Dubbed the “quickest, most powerful, and best-handling production NSX ever,” the 2022 Acura NSX Type S made its public debut at the 2021 Monterey Car Week. This is the third Type S from Acura, including their recently revealed 2021 TLX Type S.
The luxury automaker has made it to commemorate the final year of second-generation NSX production, and it will be a limited affair. The company planned only 350 units, with 300 bound to be available for US customers.
600 Horsepower and 492 lb.-ft of Torque from Updated Twin-Turbo
| Spec | Metric |
|---|---|
| Engine | Twin-Turbo Aluminum-Alloy 75-Degree V6 |
| System Combined Power (hp) | 600 |
| System Combined Torque (lb-ft) | 492 |
| Maximum Speed | 191 mph |
| 0-60 mph | Under 3.0 seconds |
What makes it the most potent NSX is Acura’s updated twin-turbocharged V6, which gets assistance from three motors and generates a total of 600 horsepower and 492 lb.-ft of torque. This is 27 hp and 16 lb-ft more than the regular NSX.
The engineers installed new turbochargers borrowed from the NSX GT3 Evo racecar, which added a 6 percent rise in boost pressure. They also installed new fuel injectors and an advanced intercooler.
To make the hybrid system more efficient, the team has improved the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU), which increases the battery volume by 20 percent and its output by 10 percent. The gear ratio also reduces from 10.382:1 to 8.050:1.
The engine mates to a 9-speed DCT, delivering 50 percent quicker upshift response, and a retuned torque-vectoring Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system to increase performance.
Improved handling and footwork
| Spec | Metric |
|---|---|
| Wheels, front | 19×8.5J |
| Wheels, rear | 20x11J |
| Brakes, front | 15-inch 2-Piece Floating Cross-Drilled and Ventilated Carbon Ceramic Front Disc Brakes |
| Brakes, rear | 14.2-inch 2-Piece Floating Cross-Drilled and Ventilated Carbon Ceramic Rear Disc Brakes |
| Stabilizer Bar (mm, front/rear) | 26.4 / 24.9 |
| Front Suspension | Aluminum Double-Wishbone with Double Lower Control Arm |
| Rear Suspension | Aluminum Multi-Link |
| Brake Calipers | Brembo 6-Piston Front / 4-Piston Rear Aluminum Monoblock Brake Calipers |
The 2022 Acura Type S uses forged five-spoke wheels with a split design. These enhance track front (+0.4-in.) and rear (+0.8-in.) compared to the standard NSX. The supercar sports custom-made Pirelli P-Zeros, sized 245/35ZR19 at the front and 305/30ZR20 at the rear.
Pirelli employed an asymmetric tread pattern for superb steering accuracy, rear stability, supreme traction in wet and dry environments, and Ultra-High-Performance tread compounds to render exceptional control and braking power for this limited 2-door coupe.
Those seeking even better performance have to pay extra money for the Lightweight Package. It comes with Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Carbon Fiber Engine Cover, and Carbon Fiber interior package, minimizing the curb weight by almost 58 lbs.
NSX Styling to the Next Level
Of course, the powertrain alone can’t do much to make a car faster unless the makers focus on race-inspired aerodynamics. Upgrading the Total Airflow Management, the engineers added a new nose featuring more angular air intakes and a more prominent diffuser at the back to increase the high-speed stability.
The carbon fiber front spoiler has been reshaped to reduce front aerodynamic lift by guiding airflow beneath the supercar. Below, a list of the standout exterior features:
- Jewel Eye LED Headlights
- LED-Illuminated Taillights, Brakelights, Front and Rear Turn Indicators, Reverse Lights, Side Mirror-Integrated Turn Indicators, Rear License Lights, and Center High Mount Stop Light
- Carbon Fiber Roof Panel
- Carbon Fiber Front Spoiler
- Carbon Fiber Side Sills
- Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
- Dark Chrome Exhaust Finisher
- Carbon Fiber Rear Decklid Spoiler
- Flush Automatic Power Door Handles
- Acoustic Windshield
- Acoustic Rear Cabin Window
- Remote-Operated Windows
- Rear Bumper-Integrated Reflectors
- Capless Fuel Fill
The development team managed the engine’s cooling through a more prominent front grille opening, directing extra air to the radiators. Additionally, the Type S has four additional spaces, two on every side, that direct air to a sub-radiator at the back of every curve of the front bumper.
Based on the NSX GT3 Evo racecar, the carbon fiber diffuser helps the air leave the car’s rear. Modeled to let faster airflow via the center part, the diffuser makes downforce. Extra fins assist in avoiding wake effects from the rubber during cornering, minimizing the downforce in serious cornering operations. The diffuser’s shape also moves the adverse pressure peak position to the back, aiding in making a stable downforce outcome. Customers willing to spend $169,500 can order the 2022 Acura NSX Type S today. With the Lightweight Package, the price jumps to $182,500.
