Overview: A Refined Edge for the 2019 Acura NSX
The 2019 Acura Nsx marks an evolution in the journey of this groundbreaking supercar, building upon its legacy of innovation and performance. Available for order starting August 2018, the 2019 NSX arrives with enhanced design elements, a refreshed color palette, and significant chassis upgrades designed to amplify the driving experience in every scenario, from city streets to demanding racetracks.
These refinements aren’t just cosmetic; they represent a concerted effort to make the NSX even more responsive and driver-focused. The result of these enhancements is a machine that not only looks sharper but also delivers a demonstrably improved performance, evidenced by a nearly 2-second reduction in lap time at the legendary Suzuka Circuit. This leap in performance underscores Acura’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a supercar can be, blending cutting-edge technology with visceral driving pleasure.
What’s New in the 2019 Acura NSX?
The 2019 Acura NSX boasts a range of updates, meticulously engineered to enhance both its visual appeal and dynamic capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
- Striking New Color Options: The introduction of Thermal Orange Pearl exterior paint, a vibrant hue that pays homage to Acura’s 30-year motorsports heritage and iconic race tracks, alongside new interior color schemes in Indigo blue with black Alcantara and full Red leather.
- Enhanced Exterior Aesthetics: Gloss black finish replaces matte-black on exterior trim elements, providing a more premium and aggressive stance. The front grille garnish now matches the body color, creating a more cohesive and streamlined front fascia. For those seeking an even bolder look, the Carbon Fiber Exterior Sports Package now features a gloss carbon finish.
- Upgraded Interior Comfort and Technology: Semi-aniline leather and Alcantara power sport seats are now standard, elevating the cabin’s luxury and comfort. The Technology Package, including ELS Studio Audio, Navigation, and Proximity Sensors, also becomes standard, adding significant value and convenience.
- Chassis Dynamics Revolution: The 2019 NSX benefits from substantial chassis improvements, including stiffer stabilizer bars, a more rigid rear toe-link bushing, and increased rear hub rigidity. These hardware changes are complemented by revised software tuning for the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, EPS, and MR Dampers systems, working in harmony with new Continental SportContact 6 tires to deliver superior handling and responsiveness.
Key Enhancements at a Glance:
- Exterior Color: New Thermal Orange Pearl option.
- Interior Options: New Indigo blue with black Alcantara and full Red leather options.
- Exterior Trim: Gloss black finish (previously matte-black).
- Front Grille: Body color garnish (previously silver).
- Carbon Fiber Package: Gloss carbon finish for Carbon Fiber Exterior Sports Package.
- Standard Technology: Technology Package now standard.
- Standard Seating: Semi-aniline leather and Alcantara power sport seats, now standard.
- Chassis Upgrades: Stiffer stabilizer bars, rear toe-link bushing, and rear hub.
- Software Tuning: Revised software for SH-AWD, EPS, MR Dampers, and more.
- Tires: Continental SportContact 6 Tire (replaces Conti SportContact 5P).
Design Refinements and Expanded Color Palette
The 2019 Acura NSX makes a bold statement with its updated design cues and the introduction of the striking Thermal Orange Pearl paint option. This new signature color not only adds vibrancy but also strengthens the connection to Acura’s racing heritage, reminiscent of the orange accents seen on Acura motorsports vehicles for three decades. Complementing the new exterior hue, orange calipers are now available for the optional carbon ceramic metallic (CCM) brakes, while red calipers become a new option for the standard iron brakes, allowing for greater personalization.
Visually distinguishing the 2019 models, a body-color front grille garnish replaces the previous silver, seamlessly integrating with the car’s overall color scheme. High-gloss black treatments are applied to the front grille surround, front air intake mesh, and rear bumper outlet mesh, enhancing the premium feel. This high-gloss finish extends to the optional Carbon Fiber Decklid Spoiler and Carbon Fiber Exterior Package, which includes the front chin spoiler, side sill garnish, and rear diffuser, creating a more dramatic and cohesive carbon fiber aesthetic.
