Honda lobs updated NSX
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 27th Aug 2018
HONDA has revealed its new-look NSX hybrid supercar, now available in Thermal Orange, which Australian buyers can order from September 1 for an expected delivery date in early 2019.
Pricing remains unchanged on local NSX models, which carry a $420,000 before on-roads pricetag for standard Berlina Black, Curva Red or 130R White exterior colours.
Opting for the aforementioned Thermal Orange, as well as Source Silver and Casino White, add another $1500 to the asking price, while Nouvelle Blue Pearl and Valencia Red Pearl cost $10,000 extra.
Exterior changes to the model year 2019 NSX remain subtle however, with the updated supercar now sporting a body-coloured front grille garnish in lieu of the outgoing version’s silver, as well as high-gloss finishes to the front and rear bumper meshes.
The carbon-fibre exterior package – consisting of the front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and spoiler – are now also treated in a high-gloss finish.
Inside, the new NSX is now also available with an optional Indigo blue semi-aniline leather and Alcantara trim.
Under the sheet metal though, Honda has tweaked the chassis set-up, tyres and software tuning “to make the NSX even more responsive to the will of the driver, elevating performance driving in all circumstances, from daily driving to the circuit”, according the Japanese car-maker.
To achieve these claims, Honda has fitted larger front and rear stabiliser bars to increase stiffness by 26 and 19 per cent respectively, while the rear toe-link bushings are also 21 per cent firmer and the rear hub rigidity is up six per cent.
Replacing the ContiSportContact 5P tyres, stickier Continental SportContact 6 rubber is fitted to the 19- and 20-inch wheels front and rear, which features a new tread pattern and rubber compound for improved dynamic performance in all weather conditions.
Finally, the power unit, active damper, electric power steering and Vehicle Stability Assist software has been retuned to make the most of the mechanical updates.
The NSX continues to be powered by Honda’s twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine paired to a trio of electric motors for a combined system output of 427kW of power and 646Nm of torque.
Sending drive to all for wheels via a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the mid-engine NSX returns an official combined fuel economy rating of 9.7 litres per 100km, but Honda has yet to reveal an official zero to 100km/h acceleration time.
Standard equipment levels carry over, including LED lighting all round, a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, heated and electric sports seats and nine-speaker sound system.
A four-mode drive select Integrated Dynamics System is also on offer that allows drivers to switch between Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes.
Honda Australia has sold two new NSX vehicles in 2018, bringing the total registered number of its hybrid supercars to five since launching locally in late 2016.
