The newly launched Acura NSX Type S may be the last iteration for this generation, but indications suggest it won’t be the end for the model altogether. An Acura executive recently mentioned to The Drive during Monterey Car Week that the Acura NSX will return for a third generation. Jon Ikeda, Acura’s Vice President and Brand Officer, stated, “If you notice, we make an NSX when there’s something we want to say. The first generation was gas. The second generation was a hybrid. There’s gonna be another one.”
When inquiring whether the next NSX logically implies an all-electric model, Ikeda responded with a smile and refrained from further comments.
The original NSX made a significant impact in the 1990s with its mid-mounted, naturally aspirated V6 engine, while its successor, which began production in 2016, featured two turbochargers and three hybrid-electric motors – two for the front axle and one for the rear.
The intricate design made developing and producing the NSX a costly undertaking—creating supercars of that standard typically requires significant investment, especially with electrification involved. Even though Acura’s flagship performance vehicle excels, this generation experienced disappointing sales, with only 128 units sold in the U.S. last year, which makes the company’s commitment to developing a new generation of NSX quite surprising. Ikeda recognizes this challenge, emphasizing that “money isn’t everything, bub.”
When confirming the same news to Motor Trend, Ikeda explained, “We didn’t go into it to make a lot of money.” The NSX has served as a valuable marketing and engineering tool for Acura, drawing customers to dealerships and providing the necessary experience in building high-performance electrified vehicles.
“We learned a lot about electrification and the joy of driving, which is fundamental,” Ikeda told MT. Aside from financial considerations, the decision to create a new NSX is rooted in Acura’s genuine desire for the model’s continuation.
“We didn’t want to let the NSX die on the vine either. To fade quietly is not what it deserves,” Ikeda added.
Have insider information about the next NSX? You can contact the author here: chris.tsui@thedrive.com
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