We love the 2022 Acura NSX Type S, but sadly even at this point we’re sad because Acura has already announced that the last NSX Type S has been built. Yup that means that all 350 examples of the 2022 NSX Type S have rolled off the production line and found homes.
Either way, we assume that one day, in the not too distant future, we’ll see a 2022 Acura NSX Type S show up on an auction site, like Bring a Trailer.
It’s sad because Acura gave the NSX a host of upgrades and the Type S badge for its last year. These upgrades include a facelift with a more angular face and a nip and tuck at the rear. At the front the NSX Type S looks more aggressive with its angular air intakes and updated headlights, while the rear gets a larger diffuser. There’s also a new carbon fiber front spoiler that minimizes front aerodynamic lift.
The NSX Type S also gets new 5-spoke wheels that increase the track front (+0.4-in.) and rear (+0.8-in.). The wheels are wrapped in special Pirelli P-Zero tires that were created specially for the NSX Type S.
Acura also upgraded the NSX Type S’s hybrid powertrain. It’s powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors as before, but it now generates 600 horsepower and 492 pound-feet of torque.
That’s an increase of 27 hp and 16 lb-ft. New fuel injectors, intercoolers and turbochargers borrowed from the NSX GT3 Evo help increase those power specs. The 9-speed dual-clutch transmission has also been tweaked to provide a 50 percent faster upshift response and a new Rapid Downshift Mode. The lithium-ion battery has 20 percent more usable capacity, which allows the NSX to drive in electric mode a bit longer. Lastly, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system has also been updated.
That extra power makes the NSX Type S even more capable on the track, since Acura says that it is 2 seconds faster around the Suzuka Circuit than the non-Type S version. It also accelerates from 0-60 mph in under three seconds.
The suspension has also been tweaked with updated adaptive dampers that provides more differences between the different settings. For example, the suspension is softer in Comfort mode and firmer in Track mode. The steering also received some small tweaks, but it didn’t really need that much of an update, since the NSX’s steering was already really good before.
Not only is the NSX Type S faster off the line, but its suspension, steering and powertrain upgrades make it a blast to drive. The NSX was already an unflappable supercar, but now it’s even more fun to fling around a corner or carve up a windy hill. What we’ve always liked about the NSX is that fact that it’s a supercar that can be driven everyday. Most supercars are unbearable to drive around town, but the NSX Type S easily doubles as a supercar and a commuter if you need it to.
What we really wish Acura upgraded is the NSX Type S’s interior. The only upgrades to the cabin are the addition of an Alcantara headliner, embroidered Type S logo on the glove compartment and embossed NSX logos on the headrests. But it definitely needed more.
In front of the driver there’s a partial digital instrument cluster that looks dated, but we have bigger issues with the infotainment system. The 7-inch touchscreen runs a really old version of Honda’s infotainment software. If you’ve driven the last generation Honda Civic or CR-V, you’ll see the similarities. The system is slow with inferior graphics, which kinda cheapens the overall feel of the NSX.
The NSX also needs better seats, since they are comfortable, but lack adjustment. On a quick hour drive around town our lower backs were not happy.
Not that this matters now, but the pricing for the 2022 Acura NSX Type S starts at $171,495.
At the end of the day we’re really sad that the NSX Type S is only sticking around for one year. Acura managed to make its already great supercar even better. Now we just have to hold out for the rumored third-generation NSX, that will likely arrive as a fully electric supercar.