Inside the cabin, the 2019 Acura NSX offers an enriched color experience with the new optional Indigo blue Semi-aniline leather and Alcantara theme. For those preferring full leather, the semi-aniline power sport seats are now available in Red, in addition to Ebony. The previously optional power sport seats are now standard, while lightweight manually adjustable sport seats, upholstered in Black Milano leather and Alcantara, remain a no-cost alternative. Further enhancing the standard equipment, Satellite-Linked Navigation, ELS Studio® premium audio, front and rear proximity sensors, and aluminum sport pedals are now included without additional cost, making the 2019 NSX a more comprehensively equipped supercar.
Dynamics Elevated: Performance-Driven Enhancements
The core engineering focus for the 2019 Acura NSX was to amplify the connection between driver and machine. Engineers meticulously refined chassis components, tire technology, and software tuning to create an NSX that responds even more intuitively to driver inputs. These enhancements are not just incremental tweaks; they represent a significant step forward in delivering a more engaging and rewarding driving experience across the spectrum of driving conditions, from daily commutes to spirited track sessions.
At the limit, the 2019 NSX exhibits improved balance, enhanced playfulness, and increased controllability. Drivers will find it easier to modulate understeer and oversteer with subtle throttle adjustments, fostering a deeper sense of confidence and control. These dynamic improvements culminated in a remarkable near 2-second faster lap time during testing at the globally renowned Suzuka Circuit, a testament to the effectiveness of the engineering changes.
The chassis upgrades are comprehensive, featuring larger front and rear stabilizer bars, increasing stiffness by 26 percent at the front and 19 percent at the rear, and 21 percent stiffer rear toe link bushings. Rear hub rigidity is also enhanced by 6 percent. Software calibrations for the NSX’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® power unit, active magnetorheological dampers, electric power steering, and VSA settings are precisely tuned to capitalize on these hardware improvements and the new, higher-grip tire setup.
The 2019 Acura NSX is equipped with bespoke Continental SportContact™ 6 tires, specifically developed for this model. Replacing the Continental ContiSportContact™ 5P, these new tires feature an optimized tread pattern, construction, and rubber compound, resulting in enhanced handling performance across all conditions, including wet weather and track environments. For track enthusiasts, the Pirelli P Zero™ Trofeo R remains available as an optional dealer-installed tire, offering an even more focused track performance.
Pricing and Feature Evolution
Reflecting the added standard features and performance enhancements, the 2019 Acura NSX sees a modest price adjustment, starting at $157,500. This price includes $4,700 worth of previously optional content now integrated as standard, representing exceptional value for the enhanced supercar experience.
| MSRPii | Change from 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura NSX Pricing (excluding $1,800 destination charge) | $157,500 | +$1,500 |
| Exterior | Paint | |
| Standard Colors (three available) | Std | Std |
| Eliminate Nord Gray | ||
| Premium Colors (three available) | $700 | Add Thermal Orange Pearl |
| Andaro Colors (two available) | $6,000 | |
| Wheels | Signature Y-Spoke | Std |
| Exclusive Interwoven | $1,500 | |
| Tires | Continental SportContact™ 6 | Std |
| Pirelli Trofeo R | $1,500 | |
| Brakes | Iron Rotors w/ Black Calipers | Std |
| Iron Rotors w/ Red Calipers | $700 | |
| Carbon Ceramic w/ Black Calipers | $9,900 | |
| Carbon Ceramic w/ Silver, Red, or Orange Calipers | $10,600 | |
| Black Aluminum Roof | Std | |
| Gloss Carbon Fiber Roof | $6,000 | |
| Gloss Carbon Fiber Decklid Spoiler | $3,000 | Gloss carbon replaces matte |
| Gloss Carbon Fiber Exterior Sport Package | $12,600 | Gloss carbon replaces matte; now includes carbon fiber engine cover |
| Interior | Seating | |
| Semi-Aniline Leather w/Alcantara Sport Seats, 4-Way Power Adjustable | Std | Previously $1,500 option; adds Indigo blue option |
| Lightweight Manual Sport Seats | No Cost Option | Previously standard |
| Semi-Aniline Full Leather Sport Seats, 4-way Power Adjustable | $1,000 | Previously $2,500 option; adds full red option |
| Technology Pacakge (ELS Studio Audio, Navigation, Proximity Sensors) | Std | Previously $2,800 option |
| Aluminum Sport Pedals | Std | Previously included with Carbon Fiber Interior Sport Package ($2,900) |
| Carbon Fiber Interior Sport Package | $3,800 | Adds Black Alcantara Headliner, previously a $1,300 option |
A Lineage of Innovation: The NSX Heritage
The Acura NSX has consistently represented the pinnacle of automotive innovation, beginning with the original NSX over 25 years ago. It redefined the sports car landscape by merging exotic car performance and styling with unprecedented levels of quality, ergonomic design, and dynamic poise. The original NSX introduced Acura’s philosophy of “Precision Crafted Performance,” showcasing cutting-edge design and innovative technology to deliver exotic car thrills to everyday drivers.
