The debate around car value and performance often gets boiled down to raw numbers: horsepower, 0-60 times, and lap records. Recently, there was a discussion comparing the Acura NSX Type S to a Porsche 911 GTS, questioning if a hybrid supercar truly stacks up against a benchmark sports car. This sparks a deeper thought: is car appreciation solely about quantifiable metrics, or is there something more to the cars we remember and cherish?
For Honda enthusiasts, the answer often lies beyond the spec sheet. While performance figures are undoubtedly important, the most fondly remembered Hondas offer an experience that transcends mere numbers. Think about iconic models like the Acura NSX, the Honda S2000, or even the track-focused S2000 CR. These vehicles, alongside legends like the Lexus LFA, Ford GT, BMW Z8, and the classic Mazda RX-7, capture hearts not just with speed, but with a holistic driving experience. They become more appreciated over time, long after the initial hype around peak horsepower figures fades.
The Acura NSX Type S, in this context, is a fascinating case. Limited in production and representing the pinnacle of the second-generation NSX, it’s destined to be remembered. More exclusive than the standard NSX, the Type S variant holds a special appeal for collectors and enthusiasts. Its rarity – with only 350 Type S models out of around 2900 total second-gen NSXs, and being manufactured in Ohio – adds to its intrigue.
While discussions might arise about whether it outperforms every competitor in every single metric, the NSX Type S delivers exhilarating performance. The automotive landscape is shifting, with high-performance vehicles increasingly embracing hybrid technology. The NSX Type S embodies this evolution. Perhaps it isn’t solely about outright winning in every comparison test. The value proposition of cars like the NSX Type S, and indeed many collectible Hondas, isn’t about chasing the lowest price tag. Instead, it’s about investing in a piece of automotive passion, a vehicle that offers a unique and engaging experience that appreciates over time, both in value and in the memories it creates.
Looking ahead, this brings an interesting question to the forefront, especially for Honda performance aficionados: the concept of an Automatic Honda Type R. Traditionally, the Type R badge has been synonymous with high-revving engines and, crucially, manual transmissions, emphasizing driver engagement and a raw, connected feel. However, as technology advances and the definition of performance broadens, could we see a future where the Type R spirit is translated into an automatic transmission vehicle?
While purists might initially balk at the idea, consider the broader trend. Many modern performance cars, even those lauded for their driver focus, are now offering or exclusively utilizing sophisticated automatic or dual-clutch transmissions. These transmissions often deliver faster lap times and can be more accessible to a wider range of drivers.
Could an automatic transmission ever find its place in the Type R lineage? If Honda were to explore this path, it would undoubtedly need to be an exceptional automatic, one that enhances, rather than detracts from, the visceral Type R experience. It would need to be responsive, engaging, and perfectly tuned to the engine’s character.
Whether or not an automatic Honda Type R ever becomes a reality, the underlying principle remains: Honda’s performance legacy is built on creating cars that offer more than just numbers. It’s about engineering vehicles that deliver a unique and memorable driving experience. From the NSX Type S to the iconic Type R models of the past and potentially the future, the allure of Honda performance lies in its ability to connect with drivers on an emotional level, creating cars that are not just fast, but truly special and collectible.
