2020 Acura NSX

The 2020 NSX isn't available in multiple trims and users have to do with just the 1 trim on offer. However, Acura offers a load of customization options for customers, who would want their NSX to be built as per their own choices and preferences. You do get a long list of features as standard with the NSX and the main bulk of masses, opting for the NSX will find the standard package, compelling enough though.

Trim	Acura NSX
MSRP	$157,500
Key Features	Flush Mounted Auto Pop-Out Door Handles
	LED Taillights and LED Headlights with LED DRL’s
	Remote Keyless Smart Entry System
	Body-Colored Power Heated with Reverse Auto Tilt Down ORVM with LED Turn Indicators and Memory
	Push Button Start and Cruise Control
	4 Way Power adjustable and 2 position Heated Seats with perforated leather
	7” Touchscreen Audio System with ELS Studio Audio, 9 speakers with Subwoofer
	Bluetooth, MP3, AUX Input and USB Connectivity
	Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation with Voice
	Siri Eyes Free, SiriusXM and HD Radio, Pandora Compatibility, Acura Connected
	Digital Speedometer and Tachometer with Compass

Which trim to go for?

The NSX isn't available in multiple trim. Don't be disappointed though as the NSX, in the single trim it's offered in, comes loaded with all the bells and whistles that you'd expect from a modern-day supercar. 

As with the current crop of Supercars, the Engine inside the NSX is a sophisticated unit. While the old NSX was all about the mechanical feel, the new NSX feels generations ahead, in terms of the tech used. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, churns out 500hp alone and couple that to the 3 Electric motors and you have a healthy 573 horses on tap and 476lbs.-ft of torque. The Electric Motor has been mounted to the Gas Motor in lieu of the weight balance. The Limited Slip Differential sits in the rear of this setup while the front comprises of the Li-Ion battery pack with 2 motors that powers the front wheels.

Speaking of the Electric Powertrain, you have 2 36hp Electric motors powering the front wheels and a 47hp Electric motor for the rear wheel, hence forming an AWD setup. The 9 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission is slick to respond to gear changes and the steering-mounted paddle shifters add to the joy of changing gears.

Models	Acura NSX AWD	Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 RWD*	Porsche 911 Turbo RWD*	Jaguar F-Type SVR AWD*	Nissan GTR Track Edition AWD*
MSRP	$159,300	$132,095	$161,800	$123,745	$130,235
Engine	3.5L Twin Turbo V-6	6.2L Supercharged V8	Twin Turbo Boxer 6	5.0L Supercharged V8	3.8L Twin Turbo V6
Transmission	9-Speed Dual-Clutch	7-Speed Manual	7 Speed PDK	8 Speed Automatic	6-speed Dual Clutch
Power(hp.)	573@6500rpm	755@6300rpm	540@6400rpm	575@6500rpm	565@6800rpm
Torque(lbs.-ft.)	476@2000rpm	715@4400rpm	486@1950rpm	516@3500rpm	467@3300rpm

*2019 Model Year Figures used for reference purposes only

Talking of the rivals, the C7 Corvette stands the tallest among all its adversaries. All the other cars in this segment have nearly the same power figures. It’s just that the NSX is on the pricier side of the lot by a hefty margin.

How fast is the Acura NSX?

Talking of acceleration, words can’t fathom the way this coupe accelerates. Step on the gas and you will be shoved back into your seats, courtesy of the brutal pull from the hybrid powertrain. Courtesy of the Electric Motors, there is instant torque and that results in exhilarating acceleration.

There is enough grunt from the motor, at all times and overtaking is a piece of cake for the NSX. Step on the pedals and you are bound to be pushed back to your seats, making you grab the steering for your dear life.

Models	Acura NSX AWD	Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 RWD*	Porsche 911 Turbo RWD*	Jaguar F-Type SVR AWD*	Nissan GTR Track Edition AWD*
0-60 MPH	2.7 seconds	2.9 seconds	2.9 seconds	3.5 seconds	2.7 seconds
Quarter mile	11.2 seconds	10.94 seconds	10.3	11.8 seconds	11.5seconds
Engine	3.5L Twin Turbo V-6	6.2L Supercharged V8	Twin Turbo Boxer 6	5.0L Supercharged V8	3.8L Twin Turbo V6
Emission	8.4	11.8	8.4	8.4	9.8

The Nissan GT-R Track edition matches the NSX in terms of the acceleration while the big and bulky Jaguar is the slowest of the lot. The Porsche and the Corvette also manages an under 3 second time for the sprint and the Jag is the only exception of the lot.

How well does the NSX ride and handle?

In terms of ride and handling, we can't suggest a better car to drive than the 2020 Acura NSX. Acura is improving the NSX with every passing year and in 2020, you will get to see some changes as well. The most noticeable changes to the 2020 NSX comes in the form of the new Continental Sport Contact Tires, stiffer stabilizer bars, tighter wound suspension, and harder toe-link bushings. Why are we telling this? That’s because the NSX’s handling gets even better than last year because of the same. The Dual Suspension Settings ensure that the ride remains sublime and comfortable, irrespective of the condition of the road you are driving on. The passengers won’t feel tired even on long ride courtesy of the reworked suspension and better-tuned driving mode settings.

