2015 Acura NSX Coupe. 2nd generation
The second generation Acura NSX sports car is a two-door, two-seater four-wheel drive coupe with a mid-engine layout. This is possibly the most technically advanced car in its segment at the moment. Keep on reading to find out why.
How do you like it, Elon Musk?
In 2018, Elon Musk launched into space his electric vehicle, called the Tesla Roadster. He clearly had the right. But if Musk announced an ‘all-earth’ competition, and people voted openly to choose a ‘self-carriage’ worthy of representing the technical genius of mankind in space, then, most likely, the Tesla Roadster would not even be on the list, but the Acura NSX could be among the nominees and would have every chance of winning a hypothetical competition due to its elaborated design. It is even possible that powerful aliens, who come to eliminate earthlings, could intercept the Acura NSX somewhere near the Asteroid Belt, and could decide that these strange two-legged creatures are not completely lost, if they can do such things, and you can give them a couple of thousand more years to fix their mistakes. However, the Tesla Roadster gives no such chance.
In terms of technology, as a typical representative of its segment, the Acura NSX has no weak points. But if you start looking for flaws, then, of course, you can find them. One of them is obvious, the Acura NSX is one of the most difficult production cars, not only from a technical point of view, but also from in terms of driving.
In terms of technology, as a typical representative of its segment, the Acura NSX has no weak points. But if you start looking for flaws, then, of course, you can find them. One of them is obvious, the Acura NSX is one of the most difficult production cars, not only from a technical point of view, but also from in terms of driving. It cannot be the first car and won’t help you to show off among the pretentious lambo at the convention of cryptocurrencies in Macau. The Acura NSX was created by automotive fans from Ohio for those who prefer using their car for everyday (but very professional) driving, and not for demonstrating status and not for the utilitarian transportation of objects and passengers from point A to point B.
Foundations of coolness
The outstanding performance of the 2015/2016 Acura NSX is based on a 75-degree DOHC twin-turbocharged V6 engine developed from scratch (like so much more) with a maximum engine output of 500 hp (up to 573 hp with electric drive), but the driver can choose exactly how much power he/she needs at a particular moment, as dual electric bypass valves help control the boost adjustment for smooth control throttle shifting.
The SH-AWD hybrid system includes one electric motor in the dual-clutch transmission to boost the combustion engine, and two electric motors on the front axle that instantly transmit negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. The engines are accompanied by a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission. The wide overall gear ratio range, combined with closely spaced individual gear ratios, maintains the maximum output of the twin-turbo V6 engine, while the transmission program selects the right gear at the right time, automatically or at the discretion of the driver. Engineers have managed to achieve acceleration transmission with almost zero delay, and the internal combustion engine paired with electric motors can accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds!
The developers put much effort to optimize the design and layout of all major systems of the second generation model: body, chassis, interior, powertrains and hybrid system.
The developers put much effort to optimize the design and layout of all major systems of the second generation model: body, chassis, interior, powertrains and hybrid system. The components, including the intelligent power supply module (containing a lithium-ion battery), are positioned to keep the car’s weight precisely centered. The new NSX has the lowest center of gravity in the segment. The 2016/2017 Acura NSX uses a highly sophisticated electric power assisted steering (EPS) system with two gears (with a rack-mounted auxiliary motor) with variable gear ratio. When it is centered, the gear ratio adjusts for optimal high speed control and stability. When off-center, the gear ratio becomes progressively faster, which improves cornering and maneuverability at low to medium speeds. The overall gear ratio effectively eliminates the need for manual control from the driver’s side.
Design
The exterior of a modern car is somewhat reminiscent of the design of the first generation Acura NSX, due to the fact that the developers have kept the original, mathematically accurate placement of units and elements. The body of the new NSX features classic low and wide proportions, an aggressive front end design, a signature side air intake that collects air for the mid-mounted engine and directs air through the rear for increased downforce.
The new Acura NSX underwent extensive wind tunnel testing, which influenced the concept of the model in general and the final body design in particular. For example, there are new air vents on the front fenders, redesigned side air vents, air intakes and an optimized spoiler on the deck and so on. The body is based on a space frame, the interior of which is made of aluminum, heavy-duty steel and other modern materials. Anchored to a carbon fiber floor, this ultra-rigid structure fully absorbs and eliminates twisting and bending deformations. In our opinion, the 2018/2019 Acura NSX is designed in such a way that red really suits it very much.
Interior
The interior complies with the Human Support Cockpit concept, featuring a cockpit that supports the driver, which provides exceptional control over the car behavior. The 2019/2020 Acura NSX has an exceptionally wide front view and one of the best interior ergonomics.
The dashboard has a dynamic TFT display that responds to changes in the integrated dynamic system with associated graphics and information. The center console houses a power button that prepares the sporty hybrid powertrain for operation. The ultra-thin yet heavy-duty A-pillar design and low-positioned dashboard minimize obstructions to the driver’s view.
The 2020 Acura NSX comes standard with LED headlights, heated mirrors, adaptive suspension dampers, 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) wheels, ignition and keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming, manually adjustable heated seats, eight-speaker audio system (with two USB inputs), 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and AcuraLink.
Safety
The Acura NSX sports car has not passed IIHS and NHTSA testing, so its safety level is unknown. It is probably assumed that a driver who dares to sit behind the flattened ‘jet-inspired’ steering wheel of the NSX will be able to take care of his/her own safety. The first and main level of safety is formed by a unique spatial frame, a body brought to the limits of perfection and the use of the most modern materials. But, as befits a modern premium car, the NSX has all the modern options, including:
- various airbags and curtain airbags for the driver and passenger;
- seat belts with automatic tensioning system with load limitation;
- vehicle dynamic control with traction control system;
- anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution and emergency braking system;
- multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guides;
- tire pressure monitoring system with position and pressure indicators;
- LED daytime running lights and more.
Recognition
The new Acura NSX has become popular with ordinary users, expert motorists, advanced amateurs and true motorsport professionals. The car has won many awards, including special ones, including:
- The Best New Product of 2015 by Popular Science
- The 2016 Car of the Year (Japan), a special award from Japanese automakers and experts;
- The second place in the 2017 Best Sports Supercar category by Autocar;
- The Best Car of 2017 by AutoGuide.com readers;
- The Car of 2017 by Business Insider;
- The Best New Engine of 2017 by International Engine of the Year;
- The 2017 Dream Car by drivers from MotorWeek 2017, and various orders, medals and rave reviews.
