MONTEREY, Calif. — Honda Motor Co.'s Acura brand has refreshed its mid-engine Acura NSX sports car for the 2019 model year with an upgraded suspension package that includes an exclusive OE fitment for an NSX-specific version of the Continental SportContact 6 tire line.
The 2019 Acura NSX debuted at Monterey Car Week the week of Aug. 6. It's available for order and deliveries are expected to begin in October.
Chassis upgrades include larger front and rear stabilizer bars (increasing stiffness by 26 percent in front, 19 percent at the rear) and 21-percent stiffer rear toe link bushings. In addition, the rear hub's rigidity was increased by 6 percent.
The two-seat sports car runs on Continental SportContact 6 tires that were developed exclusively for the NSX. Acura said the new tires "feature a revised tread pattern, construction and rubber compound for improved handling performance in all conditions."
The SportContact 6 replaces Conti's SportContact 5P as the NSX's standard OE fitment, Acura said.
Acura will continue to offer the track-focused Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R as an optional dealer-installed tire.
The modifications to the chassis components, tires and software tuning are designed to make the NSX even more responsive to the will of the driver, Acura said, elevating performance driving in all circumstances, from daily driving to the circuit.
The 2019 NSX is powered by a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit consisting of a twin-turbocharged mid-mounted V6 engine paired with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission. An electric Direct Drive Motor integrated with the engine and 9DCT supplements the engine with instantaneous electric torque.
Containing two additional electric motors, the front-mounted Twin Motor Unit varies torque — both positive and negative — continuously to the left and right front wheels to enhance handling precision and cornering capabilities. Maximum peak system output is 573 horsepower and 476 lb.-ft. of torque.