There’s never been a better time to own a sports car. Precision driving capabilities have replaced the harrowing turns and spinouts of yesteryear. The 2021 Acura NSX is a prime example of performance at its finest, offering all-wheel drive exclusively in its latest model. And with a sticker price topping $150,000, this hybrid supercar better come with AWD.  

What factors into the 2021 Acura NSX’s 6-figure MSRP?

This luxury sports coupe carries one of the heftiest base MSRPs in its class: $157,500.

Individually painted and hand-finished, this supercar is a “work of precision-crafted art,” Acura says. It has a “show-stopping look that turns heads whether it’s shredding the track or standing still.”

And shred it does. The 2021 Acura NSX can reach 191 mph and launch from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds.

Autotrader claims the exorbitant sticker price is well within reason for a car whose “driving experience is almost completely perfect.”

“The steering wheel is weighted perfectly — not too heavy, not too light — and you just feel like you’re so in control when you’re taking a corner. And the car helps deliver you that feeling, going exactly where you point it and delivering absolutely zero body roll in the process.”

Autotrader

Some of the factors affecting the 2021 Acura NSX’s high price include the use of composite materials, advanced technology features, and precision engineering. The dynamic performance is a result of every part of this sports car working together in near-perfect harmony.

AWD offers better traction control

U.S. News attributes the complex hybrid AWD system with providing a “blend of performance and practicality” to create a “daily drivable supercar.”

The 2021 Acura NSX’s powertrain uses a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine. An electric motor pairs with a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that powers the rear wheels. The front wheels are powered by a set of electric motors fueled by the potent V6. In all, the NSX harnesses 476 hp.

Along with its premium performance capabilities, the Acura NSX offers improved traction control that makes the car fun to drive, regardless of road conditions and weather.

More about the 2021 Acura NSX

Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, this two-seater has a 328-mile range and a decent EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg. Plus, the rack-and-pinion steering and double wishbone suspension allow for precision handling. The four-wheel anti-lock braking system is appreciated, especially when coming to a quick stop at high speeds.

Surprisingly, the NSX disappoints with a lackluster infotainment system, but the comfortable leather seating makes up for it. And with 38.3 inches of headroom and adequate legroom for average adults, the NSX isn’t quite as cramped as most other sports cars.

Car and Driver called the 2021 Acura NSX a great daily driver, saying, “the flexibility to light up a drag strip one minute and silently tiptoe into your upscale neighborhood the next is something that makes the NSX unique.”

Despite its astounding capabilities, the high price might scare off buyers. MotorTrend explained how Acura “created a fantastic sportscar, but shoppers seem to prefer more conventional, better-known options.” But the NSX doesn’t appear to be going away just yet. According to MotorTrend, “A leaked internal memo indicates it will stick around at least through 2022, so there’s still time to buy an NSX.”