Topic: Track Test: 2018 Acura NSX

[ChaosphereIX]

I remember when it won R&T performance car of the year. And they said the opposite of what's being said here..fun, engaging, etc.

And one of the reviewers was Baruth...who's pretty damn critical in a 918 vs NSX comparo in the foothills of Ohio. Same....loved it.

It seems like all you need is one dingus with an axe to grind to say it's not "engaging" or similar and it gets the label...much like what happened to the GT-R.

"For the first time in a hybrid automobile of any price or capability, technology has been placed firmly in the service of emotional involvement rather than in place of it. The hardware, of course, is first-rate and duly compliant with all possible requirements for environmental and social relevance, but the genius of the NSX is entirely human in nature. It was tireless development by human beings that made this very complicated and capable supercar dive for the apex with joy and bully its way to the corner exit with unfettered exuberance. Everything about the car—from the way in which the brake-by-wire pedal lengthens its travel when the brakes are hot to the manner in which the midmounted V6 permits itself a bit of the ol' barbaric yawp when it's winding out in fourth gear—is intended to enhance the driver's involvement.

Able to compete on level ground with the absolute cream of the conventional crop, the NSX also represents a brilliant basis for the ongoing development–indeed, the ongoing existence–of the performance automobile. To drive it for 10 laps on track is to permanently shed any worries that the next generation of supercars will be overpowered takes on a Prius; to experience it on a fast road is to be reassured that tomorrow's technology will be accessible and enjoyable. For that achievement alone, the NSX deserves to be our PCOTY, but the fact that it does it all so well, right now, places it beyond argument. The NSX works, but it also knows how to play. Confident and capable, thrilling on both road and track, the Acura NSX is our 2017 Performance Car of the Year."

and for buyers, afaik,  its looks and soundtrack completely ruin any driving enjoyment that may have been imputed into its software

there is a reason I guess that the 911 is the one lusted after by so many - it has it all...and Lambos and Ferraris, despite all their imperfections, are the objects of desire and adorn wallpapers and man-cave walls

[tortoise]

Chris Harris also liked it and thought it was a great drivers car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcHHRyeX-M0

[ChaosphereIX]

Chris Harris also liked it and thought it was a great drivers car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcHHRyeX-M0

as did Matt Farah

still, have no desire to even drive one myself...

[tortoise]

This criticism made me think of this:

[ChaosphereIX]

when you are dreaming on the internet, and all you are talking about is hopes and dreams...might as well live a little

and that guy is just misunderstood....hehe

[DriverJeff]

I remember when it won R&T performance car of the year. And they said the opposite of what's being said here..fun, engaging, etc.

And one of the reviewers was Baruth...who's pretty damn critical in a 918 vs NSX comparo in the foothills of Ohio. Same....loved it.

It seems like all you need is one dingus with an axe to grind to say it's not "engaging" or similar and it gets the label...much like what happened to the GT-R.

"For the first time in a hybrid automobile of any price or capability, technology has been placed firmly in the service of emotional involvement rather than in place of it. The hardware, of course, is first-rate and duly compliant with all possible requirements for environmental and social relevance, but the genius of the NSX is entirely human in nature. It was tireless development by human beings that made this very complicated and capable supercar dive for the apex with joy and bully its way to the corner exit with unfettered exuberance. Everything about the car—from the way in which the brake-by-wire pedal lengthens its travel when the brakes are hot to the manner in which the midmounted V6 permits itself a bit of the ol' barbaric yawp when it's winding out in fourth gear—is intended to enhance the driver's involvement.

Able to compete on level ground with the absolute cream of the conventional crop, the NSX also represents a brilliant basis for the ongoing development–indeed, the ongoing existence–of the performance automobile. To drive it for 10 laps on track is to permanently shed any worries that the next generation of supercars will be overpowered takes on a Prius; to experience it on a fast road is to be reassured that tomorrow's technology will be accessible and enjoyable. For that achievement alone, the NSX deserves to be our PCOTY, but the fact that it does it all so well, right now, places it beyond argument. The NSX works, but it also knows how to play. Confident and capable, thrilling on both road and track, the Acura NSX is our 2017 Performance Car of the Year."

