Acura Automobiles: 2017 Acura NSX Press Kit

The new Acura NSX supercar can mirror your mood—from flying under the radar in Quiet mode, to exploring at-limit track performance. Based on the man-machine synergy that goes into every Acura vehicle, the NSX leverages both fundamental and advanced technologies to expand the range of driving experiences for the NSX driver. Unlocking all of these experiences is the most extensive and evolved Integrated Dynamics System in Acura’s history.

The four selectable dynamic modes—Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track—integrate all of the vehicle’s dynamic chassis and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit systems to create a New Sports eXperience across a wider bandwidth than traditional sports cars can offer.

Highlights of the tuning available from the Integrated Dynamics System include:

  • Throttle, brake and steering response and feedback
  • Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit active drive force
  • Suspension response, feedback and support
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), including Agile Handling Assist (AHA) and Traction Control System (TCS)
  • Engine sound, inside and outside the vehicle

Dynamic Modes

From the available all-electric operation of Quiet mode to the closed circuit, maximum performance capacities of Track mode, the Integrated Dynamics System dials up the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle based on driver desire. The system contains the world’s first custom setting menu that allows the driver to configure the vehicle’s mode for startup. For example, drivers can program the car to always start in a given mode or also program the mode to use based on the time of day.

To enhance the driver’s visceral experience inside the NSX cabin, the Integrated Dynamics System can be used to engage the new intake sound control and active exhaust valve systems to fine-tune cabin sound quality and volume to match the selected dynamic mode. The sound pressure level range within the cabin between wide open throttle in Track mode and electric vehicle cruising in Quiet mode is 25 (dB)—a wide range of audible sensation.

Quiet

Quiet mode gives the driver the ability to prioritize electric-only driving that makes the NSX virtually silent at lower speeds. ItsTwin Motor Unit (TMU) provides initial launch from a standstill. When power demand requires the engine, it starts more quietly than in other modes. Maximum engine speed is limited to 4,000 rpm, while the active exhaust and intake sound control valves are closed for a more hushed operation. The transmission shift map also prioritizes lower engine speeds. The driver interface (tachometer and center console information display screen) features a cool and quiet blue color.

Sport

Sport mode takes advantage of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit to offer the driver a direct responsive vehicle, or a more relaxed vehicle, according to their driving inputs. Compared to Quiet mode, Sport mode eliminates the 4,000 rpm limit on the engine and provides a more aggressive throttle map for quicker response. A more aggressive transmission shift map holds gears longer and allows for higher rpm shift points. The intake sound control system and the active exhaust valve are activated in the mode, enabling exhaust and intake sound to permeate the cabin for a more emotional driving experience. Like Quiet mode, Sport mode stops the engine whenever possible. The Sport mode setting is the default setting in normal vehicle operation. The driver interface turns to a grey hue with red highlights.

Sport+

Sport+ prioritizes maximum Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit response and dynamic performance with faster up and downshifts of the 9DCT and still more aggressive throttle mapping. Maximum use of the electric motor torque provides more explosive acceleration. Increased agility is achieved by harmonizing a more aggressive direct yaw control setting that works in concert with the magnetorheological (MR) dampers, AHA and the variable gear ratio electric power steering (EPS) system—perfect for a spirited drive on a winding road. Sport+ mode also offers the driver a higher degree of steering feedback, while intake and exhaust note sounds are further increased for an even more exhilarating and emotional driving experience. The driver interface offers an aggressive yellow “con trail” along the tachometer needle supporting maximum visual feedback of the engine rpm. The center console information display glows with red highlights to reinforce that the driver is in Sport+ mode.

Track

Optimized for circuit driving, Track mode provides the most aggressive settings to support the driver in capturing the fastest and most consistent lap times. In Track mode, Launch Mode Control is available for maximum possible acceleration from a standstill. The super sports brakes system offers enhanced performance and pedal feedback. Up and downshift 9DCT performance, Sport Hybrid SH-AWD and active driver aids, such as VSA and AHA, are programmed to support circuit‑limit driving. In Track mode, an even greater amount of engine intake sound permeates the cabin for a heightened, more emotional driving experience that enhances driver feedback, even when wearing a helmet. Track mode supports the driver’s ability to capture the best lap times by prioritizing the IPU state-of-charge for consistent torque delivery and direct yaw control.

Vehicle Stability Assist Operation

The Integrated Dynamics System supports the ability to “loosen” VSA operation up to Track mode, enabling the highest degree of dynamic freedom. In Track mode, the VSA system can also be completely disabled if the driver holds the VSA button on the left side of the instrument panel for six seconds.

Launch Mode Control

For ultimate acceleration from a standstill, NSX drivers can engage Launch Mode Control. In either Drive (“D”) or Manual (“M”) and with the Integrated Dynamics System set to Track mode, the driver can execute a perfect launch. Launch is made by first beginning at a full stop, then pressing the brake pedal and applying accelerator pressure all the way to the floor. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the NSX launches with maximum peak power from all Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit systems.

Shift Characteristics Tuning

Adding to the performance and shifting characteristics of the NSX advanced 9DCT, is the ability to change shift speed and performance through the Integrated Dynamics System:

  • Quiet: Transmission shift map directs gear shifts at lower engine speeds
  • Sport: Transmission allows the engine to rev more freely and makes gear changes in a higher rpm range
  • Sport+: Accommodates higher engine speed gear changes with quicker, more aggressively executed upshifts and downshifts
  • Track: Fastest upshifting; 40 milliseconds faster than Sport+ settings

Startup Mode

The NSX Integrated Dynamics System has the world’s first custom setting menu that allows the driver to configure the vehicle’s mode for startup. For example, drivers can program the car to always start in Quiet or Sport mode. The driver can also schedule the NSX to operate exclusively in Quiet mode during a specified time period, such as early morning, to avoid waking neighbors.

Brake Response

Operation of the electro-servo brake (ESB) is finely tuned to deliver consistent and predictable brake pedal feel for each of the drive mode settings of the Integrated Dynamic System.

Steering Feedback

The NSX features two distinct variable gear ratio, EPS system settings for the Quiet and Sport, and Sport+ and Track modes of the Integrated Dynamics System. In the more performance-oriented Sport+ and Track driving modes, steering assist is reduced based on vehicle speed and steering angle.

Suspension Response

The MR dampers also function as a component of the Integrated Dynamics System via two unique damper tuning settings: one is biased toward unsprung mass control, used for Quiet and Sport modes, and a second with optimized performance tuning is biased toward sprung mass control, used for Sport+ and Track modes.

Sound Control

To enhance the driver’s visceral experience inside the NSX cabin, the Integrated Dynamics System can be used to engage the new intake sound control and active exhaust valve systems to fine-tune cabin sound quality and volume to match the selected dynamic mode. The sound pressure level range within the cabin between wide open throttle in Track mode and electric vehicle cruising in Quiet mode is 25 (dB)—a wide range of audible sensation.

Meter Modes

The driver’s center meter is tied into the Integrated Dynamics System to provide a visual complement to the customizable dynamic and auditory elements of the NSX driving experience. When a new Integrated Dynamics System mode is selected, the Multi-Information Display (MID) shows a graphic representation of the Integrated Dynamics System component systems: Sport Hybrid SH‑AWD, VSA, suspension and steering.