The Acura NSX, specifically the second generation often referred to as the Gen 2 NSX or NSX Type S, represents a monumental shift in automotive engineering. Launched for the 2017 model year, this mid-engine hypercar abandoned the complex mechanical all-wheel-drive system of its predecessor for a more focused approach centered on a twin-turbocharged V6 and three electric motors. This evolution was not just a generational update but a complete philosophical reimagining of what a modern supercar should be, blending exotic performance with daily usability and technological sophistication.
Design and Engineering Philosophy
Acura's engineers approached the Gen 2 NSX with a clear mandate: leverage cutting-edge technology to achieve performance parity with the world's best while improving efficiency and usability. The result is a car built on a rigid aluminum space frame, a structure that is both lightweight and incredibly rigid. This chassis forms the foundation for a sophisticated powertrain that integrates a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with two motors on the front axle and a third motor driving the rear wheels. This architecture allows for torque vectoring with unprecedented precision, actively managing grip and stability under all conditions.
Powertrain and Performance
Powering the heart of the NSX is a handcrafted 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, a marvel of modern engineering that produces 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. This internal combustion engine is not working alone; it is augmented by a hybrid system that adds an additional 161 horsepower and 189 lb-ft of torque. The synergy between the gasoline engine and the three electric motors creates a driving experience that is both immediate and immense. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is achieved in a claimed 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 191 mph, figures that place it firmly in the hypercar league.
3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine
Three electric motors for all-wheel torque vectoring
Combined output of 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque
0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds
Top speed of 191 mph
Advanced Technology and Innovation
Beyond its raw performance, the Gen 2 NSX shines in its integration of technology designed to enhance both performance and comfort. The car features an advanced infotainment system with a large central touchscreen, providing intuitive control over navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. More critically, the NSX utilizes a system called "Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive" (SH-AWD). This system uses the front electric motors to independently control torque distribution, effectively turning the front wheels to aid cornering and stability, a level of control previously unseen in a production car.
One of the most significant departures from the first-generation NSX is its commitment to being a usable grand tourer. The interior is a blend of premium materials, clean lines, and digital interfaces. While the cabin is undoubtedly sporty, with supportive bolsters and a driver-focused layout, it offers enough space and comfort to make long journeys enjoyable. The integration of high-quality sound systems and advanced climate control ensures that the experience inside the car is as refined as the performance on the outside, a key factor for a vehicle priced in the supercar stratosphere.