Definitely no axe to grind, here.  Hell, I wanted to love it given how much I adore the old NSX.  As I've said, from an objective standpoint, it's very difficult to criticize it.  It is a sensational engineering accomplishment.

Rrocket, you've always gone for the facts over the feel, as I recall, so I'm not surprised this car (like the GT-R) appeals to your sensibilities.  Nobody is going to pay me to win races, so I'd much rather a car that sends chills up my spine for its sound or its steering feedback or...  hell, even its looks.  Compared to a Cayman GT4 (the most sensational driving car I can recall experiencing in the past few years), the new NSX is lacking a bit of fizz. 

[rrocket]

Having driven the GT-R, it's more than facts. Anyone who says it's "boring" or has "no soul" I question them. Seriously.

And the GT4 is sublime...I think most any car struggles to match up to that car in excitement. It's nearly peerless IMO.

[johngenx]

Having driven the GT-R, it's more than facts. Anyone who says it's "boring" or has "no soul" I question them. Seriously.

After reading all those "video game" reviews, I was SHOCKED driving the GT-R at how raw and brutal it is.  It's a beast of a car, even with AWD and so on.  You can putter in traffic, but holy hell when the road opens up, it's fantastic.  Drives way lighter than it is, the engine is unreal, the grip is ridiculous, and even though it's a turbo V-6, it even sounds decent considering 90% of that configuration sound like crap.

I really like the new NSX, but I think the sales numbers (low) reflect that the pricing is a little out of whack.  Dealers in the US are having to discount them.

[Jaeger]

Having driven the GT-R, it's more than facts. Anyone who says it's "boring" or has "no soul" I question them. Seriously.

And the GT4 is sublime...I think most any car struggles to match up to that car in excitement. It's nearly peerless IMO.

But this is an NSX review - have you driven the NSX?  I haven't, but I see no reason to doubt the veracity of Jeff's account of the driving experience.  And this certainly isn't the first time I have heard it described in less than glowing terms regarding the level of driver engagement.  Which we can agree pretty much NOBODY has ever said about the GT4, right?  So for my part, if opinions differ as to how rewarding / engaging the car is to drive, I'm not going to categorically dismiss one point of view absent the opportunity to form my own opinion.

[rrocket]

Having driven the GT-R, it's more than facts. Anyone who says it's "boring" or has "no soul" I question them. Seriously.

And the GT4 is sublime...I think most any car struggles to match up to that car in excitement. It's nearly peerless IMO.

But this is an NSX review - have you driven the NSX?  I haven't, but I see no reason to doubt the veracity of Jeff's account of the driving experience.  And this certainly isn't the first time I have heard it described in less than glowing terms regarding the level of driver engagement.  Which we can agree pretty much NOBODY has ever said about the GT4, right?  So for my part, if opinions differ as to how rewarding / engaging the car is to drive, I'm not going to categorically dismiss one point of view absent the opportunity to form my own opinion.

And I've heard it more than once described as engaging. 

I won't dismiss what Jeff says.  He's certainly entitled to his opinion.

But I also put weight into what R&T says too....as the test for PCOY is more about just the numbers and raw data.  Emotion and engagement is a part of it.

[DriverJeff]

Having driven the GT-R, it's more than facts. Anyone who says it's "boring" or has "no soul" I question them. Seriously.

And the GT4 is sublime...I think most any car struggles to match up to that car in excitement. It's nearly peerless IMO.

But this is an NSX review - have you driven the NSX?  I haven't, but I see no reason to doubt the veracity of Jeff's account of the driving experience.  And this certainly isn't the first time I have heard it described in less than glowing terms regarding the level of driver engagement.  Which we can agree pretty much NOBODY has ever said about the GT4, right?  So for my part, if opinions differ as to how rewarding / engaging the car is to drive, I'm not going to categorically dismiss one point of view absent the opportunity to form my own opinion.