Handling is the true trump card of the NSX and the changes mentioned above, aid to the same as well. The Grip levels and the confidence that the NSX offers ranks among the best in the entire industry. Once you push the NSX to its limit, it starts to show some loopholes but the stability control doesn’t allow the coupe, to go out of hand at any point. In driving terms, the electric motor offers quick and smooth responses in the city while the Gas motor shines on the Highway and the Race Tracks.

How is the braking performance of the Acura NSX? 

The Braking Setup of the NSX is a true example of modern engineering. The NSX comes with Brake-by –wire tech that means that the brake responses are controlled by electronics and are monitored by the same. Despite this, the brakes never feel like they are being modulated and gives a positive feeling overall.

Nosedive is very well contained and under heavy braking conditions, the NSX maintains a linear path with a very little tail swing. The brakes don't fade out easily either and the heat dissipation from the rotors is top-notch as well.

Model	Acura NSX AWD	Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 RWD*	Porsche 911 Turbo RWD*	Jaguar F-Type SVR AWD*	Nissan GTR Track Edition AWD*
Brake Front(in)	14.5	15.5	14.96	14.9	15.4
Brake Rear(in)	14.2	15.3	14.96	14.8	15.0
Curb weight(lbs)	3878	3584	3517	3759	3915
60-0 MPH (ft.)	103	88	96	70	95

The NSX delivers excellent brake pedal response despite the regenerative braking in action. And its stops within an impressive 103 feet in a panic braking situation despite weighing 3800 pounds – a result of all the added hybrid hardware. You can even option the carbon-ceramic brakes if you plan to use Your NSX on track days.

Unlike the Norm of putting in big displacement motors for max power, Acura has tactfully placed in a Hybrid Motor in the Acura for extracting both MPG figures and superb performance. While a normal hybrid car is tuned for maximum efficiency, the NSX uses it for extracting maximum performance. The use of Regenerative Braking and Electric Motor, maximizes performance and reduces gas consumption while promoting its effective usage.

Model	Acura NSX AWD	Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 RWD*	Porsche 911 Turbo RWD*	Jaguar F-Type SVR AWD*	Nissan GTR Track Edition AWD*
MPG (city)	21	13	16	16	16
MPG (highway)	22	19	22	24	22
MPG (combined)	21	15	18.7	18	18
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)	15.6	18.5	17.6	18.49	19.5
Range (City/Hwy)	328/343	241/352	334/422	296/444	312/429

The NSX delivers an impressive 21 mpg in city and 22 on the highway and an overall 21 figure in terms of the MPG figures. That’s considerably better than the competitors, which deliver similar levels of performance. The Corvette offers the most performance in this comparison but expectedly, performs the worst in the MPG tests.

The NSX is designed to be a race car and the way you sit inside it solidifies that intent of Acura. Like a pure breed race vehicle, you drop low into the seat in the NSX. What's more, the outside view is exceptional. That is a result of the incredibly skinny A-pillars by utilizing the world's first 3D built, Ultra high strength steel in the A-pillar.

If however, in the event that you conquer that inclination to drive and look around in the interiors, you will discover a lot of switch-gears lifted from other Acuras. That is bad at this price point and rivals will make you feel special. The seats are remarkably cushy and comfortable for long-distance driving.

Model	Acura NSX AWD	Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 RWD*	Porsche 911 Turbo RWD*	Jaguar F-Type SVR AWD*	Nissan GTR Track Edition AWD*
Passenger capacity	2	2	4	2	4
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	44	50	79
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.3/57.7/42.9	37.9/55.2/43.0	N/A	37/56.5/43	38.1/54.3/44.6
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)			N/A		33.5/50.0/26.4

Elsewhere, you will find plenty of swooping surfaces that can be covered in either supple semi-aniline leather or tactile Alcantara leather. Like every modern supercar, you can also opt for the carbon fiber trims. We are not big fans of the amount of space on offer on the inside of the NSX. The rivals feel a little more spacious than the NSX and tend to offer a bit more airy feel, courtesy of there big windscreens and windows.

What about the Cargo Capacity of the Acura NSX?

The original Honda NSX was known for its immense usability. Sadly, that is not the case with the new NSX. You will find a 4.4 cubic feet trunk just behind the see-through engine cover and that’s about it. In other supercars, a trunk is provided under the front bonnet.

In NSX, that space is occupied by the Twin-Motor Unit. Even the existing trunk gets hot due to close proximity to the V6 and poor insulation.

Model	Acura NSX AWD	Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 RWD*	Porsche 911 Turbo RWD*	Jaguar F-Type SVR AWD*	Nissan GTR Track Edition AWD*
Trunk Volume (cu.ft.)	4.4	15	4.4	14.4	8.8

What about the Infotainment and Interior features?

