Italdesign’s NSX Tribute Mixes Italian Spice with Japanese Supercar DNA

Italy Takes a Swing at Reviving the NSX

Earlier this year, the Acura NSX found itself in the Italian spotlight, with not one but two legendary design houses giving it a fresh look. While Pininfarina went retro with its take on the first-gen NSX, Italdesign decided to shake things up by using the second-generation hybrid as its blank canvas.

Dubbed the Honda NSX Tribute by Italdesign, this project isn’t just a pretty face with Honda’s stamp of approval. Instead of simply copying the original, Italdesign set out to mash up the best bits from both NSX generations into one slick package.

Unlike most tribute builds, Italdesign left the mechanicals untouched. The focus here is all about blending Japanese muscle with Italian flair – a philosophical mashup rather than a nuts-and-bolts overhaul.

A Stronger Presence in Person

On Goodwood grounds, the NSX Tribute offers a different vibe from the official renders. The second-gen NSX shape is still there, but the new bodywork drops it lower and stretches it wider. With its beefed-up rear deck, built-in spoiler, and roof scoop, the car looks more like a modern NSX-R GT reboot than just a dressed-up production model.

The white example shown at Goodwood keeps things classy with just the right amount of detail. Carbon fiber splitters, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and gloss-black accents pop against the white paint, but nothing feels over the top.

The wheels are a definite highlight: 19-inch up front, 20-inch out back, all wearing Advan Racing GTs that fit the car like a glove. Red Honda badges and low-key NSX Tribute logos tie it all back to Honda’s performance roots.

At the back, the full-width LED light bar steals the show. Paired with a chunky rear diffuser and quad center exhausts, the design looks sharper and more put-together than most aftermarket widebody kits. It’s modern, but still gives a respectful nod to the original NSX without drowning in nostalgia.

Inside, Italdesign keeps things subtle. Alcantara seats, carbon fiber touches, contrast stitching, and a quiet nod to the NSX Tribute by Italdesign badge give the cabin a fresh feel without messing with the familiar layout. There are even a few hidden Ayrton Senna references for those who know their Honda history.

Limited Numbers for Collectors

Under all that new bodywork, it’s still the same second-gen NSX hybrid setup. You get the trusty twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and electric motors for a combined 573 horsepower, all sent to the ground through Honda’s all-wheel-drive hybrid system. Italdesign hasn’t mentioned any tweaks to the chassis or performance, so it’s clear the spotlight is on style and exclusivity.

Italdesign says this one’s going to be seriously rare, though they’re keeping the exact number under wraps for now. No word on price either, but with custom coachbuilt bodywork and tiny production numbers, don’t expect it to be a bargain.

There’s one catch: the conversion only works on right-hand-drive NSX models. That makes this tribute even more exclusive for collectors in the few places where those cars were sold.