The Honda NSX Tribute by Italdesign: A Bold New Chapter for a Classic Supercar
Italdesign has made waves in the automotive industry, primarily as a behind-the-scenes innovator that develops white-label designs for various brands. However, this legendary design studio also collaborates with automakers on unique projects. Their latest venture? A striking new version of the Acura (Honda) NSX, showcasing an impressive refresh of the second-generation model.
The Return of the NSX: A Brief History
The Honda NSX, known as the Acura NSX in the U.S., began its legacy as a mid-engine supercar with two distinct generations and three iconic designs. The first generation debuted in the 1990s, marked by its wedge shape and flip-up headlights, famously driven by Formula 1 star Ayrton Senna. After a long hiatus, the second-generation NSX arrived in 2016, receiving accolades for its hybrid performance but limited production numbers—only around 3,000 units were made compared to nearly 19,000 first-gen models.
Introducing the Honda NSX Tribute
The Honda NSX Tribute by Italdesign introduces a semi-official fourth body style for this legendary car, endorsed by Honda. While it’s unclear how many of these models will hit the roads, the Tribute serves more as a showcase of Italdesign’s design capabilities rather than a mass-market product, with impressive visuals circulating online as rendered images.
Highlighted Features and Design Inspiration
Joaquin Garcia, Head of Design at Italdesign, describes the Tribute as a fusion of memory and innovation, blending original racing DNA with modern styling. The design ethos includes a focus on aerodynamic efficiency, enhancing performance while maintaining the car’s aesthetic appeal. Key modifications include a sleek silhouette with a low hood, prominent headlamp clusters, and advanced aerodynamic appendages to maximize performance.
Interior Design and Technological Advances
The interior of the Tribute takes inspiration from the double cockpit design of the first NSX, reimagined for modern sensibilities. Elemental connections from the dashboard to door panels evoke the sophistication of Formula 1 racing interiors, enhancing the overall driving experience while emphasizing driver comfort and control.
The Market and Availability
Italdesign positions the NSX Tribute as a “few-off project” with limited production, promising at least two units that will be right-hand drive only. While pricing details remain undisclosed, prospective buyers can expect costs exceeding $1,000,000 based on previous Italdesign projects. The ordering process is still ambiguous, as Italdesign lacks tuner capabilities and may not have distribution through traditional Acura dealerships.
Showcasing at the Tokyo Auto Salon
The Honda NSX Tribute will make its debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, taking place from January 9-11, 2026. Italdesign will feature the car prominently at their Booth 1102 in North Hall 11, where enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of this remarkable blend of artistry and engineering. An accompanying promotional video has also been released on YouTube to further build excitement around this project.
As Italdesign continues to push the boundaries of automotive design, the NSX Tribute stands as a testament to the company’s innovative spirit, merging nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. For car aficionados, this project exemplifies the artistry behind high-performance vehicles and offers a glimpse into the future of automotive design.
