The Acura NSX is getting a new moment in the spotlight, but not in the way most revivals happen. Italdesign has unveiled an ultra-limited NSX Tribute that reworks the second-generation supercar.
It is officially recognized by Honda, it is not a concept car, and it is not a mass production model. This project sits somewhere far more exclusive.
Italdesign Reimagines The Acura NSX
The Honda NSX Tribute by Italdesign is best described as a coachbuilt reinterpretation of the modern NSX. Italdesign is a well-known Italian design and engineering company that works behind the scenes for automakers, handling everything from styling to prototyping and low-volume production.
In this case, the company is applying that full skill set to one of Japan’s most important performance cars.
The project is officially endorsed by Honda and is rooted in the legacy of the original 1990s NSX. Italdesign focused on reshaping the exterior to bring back the spirit of the first-generation car while using the second-generation NSX as its foundation.
Cristiano Fracchia, Italdesign’s Senior Exterior Designer, said, “We worked on the musculature of the car to give tension and dynamism, while maintaining the purity and cleanliness of the original lines,” highlighting the balance between modern design and classic NSX DNA.
This is not a mass-produced car. Italdesign has confirmed plans for an ultra-limited run, with reports pointing to just 10 to 15 units.
The front end features a more aggressive bumper design and slim headlights set into a gloss black surround. Narrow eyelid-style lighting elements reference the pop-up headlights of the original NSX without directly copying them.
Along the sides, the body gains deeper skirts and more pronounced surfaces that give the car a wider and more muscular stance. Floating elements around the C-pillar add visual tension and help manage airflow.
At the rear, the design leans heavily into heritage. The taillights emerge from a blacked-out panel, and the rear wing is a modern interpretation of the original NSX spoiler from the 1990s.
A roof-mounted air intake recalls the rare NSX-R GT, while the rear diffuser is shaped for both function and visual drama.
Inside, the changes are more subtle but still meaningful. The car is reworked the interior theme to feel more focused on the driver, with design cues inspired by motorsport and Formula 1.
There are also quiet nods to Ayrton Senna, including specific markings and details that are meant for fans who know the NSX story and its connection to the legendary driver who once owned the car.
“The insertion of elements running from the dashboard to the vents, defining the link with the door panel, creates sophisticated components inspired by Formula 1 single-seaters,” said Alessando Trombin, Senior Interior Designer.
The tribute cars are expected to be built as conversions, meaning owners would supply an existing second-generation NSX to be transformed by Italdesign.
All known examples are planned as right-hand-drive models, reinforcing the project’s close ties to Japan.
Under The Hood of The NSX Tribute
There are no confirmed mechanical or performance changes for the NSX Tribute. Based on all available information, the car is expected to retain the same drivetrain and core hardware as the second-generation Acura NSX.
That means the familiar hybrid setup should remain in place. The NSX uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 paired with three electric motors, sending power through a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system.
In Type S form, the NSX produces up to 600 horsepower and 492 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of around three seconds and a top speed of 191 mph.
Standard features include multiple driving modes, active torque vectoring, carbon fiber aerodynamic components, and a driver-focused interior with modern infotainment.
Since Italdesign has positioned this project as an aesthetic and philosophical tribute rather than a technical overhaul, all signs point to these specifications carrying over unchanged.
A Celebration of NSX Heritage
The Honda NSX Tribute is not trying to rewrite the NSX formula. Instead, it celebrates what made the car special in the first place and filters that identity through modern design and craftsmanship.
With official Honda recognition and extremely limited production, it stands closer to traditional Italian coachbuilding than to aftermarket modification.
As it continues its tour from Japan to Milan Design Week, the NSX Tribute serves as both a design statement and a reminder of the NSX’s lasting influence.
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