The one-of-a-kind Acura NSX Roadster built for Marvel’s The Avengers is heading to auction, giving collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive and cinematic history. The spectacular red supercar, created specifically for the 2012 blockbuster, is being offered through Cars & Bids, with the auction scheduled to conclude on October 31 at the Las Vegas Concours.
Unlike an ordinary modified NSX, this open-top machine was developed as a bespoke movie prop by Acura’s Advanced Design Studio in Los Angeles. Inspired by the second-generation Acura NSX Concept, the roadster combines the proportions of a futuristic concept car with the mechanical foundations of a first-generation 1991 Acura NSX.
Its most recognizable detail remains intact: the screen-used “STARK 33” license plate, a direct reference to Tony Stark, the billionaire inventor and superhero better known as Iron Man.
A One-Off Acura NSX Created for Hollywood
The custom Acura NSX Roadster was commissioned for The Avengers, the Marvel film that brought together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and other iconic superheroes. The car was designed to reflect Tony Stark’s extravagant lifestyle and his fascination with cutting-edge technology.
Acura’s Advanced Design Studio handled the vehicle’s transformation, while specialist builder Trans FX constructed the distinctive bodywork. The result was a radically restyled roadster that looked more like a futuristic concept car than the original Japanese sports car beneath it.
Finished in Hot Rod Red with a black interior, the NSX features custom resin and fiberglass body panels and a paint finish inspired by Iron Man’s armor. Its dramatic appearance makes it one of the more unusual automotive creations associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The underlying donor vehicle, however, is a 1991 Acura NSX. That detail connects the Hollywood showpiece to the first-generation NSX, the groundbreaking mid-engined sports car that helped establish Acura as a serious competitor in the high-performance segment during the 1990s.
Custom Bodywork and Distinctive Wheels
The exterior redesign is the defining feature of this movie car. Rather than simply removing the original roof, the builders created an entirely different roadster body, giving the NSX a unique silhouette and a more theatrical presence.
The car rides on 18-inch front wheels and larger 20-inch rear wheels, while aftermarket sport seats distinguish the interior from a standard first-generation NSX cabin.
Importantly, the vehicle is being offered in its movie-prop configuration rather than as a conventional road-going restoration. Its original appearance, including the “STARK 33” plate, has been preserved, making it particularly appealing to Marvel fans and collectors of screen-used vehicles.
The seller also lists a number of cosmetic imperfections. These include minor scratches on the bumpers, A-pillars, and doors, cracks in the paint on the C-pillars, scuffs on several interior trim pieces, and a warped driver-side door armrest. The custom bodywork is described as fragile, an important consideration for anyone planning to display the vehicle.
An Acura NSX With a Unique Ownership History
Following its appearance in The Avengers, the one-off roadster was preserved by Acura. The company later brought the vehicle back into the public eye as part of the first-generation NSX’s 35th-anniversary celebrations.
That history adds another layer of significance to the car. It is not simply a replica inspired by a Hollywood film, but a manufacturer-created concept vehicle with a direct connection to a major Marvel production.
The auction package includes one key, two key fobs, a Certificate of Authenticity, and a signed photograph of Acura’s creative director with the NSX.
For a serious collector, these items help document the car’s provenance and reinforce its status as an original movie prop rather than an aftermarket recreation.
The Acura NSX Roadster Cannot Be Driven on Public Roads
There is one major caveat for prospective bidders: this Acura NSX Roadster is not eligible for conventional road registration.
Because it is an original movie prop and manufacturer concept prototype, the vehicle is being sold strictly on a bill of sale and cannot be titled, registered, or operated on public roads. The final transaction is also subject to a usage agreement.
The car is being sold on an “as is” basis, without warranties of any kind. Potential buyers must therefore carry out their own due diligence before placing a bid, particularly given the delicate custom bodywork and the vehicle’s unusual legal status.
In practical terms, this is a car intended for private collections, exhibitions, and display rather than regular driving. Its value lies in its rarity, provenance, and cultural significance, not in its suitability as a conventional sports car.
Auction Proceeds to Benefit Charity
The Cars & Bids auction also comes with an unusual charitable component. According to the seller, 100 percent of the winning bid proceeds will be donated to a charity mutually agreed upon by the buyer and seller.
The winning bidder will initially be responsible for the standard Cars & Bids buyer’s fee, but American Honda will reimburse that fee directly after the sale.
The auction is scheduled to conclude on October 31, when the NSX Roadster will make its next public appearance at the Las Vegas Concours. The event will provide an opportunity for enthusiasts to see the distinctive red roadster in person as the online auction reaches its conclusion.