“From the beginning, Acura has always been about performance,” said Acura NSX Global Development Leader Ted Klaus. “Not only speed or power, but elegantly designed and engineered products that stir the soul and harness innovative technology on a foundation of industry-leading quality and reliability.”
The original NSX challenged conventional exotic car norms by utilizing advanced technologies like a lightweight, rigid all-aluminum unibody and chassis, coupled with a mid-mounted, transverse V6 engine. Its high-revving V6 engine was a showcase of automotive ingenuity, incorporating forged pistons, titanium connecting rods, and a VTEC valvetrain.
First-generation Acura NSX
The first-generation NSX prioritized an intimate connection between car, driver, and road, achieved through:
- Low vehicle mass and high power-to-weight ratio
- Rigid body and performance-focused chassis
- Exceptional visibility and ergonomics
- Accessible performance
This approach shifted the paradigm of what an exotic car could be, emphasizing usability and reliability alongside exhilarating performance. Crucially, the first-generation NSX embodied Acura’s commitment to quality, durability, and everyday reliability without compromising its high-performance nature—a rare combination in exotic sports cars of its era.
The Next Generation: Reimagining the Supercar
The second-generation Acura NSX, introduced in 2016, honors the foundational principles of its predecessor while forging a revolutionary path for Acura supercar performance. It blends timeless sports car values with next-generation technologies to create a “New Sports eXperience.” Just as Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance DNA guided the original NSX, it continues to shape every facet of this new generation.
Rooted in the “man-machine synergy” philosophy, the new NSX is designed as a driver-centric supercar, where every component is engineered to complement and enhance the driver’s capabilities.
At the forefront of its innovations is the Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD), a pioneering technology in the supercar realm. This cutting-edge electrified expression of Acura Super Handling performance, combined with advanced vehicle design—including sophisticated body construction, component packaging, and aerodynamic optimization—results in a supercar that faithfully translates driver inputs with incredible precision and instantaneous response. This synergy amplifies the capabilities of drivers of all skill levels, elevating the dynamic experience in every driving situation—qualities that define the New Sports eXperience.
The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system leverages electric motors to enhance acceleration, braking, and cornering. With electrically-powered torque vectoring from the front-mounted Twin Motor Unit, the NSX elevates Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive to new heights. It dynamically and continuously distributes electric motor torque to enhance handling precision and cornering prowess in all driving scenarios.
The revolutionary NSX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit and its advanced dynamic capabilities are underpinned by groundbreaking supercar design and body construction concepts. The NSX multi-material space frame is a clean-sheet design, utilizing a spectrum of advanced materials and joining technologies, each chosen for its ability to deliver ultimate body rigidity, low mass, exceptional visibility, and world-class occupant crash performance. This space frame incorporates several world-first technologies, including three-dimensionally bent and quenched (3DQ) ultra‑high-strength steel A-pillars and ablation cast aluminum frame nodes.
