermal management via airflow control was critical. To this end, air is directed through the front grille, side intakes, and rear engine compartment.

Additionally, cooling needs had to be equalized with that other supercar component – downforce. The NSX creates three times as much downforce in the rear as it does in the front. This balance comes thanks to extensive testing with a 40-percent model at Honda’s Ohio-based wind tunnel facility, which was then verified with a full-scale model at another wind tunnel facility in Sakura, Japan.

Wheel sizing looks like 19x8.5-inch rollers in front, with 20x11-inch pieces in the rear. Both sets are made from forged aluminum.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

176 Inches(4470 mm)

Width

76.4 Inches (1940 mm)

Height

47.8 Inches (1215 mm)

Wheelbase

103.5 Inches (2630 mm)

Front track

65.2 Inches (1655 mm)

Rear track

63.6 Inches (1615 mm)


Interior

Unfortunately, not much of the intricate symphony of leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber from the 2012 concept car was kept in the production version of the NSX. Most of the carbon-fiber bits have been replaced by a wide range of aluminum inserts, while the Alcantara is only present on the middle part of the seats. The rakish center console is more production-friendly, with some of the buttons and knobs borrowed from other Acura models, while the climate control air vents have an entirely different configuration compared to the concept car from 2012.

On the plus side, the steering wheel has more of a racing vibe to it, since it now has both a flattened bottom and top, while the instrument cluster is as high-tech as they come. The seats saw extensive testing, and Acura says it employed a variety of test drivers and used something called “pressure mapping measurements” to make sure they were both comfortable and supportive. Last but not least, the red-and-black, two-tone upholstery of the 2012 NSX Concept returns in the production car as well, although the primary color is now black instead of red.

Drivetrain

An all-new, twin-turbocharged, 75-degree V-6 has been developed for the car, with the mid-ship position being identical to the original NSX. The powerplant combines both direct injection and port injection, along with Variable Timing Control to deliver optimal camshaft phasing, for precision combustion control throughout the entire rpm band, while also achieving high power output and performance at high engine speeds.

Acura says the powerplant underwent a slew of design iterations. Originally, it was a transverse-mounted, naturally aspirated V-6, but eventually the automaker went with the far more complicated longitudinally-mounted twin-turbo set-up. Understandably, this had ramifications affecting other areas of the car, including the aero and cooling.

The result after all the tweaking supposedly delivers the best balance between power production, overall compactness, and reduced mass. Key design elements that contribute to this statement include a sand-cast engine block, lightweight and compact cylinder heads, thermal spray coating on the engine block cylinder sleeves for higher thermal efficiency, and a dry sump lubrication system that significantly reduces the engine's center of gravity.

Paired with the internal combustion engine are three electric motors, two of which are in charge of powering the front axle (one per wheel). A T-shaped lithium-ion battery sits in the middle, while the third electric motor is integrated between the engine and the rear-based nine-speed DCT. The front-mounted motors, called a Twin Motor Unit (TMU), provides instant torque and active AWD traction (also called "direct yaw control"), improving 0-to-60 mph acceleration times and quarter-mile runs, while the rear Direct Drive Motor is also used like generator to juice the battery pack.

The result is instant throttle response with the slightest twitch of your right foot.

The NSX also features the most advanced evolution of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), which is capable of distributing more torque than any other setup the brand has used in its products as of 2016. This system improves acceleration, braking, and cornering, all thanks to electric torque vectoring.

No fewer than 10 air-cooled heat exchangers cool the powertrain, with the V-6 using three radiators by itself. Further cooling is provided by the twin intercoolers in the side air intakes. Needless to say, the NSX has one hot drivetrain.

Sending the V-6's power to the wheels is an advanced nine-speed dual-clutch transmission that bring together many new technologies. The gearbox employs an electronically-operated wet dual clutch, a high-rigidity shift fork, and an electronic shift actuator for quick and precise shifting. To improve cooling, Acura added two oil "rooms" within the transmission housing. A multiple-plate limited slip differential provides increased traction when accelerating and cornering.

