Used 2020 Acura NSX

The 2020 Acura NSX remains one of the world’s premier supercars, and one of the few to offer a hybrid powertrain. Built in the U.S.A., the NSX combines the rear-bias weight distribution of a mid-engine sports car with the impressive power of a 573-horsepower hybrid powertrain. Its unique all-wheel-drive setup includes two electric motors at the front axle and a third in between the twin-turbocharged V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission.

With a 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds, the NSX has the power and moves to keep up with more expensive exotics like the Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari 488, but with pricing more on par with the Audi R8. However, with the arrival of the $60,000 mid-engine Corvette, the Acura NSX is no longer the performance bargain it once was.

It isn’t the speed of the 2020 Acura NSX that impresses. Oh, sure, it’s quick, but it’s a combination of speed and handling that makes this mid-engine sports car such a joy to drive. The SH-AWD system allows all four massive Continentals to claw at the asphalt and before you know it, you’re past 60 mph in about three seconds, your head pinned to the seat as the supercar’s 9-speed dual-clutch automatic snatches another gear and then another. Hold your foot down and it’ll crest 190 mph.

And man, can it corner, thanks to Active Torque Vectoring that independently applies power or braking forces to each front wheel to further enhance grip. And the Acura’s excellent mechanical/regenerative braking system feels great and is extremely positive.

But the best part, the part that blows our minds is the civility and the comfort. The NSX is a pussycat in traffic and in the tight confines of the city. You can control these multiple personalities with four driver-selectable settings: Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track. Each tunes the steering, brakes, throttle response, Vehicle Stability Assist, magnetorheological dampers and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD while tweaking the level of exhaust roar both inside the car and out.

There nothing over the top or out of place in the 2020 Acura NSX’s interior, it’s just that after a few years, it’s already starting to feel a bit dated. The cabin remains warm and inviting, incredibly well insulated from outside noise, especially for a supercar.

There’s a hint of heritage from the original NSX here, too. From the excellent but snug sport seats (available in full Milano leather or semi-aniline leather and Alcantara) the driver enjoys good visibility aided by thin A-pillars and an expansive windshield. The NSX’s flat-bottom steering wheel looks cool but also makes the driver feel less cramped. The push-button gear selector seems gimmicky but is easy to operate.

If there is one letdown in the NSX’s otherwise excellent interior it’s the rather pedestrian last-generation Acura infotainment system. It is neither intuitive nor all that easy to operate as it has touch-screen controls for every function, including volume and tuning.

The 2020 Acura NSX has a look that is exotic without going overboard. From its low, wide stance to its gloss-black trim and body-colored grille garnish, the look is tasteful yet still purposefully sinister.

The design may seem purely artistic, but there’s actually a science behind the curving lines and flared wheel arches. The steel-and-aluminum body allows airflow to help with high-speed stability, while those numerous radiators and cooling devices cleverly incorporated into the design help keep the Sport Hybrid components cool during all driving conditions.

A blinding new Indy Yellow paint option this year ups the NSX’s already formidable attitude.

CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKES
With a car this quick, you’ll want the best brakes money can buy, and in the case of the 2020 Acura NSX, that would be the $9,900 carbon-ceramic brake upgrade. Tack on another $700 if you want your calipers painted orange, red or silver.

ELS STUDIO AUDIO
Great sound doesn’t only come out of car’s tailpipe, which is why Acura makes its excellent ELS audio system standard on every NSX. A 580-watt amp drives nine speakers, including two supercharged door speakers and a rear-center speaker. The only thing missing is a proper volume knob.

While focused on delivering high-energy exhilaration, the 2020 Acura NSX boasts features that make it equally attractive as a daily driver. Standard leather and Alcantara 4-way-power seats can be replaced with manual units in the interest of saving weight.

Also standard is the ELS audio system, navigation, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, cruise control, heated seats, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay apps, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth phone/streaming audio, proximity sensors, keyless smart-entry/smart-start, Active Sound Control and more, including a modestly scaled but fully insulated and surprisingly usable 4.4-cubic-foot trunk that can hold a golf bag.

The NSX wears staggered-size forged-alloy wheels wrapped in P245/35R19 performance rubber up front and P305/30R20 boots in the rear.

Built to each individual customer’s order, the new 2020 Acura NSX offers a sizable selection of extras that can impart unique character to this ultimate Acura as well as enhance its overall performance. Optional seat packages add full leather covering in red or black, and while a head-up display remains on the wish list, owners can opt for a selection of mass-reducing interior/exterior carbon-fiber bits.

Other options include custom wheels, Pirelli tires, a Tech Package with satellite radio and antenna, Ultra-Premium Andoro exterior paint finishes, a carbon-fiber roof and carbon-ceramic brakes that help chop 52 pounds off the NSX’s unsprung weight.

Power for Acura’s 2020 NSX supercar is derived from a unique source. Accompanying the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine is a hybrid powertrain comprising three electric motors. Wedged between the V6 and 9-speed dual-clutch automatic is a Direct Drive Motor that helps improve off-the-line acceleration and compensate for any turbo lag. Two more electric motors at the front axles create the AWD system, but also assist in braking and steering duties via Acura’s torque-vectoring.

The quadruple pairing produces an impressive 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque, the latter coming on nearly instantaneously as is the nature of electric motors. Dry-sump lubrication and direct plus-port fuel injection allow the NSX’s engineers to place the engine low in the chassis, a design that helps with balance and cornering.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 plus 3 electric motors
573 horsepower (combined)
476 lb-ft of torque (combined)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/22 mpg