We think Honda has gotten a little rusty at making amazing cars. People are saying the Civic Type R sets fast laps in a boring way, unlike the S2000, for example. As for the NSX supercar, it's been struck by problem after problem.
That's to be expected when every major component, from the twin-turbo V6 to the electric motors, is brand new and untested.
Our friends stationed on the sidelines of the Nurburgring track spotted a production-ready 2016 NSX testing yesterday during the industry pool session. It's the first time the car ever went out without camouflage. But nothing has changed since its last motor show appearance in August.
It is undeniably a beautiful car, but the discrete nature of the design kind of makes it look like an average sportscar, especially when compared to the McLaren 650S or the Lamborghini Huracan.
The novelty value has also completely worn off. It's been over three years since we first saw the NSX as Tony Stark's makebelieve $9 million sportscar in the Avengers movie. But we still don't know if Acura can make a car that's faster than a Ferrari or even an Audi R8.
Recent reports suggest production has been delayed until the early part of 2016. Officials claim the delay occurred because of the NSX's engine layout. As you all know, the initial plan called for a naturally aspirated V6, which has been upgraded to a twin-turbo V6.
But considering the total output (electric engines included) now sits at 550 horsepower, Honda/Acura might not be on to a winner. The supercar game has moved on considerably in the past year. The Ferrari 458, which was the benchmark for this Japanese toy, has been replaced by the 488 GTB. It uses a brand new twin-turbo V8 producing 670 hp.
Not only will the NSX be at a 120 horsepower disadvantage, but the all-important exhaust sound isn't blowing anybody away either. You can't have a supercar without pops and occasional flames, right?
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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