Acura is at Pebble Beach for Monterey Car Week to unveil its 2019 Acura NSX. Here are images and details on the sports model. Keep in mind that these apply to the U.S. model, but we expect no significant differences, if any, with the model that will be offered to Canadian consumers. The 2019 NSX will be available for delivery as of October 2018.
What’s new
New for 2019, a striking Thermal Orange Pearl premium paint option, paying tribute to 30 years of Acura motorsports vehicles with orange-accented liveries. In addition, optional carbon ceramic metallic brakes can now be fitted with orange calipers. For their part, the standard iron brakes can now be fitted with red calipers.
All 2019 NSX trims receive a new body-colour front grille garnish (previously silver) and high-gloss treatments for the front grille surround, front air intake mesh and rear bumper outlet mesh. High-gloss treatment is also applied to the available Carbon Fiber Decklid Spoiler and Carbon Fiber Exterior Package – including a front chin spoiler, side sill garnish and rear diffuser.
Inside the cockpit, Acura has added an optional Indigo blue semi-aniline leather and Alcantara theme. The available semi-aniline full leather (non-Alcantara) power sport seats can now be optioned in Red in addition to Ebony. Power sport seats (4-way), previously a $1,500 option, are now standard equipment. Lightweight manually adjustable sport seats, wrapped in Black Milano leather and Alcantara, remain an available no-cost option.
Satellite-Linked Navigation, ELS Studio premium audio, front and rear proximity sensors and aluminum sport pedals, previously optional equipment, are now standard.
The changes go beyond the esthetic. The 2019 NSX gets modified chassis components, tires and software tuning for enhanced performance in all conditions, meaning on the road and on the track. Acura is promising these changes will bring improved balance, playfulness and controllability, so that the driver can modulate understeer and oversteer with small throttle inputs.
Among the chassis enhancements are larger front and rear stabilizer bars (increasing stiffness by 26% in front and 19% in back) and 21% stiffer rear-toe-link bushings, while rear hub rigidity has increased 6%. Software calibrations to the NSX's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit, active magnetorheological dampers, electric power steering and VSA settings capitalize on this new hardware, as well as the grippier tire setup.
The 2019 NSX rides on new Continental SportContact 6 tires, developed exclusively for the NSX. The new tires feature a revised tread pattern, construction and rubber compound for improved handling performance in all conditions—from daily commuting to track use—including wet weather driving.
The powertrain
The 2019 Acura NSX is propelled by a mid-mounted twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission and Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, with maximum output of 573 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. An electric Direct Drive Motor integrated with the engine/transmission provides instantaneous electric torque.
Containing two additional electric motors, the front-mounted Twin Motor Unit continuously varies torque—both positive and negative—to the left and right front wheels to enhance handling precision and cornering capabilities.
The NSX's Integrated Dynamics System, which includes Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track drive modes—provides for a wider range of driving experiences than conventional supercars. The NSX features a multi-material body and aluminum-intensive space frame with the world's first application of aluminum ablation casting in the space frame structure, enabling ultra-high rigidity, compact packaging and improved collision-safety performance.
If you’re ready to get out your chequebook to get a 2019 Acura NSX, best make sure your account has enough to cover it: Acura is pricing it starting at $157,000 USD, which is $1,500 more than the 2018 edition. $4,700 of previously optional equipment is now offered standard, which may soften the blow a little bit. You want have to pay any extra to get 4-way power sport seats, Satellite-Linked Navigation, ELS Studio premium audio, proximity sensors and aluminum sport pedals.