Ray Ho – 05/28/2018

If the McLaren 570s Spider is like someone you want to date. The 2018 Acura NSX is like someone you want to marry.  Compare to other supercars, the NSX is somewhat stealthy. It even has a quiet mode where only the driveshaft mounted motor is propelling the car for up to a couple miles.  It is interesting to note that it always starts up in the quiet mode before 9AM which your neighbors will appreciate.

Make no mistake, the NSX (starts at $156K and above $200K as tested) is in fact a supercar.  The twin-turbocharged, 3.5L DOHC V-6 engine with dry sump lubrication combined with the aforementioned motor are good for 573 total horses.  Along with 476 lb-ft of torque, it is super quick and goes from zero to 60 in 3.1 seconds.  However, being quick does not automatically make it a supercar.  A Tesla Model S beats that time in the “Ludicrous” mode but I wouldn’t call it a supercar.  Some may even argue that it is hardly a “real” car without the combustion engine and the exhaust note.

Speaking of exhaust, the NSX note is not overly aggressive.  I would like it to rumble a bit more.  The exterior, though not very exotic, is tactfully gorgeous.  The Curva red on this baby really makes it pop.  The interior is modern and beautifully appointed.  I really love the seating position and seeing the bulges on each of the hood.  The smooth leather steering wheel is great, but I prefer the grippier Alcantera wheel in the McLaren.  The seat is snug and very comfortable. The NSX drives small and feels incredibly responsive.  It is super precise, composed and its driving dynamic is impeccable. Love the blipping sound during engine downshifts.  The power is insane and addictive.  Every time I feel like letting up the gas pedal I couldn’t help but smashing it instead.  Luckily the optional carbon ceramic brakes bail you out amid occasionally squeals.  Toggling between the sport and sports plus modes really makes drastic difference.  The sports plus tighten everything even more to help elevate it to the supercar status.  I didn’t experience the track mode as there is simply not enough road on the canyons.  Or it could be “no tengo huevos” for breakfast.

Despite its stealthy appearance, the 2018 Acura NSX is incredibly exciting to drive.  I found my heart pumping rapidly and needed to cool down after the aggressive canyon run.  Even though I don’t recommend it for someone on metoprolol, the 2018 Acura is a supercar that I can live with every day.