After a series of teasers, Acura officially unveiled the NSX Type S, the quickest, most powerful, and best-handling production NSX, serving as the swan-song of the second-generation model that was unveiled back in 2016. The NSX Type S will be produced in Marysville, Ohio in a limited number of 350 units with 300 of them reserved for the US market.
Starting with the exterior design, the Type S looks like a facelift of the second-generation NSX, mostly thanks to the more angular design of the front bumper featuring larger intakes and a more pronounced splitter. Those elements aren’t there just for the looks but contribute to better aerodynamics by minimizing lift while improving cooling.
On the profile, we have the new forged wheels finished in Matte Shark Grey or Gloss Berlina Black, which add +0.4 inches to the front track and +0.8 inches to the rear track. The standard carbon-fiber roof provides a lower center of gravity. We also get carbon fiber side sills and Gloss Berlina Black finish for the mirror caps and door handles. Moving over at the back, the redesigned bumper features a more prominent carbon fiber diffuser for increased downforce, and thinner side inlets for a more sculpted look. The pictured Gotham Gray matte metallic paint included in the 10-shade color palette is new, limited to 70 of the 350 units of the Type S.
The hybrid powertrain retains the aluminum alloy twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine and the three electric motors, but thanks to a series of upgrades, the combined output is now 600 hp and 667 Nmof torque. This means the Type S has an additional 27 hp and 22 Nm over the regular NSX.
This power bump was achieved thanks to a set of new turbochargers borrowed from the NSX GT3 Evo racecar with increased boost pressure to 16.1 psi (+5.6%), new injectors (+25% flow rate), and new intercoolers, bringing the 3.5-liter V6 alone to 520 hp and 600 Nm of torque. A new battery with +20% usable capacity and +10% in output allows the electric motors to contribute with more power while providing an increased electric range (not specified).
At the same time, the 9-speed DCT automatic gearbox is now 50% faster in upshift response and has the new Rapid Downshift Mode, while the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD torque vectoring system is tuned for even better cornering performance. All four modes of the Integrated Dynamics System (Quiet, Sport, Sport+, Track) have been retuned, with more focused calibrations for the Adaptive Damper System, and a richer sound from the engine. The new Pirelli P-Zero tires (245/35ZR19 at the front and 305/30ZR20 at the back) designed exclusively for the Type S provide more grip.
For those who want the absolute best in performance, there is the optional Lightweight Package adding US$ 13,000 to the price of the NSX Type S. This includes carbon-ceramic brakes by Brembo (with Black, Silver, Red, or Orange brake calipers), carbon-fiber engine cover, and carbon fiber interior package, shedding 26.2 kg of the car’s weight. Acura didn’t announce any performance figures, but claims that the aforementioned changes make the 2022 NSX Type-S a whole 2 seconds faster than the 2021 NSX in Suzuka. Considering that the 2019 NSX was already 2 seconds faster than the 2018 model, this means that the Type S has shoved a total of 4 seconds compared to the original second-generation NSX.
Inside the cabin, there are not as many changes as we would hope for. However, Acura gave the NSX a new Alcantara headliner, a Type S logo on the glovebox, NSX logos on the headrests, and contrasting stitching. This probably means that there will be no updates on the old 7-inch infotainment touchscreen or the digital instrument cluster.
Acura has already opened the order books for the Acura NSX Type S through its official website, with 300 units destined for the US (plus 50 more for other markets). For the record, this is the first time an NSX Type S is available outside of Japan. As for pricing, the Acura NSX Type S starts from US$ 169,500 and the NSX Type S with Lightweight Package costs US$ 182,500, with all MSRPs excluding a US$ 1,995 destination fee. There are several options to choose from if you’re comfortable pushing the price up, including a US$ 2,500 carbon fiber interior, carbon-ceramic brakes from US$ 9,900, and special colors like the matte grey seen here that will cost you US$ 6,000.
