Like a lot of auto enthusiasts, I was less than thrilled when the ND1 generation NSX was released. It seemed overly complicated with the added hybrid powertrain. This in turn made the car way too expensive. On top of that, its face looked like a member of the Decepticons. All these things seemed to be a major deviation from the OG NSX, which was simple, obtainable, and was a timeless design.
The sun is setting on the most recent NSX, already. Honda will give the ND1 a final send off with a special edition: the Type S. Thanks to borrowed turbochargers from the GT3 Evo NSX, the Type S receives a 20hp bump in power. 0-60 flashes by in about 2.7 seconds. North America received 300 cars that wear the Acura badge and 50 others will wear the Honda H, sold globally.
I just so happened to be at the 100th running of the International Pikes Peak Hillclimb last summer, which is exactly the place Acura decided to debut their NSX Type S race car. There were two of them running up the mountain, plus the new streetcar was there to serve as the event's pacecar. Let me tell you, the new face they put on the NSX is absolutely stunning.
TopSpeed, TSM's 1/18 scale resin brand, was one of the first to bring us a NSX Type S model. I'll admit, it wasn't on my radar. However, a reputable online retailer just so happened to have an insane inventory reduction sale, and the Honda NSX Type S was ridiculously marked down. The sale was too good to say no.
This is my fourth 1/18 scale resin model from the TopSpeed brand. I've enjoyed each of them because they look great for the price, and I set my expectations appropriately for a sealed model car. You need to know ahead of time that these models are going to have closed off grilles. Modern cars have a lot of grilles, big ones at that. This car, of course, has two large side vents right up front, staring you in the face. Get past those, and you'll find the beauty in this TSM.
The first bit of detail that caught my attention were the brake rotors. Instead of plain old silver paint, these rotors actually have a metallic appearance. I can't think of another model in my collection, even the other TopSpeeds, that have shiny metal brake rotors! Photo etched metal Honda badges are used on the front and back. The headlamps are like jewelry as are the taillights. A gorgeous matte grey finishes off the body evenly, and compliments the sharp edges and angles of the NSX.
TopSpeed used a carbon fibre decal to dress up the front lip and rear wing, but molded the weave pattern directly into the rear diffuser. It looks weird to see the two different materials juxtapose each other like that. Still, for the price, this model is an absolute add!
The pikes peak fan fest pic, I WAS THERE!! That was fun.