How fast does the NSX go?
The modern NSX lineup tops out around 191 mph, with the quickest variant sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in about 2.7 seconds; the standard model is around 2.9 seconds. The original, first-generation NSX from the 1990s and early 2000s was slower, generally capped in the 168–175 mph range with roughly five-plus seconds to 60 mph. This article breaks down the speeds by generation and explains the technology that drives them.
Current-generation NSX: Speed and Acceleration
The following figures apply to the two main versions of the modern NSX that have been on sale since 2016, highlighting how the lineup differs in power and pace.
- Base NSX (2016–2022): 573 horsepower, 476 lb-ft of torque, around 2.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, and a top speed of 191 mph. It pairs a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with three electric motors in a hybrid SH-AWD setup to deliver power smoothly to all wheels.
- NSX Type S (2022–present): 600 horsepower, approximately 492 lb-ft of torque, about 2.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, and a top speed of 191 mph. The Type S adds weight reduction and track-focused tuning to squeeze more performance from the same fundamental platform.
These performance figures illustrate how Acura combined turbocharged power with electric assistance to achieve rapid off-the-line acceleration while preserving everyday drivability and all-wheel-drive traction. Real-world times can vary with tires, surface, and weather.
Original NSX: The 1990s Hardware That Began It All
When the NSX first arrived, it offered a different balance of speed and handling compared with today’s hybrids, emphasizing lightweight construction and precision handling as much as raw numbers.
- Early NSX (1990–1995): about 270 horsepower, top speed around 168 mph, and 0–60 mph typically in the mid-5-second range. The car used a mid-mounted V6 and a lightweight chassis to deliver nimble, engaging performance.
- Later NSX updates (1996–2005): about 290 horsepower, top speed around 175 mph, and 0–60 mph generally in the mid-to-high 5-second range. Over its long production run, refinements improved reliability and dynamic character, but straight-line speed remained modest by modern standards.
The original NSX is revered for its handling balance and engineering ethos rather than flat-out acceleration, a philosophy that continues to influence how Acura designs its sports cars.
What Makes the NSX Fast?
Two core pillars drive the NSX’s speed: a sophisticated hybrid powertrain and careful chassis engineering. The car uses a mid-mounted turbocharged V6 paired with electric motors to deliver substance and immediacy in power delivery, while the drivetrain and aero work together to maintain stability at high speeds and under cornering load.
Powertrain and performance numbers
The modern NSX relies on a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with three electric motors and a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. The base version delivers 573 hp, while the Type S bumps that to 600 hp. Combined with all-wheel drive, this setup enables rapid acceleration and strong on-road performance.
Engineering and handling
Beyond raw horsepower, the NSX’s performance comes from weight management, an active suspension, and aerodynamic tuning that keep the car planted under hard cornering and at high speeds. Acura’s SH-AWD system distributes torque to maximize grip, helping the car accelerate and brake with confidence.
Summary
Across its generations, the NSX has evolved from a handling-first exotic to a high-performance hybrid supercar. The current lineup reaches about 191 mph, with the Type S fastest from a standstill to 60 mph in roughly 2.7 seconds and the base model around 2.9 seconds. The original NSX prioritized balance and lightness over outright top-end speed, laying the groundwork for the modern example’s blend of speed, efficiency, and handling.
