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2016 Acura NSX: ‘The Icon Drives Again’

For the Acura loyal, NSX represents more than the rolling sum of its glorious parts. It’s an automotive ideal that embodies ‘low key’ precision good looks, relative financial attainability and above all else, near intuitive driver-car inter-connectivity and Sci-Fi-like active safety features.
Next_Generation_Acura_NSX

While it may be a bit of a stretch to compare 2016 Acura NSX hybrid supercar to the original low displacement, motorsport derived, manually adjusted, and mechanically shifted NSX, Acura claims a direct DNA link to the original. For most of us that owned and drove the original, the thought of a major reinvention of the wheel in this case is welcomed.

First Generation NSX enjoyed an unprecedented 15 year production run

Looking to 2016 NSX, the mid engine placement and passenger compartment relation to the engine and drivetrain remain in tact, all else has changed, and largely for the better.The second generation NSX will be a true one of a kind, gasoline hybrid supercar offering world-class propulsion performance and torque-vectoring 4 wheel drive road traction. And, with a beginning MSRP anticipated below $160,000, NSX is a measurable bargain in a world of mid 6 figure supercars.

In a recent phone interview with NSX engineering, Torque News learned a bit of the extensive, painstaking engineering that preceded the final rendering of what will be presented in late 2015 as the long anticipated 2016 NSX hybrid supercar.

2016 Acura NSX showcases technology featured throughout Acura’s 2016 lineup. ILX Jewel-Eye headlight technology, MDX electronic gear and mode selection, and TLX dual clutch automated transmission technology is just a very small sampling of NSX shared and inspired features found throughout an ever evolving Acura lineup.

“ 3 Years in the Making-- It all Starts Now!”

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Acura

Comments

JeffS (not verified)    May 27, 2015 - 8:05AM

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Hey there Parks. Major, "Wow"!! If this thing doesn't get some adrenalin flowing, check your pulse. I had the opportunity to drive the first one, it was a rush and the best overall drive I have ever experienced. This one has, "wet dream" written all over it. When it comes to entry level, "Supercars" it looks like Acura is going to set a new benchmark and send others back to the drawing board. Acura took its time getting back in the race, but appears poised to change the game. Actually, across the board, Acura/Honda is intent once again to be the, "Game changer" and looks as if they are well on their way to doing so. Can't wait for your, "seat of the pants and drive" evaluation. That is if they can get you from behind the wheel. I've got a bad case of, "You lucky son of a gun", envy, (purposely left out the explanatives) It'll be interesting to see how long it's gonna take you to get the sh-t eatin' grin off your face after your, "Thrill ride". Just out of curiosity, Parks, what has been your favorite, "Ride" thus far, (not including motorcycles)? It's probably about to become your #2. If I can't experience it myself, nobody I'd rather vicariously enjoy it through than you. If possible to take some vid of your, "Test drive", please. Best Regards & Be Well

Parks McCants    May 27, 2015 - 11:51AM

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Morning Jeff. Acura remains tight lipped as to scheduling the media roll out of NSX. Understandable, considering the scope of this project. Basically a ground-up(including the building of the performance car assembly center) creation. I've been assured by Acura that I will fit in the cockpit. None the less I've dusted off my 21 speed (Trex) and am out peddling the back roads in hopes of dropping a pound or two. That "Favorite" car question is a tough one for a guy that rebuilt his first European sports car @ 18. I've owned, driven and raced, at one time or another American, British, German, Italian and Japanese cars and light trucks. For pure, "hope this thing holds together" performance joy, I hand that accolade to the Fiat-Abarth Double Bubble 1-Liter., Next, 911 S, T,E, 914-6 and 944 S. Reliable sportiness and quick: 1992 NSX, And then there was the Mitsubishi built Dodge Stealth Turbo AWD, AWS, a truly underrated car of many firsts. On the refined side of life, that title goes to the Mercedes 6.0 (450-SEL) 4 door sedan of the late 1970s. 150 mph in silence was not a problem for this air ride monster. The list would take a page or two. We'll get back to it.

JeffS (not verified)    May 27, 2015 - 3:51PM

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Had to reply, the only surprise is the Abarth. Not ever have driving one myself, I guess it's hard to relate. Then again the new Arbarth is supposed to be a pretty good thrill ride. My only real experience was with the X1/9, it was a fun drive when it wasn't broke. The last Porsche I had the pleasure to drive was an '85 911, it scared me at the limits, got awful squirrely, for my level of skill anyway. The NSX, on the other hand, I found to be fairly easy to push to it's limits, my recollection is it gave you plenty of warning, while the Porsche did not. I digress, Good evening 2 U.

Parks McCants    May 27, 2015 - 8:37PM

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Tough question to answer succinctly Jeff. between myself and younger brother Patrick, we bought and sold 48 cars in our high school years. Following that adventure Bro Patrick opened a European independent service and repair shop on PCH 101 in the epicenter of conspicuous automotive consumption, Orange County California. At the time we were Fiat race fanatics. As you mentioned, fun rides when not warping heads, blowing radiators or spinning an IRS rear axle or two. look up the 1958 Fiat 500 based Abarth when you have a minute. You can find them on You Tube. Mine was a 1 Liter, roller crank 12,000 rpm red line. Yes, the Porsche could absolutely lose it in the corners. All said, antiquated mechanical crush -fodder by today's standards. Fun.... none the less.