A Rare Piece of Acura and Marvel History
The Acura NSX Roadster from The Avengers occupies an unusual place at the intersection of automotive design, Hollywood filmmaking, and superhero culture. Built around a 1991 NSX but transformed into a bespoke concept vehicle, it represents a creative interpretation of what a Tony Stark sports car might look like.
Its lack of road-registration eligibility will limit the pool of potential buyers, but that restriction is unlikely to diminish its appeal to collectors who value originality and movie provenance.
With its Iron Man-inspired paintwork, dramatic open-top design, and unmistakable “STARK 33” license plate, this one-off Acura is far more than an ordinary NSX. It is a surviving piece of The Avengers production history—and an opportunity to own one of the more distinctive automotive creations to emerge from the Marvel universe.
Acura is preparing a major expansion of its North American lineup, with three new SUVs planned as part of a long-term strategy to attract new customers, strengthen brand loyalty and compete more aggressively in the premium automotive market. The upcoming models will include an adventure-focused SUV arriving in early 2028, an all-new eight-passenger SUV positioned above the MDX, and the fourth-generation Acura RDX Hybrid, also scheduled to arrive in 2028.
The announcement signals a significant shift in Acura’s product strategy as the premium brand looks to capitalise on continued demand for SUVs, family-oriented vehicles and more efficient powertrains. Alongside the three new models, Acura is developing a new V6 hybrid powertrain for its D-segment vehicles, promising a combination of sporty performance, improved towing capability and greater environmental efficiency.
The expansion will complement the existing Acura ADX, MDX and Integra, giving the brand a broader portfolio designed to appeal to customers at different stages of life.
Acura Plans Three New SUVs by 2028 and Beyond
Acura has outlined its future product roadmap to its U.S. dealer network, confirming plans to enter additional SUV segments while improving the competitiveness of its existing vehicles.
The first new model is an adventure-ready SUV expected in the first half of 2028. Designed for customers with active lifestyles, it will combine enhanced capability for outdoor activities with premium styling, modern technology and the comfort expected from the Acura brand.
Acura has not yet revealed the vehicle’s name, technical specifications or pricing. Details such as its powertrain, ground clearance, all-wheel-drive system and off-road equipment remain unconfirmed.
The second new SUV will be Acura’s largest vehicle to date. Designed to accommodate eight passengers, it will sit above the seven-passenger MDX and target families seeking additional interior space in the premium segment. The model remains under development, with no confirmed launch date or detailed specifications announced.
The third major introduction will be the fourth-generation Acura RDX, which the company has previously confirmed will arrive in 2028 with a hybrid powertrain. The new RDX will become the first Acura model to use the brand’s two-motor hybrid technology, marking an important step in the company’s electrification strategy.
Together, these vehicles will expand Acura’s presence across several important SUV categories, from adventure-oriented models to large family vehicles and premium hybrid crossovers.
New Acura Adventure SUV Targets Outdoor Enthusiasts
One of the most intriguing additions to Acura’s future lineup is the new adventure-ready SUV scheduled to arrive in early 2028.
The vehicle is expected to appeal to buyers who want the practicality and versatility of an SUV capable of supporting outdoor activities without sacrificing premium design, comfort or modern technology.
Acura has yet to disclose whether the model will feature a conventional combustion engine, a hybrid powertrain or another electrified configuration. It has also not confirmed whether the vehicle will be based on an existing Honda or Acura platform.
The timing is significant, as adventure-oriented SUVs have become an increasingly important part of the North American market. Buyers are looking for vehicles that combine everyday usability with the ability to accommodate camping equipment, recreational gear and weekend travel.
For Acura, the challenge will be to deliver genuine capability while maintaining the refinement, driving experience and technology expected from a premium brand.
The new SUV could also help Acura attract customers who might otherwise consider more rugged offerings from established competitors. However, its eventual positioning will depend on the specifications, pricing and equipment Acura reveals closer to launch.
Acura’s Largest SUV Will Seat Eight Passengers
Acura is also developing a new flagship SUV designed to accommodate eight passengers, making it the largest vehicle in the company’s history.
The upcoming model will sit above the Acura MDX, which currently serves as the brand’s principal three-row luxury SUV. By offering additional passenger capacity, Acura aims to reach larger families and customers who need more interior flexibility.
The eight-passenger SUV will enter a competitive segment that includes large premium vehicles from brands such as Cadillac, Lincoln and Infiniti. These models appeal to buyers who prioritise spacious cabins, family-friendly features, comfort and the ability to carry several passengers on long journeys.
