New Honda NSX arrives in Aus
Following its presentation in the US last August, the first RHD, Australian-spec MY19 NSX reached our shores in February, just in time for Honda Australia’s 50th birthday celebrations.
Finished in new-for-2019 Thermal Orange Pearl premium paint (one of eight paint options for 2019), the first new NSX delivered here is currently touring the country, appearing at Honda dealerships and special events.
As well as the new paint option, other cosmetic changes for 2019 include a body-coloured grille garnish, while the intake and outlet mesh grilles, carbon fibre rear spoiler and other carbon fibre exterior parts now feature a high-gloss finish.
Inside, there’s a new trim option of semi-aniline Indigo leather and Alcantara.
Dynamic improvements start with thicker front and rear anti-roll bars that have increased torsional stiffness by an average of 22.5 per cent. Rear toe-link bushings are now stiffer and rear hub rigidity has also been improved.
In harmony with these changes, the active magnetorheological dampers, electric power steering, VSA settings and software for the NSX’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit have all been recalibrated to suit.
New Continental SportContact 6 tyres also feature, replacing the SportContact 5 rubber used previously and with a tread pattern, compound and construction that was developed exclusively for the NSX.
Unchanged for 2019 is the NSX’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain - a twin-turbo, mid-mounted V6, supported by an electric Direct Drive Motor on the front axle that supplies instantaneous torque and can vary torque distribution to each front wheel.
Paired with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission that’s also unchanged for 2019, listed maximum outputs from this hybrid engine package are 427kW and 646Nm.
Through the NSX’s Integrated Dynamics System, the driver can select one of four driving modes – Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track – that alter the performance and character of the supercar to suit different conditions; offering what Honda says is a wider range of driving experiences compared to conventional supercars.
Local pricing for the 2019 Honda NSX remains unchanged at $420,000 (+ ORCs).
