Many US dealers claim that they already have deposits for their entire first year of allocations -- some claim to be well into their second year of allocations -- most with premiums. I suspect that Acura will easily sell all of the first year cars. As the premiums subside and MSRP becomes readily attainable, additional buyers will enter the market. Moreover, Southern California and Southern Florida dealerships will acquire any unsold inventory where there is less demand. The real test will be in the second and third year. Will the NSX have staying power?
As far as the comparisons, the 2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus has an MSRP of approximately $210,000 -- $54,000 more than the NSX. That is a significant price differential. Nevertheless, the NSX is just as fast, if not faster, and (IMHO) looks much better. The 2016 R8 V10 (non-Plus) has an MSRP of approximately $185,000 -- $29,000 more than the NSX. Still a meaningful price differential. Yet, the Non-Plus is materially slower than the NSX. The 2017 Porsche Turbo S has an MSRP of approximately $188,000 -- $32,000 more than the NSX. The 2017 Porsche Turbo (non-S) has an MSRP of approximately $159,000. Keep in mind that Porsche is notorious for making every stitch an additional priced option, such that their cars ultimately cost MUCH more than the bare bones MSRP. The McLaren 570s has an MSRP of approximately $185,000 -- again, $29,000 more than the NSX. Thus, the Porsche Turbo (non-S) is the only one of the identified competitors that is genuinely similarly priced. IMHO, that is the NSX's closest competition -- certainly from a pricing perspective.
I have owned two Porsche Turbo Ss. While the Porsche Turbo is indisputably a great car, its appearance is, dare I say, rather staid, uninspiring and banal. Been there, done that. Hence the reason why I got the GT-R. The GT-R, while not a great looking car, was something different, original and exciting. IMHO, the NSX is better looking than the Porsche Turbo (and much better looking than the GT-R). The NSX is fresh and has the lines of a supercar, as compared to the 911's 40 year old lines. The Audi R8 also has unique and exciting lines. However, I think the NSX is better looking than the R8. Moreover, and importantly, the R8 Plus is much more expensive and merely equal (at best) in performance. The McLaren 570S is admittedly a great looking car -- probably the best looking of the bunch. However, it is two wheel drive (I much prefer AWD) and, therefore, its peak performance numbers are more difficult to replicate on the street. Moreover, it is still something of a niche car, without the backing of an institutional manufacturer, and I personally would be concerned with long term reliability if daily driven. I suspect the NSX is much more suitable for daily driving as compared to the 570S (and I intend to daily drive the car). The 570s is also $29,000 more than the NSX and slower (given the AWD v. RWD, I suspect the actual difference in street performance is greater than the advertised numbers reflect).
For some, the difference between $150,000 and $200,000 is inconsequential. However, for many, a $50,000 price differential matters, particularly when you do not get more for the additional cost.