The NSX benefits from a total output of 573 horsepower. The mid-mounted V-6 cranks out 500 horsepower from 6,500 rpm and 406 pound-feet from 2,000 rpm, while the motor situated between the engine and the transmission generates 47 horses at 3,000 rpm and 109 pound-feet from as low as 500 rpm. Each of the front-mounted motors send 36 horsepower and 54 pound-feet of twist to the front axle. Performance specs aren't yet available, but the 573 horses should be more than enough to help push the NSX from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds.

Drivetrain Specifications

Power Unit

Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Power Unit

Front wheels: mechanically independent from rear power unit components, two electric motors (Twin Motor Unit); Rear wheels: Twin-turbocharged V-6 gasoline engine with one Direct Drive Motor and 9-speed DCT

Maximum Total System Power

573 HP

Approx. Top Speed

191 MPH

ENGINE

Type

Twin-turbocharged DOHC V6

Layout

Longitudinally mid-mounted

Displacement

3493 cc

Horsepower - SAE Net

500 HP @ 6500-7500 RPM

Torque

406 LB-FT @ 2000-6000 RPM

Maximum Engine Speed

7500 rpm

Power Output Per Liter

143 hp/liter

Bore and Stroke

3.6 in. x 3.5 in.

Compression Ratio

10.0:1

Valve Train

24 Valve, IN/EX VTC, chain-driven camshafts

Intake Valve Construction

Forged steel

Exhaust Valve Construction

Forged steel , sodium-filled

Valve Angle

30 degrees (include angle)

Cylinder Block and Head Material

Aluminum alloy

Cylinder Bore Lining

Plasma transferred wire arc thermal spray

Cylinder Bank Angle

75 degrees

Crankshaft Construction

Forged steel

Piston Construction

Cast aluminum with integrated cooling channel

Connecting Rod Construction

Forged steel, dowel pin

Fuel Injection

Direct and port

Throttle Control

Drive-by-Wire throttle system

Fuel Requirement

Premium unleaded

Lubrication

Dry sump system with 6-rotor scavenge pump

Oil Type

Synthetic 0W-40

Cooling system

Liquid and oil cooling

Exhaust System Layout

Dual catalytic converter, dual path per bank

TWIN TURBOCHARGERS

Turbocharger Type

Single vane

Maximum Boost Pressure

105 kPa (1.05 bar)

Turbine Construction

Inconel

Wastegate Control

Electrical

Recirculation Valves

Air bypass type

Intercooler Dimensions

Width 232.2 mm; Height 382 mm; Thickness 64 mm

REAR DIRECT DRIVE MOTOR

Type

Water-cooled motor/generator

Layout

Direct drive situated between engine & transmission; Crankshaft output shaft-attached permanent magnet rotor & in-engine body- copper windings

Type

47 HP @ 3000 RPM

Torque

109 LB-FT @ 500-2000 RPM


Chassis And Handling

To help it achieve that golden combination of ultra-high rigidity and low weight (just like the original all-aluminum NSX monocoque), Acura built the NSX's chassis and select body components using an array of revolutionary techniques.

Specifically, the sports car is Acura’s first vehicle to employ a multi-material space frame design for increased body rigidity and lightness. The Japanese claim, based on internal data, that the NSX's chassis is "by far the most rigid in its competitive set." I obviously can't verify that, but I'll take Acura's word for it.

Also, Acura says the NSX's body is the world's first automotive application of new ablation casting technology, which allows the ultra-rigid castings to be used within the car's crush zones, adding to the car's overal rigidity and improving handling. Another innovative feature that further enhances rigidity is the use of a three-dimensionally formed, ultra-high-strength steel A-pillar.

The aluminum-intensive space frame is complimented with precisely crafted ultra-high-strength steel and anchored with a carbon-fiber floor together. The use of multiple materials deliver a more dynamic driving experience, superior fit and finish, and improved occupant protection in the event of a crash.

Further optimization efforts include things like placing the 9DCT's clutch and differential right next to each other, paired alongside a parallel gear set arrangement to reduce the drivetrain length. The battery pack for the Intelligent Power Unit uses a “caseless” design to reduce weight, and the fuel tanks (yes, there are two of them) are mounted in front of the engine.