Acura has not released information about the new SUV’s exterior dimensions, cargo capacity, engine options or expected price. It is also too early to confirm whether the model will use a conventional V6 engine or an electrified powertrain.
Nevertheless, the vehicle’s positioning above the MDX makes its role in Acura’s future lineup clear: it will broaden the brand’s appeal to customers who require more space than a conventional three-row luxury SUV can provide.
The new model could become an important addition to Acura’s portfolio, particularly if the company combines its larger dimensions with competitive pricing and a strong emphasis on family-oriented technology.
2028 Acura RDX Hybrid Will Introduce Two-Motor Technology
The next-generation Acura RDX is another major element of the brand’s future product strategy.
Acura has confirmed that the fourth-generation RDX will arrive in 2028 and become its first production model to feature the company’s two-motor hybrid technology.
The current RDX occupies an important position in the premium compact SUV segment, where buyers increasingly expect a combination of performance, efficiency, advanced driver assistance systems and everyday practicality.
Introducing hybrid technology could help the next-generation RDX deliver improved fuel economy while preserving the responsive driving character associated with Acura.
Although the manufacturer has not announced power output, fuel-consumption figures or detailed mechanical specifications for the new RDX Hybrid, the two-motor configuration signals a more substantial electrification effort than simply adding a mild-hybrid system.
The new model will also give Acura an opportunity to strengthen its position against established premium competitors offering hybrid SUVs, including Lexus.
More technical information is expected as the vehicle approaches its planned 2028 introduction.
Acura Developing a New V6 Hybrid Powertrain
Beyond its new SUV models, Acura is developing a V6 hybrid powertrain intended for its D-segment vehicles.
According to the company, the system will combine sporty performance with improved towing capability and greater environmental efficiency.
The development of a V6 hybrid is particularly relevant for larger SUVs and vehicles that need substantial torque for acceleration, carrying passengers and towing trailers. Electric assistance can provide additional low-speed response, while hybrid energy management can reduce fuel consumption under suitable driving conditions.
Acura has not yet disclosed the engine’s displacement, combined system output, battery capacity or fuel-economy targets. It has also not confirmed which specific models will receive the new powertrain first.
The announcement nevertheless suggests that Acura intends to pursue a broader electrification strategy rather than relying exclusively on smaller hybrid engines or fully electric vehicles.
A V6 hybrid could be especially important for the brand’s larger SUVs, where customers may expect strong acceleration and towing capability alongside the comfort and refinement of a premium vehicle.
The powertrain’s eventual competitiveness will depend on its efficiency, performance, reliability and pricing relative to rival hybrid systems.
Acura ADX, MDX and Integra to Receive 2027 Updates
While the new SUVs remain in development, Acura is also preparing meaningful enhancements for three existing models for the 2027 model year: the ADX, MDX and Integra.
The ADX and Integra are particularly important as entry points into the brand. They provide customers with more accessible ways to purchase an Acura before potentially moving to larger or more expensive models in the future.
The MDX, meanwhile, remains central to the company’s premium SUV strategy.
Acura has not yet detailed all the changes planned for the 2027 model year, so specific updates to engines, styling, infotainment systems, safety equipment or standard features should not be assumed.
The company’s stated objective is to increase customer value and maintain competitiveness across the lineup.
That approach is increasingly important in the premium market, where buyers are balancing technology, equipment, reliability and purchase prices against the cost of ownership.
By enhancing existing models while preparing new vehicles for additional market segments, Acura hopes to retain current customers and attract buyers who may not previously have considered the brand.
Acura Sales Grow 4.4% in the First Nine Months of 2026
Acura’s expansion plans come as the brand reports positive sales momentum in North America.
Through the first three quarters of 2026, Acura recorded a 4.4% year-over-year increase in sales, according to figures provided in the company’s announcement.
The MDX was a particularly strong performer, with sales growth of more than 25%. Acura also described the MDX as the industry’s best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time.
The ADX and Integra are also contributing to the brand’s performance, with Acura reporting that both models lead their respective segments in retail sales.
These results support Acura’s strategy of combining more accessible entry-level products with larger, more expensive SUVs that can appeal to customers as their needs change.
However, the figures reflect the period through September 2026 and should not be interpreted as full-year sales results.
Acura’s future performance will depend on several factors, including the competitiveness of its existing vehicles, the timing of new product launches and conditions across the North American automotive market.
Acura Focuses on Long-Term Customer Loyalty
A central element of Acura’s new strategy is the idea of retaining customers throughout different stages of life.
A buyer might initially enter the brand through the ADX or Integra before moving to an RDX, MDX or the forthcoming eight-passenger SUV as family and transportation requirements evolve.
