The Acura NSX Makes a Comeback with a Limited Edition Redesign.

      Italdesign/YouTube, edited by the author

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      Italdesign is a notably intriguing player in the automotive industry. Primarily operating behind the scenes, it crafts white-label designs and aesthetic components for other brands to sell. However, uniquely, it has also engaged in public collaborations with automakers. This week, the brand unveiled another collaborative effort: a “new” Acura (Honda) NSX. Essentially a significant refresh of the second-generation vehicle, it boasts an impressive appearance, and the brand has created a captivating animated video showcasing it racing through a Tokyo Xtreme Racer-style setting, with a nod to F1 legend Ayrton Senna.

      As many readers are aware, the Honda NSX (known as the Acura NSX in the USA) was a mid-engine supercar that had two generations and three appearances. The first was the iconic wedge-shaped flip-light model from the 1990s, famously driven by Senna, followed by a fixed-light update for the new millennium. After what seemed like an eternity, accompanied by approximately 1,000 “coming soon” teasers, Honda/Acura released a second-generation model in 2016. That super hybrid, manufactured in Ohio, was a thrill to drive but had a very limited production run. In fact, it’s significantly rarer than its predecessor—with only around 3,000 second-generation NSXs produced between 2016 and 2022, compared to about 19,000 first-generation models built from 1990 to 2005.

      The Honda NSX Tribute by Italdesign effectively introduces a fourth semi-official design variant for the car. While it is indeed sanctioned by Honda, it remains uncertain how many, if any, will be available for public purchase. Similar to the Italdesign Scighera from the ’90s or the recent Nissan GT-R50 Italdesign, this NSX serves as a showcase of Italdesign’s capabilities rather than a commercially available product. Therefore, most images circulating online are renderings. However, they are still enjoyable to view, and speaking of visuals, here’s that exciting game-style video I previously mentioned. The nod to Senna is quite evident.

      Italdesign's press release describes this NSX as a “few-off project” with “ultra-limited series production,” suggesting the company plans to produce at least two (only in right-hand drive). I reached out to the US representative for the company, who didn’t provide a price, but assured me he would keep us informed on how to place an order.

      Currently, the company hasn’t clarified whether buyers will need to ship their NSX for the modifications or if it plans to acquire a few cars to customize. Italdesign isn’t a tuning company with customer-facing workshops, so your local Acura dealership may be confused if you inquire about this. I will update this post with details on how to place an order if we receive more information. Based on the pricing of the Nissan GT-R50 in 2018, anticipate spending over $1,000,000 for an Italdesign NSX.

      The Honda NSX Tribute by Italdesign rendered in Advan racing livery. Italdesign

      Here’s a slideshow (renderings) of the Honda NSX Tribute by Italdesign in various colors for a closer look:

      You can view the cockpit in different color options:

      And here are some design sketches of the vehicle:

      While it is accurate to say the car is “back,” albeit in extremely limited supply, this NSX is essentially an artistic showcase rather than a road car for consumers. To that end, here’s some contextual insight from Italdesign regarding the car's design (edited for format).

      Joaquin Garcia, Head of Design at Italdesign:

      “The Honda NSX was a bold model, a true game changer in the supercar segment that evolved from a visionary concept into an iconic sports car ready for the market … At Italdesign, we possess the expertise to turn audacious ideas into tangible realities and bring visionary projects to limited production. This tribute is no exception, looking forward. It is not a restomod nor merely nostalgic; it merges memory with innovation, advanced technology with artisanal excellence in a model that retains the original racing DNA, enriched by the Italian character of the exterior forms, enhanced with contemporary styling and engineering solutions.”

      Cristiano Fracchia, Senior Exterior Designer at Italdesign:

      “We concentrated on the car's musculature to enhance tension and dynamism while preserving the purity and clarity of the original design … We reintroduced the low, sleek proportions of the original model, featuring a sloping hood and a wholly black greenhouse that lightens the silhouette and emphasizes sportiness. The front headlamp clusters are set within a glossy black fairing that underscores the car’s ‘gaze,’ creating a contrast with the surrounding surfaces, adding depth,