All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Tuning

Autotique Drops Aggressive Widebody Kit for the Honda NSX

The original Honda NSX—sold under Acura branding in North America—has long been revered as a benchmark of ‘90s performance engineering. Not only did it fuse everyday usability with exotic car dynamics, it did so with input from none other than Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna. Today, its clean lines, mid-engine layout, and analog driving experience have cemented its place as a modern classic.

That reverence hasn’t stopped tuners from reinterpreting the NSX in bold new ways. One of the latest and most eye-catching takes comes from Autotique, a relatively fresh tuning outfit based in Australia. Their vision? A dramatic redesign of the first-gen NSX that stays true to its soul while turning heads in the modern age.

A Tribute to a Legend, Rebuilt for Today

Unveiled at the Session AU show in Sydney, Autotique debuted two distinct aero kits for the NSX: the Widebody and the more subtle OEM Plus. Both were built on the earlier NSX model years (1990–2001), intentionally bypassing the 2002–2006 facelifted version. The Widebody kit was the star of the show, a collaborative effort involving international design talent.

The initial sketches were created by Piston Zero, a freelance automotive designer based in Norway. From there, Thai builder Mozy took charge of transforming the digital concept into a physical prototype. Autotique then stepped in to refine the design for low-volume production.

The result is a dramatic overhaul of the NSX’s appearance. Most exterior panels have been replaced with bespoke parts. The stock pop-up headlights, doors, hood, and greenhouse are among the few remaining factory components, preserving just enough of the NSX’s original DNA.

Bold, Purposeful, and Distinctly Modern

The front fascia now features a deep front bumper with enlarged intakes, thin LED DRLs, and a race-inspired splitter. Widened fenders and redesigned side skirts give the car an aggressive, planted stance, further accentuated by low-profile tires wrapped around aftermarket alloys. The ride height is substantially lower than stock, enhancing the car’s presence.

Around the rear, Autotique ditches the NSX’s iconic full-width taillight in favor of bespoke LED units with a dark tint and modern graphic signature. The bumper has been reshaped to accommodate the widebody proportions and integrates a large diffuser and dual exhaust outlets. A fixed rear wing extension—now body-colored—adds downforce and visual drama.

Not every detail from the original render made it to the prototype. Notably absent are the Honda badging, vented hood, and aggressive front canards, suggesting future refinements are still possible.

OEM Plus: Subtle, But Sharpened

For purists or collectors who prefer a lighter touch, the NSX OEM Plus kit offers a more restrained makeover. The front bumper gets modestly revised intakes, while the hood is slightly raised for a subtle performance look. Extended side skirts and a revised rear bumper round out the enhancements. It’s a kit that modernizes the NSX without shouting about it.

Performance Left Untouched—For Now

Interestingly, Autotique’s kits are strictly cosmetic. Under the skin, the NSX remains stock, including its legendary 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 with VTEC, delivering 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 210 lb-ft (285 Nm) of torque to the rear wheels. That decision may disappoint those hoping for chassis or powertrain upgrades, but it also ensures the car’s original mechanical balance remains intact.

Treading the Line Between Custom and Collectible

Autotique hasn’t yet revealed pricing or availability for the kits but plans to open orders soon. The big question, though, is whether NSX owners—many of whom now treat the car as an appreciating asset—will be willing to commit to such an extensive transformation. With clean examples of the original NSX climbing in value, modifying one is a bold move.

Still, for those who want to celebrate the NSX’s legacy while adding a modern edge, Autotique’s work offers a compelling new chapter in the story of Japan’s most iconic supercar.

Source: Autotique; Photo: Mozy and Autotique via Facebook

News

Acura Donates 75 Electric ZDX SUVs to The Nature Conservancy

In a bold move reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship, Acura is donating 75 units of its all-electric ZDX performance SUV—currently one of America’s best-selling premium EVs—to The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The donation represents the largest vehicle contribution in the brand’s history and is aimed at helping the nonprofit transition to a cleaner, lower-emission fleet as it continues its vital conservation efforts across the U.S.

This initiative builds on more than three decades of collaboration between Honda—Acura’s parent company—and The Nature Conservancy, a partnership rooted in shared values around sustainability and ecosystem protection.

But the donation doesn’t stop at the vehicles. The Honda family of companies in the U.S., which includes Acura, is also contributing $1 million to support the deployment of EV charging infrastructure and operational costs associated with the new ZDX fleet. The vehicles will be delivered via Acura dealerships nationwide, enabling local TNC teams to travel efficiently to fieldwork locations, connect with communities, and access remote conservation sites—all while minimizing environmental impact.

“We’re proud to partner with The Nature Conservancy and Acura dealers across America to help advance sustainability by contributing to a lower-emissions future,” said Mike Langel, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales. “The Acura ZDX fleet will support The Nature Conservancy’s important fieldwork, enabling more efficient travel to conservation sites while reducing the environmental impact of transportation.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Acura for this donation,” added Daniel Salzer, Director of Sustainability for The Nature Conservancy. “The donation of these vehicles has significantly accelerated our efforts to electrify our fleet, reducing our carbon footprint, and setting a powerful example of climate leadership.”

