Used 2022 Acura NSX

A hybrid supercar comes to an end with the 2022 Acura NSX Type S. The Type S treatment is a recurring theme among Acura’s vehicles. It’s the first — and last — time that this second generation of NSX will receive it.

This final year of production is a limited run of 300 NSX Type S models for the United States (with another 50 going to other parts of the world). It receives a boost in power, a re-tuned transmission, revised all-wheel-drive system, new wheels and tires, standard carbon fiber body parts, a new Gotham Gray matte metallic paint finish, and Type S logos embossed in the headrests.

It takes about 10 to 14 days to make each new NSX at its facility in Marysville, Ohio. Buyers can watch their own car being built by scheduling a tour for the right time.

There are supercars and there are hybrids. But there aren’t that many hybrid supercars. The NSX has been one of the more affordable and accessible examples over the six years of its existence.

Cars like the Porsche 918, McLaren P1, and Ferrari LaFerrari were limited editions, and someone who was a mere millionaire wouldn’t have been able to afford them. But they could probably stretch to about $170k for a new NSX Type S.

Becoming a 2022 NSX Type S means new turbochargers taken from NSX GT3 race cars, raising the boost levels from last year, beefing up the battery, and re-tuning the 9-speed transmission to include a new Rapid Downshift Mode. The drivetrain now develops 600 horsepower and 492 lb-ft of torque. That’s 27 horses and 16 pound-feet more than 2021’s model.

New lightweight wheels have been added, wearing similarly new Pirelli P Zero ultra-high-performance tires. Standard-issue carbon fiber body parts also help keep weight in check. The optional Lightweight package drops curb weight by almost 58 pounds.

As a result of all this, the 2022 NSX Type S can lap the Suzuka circuit 2 seconds faster than the 2021 NSX. That may not sound like much, but it’s a considerable margin. A racing driver would hate to be a couple of seconds behind a rival.

Top speed is 191 mph. Acura says the NSX Type S can run from standstill to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. A Porsche 911 Turbo can do the same sprint in 2.8 seconds (Porsche is probably being conservative with that claim as well). A Corvette, with a deficit of more than 100 horsepower compared with the NSX, can also manage it in 2.8 seconds.

There’s a paradox with the Acura NSX. It has a lot of power and uses electricity to create some of that power. So it seems like it should be an appropriate supercar for this high-tech era. But all the hybrid components add weight, which is the enemy of performance.

Even so, the NSX can take corners at quite astonishing speeds and remain resolutely on its intended line. No understeer (where the nose loses grip) or oversteer (where the tail end wants to be up front).

This car has Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), and it really is super. But it feels as if the car is tracking around the curve thanks to the sheer force of its technology, the way the “brain” reads all the inputs, and distributes power and traction/stability control adjustments to achieve the desired effect. Like grip, downforce and suspension tuning aren’t as important as they would be in a car without all this paraphernalia.

Take things a little gentler and the NSX takes on another character. The standard adaptive suspension can be comfortable and the whole car is easy to drive. It would be a bit of a waste, but if someone wanted to commute in an NSX, they wouldn’t find it much more tiring than a Honda Civic.

This is a driver’s machine, not a limousine, so we won’t complain too much about the somewhat cramped quarters of the 2022 NSX Type S or the dearth of storage space. All the materials are high quality, the seats hug their occupants, and they’re comfortable enough for a long trips — although not necessarily journeys where a lot of luggage is required, the trunk is just big enough for one set of golf clubs.

We will gripe a little about the behind-the-curve infotainment system, though. Newer Acura and Honda models have reverted to using a proper volume knob instead of a slider in the touchscreen, which the NSX has.

As is the case with most mid-engined supercars, seeing out the back can be tricky. The standard parking sensors at both ends are therefore a wonderful inclusion. Thin front pillars also enhance forward vision.

There’s a mid-engined supercar flair to the 2022 NSX Type S, similar to something like a Ferrari or Lamborghini, only more affordable. Affordability being a relative thing in this context.

This year’s model has a carbon fiber roof (it’s available solely as a coupe), plus front, side and rear aerodynamic pieces all made of carbon fiber. A new color is also offered with the 2022 NSX Type S — Gotham Gray, a matte metallic finish. Only 70 of the final 300 new NSX cars in the United States will have this color.

ELS AUDIO SYSTEM
Sometimes an NSX driver just wants to take it easy, or gets stuck in traffic like the rest of us. To make those occasions much more pleasurable, this standard ELS system is an audiophile’s delight.

IT’S AN ACURA SUPERCAR
One of the great things about the 2022 NSX Type S is simply that it exists. It’s a supercar from Acura, not in the least bit temperamental, but still endowed with a lot of power. And arguably stunning looks. It’s a shame this is the last year. But going out on a 600-horsepower high is the way it should be.

Now known as the 2022 NSX Type S, this year’s model adds carbon fiber body parts as standard to an inventory that already includes an adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, new-for-2022 19×8.5 alloy wheels up front and 20×11 alloys at the back, LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down, front/rear parking sensors, garage door opener, GPS-linked dual-zone automatic climate control, semi-aniline leather/simulated suede (Alcantara) upholstery, heated/4-way power-adjustable seats, and ambient cabin lighting.

There aren’t any of what we have now come to accept as the usual driver aids, like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, or blind-spot monitoring.

The infotainment system employs a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, navigation with real-time traffic updates, three USB ports, Bluetooth, and an ELS audio system.

A Lightweight package bundles carbon ceramic brake discs with various carbon fiber parts such as a steering wheel garnish and an engine cover. The carbon ceramic brakes are also available individually.

Other extras include special paint finishes, black wheels, full leather upholstery, and satellite radio.

Every new NSX Type S has a particular form of all-wheel drive. There’s an electric motor for each front wheel, plus a third electric motor and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter gasoline V6 turning the rear wheels.

This year brings a boost in total horsepower from 573 to 600 horsepower, and a hike in maximum torque from to 476 to 492 lb-ft.

The transmission is a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic, with paddle shifters mounted beneath the steering wheel, giving drivers the option of greater involvement whenever the whim arises.

The electric motors run off a lithium-ion battery. Premium gasoline is required for the turbocharged V6.

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 + three electric motors
600 horsepower (total system output)
492 lb-ft of torque (total system output)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/22 mpg