Honda (Acura) NSX Type S - 2022

Acura's 600-HP Swan Song: The 2022 NSX Type S

The 2022 Acura NSX Type S is more than just the final model year of a supercar; it is the definitive statement for a machine that pioneered hybrid performance in its class. Conceived as a grand finale, this hand-built variant was strictly limited to 350 units worldwide—300 for the U.S., 30 for Japan, and 15 for Canada—instantly cementing its status as a collector's item. While the second-generation NSX was a technological marvel upon its 2017 debut, it often faced criticism for a perceived lack of visceral engagement. The Type S was Acura's emphatic response, a focused and ferocious evolution engineered to perfect the car's formula and redefine its legacy as the most powerful and quickest road-going Acura ever produced.

At the heart of the Type S is a sophisticated hybrid powertrain, meticulously enhanced to produce a combined 600 horsepower and 492 lb-ft of torque. The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 was significantly uprated, borrowing hardware directly from the NSX GT3 Evo race car. New turbochargers increase boost pressure by 6%, while more efficient intercoolers and higher-flow fuel injectors manage the additional power and heat. The electric side of the powertrain was also optimized. While the three electric motors remain, software updates unlocked 20% more usable battery capacity and 10% higher output. To improve launch performance, the gear ratio for the front-axle Twin Motor Unit was lowered by 20%, delivering more immediate off-the-line torque. This power is channeled through a retuned 9-speed dual-clutch transmission with 50% faster upshifts and a new "Rapid Downshift Mode," allowing the driver to instantly select the lowest possible gear. The result is blistering acceleration, with a 0–60 mph time of around 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph.

To translate this enhanced power into faster lap times, Acura implemented a comprehensive suite of chassis and aerodynamic upgrades. The car's stance was widened with an increased track width, providing greater stability. This is complemented by new forged aluminum wheels and bespoke Pirelli P-Zero tires that offer 6% more grip. The aggressive new bodywork is driven by function; a redesigned front fascia improves cooling, while a prominent, GT3-inspired carbon fiber rear diffuser generates significant downforce to keep the car planted at speed. The active magnetorheological dampers were also retuned to work in harmony with the stickier tires and new aerodynamics.

This duality defines the driving experience. In its quieter modes, the NSX Type S is a comfortable and compliant "everyday supercar," capable of silent, electric-only driving for short distances. However, in Sport+ and Track modes, it transforms into a formidable performance machine, delivering what reviewers describe as "instant and overwhelming" torque. On track, its steering is lauded as perfectly sharp and its suspension remarkably composed. The primary point of contention remains the interior, which, while well-built, features an outdated infotainment system shared with less expensive Honda models, detracting from the bespoke feel expected at its price point.

In the competitive supercar landscape, the NSX Type S occupies a unique niche. It faces formidable rivals like the Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R Nismo, and the Chevrolet Corvette. While some competitors may surpass it in straight-line speed or offer better value, the NSX's blend of advanced hybrid technology, all-wheel-drive grip, and daily usability sets it apart. Its true trump card, however, is its rarity. With an MSRP starting at $169,500, the entire allocation sold out almost immediately, and cars quickly began trading on the secondary market for significant premiums. The very first production model sold for $1.1 million at a charity auction, and subsequent sales have consistently exceeded the original sticker price, fueling comparisons to the Lexus LFA's journey from an underappreciated marvel to a blue-chip collectible.

Ultimately, the 2022 Acura NSX Type S is a car of fascinating contradictions. It is a flawed pioneer whose full potential was only realized at the end of its life, but it is also an underrated masterpiece of engineering. It stands as a compelling bridge between the analog past and the electrified future of supercars—a rare, significant, and thrilling machine whose importance and desirability are destined to grow with time.