Similarly, the design and packaging of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit components—engine, transmission, motors, batteries, and control systems—are meticulously optimized to support and enhance its dynamic capabilities. This optimization is achieved by lowering the center of gravity (CG) and centralizing mass within the car, contributing to the NSX’s exceptional handling and responsiveness.
| General Dimensions, Capacities and Weight |
|---|
| Wheelbase |
| Length |
| Height |
| Width |
| Track (front/rear) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity |
| Curb Weight (without options) |
| Weight Distribution (front/rear without options) |
Sport Hybrid Super Handling-AWD Power Unit: Electrifying Performance
The next-generation Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit in the 2019 Acura NSX is a masterpiece of engineering, comprising an all-new twin-turbocharged mid‑mounted V6 engine paired with an innovative 9-speed dual-clutch transmission (9DCT) and a Direct Drive Motor. This motor supplements the engine with instant torque response and acts as a generator, maintaining the charge of the hybrid batteries to ensure consistent power delivery.
Complementing the rear power unit is the revolutionary front-mounted Twin Motor Unit (TMU). This unit houses two electric motors that independently drive the left and right front wheels, providing “active AWD.” The TMU enhances forward acceleration and continuously modulates torque—both positive and negative—to the front wheels, creating a “direct yaw control” effect. This results in enhanced agility, stability, responsiveness, and cornering performance at any speed, whether on or off-throttle. The TMU also provides regenerative braking force, contributing to braking performance and recharging the hybrid battery.
By harnessing the immediate and precise torque response of the power unit’s three electric motors, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system elevates driver confidence and performance, extracting more capability than would be achievable without it.
| Power Unit Specification Overview |
|---|
| Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Power Unit |
| Maximum Total System Power |
| Maximum Total System Torque |
| Engine |
| Type |
| Layout |
| Displacement |
| Horsepower – SAE Net |
| Torque |
| Direct Drive Motor |
| Type |
| Layout |
| Horsepower @ rpm |
| Torque @ rpm |
| Transmission and Rear Axle |
| Type |
| Differential |
| Twin Motor Unit (TMU) |
| Type |
| Layout |
| Horsepower @ rpm |
| Torque @ rpm |
Multi-Material Space Frame and Body Panels: A Structural Revolution
Mirroring the original Acura NSX, the world’s first all-aluminum exotic car, the 2019 Acura NSX features a cutting-edge structure. Its multi-material space frame utilizes advanced materials and construction methods to achieve unparalleled dynamic rigidity, exceptional outward visibility, and world-class collision performance. Employing a space-frame design, the new NSX is primarily constructed from lightweight aluminum, with strategic applications of steel and carbon fiber in specific areas.
- Unmatched Dynamic Torsional Rigidity: The NSX delivers immediate response to driver cornering inputs, ensuring direct transmission to the chassis and maintaining a seamless connection between front and rear axles. This fidelity communicates both driver actions and road surface changes with utmost clarity.
- Ultra-High Local Chassis Rigidity: Each chassis component is mounted to a rigid casting supported by extruded aluminum frame members, acting as “truss structures” to guarantee high local attachment-area stiffness in all directions. This maintains the precisely-engineered chassis geometry at all times.
- World’s First Ablation Casting Technology: Pioneering automotive application of ablation casting technology for frame nodes at the front and rear, serving as ultra-rigid suspension mounting points. In crush zones, these nodes link frame sections and uniquely deform, similar to forged components but with reduced weight, enabling shorter overhangs, reduced mass, and world-class collision performance.
- Slender Yet Strong A-Pillars: Another world-first, utilizing three-dimensional bent and quenched (3DQ) frame members for thin yet robust A-pillars. This ultra-high-strength material maximizes forward visibility while meeting stringent structural demands, including roof-crush requirements.
Other innovative construction and manufacturing techniques include the world’s first all-robotic MIG welding of the space frame, ensuring uniform and precise joining of aluminum components.
NSX multi-material space frame
Similar to the space frame, NSX designers employed a variety of lightweight materials for the exterior body panels, optimizing each for its specific function. Sheet hydro-formed aluminum is used for door panels, aluminum stampings for the hood and roof (with an optional carbon fiber roof), sheet molding compound (SMC) for fenders and trunk lid, and high-temperature-resistant ABS plastic near the engine. This material strategy achieves desired panel rigidity, low weight, pedestrian safety, aesthetic design, and exceptional surface finish.
| Multi-Material Space Frame and Body Panels |
|---|
| Space Frame Construction |
| Ablation Cast Aluminum Nodes |
| A-Pillar Structure |
| Body Panels |
