The Nexus of New and Classic 2018 NSX and 1992 NSX Type R

1:18 | $180 (’18); $205 (’92)

The NSX—branded in North America as an Acura but known in the rest of the world as a Honda—was a revelation when it debuted in 1990. The world’s first practical exotic—and the first exotic of any sort from Honda—this mid-engine technical wonder seemed too good to be true. It turned out to be too truly good to end! Powered by a super-sport version of Honda’s corporate V-6 with a soaring 9,000rpm redline and a lightweight aluminum structure made the NSX one of the best-handling cars in the world. And that V-6 was the most tractable, reliable supercar motor ever. Honda ended up producing it for 16 years, making numerous refinements along the way. One of the first and most significant (from an enthusiast’s standpoint) was 1992’s Type-R: an ultralight track-oriented special that removed many creature comforts and added racing seats, shorter gearing, a balanced and blueprinted engine, and a completely revamped front suspension. The Type-R was 250 pounds lighter, much stiffer, and more neutral at high speeds. It instantly became a legend. A special Japan-only version had a few amenities restored—like the radio!—and that’s the version AUTOart is revisiting with this upcoming release. It’s also releasing the new reboot of the NSX, which is on sale now. A true exotic by any measure, it has a hybrid gaselectric powertrain and all-wheel drive, which is needed to put the car’s 580 horsepower to the ground. AUTOart is releasing it in four colors, but Valencia Red is our favorite.

AUTOart