Italdesign reveals Honda NSX Tribute supercar with exclusive design and ultra-limited production in Japan

Renowned Italian design studio Italdesign has officially unveiled the Honda NSX Tribute, an exclusive reinterpretation of the iconic Japanese supercar. The revelation took place during Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, one of the most important events in the Asian automotive sector, held between January 9th and 11th at the Makuhari Messe convention center. The project, which receives official approval from Honda, celebrates the legacy of the first generation NSX while applying a contemporary take on the second generation hybrid platform.

The initiative appears as a tribute to the 35th anniversary of the launch of the original NSX, a vehicle that redefined expectations for supercars in the early 1990s. The Italdesign sought to preserve the performance DNA and the purity of the lines that established the model, introducing design and aerodynamic elements that reflect the identity of the Italian studio. Production will be extremely restricted, consolidating the NSX Tribute as a collector’s item.

A key feature of the project is its exclusivity for the Japanese market and others using right-hand drive vehicles. Apenas owners of units of the second-generation

Design that unites past and future

Italdesign’s approach to the exterior of the NSX Tribute was meticulous, focusing on creating a body that conveys tension and dynamism without losing its original elegance. The team of designers reworked the proportions to evoke the low, lean silhouette of the first NSX, with a steeper hood and an all-black greenhouse, a stylistic feature that visually lightens the weight of the structure and accentuates the sporty profile. The result is a harmonious fusion between the muscularity of the second generation and the formal purity of the classic model. One of the most striking elements is the reinterpretation of the headlights: instead of the iconic retractable headlights of the original car, the Italdesign developed motorized “eyelids” that overlap the LED optical assemblies, creating a modern visual effect that pays homage to the solution of the past. Cada bodywork component was revised, from the bumpers to the side skirts, to guarantee a unique visual identity consistent with the proposal of an exclusive tribute.

Improved aerodynamics and performance

In addition to aesthetics, Italdesign paid special attention to the aerodynamic functionality of the NSX Tribute. Cada spoiler, diffuser and air extractor were studied in a digital wind tunnel to optimize air flow and increase stability at high speeds, without compromising the expressiveness of the design. One of the highlights is the air intake installed on the roof, a direct reference to the very rare NSX-R GT version, which not only gives a more aggressive look, but also improves the cooling of the twin-turbo V6 engine. Esse component represents an advanced engineering solution that integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s sophisticated aerodynamic management.

In the rear section, the changes are equally significant. The air diffuser has been completely redesigned, featuring functional grooves inspired by recent concepts from the Italian studio, which help extract hot air from the engine compartment and generate downforce. The rear lights now appear as individual elements on a frameless black background, giving a cleaner and more technological appearance. The original floating ring of the second generation has evolved into a continuous suspended element, which conveys a feeling of lightness and dynamism, balancing technical function with a striking aesthetic character exclusive to this version.

A cockpit that celebrates connection

The interior of the Honda NSX Tribute was designed to create a bridge between the two generations of the supercar. The main inspiration came from the “double cockpit” concept of the original model, which has been reinterpreted in a modern way to involve both driver and passenger. Elementos of fluid design runs across the dashboard, connecting the central air vents to the door panels, generating a sense of continuity and involvement.

Italdesign prioritized the use of noble materials and artisanal finishes to elevate the perception of luxury and exclusivity. Customized leather Combinações, Alcantara and carbon fiber are available to customers, allowing for a high degree of customization. Detalhes like contrasting stitching and polished metal inserts hark back to the single-seater ambiance of Fórmula 1, reinforcing the sporty nature of the vehicle.

While the overall layout of instruments and controls remains faithful to that of the second-generation NSX to maintain functionality, small commemorative plaques have been added at strategic points in the cockpit. Essas badges identify the vehicle’s serial number within the ultra-limited production run, serving as a constant reminder of its rarity and the craftsmanship involved in its creation.

Exclusivity and artisanal production

Italdesign classifies the NSX The company has confirmed that it will produce a very limited number of units, with the expectation of delivering at least two, although the final number will depend on collector demand.

The focus on right-hand drive vehicles directs the project towards a specific audience, mainly collectors in the Japão, Reino Unido and Austrália. Essa strategic decision pays homage to Honda’s home market, where the NSX maintains a cult status.

Official values ​​have not been released, but automotive industry experts estimate that the final price of the conversion, not including the cost of the donor vehicle, could exceed the one million dollar mark. Esse value reflects the complexity of the design, engineering and artisanal manufacturing work involved in transforming each car.

Those interested in purchasing one of the NSX Tribute copies should contact Italdesign representatives directly. The acquisition process and logistical details, such as shipping the vehicle to the company’s headquarters at Turim, at Itália, will be discussed individually with each customer, ensuring an exclusive and personalized service.

The Japanese-Italian partnership

This project reinforces the long and fruitful relationship between Italdesign and the Japanese automotive industry. The collaboration is presented as a cultural fusion, uniting the precision and reliability of Japanese engineering with the passion and artisanal excellence of Italian design. The result is a supercar that seeks to balance memory and innovation, keeping alive the avant-garde spirit that has always characterized the NSX.

The designers at Italdesign emphasize that the NSX Tribute is not a traditional “restomod”, which simply seeks to modernize an old car, nor an exercise in pure nostalgia. Instead, it is described as a forward-looking vision, which celebrates the pioneering character of the original model while exploring new design and technology possibilities on the modern platform.

The legacy of the original supercar

The second-generation Honda NSX production ended in 2022, after around 2,908 units were manufactured at its plant in the Estados Unidos. Essa’s inherent rarity contributes to the Tribute’s appeal among enthusiasts and collectors, offering a new perspective on the legacy of a supercar that, in its two generations, defied convention and revolutionized the segment with its technology and drivability. The Italdesign tribute serves as a final and exclusive chapter for one of the most revered names in automotive history.