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Acura NSX Review: The Japanese Hybrid Supercar Comes of Age | MotorVero

2017 Acura NSX Review: The Japanese Hybrid Supercar Comes of Age | MotorVero

2017 Acura NSX: The Hybrid Supercar That Rewrote the Rules

 NSX hybrid system

The NSX Reborn

The 2017 Acura NSX marked the triumphant return of Japan's first true supercar, now reimagined as a technological tour de force. Blending a twin-turbo V6 with three electric motors and torque-vectoring AWD, the second-generation NSX delivered a uniquely accessible supercar experience while pushing hybrid performance boundaries.

--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--

Technical Specifications

  • Powertrain: 3.5L twin-turbo V6 + 3 electric motors (573 hp combined)
  • Transmission: 9-speed dual-clutch automatic
  • Drivetrain: Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
  • 0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
  • Top Speed: 191 mph
  • Curb Weight: 3,878 lbs
  • Base Price: $157,800 (excluding destination)

Powertrain: Hybrid Performance Redefined

The NSX's revolutionary hybrid system combines:

Internal Combustion Engine

  • 3.5L 75-degree V6 with twin turbos
  • 500 hp @ 6,500-7,500 rpm
  • 406 lb-ft torque @ 2,000-6,000 rpm
  • Dry-sump lubrication system

  • --TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

  • Electric Motors
  • Twin Motor Unit (front axle): 36 hp each
  • Direct Drive Motor (integrated with transmission): 47 hp
  • 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
  • Instant torque fill eliminates turbo lag

Performance Figures

  • Quarter mile: 10.9 seconds @ 127 mph
  • 60-0 mph braking: 101 feet (with carbon ceramics)
  • Lateral acceleration: 1.11g

Driving Dynamics: Technology Meets Feel

The NSX's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system delivers unprecedented control:

Torque Vectoring

  • Front motors independently control wheel speeds
  • Can overdrive outside wheel in corners
  • Reduces understeer characteristic of mid-engine cars

Driving Modes

  • Quiet: EV-only operation up to 45 mph
  • Sport: Balanced performance for street
  • Sport+: Aggressive throttle/traction settings
  • Track: Maximum performance with stability control off'
  • Chassis Components
  • Multi-material body (aluminum, steel, carbon fiber)
  • Double-wishbone front/multi-link rear suspension
  • Magnetic ride dampers (standard)
  • Carbon ceramic brakes (optional)

Exterior Design: Form Follows Function

The NSX's aerodynamic shape incorporates:

  • 10 separate heat exchangers for cooling
  • Active rear spoiler (deploys at 62 mph)
  • Floating C-pillars channel air to engine intakes
  • 0.30 coefficient of drag

Notable exterior options:

  • Carbon Fiber Exterior Package ($9,000)
  • Valencia Red Pearl or Nouvelle Blue Pearl paint ($6,000)
  • Carbon ceramic brakes ($9,900)
  • --SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Interior: Supercar Meets Daily Driver

The NSX's cabin blends exotic flair with Acura practicality:

NSX's cutting-edge tech

Driver Environment

  • Excellent forward visibility (thin A-pillars)
  • Standard manual sport seats (power seats optional)
  • Alcantara and leather upholstery combinations
  • Driver-focused cockpit layout

Technology Features

  • AcuraLink infotainment with 7" touchscreen
  • ELS Studio premium audio system
  • Active Sound Control (engine sound enhancement)
  • Push-button gear selector (shared with other Acuras)
  • Practical Considerations
  • 4.4 cu ft front trunk (frunk)
  • Surprisingly comfortable ride quality
  • Easy ingress/egress for a mid-engine car


Competitive Landscape: How It Stacks Up

  • --SECOND CAR LIST HERE--
ModelEngineHorsepower0-60 mphStarting Price
2017 Acura NSX3.5L TT V6 + 3 motors573 hp2.9s$157,800
2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S3.8L TT H6580 hp2.8s$191,100
2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus5.2L V10610 hp3.2s$189,900
2017 BMW i81.5L I3 + electric357 hp4.2s$140,700

The NSX's value proposition becomes clear when considering its hybrid technology and all-wheel-drive capability against more expensive competitors.

Ownership Experience

The NSX offers several ownership advantages:

--THIRD CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Warranty and Maintenance

  • 4-year/50,000-mile warranty
  • 2-year/24,000-mile maintenance included
  • Hybrid components covered for 8 years/100,000 miles

Reliability Considerations

  • Proven J-series V6 architecture (heavily modified)
  • Complex hybrid system requires specialist servicing
  • Battery replacement cost: ~$6,000 (estimated)
  • --BOTTOM ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Resale Value

  • 5-year depreciation: ~45% (better than European rivals)
  • Current used values: $95,000-$130,000
  • Early production models command premium

Who Should Consider the 2017 NSX?

Ideal Buyers

  • Tech Enthusiasts: Those fascinated by hybrid performance
  • Daily Drivers: Surprisingly livable supercar
  • Collectors: Future classic status likely
  • Who Should Look Elsewhere
  • Track Rats: Heavier than pure ICE competitors
  • Traditionalists: Some prefer naturally aspirated engines
  • Budget Buyers: High maintenance costs post-warranty

2017 Acura NSX: Strengths and Weaknesses

Advantages

  • Revolutionary hybrid powertrain with instant response
  • Exceptional torque vectoring and cornering ability
  • Surprisingly comfortable for daily driving
  • Head-turning exotic styling
  • Strong reliability for the segment
  • Limitations
  • Heavier than traditional supercars
  • Lacks the raw emotion of some competitors
  • Interior shares parts with mainstream Acuras
  • Limited electric-only range (unlike plug-in hybrids)
  • Complex systems require specialized maintenance


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Klash

Last Updated On Oct, 08-2025

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