The first 2019 Honda NSX built for the Australian market has now arrived, featuring new design cues, fresh exterior and interior colour combinations, and key chassis upgrades that enhance vehicle dynamics.
All 2019 NSX models are distinguished by a new body-colour front grille garnish (previously silver) and high-gloss treatments for the front grille surround, front air intake mesh and rear bumper outlet mesh.
High-gloss treatment has also been applied to the carbon fibre rear spoiler, as well as the rest of the carbon fibre exterior package – including the front lip spoiler, side skirt garnish and rear diffuser.
Inside the cabin, the 2019 NSX color palette is expanded with the addition of an optional Indigo blue semi-aniline leather and Alcantara theme.
For the 2019 model, engineers modified chassis components, tyres and software tuning to make the NSX even more responsive to the will of the driver, elevating performance driving in all circumstances, from daily driving to the circuit.
At the limit, the balance, playfulness and controllability of the NSX has improved, allowing the driver to more precisely modulate under steer and over steer with subtle throttle inputs.
Chassis enhancements include larger front and rear stabiliser bars and 21 per cent stiffer rear toe-link bushings, while rear hub rigidity has increased by six per cent.
Software calibrations to the NSX’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit, active magnetorheological dampers, electric power steering and VSA settings capitalise on this new hardware, as well as the grippier tyre setup.
The 2019 NSX rides on new Continental SportContact 6 tyres, developed exclusively for Honda’s cutting-edge hybrid super car, which feature a revised tread pattern, construction and rubber compound for improved handling performance in all conditions.
The Japanese performance car continues to be powered by the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit consisting of a twin-turbocharged mid-mounted V6 engine paired with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission (9DCT).
An electric Direct Drive Motor integrated with the engine and 9DCT supplements the engine with instantaneous electric torque. Maximum system output is 427kW of power and 646Nm of torque.
The Integrated Dynamics System in the NSX, with Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes, provides a wider range of driving experiences than conventional super cars, while its space frame structure offers ultra-high rigidity and outstanding collision safety performance.
Pricing for the 2019 Honda NSX in Australia remains unchanged at $420,000 plus on-roads and continues to come standard with almost all the option boxes ticked. It will be available in eight exterior colours and combination of five high-quality interior trims.
A choice of three solid exterior colours are available as standard on the Honda NSX – Berlina Black, Curva Red or 130R White, which is named after the legendary left-hander at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan – one of the fastest corners in Formula One.
One metallic colour (Source Silver) and two pearlescent paints (Casino White and the new Thermal Orange) are available, along with two special Andaro nano-particle pearlescent aerospace technology finishes – Nouvelle Blue Pearl and the iconic Valencia Red Pearl.
The first local NSX, in striking Thermal Orange Pearl premium paint, will now be used by Honda Australia to engage with customers and motoring enthusiasts at dealerships and special events around the country.
In other news, the Honda Civic Type R high-performance hatch has just earned a new set of stripes after being recruited by the NSW Police Force, as part of a 12-month sponsored partnership between Honda Australia and the NSW Police Force.
The Civic Type R has joined the Eyewatch social media initiative, which has become an important communication tool for connecting people with their local police and encouraging them to be active participants in making their communities safer.
For its new role it has been wrapped in full ‘Police’ livery, including the distinctive ‘Eyewatch’ program logo, which is sure to see it attract plenty of attention wherever it goes throughout New South Wales over the coming months.
“Honda Australia is delighted to partner with the NSW Police Force and take an active role in raising awareness of the Eyewatch program to help make our communities safer,” Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said.
The Eyewatch program was created in 2012 to connect local communities with their police via social media. It has been an outstanding success in NSW with almost 1 million people connected via Facebook using over 70 Eyewatch pages daily.
Police use Eyewatch to offer crime prevention and safety tips, seek community assistance to help locate missing or wanted people, and provide advice and information on local crimes, incidents and emergencies.
Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM, Commander of the NSW Police Force Capability, Performance and Youth Command, said the addition of the sponsored Honda Civic Type R will allow Eyewatch officers to get out and about and raise awareness of the program.
“The generosity of Honda Australia in providing this sponsored vehicle for 12 months also means it has the added benefit of being no cost to the tax payer,” assistant commissioner Cassar said.
“The eye-catching design of the vehicle will hopefully be a great conversation starter while on display and get more people, especially younger people, more comfortable with approaching their local police.”
The Civic Type R will be used by the NSW Police Force Eyewatch program at schools and community events across NSW throughout 2019, with its first official duty as a new police recruit the annual Fairfield Police and Community Expo on Saturday 16th March 2019.
