Italdesign is Building Exclusive Honda NSX Tribute Cars
The second-generation Honda NSX is getting another chance.
The Japanese auto giant is teaming up with Italdesign to produce an ultra-limited run of tribute cars four years after the latest version of the nameplate was discontinued. The project is being referred to as a “philological homage to an icon of performance” and will be designed and built by the legendary Italian coachbuilder.
The tributes—which are unrelated to the JAS Motorsports’ restomod project—won’t be built from scratch. Instead, Italdesign will remake already existing right-hand drive customer cars, which means this opportunity won’t be open to those who bought their cars stateside (where the model was sold as an Acura). Those whose cars do qualify will get to work with the coachbuilder to craft the NSX of their dreams.
Honda NSX Tribute by Italdesign
Italdesign
The tribute cars are based on the second-generation NSX, but the reworked exterior will feature nods to both iterations of the beloved model. The new design features a more sculpted look, with a revised bumper and skinnier headlights up front, a scoop added to the roof, and a “reinterpretation” of the historic rear spoiler. The finished vehicle will ride on new rims—19 inches up front, 20 inches in the back—wrapped in Yokohama tires. The interior, meanwhile, has been left nearly untouched, with the exception of a plaque identifying the vehicle as part of the project.
One thing missing from the announcement is any real technical details, suggesting the project is more a high-priced makeover than anything else. The second-gen NSX, which debuted in 2016, was powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 aided by a trio of electric motors, two up front and one in the back. The electrified setup was capable of making 573 hp and 476 ft lbs of torque. The most powerful version of the car was the 2022 Type S variant. It featured an upgraded powertrain that added new turbochargers, fuel injectors, and intercoolers, boosting output to 602 hp and 492 ft lbs of torque. The majority of these builds were for the North American market, though, and would not be eligible for the project.
Inside the NSX Tribute
Italdesign
We’re also waiting on specifics. Right now, what we know is that the second-gen NSX is coming, but not when it will arrive. It’s also unclear how much the buids will cost, but considering the emphasis on exclusivity in the announcement, it seems safe to say the price will be steep.
Click here for more images of Italdesign’s Honda NSX tribute car.
Italdesign