Steve (not verified)    May 27, 2015 - 11:41AM

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I owned and drove a 1991 NSX and agree with your comments and the comments of others about what a great car it is. My only disagreement and disappointment is the target price of the 2016 NSX. In 1991, the MSRP was around $61K with transportation fees. Let's forget about what the dealers were doing with their mark-up strategy. In today's dollars, that translates to around $107K.

When I first saw the new NSX at the Detroit Auto Show in 2011, I was pleased that Honda was committing to a mid-engine design. My hope was they would keep costs down to offer a relatively affordable sales price. At a MSRP of $160K or even $150K, the new NSX is reserved for the rich. It is also 33% higher than the inflation-adjusted 1991 MSRP.

Bargain? While the 2016 NSX will deliver a mouthwatering pallet of technology and capability, I'd hardly call any car at that price a bargain. Think Z06. I'm not a Corvette fan. Just saying.

Parks McCants    May 27, 2015 - 11:56AM

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I'm with you Steve. my "bargain" comment is in direct response to the competitions price point. We'll see where Acura lands on the price. Pure speculation at this point. B.T.W. Your 91' NSX in low mileage, un molested condition is now fetching $90,000 in some markets. Crazy world! Take care.

JeffS (not verified)    May 27, 2015 - 12:44PM

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Hi Steve. I hear what you are saying 'bout the price, it has crept up a bit since the original estimates were being banted about, however, "Bargain" is a relative term. Not to bash the Vette, but I think we are talking about a mite different animal. There are others that are somewhat in this segment, like Porsche and the Nissan GT-R, but again, think not quite apples to apples, and certainly not when looking at the advanced tech being used in the NSX, it's a very unique offering. In that regard the NSX is closer to the higher end Supercars, costing much more, "MUCH". Look at the new Ford GT which will probably cost about 3X as much as the NSX and 3X as the last gen. Ford GT. Really though the jury is still out on what kind of, "Bargain" the NSX may or may not be. Gonna have to wait 'till the hard performance numbers are released and experienced Drivers get some seat time and write their reviews. That being said, the way it's looking on paper, it's at least going to be a, "very Good buy" in the world of Supercars, if not a bargain. That's not considering what will probably be a pretty lucrative resale value down the line. "Bargain" is a relative term and in the world of Supercars, my guess is the NSX will be considered by many to be a raging one.

Steve (not verified)    May 27, 2015 - 4:07PM

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No disagreement here, Jeff. I just can't get too excited about any car that only 3% of the auto buying population can afford. I'm in the 97% group. It just becomes window shopping, water cooler talk and wishes. Show me a $10 million dollar house and I'll say, "Now that's nice." Show me a house of interest I could actually buy and it's a whole new ball game. Just saying...

JeffS (not verified)    May 27, 2015 - 4:22PM

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I relate more than you know. I have been saving for decades, (literally) so that in retirement I could afford a higher end sports car. I had my heart set on the NSX and when they were talking closer to 100,000.00-125,000.00 it was pretty much a done deal. They may have just put it out of reach, but I'm hopeful for a surprise. So, no disagreement with anything you have to say. Except one thing, these days ALLOT of people exceed their means when buying a car. I know of many that put a significant second mortgage on their house to get that Bimmer, Benz or Porshe. I wonder how many have put themselves in over their head purchasing a, Hellcat, Vette or alike. So, yes I agree, not many will be able to, "afford" it, that won't necessarily keep people from, "Buying" it. Be Well

JeffS (not verified)    May 27, 2015 - 10:55PM

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Thanks for the thought Parks. To be honest, if it is not in my budget to plunk down cash, it ain't gonna happen. We just got done paying off the mortgage, which other than the monthly utilities and property tax and such, was the last loan/payment I plan to have. I haven't had to make a car payment on the last 4 cars we've owned. I like driving off the lot, "Paid in full". Other than a couple of really bad choices, I keep them 'till they are spent, usually around 15 Years and 150 to 200 thousand miles. Once I get a few years of driving a car under my butt, I get overly attached, like a marriage, for good and for bad. When it's time to put them out to pasture and buy a new car is always a mixed bag. I'm also gambling on making my next car purchase an investment of sorts. I'll drive it once in a while, when the mood strikes for 20 years or so, if I'm alive and able, and then either pass it along or sell it. To be honest, if the NSX ends up out of reach, I'll just lower my expectations and decide on plan B. I'll be a little disappointed, but life is full of disappointments in one form or another and when boiled down, "You can't always get what you want" and in the Grand scheme of things not getting the car you really want isn't worth loosing sleep over. Good night Fellow.

Parks McCants    May 28, 2015 - 11:57AM

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Brothers by different mothers JeffS. My daily driver is a 1999 Volvo S80 Turbo. The wife drives the newer ride. What can I tell you, I like the fit and feel of the ol' girl, the car that is. Take care.

JeffS (not verified)    May 28, 2015 - 1:09PM

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You got a chuckle out of me, (took a moment and then struck my funny bone) "Thanks" I needed that. If my Boss, Better Half, read Wife heard me make that comment, (of course in Jest), it be a long time before I heard the end of it and she send me packing to the Garage to sleep with the car. Later, Fella.