2017 Acura NSX Test Drive: Revolution vs. Evolution – the New Sports eXperience [Review]

2017 Acura NSX

Handling is awesome and you can forget about shuffling hands about on the wheel, as turns are conquered simply by turning with hands in a fixed position. The ride quality is most forgiving with the coilover magnetorheological dampers at each corner – railroad track crossings and bumps in the road are barely noticeable.

The Launch control is the smoothest I’ve encountered to date, with any complicated process or settings to fiddle with. Simply set the IDS to D1, fully depress the brake pedal, mash the accelerator pedal to the floor, and when the IP signal displays the launch ready prompt, release the brake. Keeping the throttle nailed, the NSX takes off like a rocket with no tire slip, ripping down the track while shifting gears at expressly the right moment along the e-ticket ride. There’s no sensation of strain on the running gear, and in fact, the process can be repeated over and over again with no ill effects.

In the final analysis, the Acura team has positively nailed it, for what may well be the perfect supercar, and even at the fully loaded price north of $200,000. I predict an early depletion of the planned production supply. Only 800 are currently slated for the U.S. market, with another 800 for the remaining global market. Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld have already placed their orders, so if you want one, don’t wait too long. The revolutionary 2017 Acura NSX truly delivers the “new sport” experience. All other supercars beware.

2017 ACURA NSX SPECIFICATIONS:

Base price $156,000
Price as tested $200,700
Powertrain Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Power Unit
Engine 3.5L twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V6

Power

500 @ 6,500-7,500 rpm

Torque

406 @ 2,000 – 6,000 rpm
Direct Drive Motor Permanent magnet water-cooled electric motor/generator

Power

47 hp @ 3,000 rpm

Torque

109 lb-ft @ 500 – 2,000 rpm
Twin Motor Unit (TMU) Permanent magnet, oil-cooled electric motor/generator – independent twin motors in a single package

Horsepower

36 + 36 @ 4,000 rpm

Torque

54 + 54 lb-ft @ 0 – 2,000 rpm
Transmission 9-speed DCT transmission
Drivetrain layout Mid-mounted V6 w/Direct Drive Motor / front-mounted TMU / AWD
Total system output 573 hp, 476 lb-ft torque
Curb weight 3,803 lbs (without options)
Acceleration 0-60 mph 3.4 sec (manufacturer estimate)
EPA-estimated fuel economy 20/22/21 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Combined range (gas-electric) Approximately 400 miles

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