Take Two
The second-generation Acura NSX, as we know it here in the US of A, is by no means dated. But having run the numbers, it really has been about a decade since NSX 2.0 arrived on the scene to a collective “Hmm” from the automotive press.
The second-gen model paired a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with three electric motors and a hybrid electric setup, sending 573 hp to all four wheels with a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic doing the shifting. The belated high-tech follow up to the original NSX also showcased lightweight materials including aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel, but it was perhaps not the most obvious enthusiast choice in this general category of cars, despite being able to pull off 0-to-60 launches in 2.9 seconds in the 600-hp Type S flavor according to Car and Driver’s testing.
Something always felt like it was missing and it wasn’t more trunk space, though that was on the skimpy side.
The design of the NSX, while certainly modern enough to the casual eye in 2026, was also a little too anonymous when it arrived on the scene and was easily upstaged by other supercars of the time. Production of the second-gen NSX, which was offered with a Honda badge in other markets, wrapped up in 2021 with just over 1500 units delivered stateside over the course of six model years, making it a bit of a rare sight in this country.
A decade after its launch, Italdesign felt like its design could already use a few tweaks to make it more dramatic.
The Italian carrozzeria has teamed up with Honda to transform a number of completed Honda NSX vehicles, already in the hands of owners, into something with a little more design flair.
“We worked on the musculature of the car to give tension and dynamism, while maintaining the purity and cleanliness of the original lines,” said Cristiano Fracchia, Senior Exterior Designer at Italdesign. “We reintroduced the low, sleek proportions of the original model, with a sloping hood and a completely black greenhouse that lightens the silhouette and accentuates sportiness.
But Italdesign will only be altering right-hand drive examples of the Honda NSX as part of this “ultra-limited” series effort, which has not been given a price or a firm production ceiling.
What will Honda NSX owners get as part of this transformation?
Obviously, the main event will be a new rear wing with LED elements creating a very wide brake light. Another notable addition will be a rear scoop extending across the rear glass panel.
“The roof air intake is a clear reference to the one on the NSX-R GT version, a highly advanced engineering solution for its time and an integral part of the sophisticated aerodynamic management system,” says Fracchia.
The front fascia will be redesigned as well around existing headlights and will look more modern, while the side intake will be a bit more angular, in keeping with the trends of the current age.
The interior will receive a few tweaks as well, but Italdesign will be keeping most of the interior close to stock.
“The insertion of elements running from the dashboard to the vents, defining the link with
the door panel, creates sophisticated components inspired by Formula 1 single-seaters contributes to generating continuity and a sense of wraparound,” says Alessandro Trombin,
Senior Interior Designer at Italdesign.
There will be a few nods to Ayrton Senna as well, including a small helmet on the dash and the number 12.
The NSX Tribute by Italdesign, which is how it will be known, will certainly be different but perhaps still recognizable as an NSX.
The greater trend here is that Italian styling houses have been slowly returning to their roots of teaming up with automakers to produce limited runs of rebodied sports cars in small numbers, or even one-offs for deeper-pocketed customers.
Such collaborations have often kept Italian carrozzerias afloat in lean years, before the bodykit industry of the 1980s and 1990s largely undercut such pricey exercises with mass-market upgrades one could order from a catalog.
But overall, it’s encouraging to see bespoke efforts seeing a comeback of sorts, along with the few tasteful restomods finally seeing some acceptance in the collector sphere.
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