Acura NSX Approved for Production! Concept to Appear at 2012 Detroit Show

[Coaster]

The reviews have been mixed.

Contrary to my original impressions, there's nothing, in fact, wrong with this NSX. Except for that lack of confidence. The NSX should come from the factory with tires that turn to coal when the temperature drops below 50 degrees. It should start its engine with enough acoustic violence to scare nuns—and then rocket out of the sacred parking lot with a half-turn of oppo on the wheel. And it should never, ever disregard its driver's wishes to upshift, downshift, or not shift.
But for tire choice, every one of those complaints is fixable with software. And there's plenty of time for that.

But this is a supercar. With an expected base price in excess of $150,000, the NSX isn't competing with base Porsche 911 Carreras. It'll be judged against GT3s and Turbos—and Ferraris. For better or worse, the world's perception of the NSX is that it's a Big Boy supercar. After all, it has Big Boy horsepower, Big Boy looks, and a Big Boy price. It needs Big Boy tires and Big Boy handling to compete.

[funwheeldrive]

Isn't this how the original NSX was? This is supposed to be a car you can use to pick up groceries or hunt down m3s on the weekends. Obviously if you want a track monster you will buy something else.

[DarkSunrise]

I think Honda imagined the NSX as more of a docile everyday supercar. Impeccable manners combined with understated athleticism. Velvet glove over an iron fist.

I get the sense that on the optional PS Cup 2's and in full track mode, it can still deliver the goods.

It's an interesting philosophical question though - for $150k should you have more drama and flair?

It's like the difference between the new Audi R8 and Lambo Huracan. One is almost reserved, the other flamboyant. Very similar underneath, but tuned completely differently.

[STZ]

I'm not feeling it. To me, this is an example of a slightly-better-than-jack of all trades, master of none.

It doesn't look extremely fun to drive like the twins/Cayman. It doesn't look like it's a performance focused beast like the GTR. It doesn't have an luxury price tag, but a supercar one. Finally, it doesn't look as stylish as other supercars nor does it have the performance.

It's just... better than most cars at most apsects and loses in an important one, while having a price tag that's out of reach except for the extremely wealthy. Let's be honest here, if you can afford to spend ~160k on a car, you can dish out that extra ~100k for a Ferrari/Lambo/Mclaren.

[serialk11r]

I don't see what's wrong with restrained and civilized. That's exactly how I'd describe a Porsche.

The main problem I have with this car is that I'm not feeling the styling. When you get into this price range, it can't just look "okay". Huracan I'd say has the same problem, the Gallardo looked a little better.

Also for the money this is pretty competitive. The i8 is similarly priced but has a wimpier sounding 3 cylinder, although I think it looks better. I imagine it's not hard to bump the output up a bit more on this engine and make the car competitive with a 918.

[Dave-ROR]

The lack of steering feel everyone seems to describe and the isolation should not exist to that even in an NSX IMO.

[Coaster]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

Isn't this how the original NSX was? This is supposed to be a car you can use to pick up groceries or hunt down m3s on the weekends. Obviously if you want a track monster you will buy something else.

No. The first one was all around greatness. It also changed the way exotics are made.

."It's the best sports car the world has ever produced," said Don Fuller in the September 1990 issue of Motor Trend. "Any time. Any place. Any price…we've spent over 100 years developing the automobile. After driving the NSX, it's been worth the wait."

Read more: http://autoweek.com/article/car-news...#ixzz3pxf9P3D3

Great article about the first NSX.

[evomike]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

The lack of steering feel everyone seems to describe and the isolation should not exist to that even in an NSX IMO.

it seems to be a complaint of many newer cars with electric steering, its just not the same.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by evomike

it seems to be a complaint of many newer cars with electric steering, its just not the same.

Agreed and greatly depends on how it's implemented (servo in column or just electric motor on the rack with a direct connection still - like the BRZ/FRS).