And I've heard it more than once described as engaging. 

I won't dismiss what Jeff says.  He's certainly entitled to his opinion.

But I also put weight into what R&T says too....as the test for PCOY is more about just the numbers and raw data.  Emotion and engagement is a part of it.

For sure.  In fairness, the R&T folks will have spent much more time with the car than I did, but even still, while I'd continue to really like the car, I don't think any amount of time would ever make me love it the way I would with cars that just offer more excitement to me. 

[Jaeger]

Having driven the GT-R, it's more than facts. Anyone who says it's "boring" or has "no soul" I question them. Seriously.

And the GT4 is sublime...I think most any car struggles to match up to that car in excitement. It's nearly peerless IMO.

But this is an NSX review - have you driven the NSX?  I haven't, but I see no reason to doubt the veracity of Jeff's account of the driving experience.  And this certainly isn't the first time I have heard it described in less than glowing terms regarding the level of driver engagement.  Which we can agree pretty much NOBODY has ever said about the GT4, right?  So for my part, if opinions differ as to how rewarding / engaging the car is to drive, I'm not going to categorically dismiss one point of view absent the opportunity to form my own opinion.

And I've heard it more than once described as engaging. 

I won't dismiss what Jeff says.  He's certainly entitled to his opinion.

But I also put weight into what R&T says too....as the test for PCOY is more about just the numbers and raw data.  Emotion and engagement is a part of it.

Well you DID dismiss Jeff's opinion. Unless I wholly misunderstood your 'one dingus with an axe to grind' comment. 

My point is, unlike the GT4, there isn't unanimity of opinion as to the engagement factor this car offers the driver.  That being so, and absent the experience of driving it myself, I'm not inclined to arbitrarily reject either viewpoint.

With this amount of money to spend on a high performance toy, I can't for the life of me see this car landing in my driveway .

[evil_twin]

...With this amount of money to spend on a high performance toy, I can't for the life of me see this car landing in my driveway .

 

And yet, it still doesn't make it bad car either.   It's a hell of performance machine and can rightly serve as a halo vehicle for Acura.   Lord knows they badly need one.

[rrocket]

Well you DID dismiss Jeff's opinion. Unless I wholly misunderstood your 'one dingus with an axe to grind' comment. 

I know Jeff personally....even let him rip in the Supra more than once. So I don't consider him a dingus and the comment wasn't directed at him.

[ChaosphereIX]

...With this amount of money to spend on a high performance toy, I can't for the life of me see this car landing in my driveway .

 

And yet, it still doesn't make it bad car either.   It's a hell of performance machine and can rightly serve as a halo vehicle for Acura.   Lord knows they badly need one.

it kinda does, as with this segment feeling like you are 10 again, working with nostalgia for performance machines of yore, or buying that bedroom poster in real life - ie desirability - is an essential element to the success of a supercar. The NSX is way down on just about everyone's list of "I want one" compared to its competition. And those that do want it, usually need to qualify or defend the statement because it is not immediately obvious as to why you would want one vs a Lambo, Ferrari, McLaren, etc. In that, it is a failure.

[Fobroader]

Having driven the GT-R, it's more than facts. Anyone who says it's "boring" or has "no soul" I question them. Seriously.

And the GT4 is sublime...I think most any car struggles to match up to that car in excitement. It's nearly peerless IMO.

But this is an NSX review - have you driven the NSX?  I haven't, but I see no reason to doubt the veracity of Jeff's account of the driving experience.  And this certainly isn't the first time I have heard it described in less than glowing terms regarding the level of driver engagement.  Which we can agree pretty much NOBODY has ever said about the GT4, right?  So for my part, if opinions differ as to how rewarding / engaging the car is to drive, I'm not going to categorically dismiss one point of view absent the opportunity to form my own opinion.