The suspension is mounted directly to the space frame (i.e., no subframe). There is a double-wishbone set-up with double lower control arms up front, while the rear is a multi-link step-up. Both were made from aluminum. Aluminum was also used for the castings for the suspension mounting points, and there are third-generation active magnetorheological dampers. The steering is a dual-pinion variable-ratio electric power set-up with, and there are double ball joints in front to even out any steering “disturbances” caused by the torque vectoring system.

The brakes are electro-mechanical, with both normal friction braking (Brembo provides the aluminum calipers and iron rotors) and regenerative braking. Acura claims the NSX has “virtually fade free” braking.

Rubber duties include high-performance summer tires (Continental Conti-Sport Contact), or the optional “ultimate handling" tires. Tire sizes are 245/35 ZR19 in front and 305/30 ZR 20 in the rear.

And what sports car would be complete without a variety of drive modes? The NSX comes with an Integrated Dynamics System, which is controllable via a dial on the center console. This offers four different driving modes: “Quiet,” “Sport,” “Sport +,” and “Track.” These different modes alter the car’s steering, braking, throttle, Vehicle Stability Assist, dampers, AWD system, and intake and exhaust noises. There's also a launch control mode.

Tested on tracks like Virginia International Raceway, the Nurburgring, and the Takasu test circuit in Japan, the NSX promises quite a bit when thrown a corner or two.

Safety

Safety-wise, the Acura NSX is packed with passive and active features. The sports car has single-stage driver and dual-stage passenger multiple-threshold airbags, SmartVent front side airbags, and one-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor. The front seats have three-point belts with automatic tensioning system and reminder. Active features include Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Location and Pressure Indicators. The NSX is also equipped with auto high-beam headlamps, corner and backup sensors, and cruise control.

Prices

The Acura NSX retails from $156,000 before options. The Online configurator for the NSX is now live, offering the NSX as Acura’s first build-to-order vehicle. No-cost options include exterior colors of Curva Red, 130R White, and Berlina Black. Interior colors offered are Red, Orchid, Saddle, and Ebony. For an extra $700, the exterior can be finished in Casino White Pearl, Source Silver Metallic, or Nord Gray Metallic. Andaro colors come in at a $6,000 premium with Valencia Red Pearl and Nouvelle Blue Pearl.

There are three factory option packages to choose from as well. The most significant is the Carbon Fiber Exterior Sport Package. This package adds a carbon fiber front spoiler, carbon fiber rear diffuser, dark chrome exhaust finisher and carbon fiber side sills. This package comes at a price of $9,000. To go with that package, or available separately, is the Carbon Fiber Interior Sport Package. It offers aluminum sport pedals and footrest, carbon fiber steering wheel garnish, and a hand-wrapped carbon fiber meter visor. The last package is a technology package that brings Acura’s ELS Studio Audio system to the NSX. It also includes satellite navigation with voice recognition and HD Digital Traffic, and front and rear parking sensors. SiriusXM Radio is also available with this package at a premium. The Technology Package starts out at $2,800.

In addition to the three packages, there is also a list of individual options available. You can add a carbon fiber roof for $6,000, a carbon fiber engine cover for $3,600, carbon-ceramic brake rotors for $9,900, exclusive interwoven wheels for $1,500, or a carbon fiber rear spoiler for $3,000. Inside, semi-aniline full leather power sport seats command $2,500, semi-aniline leather and Alcantara power sport seats call for a $1,500 premium, and a black Alcantara headliner will set you back $1,300.

