NSX production comes to an end

The NSX’s story has once again come to an end. Acura announced that the final NSX, a Type S model, was completed earlier this month. Like all the outgoing NSXs, it was assembled at the company’s Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. The Gotham Gray example was badged #350 of 350 and marks the end of the hybrid-electric supercar’s production run, which began in 2016.

Acura’s second iteration of their fabled Ferrari-fighter was always a bit misunderstood. It neither satisfied the fans of the first iteration due to its larger dimensions, heaver curb weight, and more complicated powertrain, nor was its personality distinct enough to stand fully out of the shadow of its predecessor.

The original NSX was always going to be a tough act to follow. It established Honda as a true competitor to established sportscar makers and became in icon thanks to input from the great Ayrton Senna. The NSX won fans around the world thanks to its high-revving VTEC V6 and telepathic handling which allowed it to punch above its weight class despite never having more than 290 hp on tap.

The second generation of the NSX was heavier and more complicated than the original. It featured a turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain with two electric motors, which helped develop 573 hp. Though the new car was certainly more powerful than the original, its nearly 4,000 lb. curb weight and complex powertrain with no manual transmission option was a major departure from the original, leaving purists underwhelmed.

Undeterred, Acura continued to improve the second generation NSX throughout its production run, culminating in the Type S model. Only 350 examples of the Type S were produced, making it one of the rarest NSX models ever made. The NSX Type S received a power bump to 602 hp courtesy of a pair of turbochargers lifted from the NSX GT3, as well as bigger fuel injectors and intercoolers. The nine-speed dual-clutch transmission also received new programming resulting in upshifts that were 50% faster.

The Type S also received aero enhancements to improve downforce and cooling, such as a carbon-fiber rear diffuser, as well as forged wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero semi-slick tires. An optional Lightweight Package was also available, which shaved 58 lbs. from the Type S’s curb weight thanks to carbon ceramic brakes, a carbon fiber engine cover and carbon fiber interior trim. These upgrades meant that the NSX could hit 60 mph in under three seconds and lap the Suzuka Circuit in Japan a full two seconds faster than the standard model.

Though the second NSX may have been a major departure from the original, it was still an impressive machine that proved Honda can build one of the world’s best sports cars.