Sports Compact Stalwart Upgraded for 2019
The 2019 Acura NSX made its debut this week at Monterey Car Week. The car features new design cues, exterior and interior color combinations, and chassis upgrades that enhance vehicle dynamics.
Dynamics Enhancements
For the 2019 model, engineers modified chassis components, tires and software tuning to make NSX more responsive to the will of the driver, elevating performance driving in all circumstances, from daily driving to the circuit, according to Acura. At the limit, the NSX’s balance, playfulness and controllability has improved, allowing the driver to more precisely modulate understeer and oversteer with subtle throttle inputs. The changes resulted in a nearly 2-second faster lap time in testing around the world famous Suzuka Circuit.
Chassis enhancements include larger front and rear stabilizer bars (increasing stiffness by 26 percent in front, 19 percent at the rear) and 21-percent stiffer rear toe link bushings. Rear hub rigidity has increased 6 percent. 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 (replacing Continental ContiSportContact 5P) 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 track-focused Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R remains an optional dealer-installed tire.
Electrifying Sport Hybrid
The 2019 NSX is powered by a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit consisting of a twin-turbocharged mid-‘mounted V-6 engine paired with a nine-speed dual clutch transmission (9DCT).
An electric Direct Drive Motor integrated with the engine and 9DCT supplements the engine with instantaneous electric torque. Containing two additional electric motors, the front-mounted Twin Motor Unit (TMU) continuously varies torque-both positive and negative-to the left and right front wheels to enhance handling precision and cornering capabilities, elevating any driver’s confidence and performance. Maximum peak system output is 573 horsepower and 476 lb.-ft. of torque.
The NSX’s Integrated Dynamics System-with Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes-provides for a wider range of driving experiences than conventional supercars, according to Acura. The NSX features an advanced, 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 outstanding collision safety performance.
Design Updates, More Colors
New for 2019, a striking Thermal Orange Pearl premium paint option continues the tradition of NSX color names inspired by motorsports venues and iconic corners, and pays homage to 30 years of Acura motorsports vehicles with orange accented liveries. Joining the Thermal Orange Pearl exterior, optional carbon ceramic metallic (CCM) brakes can now be fitted with orange calipers. Also new for 2019, the standard iron brakes can now be fitted with red calipers.
All 2019 NSX models are distinguished by a new body-color 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, the 2019 NSX color palette is expanded with the addition of 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 (four-way), previously an 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.