And I've heard it more than once described as engaging. 

I won't dismiss what Jeff says.  He's certainly entitled to his opinion.

But I also put weight into what R&T says too....as the test for PCOY is more about just the numbers and raw data.  Emotion and engagement is a part of it.

Well you DID dismiss Jeff's opinion. Unless I wholly misunderstood your 'one dingus with an axe to grind' comment. 

My point is, unlike the GT4, there isn't unanimity of opinion as to the engagement factor this car offers the driver.  That being so, and absent the experience of driving it myself, I'm not inclined to arbitrarily reject either viewpoint.

With this amount of money to spend on a high performance toy, I can't for the life of me see this car landing in my driveway .

This is the real issue here, the "want" factor. I have no issues with the performance or capability of it, its just not something that I lay awake at night and dream about.....like a GT3 or a 911 Turbo S

[evil_twin]

...With this amount of money to spend on a high performance toy, I can't for the life of me see this car landing in my driveway .

 

And yet, it still doesn't make it bad car either.   It's a hell of performance machine and can rightly serve as a halo vehicle for Acura.   Lord knows they badly need one.

it kinda does, as with this segment feeling like you are 10 again, working with nostalgia for performance machines of yore, or buying that bedroom poster in real life - ie desirability - is an essential element to the success of a supercar. The NSX is way down on just about everyone's list of "I want one" compared to its competition. And those that do want it, usually need to qualify or defend the statement because it is not immediately obvious as to why you would want one vs a Lambo, Ferrari, McLaren, etc. In that, it is a failure.

Well...for one...it's generally cheaper than a Lambo, Ferrari or McLaren.   A more apt comparison is maybe a higher end 911 or R8 no?

And when you're 10 I'm not sure R&T reviews for "driving feel" really mattered.  It was more how it looked and how cool the general marketing of the vehicle was.   I think the NSX looks pretty darn cool.  And it will claim some pretty amazing performance numbers.  That seems to me all Acura really needs to use it as a halo car.   Whether or not many people buy one seems less important.   I doubt they're counting on moving the needle vs the established marques.

I had a Countach poster on my wall like a lot of other boys in the 80s.  And yet if I were an adult in that timeframe, there's likely no way I would desire a Lambo...just as I don't today.   I'd much prefer a Ferrari or Porsche or whatever.   But none of that mattered much.   The Countach looked amazing.

I'd envision the crowd tuning Civics (or whatever Honda/Acura is offering) would happily lust for an NSX as the ultimate in their brand.

[johngenx]

I agree that were I to hit the Lotto, this car wouldn't be on my list, not at all.  A GT3?  You bet.  AMG GT-R?  Yuppers.  Even a Nissan GT-R?  Probably.  The NSX is great, but it just doesn't hit the emotion button for me the way a lot of other cars in the segment do, and not in the way the original did/does.

The new Ford GT is the same for me.  Damn, it's one hulluva car, but the 2005 version is way more appealing to me.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

There was an NSX at the dealership here for months. It might still be there, I'm not sure. It looked pretty cool, but I'm really not sure if I'd be swayed to pick it over an R8, for instance.

The new Ford GT is the same for me.  Damn, it's one hulluva car, but the 2005 version is way more appealing to me.

Same here.

[Fobroader]

I agree that were I to hit the Lotto, this car wouldn't be on my list, not at all.  A GT3?  You bet.  AMG GT-R?  Yuppers.  Even a Nissan GT-R?  Probably.  The NSX is great, but it just doesn't hit the emotion button for me the way a lot of other cars in the segment do, and not in the way the original did/does.

The new Ford GT is the same for me.  Damn, it's one hulluva car, but the 2005 version is way more appealing to me.

Yes to all, a GT3, AMG GT-R,  and an actual GT-R would be in the garage. That new Ford GT is cool, but kinda in the same ballpark as the NSX, meh.