The NSX has an optional tire. One that says Michelin on the sidewall and then the words Pilot Sport Cup 2. They’re the same size as the base tires (245/35R19 front, 305/30R20 rear), and the NSX engineers are quick to point out this compound doesn’t work well in cold, rainy conditions the way the Contis do. But it takes no time at all to learn that they also don’t perform on track the way the Contis do. Not only is the steering immediately heavier with the optional rubber, but the chassis also responds more sharply, and the difference in grip is orders-of-magnitude enormous. Indeed, there’s so much adhesion that the ABS system feels like it needs to be recalibrated for the Cup tires—there’s some fairly violent chatter through the chassis as the tires cycle through grip and slip. Worth it.

Go figure. Putting supercar tires on Acura’s supercar transforms the machine. All of which leads to the question: Why did Acura choose those relatively workaday Continental tires for the NSX—and why did the engineers tune the car for such benign behavior any time you’re out of the Track mode? Well, because Honda.