Italdesign Reimagines the Honda NSX Hybrid – A Modern Tribute to the 1989 Icon
Italdesign Reimagines the Honda NSX Hybrid – A Modern Tribute to the 1989 Icon
Image: Italdesign Reimagines the Honda NSX Hybrid – A Modern Tribute to the 1989 Icon – Performance Comparison and Specifications
When legendary Italian design house Italdesign announced its take on the second‑generation Honda NSX, the automotive world held its breath. Could a contemporary reinterpretation honor the groundbreaking 1989 supercar while still feeling fresh for today’s hybrid‑powered enthusiasts? The answer is a resounding yes. By weaving iconic cues from the original NSX into a sleek, turbo‑petrol‑plus‑electric masterpiece, Italdesign has created a vehicle that feels both nostalgic and forward‑thinking.
Design Philosophy: Merging Past and Future
Designer Cristiano Fracchia summed it up perfectly: “We worked on the musculature of the car to give tension and dynamism, while maintaining the purity and cleanliness of the original lines.” The result is a silhouette that whispers history but shouts performance.
Exterior Homages
Key visual nods include a deck‑like rear spoiler topped with a floating ring brake light, a direct callback to the 1989 model’s subtle rear wing. The spoiler also conceals the indicators and reverse lights, giving the car a clean, uncluttered look. On the roof, a new scoop mirrors the one on the 2005 NSX‑R GT – a homologation special born for the Japan Grand Touring Car Championship.
New Sculptural Details
The front end borrows the sharp‑edged nose of the modern Type S, a special edition that marked the NSX’s final production year. Honda’s badge is finished in a vivid red, echoing the signature colour of the brand’s Type R lineage. Even the headlights feature removable “eyelid” covers that hint at the pop‑up lenses of the 1989 original, letting owners toggle a retro‑futuristic look at the push of a button.
| Dimension | NSX Tribute | Stock Mk2 NSX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,710 mm | 4,710 mm |
| Width | 1,970 mm | 1,970 mm |
| Height | 1,235 mm | 1,235 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1,720 kg | 1,720 kg |
Feature Comparison: NSX Tribute vs. Stock Mk2
| Feature | NSX Tribute | Stock Mk2 NSX | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Spoiler | Deck‑style with floating ring | Standard lip spoiler | Tribute adds integrated brake light |
| Roof Scoop | 2005 NSX‑R inspired | None | Improves cooling for hybrid system |
| Badge Colour | Red Type R finish | Silver | Visual homage to performance models |
| Headlight Eyelids | Removable pop‑up covers | Fixed LED | Optional retro look |
| Interior Upholstery | Custom re‑upholstered per buyer | Standard Alcantara/Leather | Tailored luxury feel |
Powertrain & Engine Specifications
The heart of the NSX Tribute remains the same twin‑turbocharged 3.5‑litre V6 paired with three electric motors, delivering a combined output that rivals the most potent hybrid supercars on the market.
| Specification | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Twin‑turbo V6 | |
| Displacement | 3.5 | litres |
| Electric Motors | 3 (front and rear) | |
| Total Power | 573 | bhp |
| Torque | 476 | lb‑ft |
| 0‑62 mph | 2.9 | seconds |
| Top Speed | ~197 | mph |
| Hybrid System | Sport Hybrid SH-AWD | |
| ADAS Suite | Honda Sensing |
Pricing: What Does the NSX Tribute Cost?
While exact pricing is still under negotiation with Honda, early estimates suggest a premium over the standard Mk2 NSX due to bespoke design work and limited‑edition status.
| Model | Base Price (USD) | Estimated Tribute Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Honda NSX (Standard) | $157,500 | – |
| NSX Type S | $174,000 | – |
| NSX Tribute (Italdesign) | – | $190,000–$210,000 |
| Ferrari 296 GTB | $238,000 | – |
Driving Experience and Technology
Behind the wheel, the NSX Tribute feels like a living museum that can still outrun most modern supercars. The turbo‑petrol V6 delivers a throaty mid‑range surge, while the electric motors provide instantaneous torque fill, creating a seamless power curve. The integrated Honda Sensing ADAS suite – complete with adaptive cruise control, lane‑keep assist, and collision mitigation – ensures that even the most aggressive driving sessions stay safe.
Because the roof scoop improves airflow to the hybrid cooling system, the battery can stay within optimal temperature ranges during track use, preserving performance and longevity. Inside, the cabin remains largely unchanged from the stock Mk2, but buyers can request bespoke upholstery, stitching, and even carbon‑fibre trim to match the exterior’s bespoke nature.
Conclusion
Italdesign’s reinterpretation of the Honda NSX hybrid proves that a modern supercar can honor its heritage without becoming a museum piece. By marrying iconic styling cues – from the floating‑ring brake light to the removable pop‑up eyelids – with today’s cutting‑edge hybrid technology, the NSX Tribute offers a driving experience that is simultaneously nostalgic and exhilarating. For fans of the 1989 original, the Type R badge, or anyone seeking a rare blend of Italian design flair and Japanese engineering excellence, this limited‑edition masterpiece is worth a second look.
For more details, visit the official Italdesign announcement.
FAQ
1. What makes the NSX Tribute different from the standard Mk2 NSX?
The Tribute features a deck‑style rear spoiler with a floating brake light, a roof scoop reminiscent of the 2005 NSX‑R, red‑finished Honda badges, and optional removable pop‑up headlight covers – all while retaining the same hybrid powertrain.
2. Does the NSX Tribute use a different engine?
No. It shares the twin‑turbo 3.5 L V6 and three‑motor hybrid system that produces 573 bhp and 476 lb‑ft of torque.
3. Is the interior altered?
Mechanically the interior stays the same, but buyers can request bespoke re‑upholstery, custom stitching, and carbon‑fibre accents.
4. How does the performance compare to the Ferrari 296 GTB?
Both cars accelerate from 0‑62 mph in under 3 seconds, but the NSX Tribute’s hybrid system emphasizes torque‑vectoring and all‑wheel drive, whereas the 296 GTB relies on rear‑wheel drive.
5. Will the NSX Tribute be available worldwide?
Italdesign plans a limited run, initially targeting Europe, North America, and Japan. Exact distribution details are still pending.
6. Does the car include Honda’s ADAS features?
Yes, the NSX Tribute comes equipped with the full Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, and collision mitigation.
7. Can the pop‑up headlight covers be removed for a cleaner look?
Absolutely. The removable eyelid covers let owners switch between a retro pop‑up style and a sleek LED‑only appearance.
8. What is the expected production volume?
Estimates suggest a run of fewer than 250 units, making it a true collector’s item.
9. How does the roof scoop affect aerodynamics?
The scoop channels air to the hybrid cooling system, reducing under‑hood temperatures and marginally improving rear‑downforce at high speeds.
10. Is there a warranty specific to the Italdesign modifications?
Italdesign works closely with Honda to ensure that all modifications are covered under the standard NSX warranty, with additional bespoke coverage options available for the custom finishes.