While most of the hardcore sportscars of the current generation compromise on equipment in lieu of offering a sporty feel on the inside, Acura didn’t feel compelled to skip on the same. You get all the features that you can find in the top of the line ILX or any other high-end Acura, inside the NSX and will appreciate the same. Following are some of the highlights inside the 2020 NSX

• Push Button Start
• Cruise Control
• Dual Zone Auto AC
• Frame-less Auto-Dimming RVM with Home Link Remote
• Heated and Perforated Seats
• 7” WVGA Touchscreen Infotainment System with ELS Studio and 9 Speakers including Subwoofer and Sat NAV with Voice Recognition
• Bluetooth, MP3, USB, AUX connectivity
• Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free
• Dynamic TFT Gauge Cluster with TFT Screens for Tachometer and Speedometer

While the original NSX was a Design Icon of the 90’s, the New NSX is no different and intends to create a similar impression with its design. The NSX is a compilation of the best parts of the best supercars that have surfaced the Industry to date. The Exteriors look radical from all angles and the curves of the NSX will remind you of Supercars from the past.

The Low ground clearance adds to the low stance of the coupe and gives the stance of an athlete, ready to race. There are big air intakes in the front that add down-force by sucking in the air for the twin-turbo V6.

Model	Acura NSX AWD	Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 RWD*	Porsche 911 Turbo RWD*	Jaguar F-Type SVR AWD*	Nissan GTR Track Edition AWD*
curb weight(lbs)	3878	3584	3517	3759	3915
Length(in)	176.1	177.9	177.4	176.2	185.4
Width(in)	87.3	77.4	74.0	74.2	74.6
Height(in)	47.8	48.6	51.1	51.6	53.9
Ground clearance(in)	3.7	N/A	4.29	4.21	4.33
Wheelbase(in)	103.5	106.7	96.5	103.2	109.4

The Rear End of the NSX has similar Air dams that filter out the air from the front and accentuates the down-force. The neatly designed LED Taillights look well in place and add to the aesthetics of the NSX. The NSX has a relatively lower height when compared to its rivals and this gives it, added advantage on the aerodynamics and handling front.

What are the Eye-Catching features of the Acura NSX?

 There are plenty of features on the outside of the NSX that will keep onlookers hooked to the NSX, as it moves past them. While there are a lot of features that will keep the onlookers hooked to the NSX, here are a few of these features

• Auto On/Off LED Headlights
• Composite Material made Body Panels
• Body-Colored Power Heated ORVM’s with LED Turn Signals and Memory Function
• Remote Keyless Smart Entry System
• Variable Intermittent Wipers
• LED Brake Lights
• Capless fuel filter
• Flush Mounted Automatic Power pop-out door handles

The Acura NSX offers a decent array of Safety Features for the safety of its occupants inside. You get the usual suspects like Traction Control, Brake Assist, ABS, EBD and the other but alongside these, you also get some more. We would have expected some more features as the competition offers them but we do expect Honda, to step up the game in the future.

These are few of the highlights in terms of Safety inside the Acura NSX

• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• TPMS with location and pressure indicators
• Front, Side, Driver’s Knee, Side Curtain Airbags
• Tether for Child on passenger seats
• Corner and Backup sensors
• Driver and Passenger Side Seatbelt Reminder
• Seat Belt Pre-Tensioners

Acura NSX vs. Jaguar F-Type SVR

Britain has been the home of Automobiles for a long time and Jaguar has been at the fore front of this game. The F-Type from jaguar, has been the flag bearer for the marquee brand since it’s launch and also been the benchmark of Jaguar’s of the future. The F-Type offers legacy, performance, great handling and features as well. However, it isn’t as frugal or as well built or put together as its Japanese counterpart. The NSX on the other hand carries rich legacy behind its back and drives like a proper supercar on the Track as well as on the roads. Leave aside some of the Luxuries that you see in the Jag and the NSX will leave you satisfied, every time you drive it.

Acura NSX vs. Nissan GT-R Track Edition

The GT-R Track edition sharpens the already Potent GT-R, which is considered as the biggest threat to the European Sportscars. The GT-R feels like it will rip your neck apart on the track and push you back on your seat while accelerating. The amount of Stats on offer from the dashboard of the GT-R is miles ahead of any other Sports Car in the market as well. The NSX on the other hand matches the GT-R in most aspects but does it, in a more eco-friendly way. The NSX is as good a handling package as the GT-R but it asks a premium of over 20K over the GT-R and which is why, the GT-R has a clear edge over the NSX.

The Porsche 911 Turbo is the driving benchmark in the World in terms of the best driver’s car. With the new Turbo, Porsche is offering both performance and handling and it still continues to be the best Driver’s car in a more powerful avatar. The NSX on the other hand is a superb handling machine that can be used in both the cities and the tracks and the best part being it’s Hybrid powertrain, making it future ready.

While the Original NSX, portrayed the true potential of Japan to the world and shook the stronghold of the European sports cars, the 2020 Acura NSX, seeks to do the same. The New NSX is fast, handles like a Japanese Ninja, is frugal, comes loaded with features and will turn heads, wherever you take it to. However, when you look at the $157,500 asking price, you will feel like Acura is asking a hefty premium over its rivals. With the new lot of budget sportscars, we feel that Acura should have offered something extra with the NSX. But for what it offers, we do feel that the Acura will still suit the taste of the True Sportscar Aficionados.