Production of the 2022 Acura NSX Type S has officially commenced at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio. The 2022 model year is the final one for the current generation of the iconic supercar and is only its second iteration since it first appeared in the 1990s. In total, only 350 units will be made. The ones that end up in other global markets will be badged as Hondas just like its predecessor. Preorders for the car opened in August soon after its debut at the 2021 Monterey Car Week and every single one was spoken for quickly.
The first two production examples of the 2022 Acura NSX Type S models were finished in the exclusive Gotham Gray matte exterior color. This new exterior color features a matte-metallic finish that requires new handling and shipping techniques to ensure that the vehicle is fully protected during transport to Acura dealers. A protective film is applied to the car along with a thicker but softer body covering for transportation. Acura dealers will also go through special training so that they can pass along special instructions to owners so that they can take proper care of their vehicles.
Several changes have been made to the NSX Type S to distinguish it from the standard car sold from 2016 to 2021. It gets a new lower front fascia with larger openings to improve cooling and a carbon fiber rear diffuser. The front and rear track have also been widened by 0.4 and 0.8 inches respectively for improved handling and a better stance. Five-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels shod in Pirelli P Zero performance tires are also standard. A carbon-fiber roof is also included. Interior tweaks include the Type S logos embroidered on the seats and glovebox and an Alcantara headliner.
The adaptive suspension and SH-AWD system have been revised so that the NSX Type S. In Sport mode, there’s less body roll and more yaw moments to sharpen the driving experience. In Sport+ mode, the electric motors use torque vectoring to provide quicker turn-in.
Power comes from the same hybrid system as the standard NSX. That couples a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with three electric motors, a lithium-ion battery, and a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The combined output is 600 hp and 492 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 27 hp and 16 lb-ft respectively. This was achieved by adding new fuel injectors, new intercoolers, and the NSX GT3 Evo race car’s turbochargers, which are tuned to run at higher boost levels. Power goes through Acura’s SH-AWD system, which uses the front electric motors to provide traction on the front wheels.
Acura also lowered the gear ratio for the two front electric motors from 10.382:1 to 8.050:1. The lithium-ion battery’s output and usable capacity have also been increased by 10 and 20 percent respectively, allowing the car to stay in all-electric mode longer and improving the SH-AWD system’s performance. The transmission has also been revamped to shift faster and now has a Rapid Downshift mode that lets you skip to the lowest gear possible by holding down the left paddle for about half a second. In Sport and Sport+ modes, the clutch packs engage 50 percent quicker for improved shift speeds. Track mode’s rev threshold has been increased by 1,500 rpm, enabling it to downshift sooner.
Pricing for the 2022 Acura NSX Type S starts at $171,495. Available options include the Lightweight package that cuts the car’s weight by 58 pounds by adding a carbon fiber engine cover, a carbon fiber gauge cluster cover, carbon fiber steering wheel accents, and carbon-ceramic brakes. This package, however, will cost you $13,000. Out of the 350 units being made, 300 of those will be staying in the United States. Only 70 examples will be painted in the Gotham Gray matte-metallic exterior color. Acura hasn’t said if a third-generation NSX is in the works. However, with Honda’s luxury brand going all-in on electrification, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
