In the world of supercars, the NSX has always been the other name for perfect engineering. While the original model from the late 1980’s amazed the world with an excellent combination of performance and everyday usability, the second generation brought hybrid technology to the supercar segment. It was the first performance car to offer such a setup, without sacrificing handling and the overall purpose of the car. The 2023 Acura NSX might bring something completely new, but it’s still early to talk about details.
Meanwhile, the Japanese manufacture releases the Type S version of the NSX, which brings additional upgrades and makes this car even more impressive. It has more power, better handling and also includes lots of exclusive styling details and features. It represents the 2022 NSX, which will be the final production year of the generation.
At this point, we don’t know much about the successor, even though the officials announce that there will be a successor to the second-generation NSX. That model will probably be all-electric, so we are pretty sure that Honda won’t rush with its launch.
2023 Acura NSX Design
While the 2023 Acura NSX is still far from reality, the outgoing Type S is coming with amazing engineering and excellent design solutions. This model brings lots of notable upgrades compared to the previous model year. One of the first things we should mention is that it will very difficult to get this car, as only 350 units will be offered, of which 300 of them will be sold in the U.S.
The first thing you’ll notice in the updated Type S model is the styling. The new front end brings more angular and more aggressively designed bumpers, while more aggressive styling solutions can be noticed on the rear end as well.
We should also mention the new Gotham Gray color is limited to 70 units and it will cost you an extra $6.000.
Besides new styling details, there is also a bunch of performance upgrades. For example, the carbon fiber roof is now standard, while you can also opt for the Lightweight package is available. This package comes with carbon-ceramic brake rotors, carbon-fiber engine cover and additional 58 pounds of weight saving.
Interior
One of the aspects where the next-generation 2023 Acura NSX will have to improve is interior design. Simply, the current model doesn’t look as upscale as you would expect from a model at this price range. Of course, the cabin quality is far from bad. Still, there are a few areas wrapped out with hard plastics and other lower-rent materials. Also, the infotainment system is outdated, while you may also notice a lack of some connectivity features.
On the other hand, there is nothing to complain about in terms of driving position and overall ergonomics. The seats are very good, while we also like the steering wheel, which looks great and feels even better in hands. What’s not so impressive is the cargo area. You may count on no more than 4.4 cubic feet, which is subpar even for a supercar.
Features
The current model comes with a pretty long list of standard and available equipment. All versions are equipped with tech goodies like a 7-inch touch screen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, a nine-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Furthermore, the list of standard equipment also includes convenience features like dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, and ambient lighting. One of the rare options you can get is the satellite radio.
When it comes to safety, all models come with goodies like a rearview camera, parking sensors and automatic high beams. No optional safety features are available.
2023 Acura NSX Engine and Performance
The current-generation NSX pioneered the segment of hybrid supercars and despite that things are changing extremely fast these days, it is still more than a relevant player in terms of performance. The 2022 model even comes with upgrades, with more power and several other modifications.
The first thing we should mention is the engine. This supercar comes with a well-known 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, which comes in a combination with three electric motors. This complex system provides a combined output of 600 horsepower and 492 horsepower. All that power is sent to all wheels, via a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is excellent.
With such a setup, the level of performance is impressive. This supercar needs a little bit over 2.5 seconds to hit 60 mph, while the top speed goes all-away up to 191 mph. Furthermore, it completes a quarter-mile in about 11 seconds, at speed of 125 miles per hour.
At the same time, the NSX is pretty efficient for a supercar. The average fuel economy goes around 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. For comparison, the Porsche 911 Turbo returns around 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, while the similarly configured Audi R8 returns no more than 13 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
Besides amazing acceleration and speed, the NSX also offers impressive handling and some of the best overall performances around. Brakes, steering and complete chassis – everything is beyond amazing in this car.
Performance Upgrades
Furthermore, the company also offers a couple of performance upgrades. For example, you can get carbon-ceramic brakes with red, black, silver, or orange calipers. There are also options like five-spoke gloss-black wheels. Under the hood, you can opt for the carbon-fiber engine cover, while the interior can be spiced up with carbon-fiber interior accents and an Alcantara headliner.
When to Expect Third-Generation Acura NSX
The current model will soon end its production and, at this point, things are still unclear when it comes to the successor. The officials have already stated that there are plans for the next-generation sports car, which will probably go all-electric. This clearly indicates that Honda engineers won’t rush and that the all-electric NSX probably won’t arrive all that soon. Meanwhile, the 2022 Acura NSX will come in just 350 examples and the starting price will go around 170.000 dollars.
The next-generation NSX won’t come that soon but we have no doubt it will be all-electric. However, we also have no doubt that the new NSX will once again be a pioneer of the automotive industry. In what exact way, it’s hard to say at this point.
Competition
The competition in the segment is really tough, as supercars are a matter of prestige for pretty much every car manufacturer. Of course, the closest rivals are similarly-priced models. Those would be nameplates like Audi R8, Mercedes-AMG GT 63, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche 911 Turbo etc.