Italdesign, a company known for white-label designs and collaborations with automakers, has revealed a tribute version of the Acura/Honda NSX. The vehicle, essentially a substantial refresh of the second-generation NSX, is endorsed by Honda.
NSX Model History
The Honda NSX, known as the Acura NSX in the USA, is a mid-engine supercar that has had two generations. The first generation, produced from 1990 to 2005, featured a distinctive wedge-shaped design and sold approximately 19,000 units. A fixed-light refresh occurred during the early 2000s. The second generation was launched in 2016 and produced until 2022. This Ohio-built hybrid supercar had a limited production run of around 3,000 units, making it considerably rarer than its predecessor.
The Italdesign NSX Tribute
The Honda NSX Tribute by Italdesign represents a fourth unofficial body style for the car. The project is primarily a showcase of Italdesign's capabilities rather than a broadly marketed product. Initial images distributed are renderings, and an animated video featuring the car has been released, including a reference to F1 driver Ayrton Senna.
Production and Pricing
Italdesign describes the NSX Tribute as a "few-off project" with "ultra-limited series production," indicating an intention to deliver at least two units, which will be right-hand drive only. Specific details regarding ordering, such as whether customers would need to provide an existing NSX or if Italdesign plans to rebuild cars on spec, have not been released. Based on the pricing of the 2018 Nissan GT-R50 Italdesign, the cost for an Italdesign NSX is estimated to exceed $1,000,000.
Design Philosophy
Italdesign representatives provided commentary on the design. Joaquin Garcia, Head of Design, stated the tribute merges memory and innovation, advanced technology, and artisanal excellence while preserving the original racing DNA and adding contemporary styling. Senior Exterior Designer Cristiano Fracchia noted the focus on the car's "musculature" for tension and dynamism, reintroducing the low proportions of the original, with specific attention to headlamp clusters, a glossy black fairing, and a roof air intake referencing the NSX-R GT. Gaspare Conticelli, Senior Exterior Designer, highlighted the rear's floating ring, which serves as a continuous, suspended visual element, and rear light clusters emerging individually from a black background. Alessandro Trombin, Senior Interior Designer, mentioned the interior inspiration from the first generation's double cockpit, reinterpreted with modern elements that embrace the driver and passenger.
Public Display
Italdesign is scheduled to exhibit at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, held from January 9–11, 2026, in North Hall 11, Booth 1102. The NSX Tribute is part of a broader brand promotion campaign.