2021 Acura NSX: Perfect Fusion of Supercar Luxury and Daily Comfort

If the prospect of having a supercar that seamlessly fits into your daily life sparks your interest, the 2021 Acura NSX emerges as an enticing choice. Contrary to the challenges posed by other six-figure sports cars, like the McLaren 570S, the NSX offers a more accessible entry and exit experience. Its hybrid powertrain boasts the ability to maintain a serene silence when needed, distinguishing it from the growl of the Mercedes-AMG GT. Don't be deceived by its calm demeanor; the NSX packs a punch with a formidable 573 horsepower. Its versatility shines through as it effortlessly conquers a drag strip one moment and elegantly glides into an upscale neighborhood the next, setting it apart in the realm of supercars. While its performance may not reach the jaw-dropping levels of the Porsche 911 Turbo, its refined ride ensures comfort even on uneven stretches of pavement.

What's Fresh for 2021?

Acura injects a dash of vibrancy into the NSX lineup for 2021 with the introduction of a new color—Long Beach Blue Pearl. This addition pays homage to Acura's sponsorship of the Grand Prix of Long Beach in California. Beyond this vivid addition, the hybrid sports car embraces the new year without any substantial alterations.

Decoding the Price and Personalization

The 2021 Acura NSX kicks off at a starting price of $159,495.

Acura doesn't compartmentalize the NSX lineup into various trims; instead, it presents a singular model ripe for customization. Enthusiasts keen on vibrant aesthetics can opt for either the Indy Yellow or Thermal Orange, albeit at an extra cost. Interior customization knows no bounds, with indigo blue, red, saddle (brown), orchid (off-white), and ebony schemes—all without additional charges. For those willing to invest a little more, the carbon-ceramic brake rotors, available in silver, red, or orange calipers, prove to be a worthwhile upgrade, especially for track enthusiasts.

Power Unleashed: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

While the Acura NSX might not outpace rivals like the Audi R8 or the McLaren 570S, it delivers exhilarating acceleration. Clocking a swift 3.1-second run from zero to 60 mph in our tests, it combines speed with discretion. The NSX's hybrid-electric powertrain marries a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 with three electric motors, resulting in a formidable 573 horsepower. The V-6, in conjunction with a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and one electric motor, propels the rear wheels. Simultaneously, the remaining two electric motors independently drive the front wheels, transforming the NSX into an all-wheel-drive marvel. The steering, precise and responsive, exhibits a light touch in Quiet and Sport modes, enhancing day-to-day maneuverability. However, the Sport Plus and Track modes infuse more weight into the electric-power-steering system, providing a crisp response to the driver's slightest inputs.

Efficiency Unveiled: Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

In the realm of hybrid vehicles, the NSX stands out as more efficient in city traffic than its gasoline-only counterparts. With an EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city, it outshines the Audi R8 V-10 by a substantial 7 mpg. While the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S matches the NSX's city rating, it takes the lead on the highway with a 28-mpg rating, as opposed to the NSX's 22-mpg rating. Real-world highway fuel-economy testing reveals the NSX delivering a commendable 23 mpg, slightly surpassing its EPA rating but falling short of its nonhybrid rivals.

Interior Opulence: Comfort and Cargo

Marketted as the everyday supercar, the NSX lives up to its reputation by offering comfort and user-friendly features suitable for daily driving. However, the cabin lacks the premium feel and luxurious amenities one expects from an Acura, especially in comparison to competitors from England and Germany. Our test car, featuring optional leather-and-faux-suede seats, a faux-suede headliner, and a carbon-fiber-trimmed steering wheel, exudes a youthful appeal with bright red leather. Yet, opinions on its garishness vary. While the seats offer comfort, additional thigh support and side bolstering may be desirable for more enthusiastic drivers. For a vehicle positioned as the everyday supercar, the NSX's interior storage cubbies prove less commodious. The trunk, situated directly behind the engine, poses a challenge for those intending to haul larger items.

Tech at Your Fingertips: Infotainment and Connectivity

A standard 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated navigation takes center stage, coupled with an ELS Studio nine-speaker stereo. Despite its functional aspects, the touchscreen system, borrowed from lesser Acuras and Hondas, draws criticism for its outdated interface and unintuitive menu setup. The absence of redundant buttons, coupled with the cumbersome touch-sensitive volume slider, adds an extra layer of complexity, making precise adjustments a challenge.

In conclusion, the 2021 Acura NSX stands as a distinctive choice for those seeking a harmonious blend of everyday driveability and supercar performance. While not without its minor drawbacks, its unique features, customization options, and commendable efficiency make it a worthy contender in the competitive world of high-performance automobiles.