A Legacy of Conservation

The roots of the Honda–TNC partnership trace back to Ohio over 30 years ago, when Honda first collaborated with TNC to protect the Big Darby Creek watershed—one of the Midwest’s most biologically diverse aquatic systems. Over the years, Honda has contributed more than $1 million to safeguard the headwaters of this vital tributary to the Scioto River, which supplies drinking water to tens of thousands of Ohioans.

In 2020, Honda donated 90 acres of land to TNC in Ohio, further reinforcing its commitment to conservation. More recently, in 2023, Honda and the Honda USA Foundation donated $625,000 to TNC programs across 10 states, including support for local chapters in Alabama, California, and Indiana.

Electrifying the Future

The all-new Acura ZDX, launched earlier this year, marks a turning point in Acura’s electrification strategy. As a performance SUV designed with both luxury and sustainability in mind, the ZDX embodies Acura’s vision for a zero-emissions future without compromising on driving dynamics or design.

This strategic donation to TNC not only underscores Acura’s leadership in the premium EV space, but also signals a new era of cross-sector collaboration between automakers and environmental organizations working toward shared climate goals.

With this high-impact initiative, Acura is doing more than just delivering EVs—it’s delivering on a promise to drive change, protect natural ecosystems, and electrify the road ahead.

Source: Honda

News

Audi’s Biggest Transformation Yet: Will It Pay Off?

Audi AG is navigating a turbulent 2025 with a blend of strategic transformation, electrification momentum, and international expansion—even as the company contends with intensified global challenges, including U.S. import tariffs and restructuring costs.

In the first half of the year, Audi Group revenue rose by 5.3% to €32.6 billion, while operating profit dropped sharply to €1.1 billion, down from €2 billion in the same period last year. Net cash flow stood at €0.9 billion, impacted by both lower earnings and the acquisition of Sauber Holding AG.

“The situation continues to be very challenging,” admitted Audi CFO Jürgen Rittersberger. “In addition to intense competitive pressure, the drastically increased U.S. tariffs and our own transformation expenses have clearly impacted our performance.” Nonetheless, Rittersberger underscored the necessity of these transformation efforts, highlighting Audi’s Performance Program as key to improving long-term profitability.

Electrification Fuels Growth

Despite a dip in total deliveries—down nearly 6% to 794,088 units across the Brand Group Progressive (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ducati)—Audi’s electric offensive is paying dividends. Fully electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries surged 32% year-over-year, surpassing 101,000 units globally in H1. Standout performers include the Audi Q4 e-tron (approx. 45,000 units) and the new Audi Q6 e-tron (36,000 units).

Markets such as France (+196%), the Netherlands (+86%), and Germany (+76%) reported especially robust BEV growth, reinforcing Audi’s commitment to electrification. Incoming orders for all-electric models in Western Europe climbed an impressive 70%.

CEO Gernot Döllner emphasized the significance of the brand’s current momentum: “By the end of 2025, we will have the youngest model portfolio in the premium segment. Electrification is central, but our realignment also includes optimizing our team structure, processes, and strategic focus.”

Audi plans to launch ten new plug-in hybrid models by the end of 2025, further diversifying its electrified lineup.

Regional Performance: Mixed Results

Europe saw stable performance with EV growth (+46%) cushioning a 4% overall decline. Germany stood out with a modest 1% increase in total deliveries, driven by nearly 21,000 electric units sold.

China, Audi’s largest market, proved more challenging. Deliveries fell 10% to under 288,000 units amid fierce local competition. However, Audi is gearing up for a product push in the second half of the year, including the China-exclusive Audi Q6L e-tron and A5L variants.

North America also faced headwinds. Deliveries declined 9%, with BEVs down 4%. The delayed impact of Audi’s model initiative and macroeconomic conditions weighed on performance.

Brand Group Highlights: Lamborghini Holds, Bentley and Ducati Down

While Lamborghini remained a steady performer with 5,681 units sold (+2%), Bentley saw an 11% decline to 4,876 vehicles. Ducati also posted a 5.7% dip in motorcycle deliveries. Despite the drops, all three brands continue to contribute positively to the Group’s financials, with Lamborghini maintaining a strong 26.6% operating margin.

Financial Outlook: Adjusted but Ambitious

Audi has revised its full-year guidance amid ongoing restructuring and geopolitical friction. Revenue is now expected to land between €65 billion and €70 billion, with an operating margin of 5–7%. Net cash flow is forecast at €2.5–3.5 billion.

The Group’s financial result fell 24.3% to €593 million, partly due to lower returns from China. Profit after tax also slipped 37.5% year-over-year to €1.35 billion.

Still, optimism remains. Audi recently secured the 2025 AutomotiveINNOVATIONS Award for most innovative premium brand—a testament to the brand’s focus on future mobility and technology. In partnership with American EV maker Rivian, Audi is also co-developing next-gen software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms, signaling a push to enhance digital infrastructure and long-term tech leadership.

The Road Ahead

Audi is clearly in a state of transformation—one marked by tough financial trade-offs but driven by a clear vision: sustainability, innovation, and global competitiveness. With a pipeline full of new electric and hybrid models, ongoing investment in software capabilities, and a leaner operational structure, the brand is preparing not just to weather current storms, but to thrive in the next era of premium mobility.

Source: Audi