The first unit to leave the factory was auctioned for $1.2 million in early February 2016. The vehicle was purchased by NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick, and all proceeds were donated to two children's charities: Camp Southern Ground and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Vehicle Price Without Options (MSRP)

$156,000

Carbon Fiber Interior Sport Package

$2,900

Carbon Fiber Exterior Sport Package

$9,000

Technology Package

$2,800

Technology Package with SiriusXM Radio

$3,300

Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

$3,600

Carbon Fiber Roof

$6,000

Carbon-Ceramic Brake Rotors With Black Brake Calipers

$9,900

Carbon-Ceramic Brake Rotors With Silver Brake Calipers

$10,600

Carbon-Ceramic Brake Rotors With Red Brake Calipers

$10,600

Carbon Fiber Rear Decklid Spoiler

$3,000

Exclusive Interwoven Wheels

$1,500

Semi-Aniline Leather and Alcantara Power and Heated Sport Seats with memory for driver

$1,500

Semi-Aniline Full Leather Power and Heated Sport Seats with memory for driver

$2,500

Black Alcantara Headliner

$1,300

Casino White Pearl

$700

Source Silver Metallic

$700

Nord Gray Metallic

$700

Valencia Red Pearl (PPG Andaro paint)

$6,000

Nouvelle Blue Pearl (PPG Andaro paint)

$6,000


Competition

Ferrari 488 GTB

Acura once said it wants the NSX to achieve "...the type of acceleration that the customer is achieving with the Ferrari 458," so it's only natural to include Maranello's entry-level supercar on this competitors list. However, the 458 Italia has since then been replaced by the 488 GTB, a redesigned supercar that received a smaller, turbocharged V-8 instead of the traditional 4.5-liter unit. Rated at 660 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque, the new 3.9-liter mill enables the 488 GTB to charge from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds, 0.4 ticks quicker than the 458 Italia. This figure will likely trump the NSX's acceleration.

Top speed has also increased from 199 to 205 mph with the added turbo power and the updated seven-speed automatic gearbox, which received revised gear ratios. Pricing for the 488 GTB starts at $242,737, a bit more than the 458 Italia and nearly twice as much as the NSX.

Read more about the 488 GTB in our detailed review here.

Audi R8

Since Acura uses the R8 as the price benchmark for the NSX, we might as well have a look at Audi's only supercar to date, also the most affordable vehicle of its kind. Also set to receive a replacement by the time the NSX arrives, the R8 is currently available in three different guises here in the U.S. The range begins with the V8 model, which is motivated by a 4.2-liter, V-8 engine with 430 horsepower and 317 pound-feet at its disposal. Hitting 60 mph in the base model takes 4.4 seconds. More power comes from the V10 model that hides a 525-pony 5.2-liter under its hood. The added power decreases the 0-to-60 sprint to 3.8 seconds.

Customers in need of more oomph can go with the V10 Plus. The range-topping R8 boasts the same drivetrain as the V10 model, but output jumps to 550 horses and 398 pound-feet of twist. Naught to 60 takes only 3.7 seconds. The R8 retails from $115,900 in its base trim and fetches in excess of $173,500 when the V10 Plus model is selected.

Find our more about the Audi R8 in our full review here.

BMW i8

Although the i8 will be no match for the NSX in terms of performance, I decided to include it for a hybrid-to-hybrid comparison. The i8 is currently the world's fastest hybrid, but the German will have its benchmark crushed as soon as the NSX hits the road. The i8's drivetrain brings together a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine that generates 231 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, and an electric motor that produces 131 ponies and 184 pound-feet.

Total output sits at 362 horses and 420 pound-feet of torque, and the power travels to all corners through a six-speed automatic transmission. The coupe hits 60 mph from a standing start in 4.2 seconds, so it's safe to assume the NSX will be way faster. Pricing for the i8 begins from $135,925.

Read our full review of the BMW i8 here.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the 2016 NSX is a worthy successor to Honda's original supercar. There's a lot of hype around the NSX nameplate and Honda took a long time to get here, but the idea of another Ferrari killer with a Japanese badge on its nose is as exciting as it gets. With all that technology packed under the carbon-fiber skin, it looks like the new NSX was well worth the wait.

Update History

Updated 05/06/2016: Acura dropped a new video in which it explains how the new NSX was designed, developed and manufactured at its Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC), making it a 100% built in the U.S.A. Hit "play" to learn more about the building process.

Updated 03/18/2016: Acura announced that the all-new NSX supercar will be put into production in late April at the company's new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.

