Honda NSX 2019: improvements for the Japanese hybrid sports car

The Honda NSX receives slight changes aimed at improving comfort in daily use, and sportiness when driven on track.

The first update arrives for the Honda NSX, the Japanese hybrid sports car that has been on sale since mid-2016. It comes with a series of changes designed to improve its sportiness. Best of all, it loses none of the versatility the NSX also offers for everyday use.

So, the first thing the engineers at Honda did was increase the stiffness of the anti-roll bars: 26 percent on the front axle and 19 percent on the rear. The suspension components (arms and knuckles) are also stiffer to sharpen the response. In addition, the control software that governs the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD intelligent all-wheel drive, the electric power steering, the stability control and the active dampers has been recalibrated.

Up to two seconds faster at Suzuka

The dampers use magnetorheological technology. It consists of metallic particles dispersed in the internal fluid that react to the presence of a magnetic field, modifying the stiffness of the damper throughout its travel. Honda says this delivers a more comfortable setup in normal driving while maintaining the necessary firmness in the sport modes.

Further changes affecting the chassis concern the tyres. It now comes as standard with high-performance Continental SportContact 6 tyres developed specifically for this car. And as a representative figure for assessing all these improvements, the 2019 NSX cuts two seconds from its lap time at Suzuka compared with the current model.

Where there are no significant changes is in the engine. The hybrid powertrain with a petrol V6 and three electric motors is retained, delivering a combined output of 580 CV. However, to meet Euro 6d-TEMP emissions regulations, the injectors had to be modified and a particulate filter fitted.

Externally, the Honda 2019 NSX offers a new body colour in pearl-effect orange. This colour can also be applied to the brake calipers when the optional ceramic brakes are selected. There are also changes to the front grille finish, which is now painted in the body colour. For the interior, there is full red leather upholstery, or a combination of Alcantara and leather in blue tones.