It seems like Honda did this on purpose though.. in a sports car.. they still haven't found their way again IMO. And the electric brake stuff, I'd have to feel to believe it's as good feel wise as a normal brake system.

This car just makes me think it's Honda showing off tech and building a sports car appliance.. accord appliances sell so I guess sports car ones will too?

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by Coaster

No. The first one was all around greatness. It also changed the way exotics are made.

Great article about the first NSX.

The first one WAS too isolated still (for it's time). However, it took the lighter weight and lower HP approach to making a exotic raw enough to be fun and rewarding yet still able to be used daily. It did everything fairly well, like this NSX, but nothing truly great in standard form (I haven't driven an NSX-R...). However because of the automotive climate it was built in it was still a fun car to drive and provided enough feel and feedback to make it desirable for enthusiasts and track day drivers.

It's been proven that you can create a modern car that can provide strong driver involvement and engagement so there's still some hope for the future... however... this just took Honda yet another notch down on my list of preferred automakers.

I've said it before, but it's a sad friggen day when Ford is making, or going to make, some of the most interesting cars (to me) that I'd consider owning. 10 years ago I would have split a gut if someone told me that.

[tennisfreak]

Originally Posted by Alex0827a

I'd get the McLaren 570S, to be honest. I do love the looks of the NSX, but I'm just not a fan of hybrids, because it's just that much more that can break.

This x100.

The McLaren is a proper entry level supercar.

The NSX is more of a "luxury" sports car. Trying to make it compete with supercars is too much of a stretch.

The thing is >3800lbs for chrissakes.

[Coaster]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

The first one WAS too isolated still (for it's time). However, it took the lighter weight and lower HP approach to making a exotic raw enough to be fun and rewarding yet still able to be used daily. It did everything fairly well, like this NSX, but nothing truly great in standard form (I haven't driven an NSX-R...). However because of the automotive climate it was built in it was still a fun car to drive and provided enough feel and feedback to make it desirable for enthusiasts and track day drivers.

It's been proven that you can create a modern car that can provide strong driver involvement and engagement so there's still some hope for the future... however... this just took Honda yet another notch down on my list of preferred automakers.

I've said it before, but it's a sad friggen day when Ford is making, or going to make, some of the most interesting cars (to me) that I'd consider owning. 10 years ago I would have split a gut if someone told me that.

Gordon Murray had benchmarks during the F1 creation he dropped them all after seeing the NSX. It became his benchmark for handling. I would say that quality was great. Also it's forward visibility has been noted as being special. He also calls the suspension amazing.
I've been driving the NSX R yesterday... on Forza. I haven't driven one yet though.


Ford has been doing some good things of late. They just had a record earnings quarter .
So maybe they can keep making good sports cars.

MERRIKA.

[RandomDeception]

Originally Posted by tennisfreak

The NSX is more of a "luxury" sports car. Trying to make it compete with supercars is too much of a stretch.

The thing is >3800lbs for chrissakes.

So is the Nissan GT-R, which most people seem to have gotten over after knowing its performance. Also, let's not forget that the Porsche 918 with a similar powertrain and layout only weighs 100 pounds less.

We just have to accept that unless there is another major breakthrough in weight-saving or safety technology, relatively heavy supercars will be the norm.

[bfrank1972]

I think it will be interesting to see how it actually compares to other cars. I "sort of" agree with the naysayers, but then again there's a part of me that says good for you Honda. Is it a Cayman? no. Is it a BRZ? certainly not. Is it a GTR? nope. Is it a Porsche,R8,Lotus,Mclaren,Ferrari,Lamborghini,etc etc etc? no. It's sort of unique in that way - not quite a 'supercar' but has lots of 'new tech' you're seeing in things like the 918s,McLarens, i8's etc. If anything I'd say it's a competitor to the i8. It's something new, and it will be interesting to see if it sells at all - if not, then it certainly will hold true to the original NSX lol.