Updated 03/16/2016: We've added all the latest nerdy details straight from Honda. Check it out!

Updated 02/25/2016: The configurator for the new Acura NSX is now live, and offers a number of optional upgrades. Check out the details in the pricing section below.

Updated 02/01/2016: The first Acura NSX was auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson auction for the incredible amount of $1.2 million. All the proceeds will go to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground in Georgia.

Updated 12/18/2015: Acura has announced pricing and on-sale information for the NSX sports car. Find out more in the Prices section below.

Updated 10/26/2015: Acura dropped the official specifications figures on its brand-new NSX supercar - and its even better than everyone expected. The NSX will deliver a total of 573 horsepower: 500 horsepower from the V-6 engine, while the rest comes from the electric motors placed front and rear.

Updated 9/1/2015: Our man Jonathan Lopez took some pics at Monterey Car Week. Enjoy!

Updated 08/14/2015: Acura dropped a series of new images for the 2016 NSX, this time showing the car in Nouvelle Blue Pearl and Berlina Black. The cars were displayed at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.

Updated 04/23/2015: Acura dropped a series of new technical details on its upcoming NSX supercar, including the confirmation that it will get a newly developed twin-turbo V6 engine with a 3.5-liter displacement.

Updated 01/23/2015: We've added a series of new images from the car's official debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

Updated 01/12/2015: After years of developments and tons of testing sessions, the all new NSX finally made its world debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Click past the jump to see if it worth the waiting.

Updated 08/05/2013: Acura finally put the NSX prototype on the track just before the Honda Indy 200. So far, the Japanese automaker has unveiled only a few image of the car lapping the 2.4-mile-long Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, but we dig up a few videos on YouTube of the prototype lapping the course. You can read more about this prototype after the jump and you can see more images in our Gallery.

Updated 07/25/2013: Today, Acura unveiled a prototype of the upcoming NSX that will lap the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course just before the Honda Indy 200 on August 4th. You can see the blue-liveried NSX above. We're sure there will be many more images and videos after it makes its trip around the track, stay tuned for more in August.

Updated 12/17/2014: Acura revealed the first teaser images and a teaser video of the production NSX set to debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on January 12, 2015. Click past the jump for the new details.

Spy Shots

July 22, 2014 - Acura NSX caught in production form for the first time

October 30, 2014 - Acura NSX return to Nurburgring

Racing Prototype

Acura put a blue-liveried NSX on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio over the weekend, making its intentions to race the upcoming NSX as clear as day. Acura didn't release any details on this prototype, but we assume that it features the same mid-mounted, 3.5-liter, V-6 engine that combines with trio of electric motors to produce somewhere near 400 horsepower.

On the outside, this NSX prototype screamed "racecar," as it donned No. 1 badging, a paint job that combined several different shades of blue and "NSX" printed all around in various shades of blue. Sans the crazy blue paint job, this NSX is no different than the last concept we saw.

2013 Acura NSX Concept

At the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Acura lifted the veil from the latest NSX concept. It was very similar to the 2012 concept, but the front apron on the 2013 model is more defined and production-like, and the rear apron also gained some extra depth. Basically, the 2013 concept was a more sculpted version of the 2012 concept.

This is also the first time we got a good look at the super-sexy interior that looked like one you would see on a production car. It’s read and black leather motif was sporty, yet luxurious and everything looked in perfect place. We assume that this is the interior that we’ll see in the production model.

2012 Acura NSX Concept

In 2012, Acura rolled out the first concept of the upcoming NSX. At that point, Acura announced that the NSX featured a 3.5-liter V-6 VTEC engine that sat in the middle of the car. Also included on this model was the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system that continued onto the 2013 concept.

The body was sleek and stylish but obviously incomplete, as the front and rear aprons were not deeply styled all of the air intakes appeared non-functional. Basically, this was the shell that the 2013 concept was developed from.

count=6>


Videos

New Teaser Video (12/17/2014)

NSX Leaving the Trailer

NSX Lapping Mid-Onio Sports Car Course

NSX Drive By