The planned adventure-oriented model could also bring new customers into the Acura ecosystem by appealing to buyers with different recreational and lifestyle priorities.
Eiji Fujimura, president and CEO of American Honda, said the company is committing to products and services that meet customer needs at every life stage, with a focus on premium value and faster product development.
Gary Robinson, vice president of auto strategy at American Honda, emphasised the importance of expanding into popular market segments while maintaining Acura’s presence in entry-level categories.
The strategy reflects a wider challenge facing premium manufacturers: attracting first-time buyers without allowing prices and ownership costs to become barriers to entry.
Acura’s ADX and Integra are intended to address that challenge, while the new SUVs will give existing customers more opportunities to remain with the brand as their requirements change.
What Acura’s New SUV Strategy Means for the Premium Market
Acura’s planned expansion demonstrates the continuing importance of SUVs to the North American premium vehicle market.
Rather than focusing exclusively on a single flagship model or moving directly towards an all-electric lineup, the company is preparing vehicles for several distinct customer groups.
The adventure SUV will target buyers seeking a more active lifestyle. The eight-passenger flagship will address demand for greater passenger capacity, while the next-generation RDX Hybrid will introduce two-motor hybrid technology to one of Acura’s established nameplates.
The planned V6 hybrid powertrain could provide another important option for customers who want stronger performance and towing capability without giving up the potential efficiency benefits of electrification.
At the same time, the 2027 updates for the ADX, MDX and Integra should help Acura maintain momentum before its next wave of new vehicles arrives.
The strategy does not guarantee that Acura will outperform its competitors, particularly as premium manufacturers continue investing in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric SUVs. Much will depend on the quality of the final products, their prices and how quickly they reach dealerships.
Nevertheless, the direction is clear: Acura wants a broader SUV lineup, more electrified powertrain options and a stronger connection with customers throughout their ownership journey.
Acura is looking to the future with the dramatic NEXERA Vision, a striking performance coupe concept that previews a new design language for the luxury automaker. Unveiled during Monterey Car Week at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, the Acura NEXERA Vision combines sculpted proportions, advanced aerodynamics, sustainable materials and futuristic lighting technology in what Acura describes as a major step toward its next design era.
Developed at Acura Design California in Los Angeles under the direction of Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura’s new Creative Director and Vice President of Auto Design, the NEXERA Vision is more than a styling exercise. Acura says the concept will influence the appearance of future production models, with the fourth-generation Acura RDX Hybrid expected to be the first model to adopt elements of this new design direction.
The concept arrives as Acura marks its 40th anniversary, making the NEXERA Vision an important statement about where the brand intends to go next.
Acura NEXERA Vision Introduces a New Design Language
The Acura NEXERA Vision was created around the idea of Acura’s original challenger spirit, a philosophy that has been central to the brand since its launch four decades ago.
Rather than relying on conventional sports-car styling, Acura’s designers focused on disciplined proportions, muscular surfacing and the integration of technology into the vehicle’s overall form.
“We are using the 40th anniversary of Acura as a springboard to our future, with the Acura NEXERA Vision serving as the design language for future Acura models,” said Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura Creative Director and Vice President of Auto Design.
The result is an aggressively proportioned coupe with a wide stance, a long dash-to-axle ratio and a sleek, one-motion cabin. Its bodywork is finished in Matte Titanium, giving the concept a sophisticated metallic appearance that emphasizes its sharply sculpted surfaces.
The overall design manages to balance traditional sports-car proportions with futuristic details, suggesting Acura wants its next generation of vehicles to look recognizable without simply repeating the styling themes of its current lineup.
Dramatic Butterfly Doors and Active Aerodynamics
One of the most theatrical elements of the NEXERA Vision is its pair of dual-hinge butterfly doors.
The doors dramatically expose the cockpit when opened, turning entry into part of the car’s performance-focused experience. Acura says the design is intended to communicate the brand’s performance DNA from the moment the driver approaches the vehicle.
The exterior also incorporates active aerodynamic technology.
An active rear spoiler automatically manages airflow over the rear decklid, helping improve aerodynamic efficiency while also contributing to high-speed stability and braking performance.
The front end features an aero-channel fascia constructed using forged carbon fiber. Similar lightweight material is used throughout the car, including the rear diffuser, rocker panels and inner door structures.
Rather than treating aerodynamic components as separate add-ons, Acura has integrated them into the vehicle’s sculpted bodywork.
22-Inch Centerlock Wheels and Carbon-Ceramic Brakes
The NEXERA Vision also makes a strong statement about its performance intentions through its wheels and braking hardware.
The concept rides on massive 22-inch centerlock wheels, marking the first use of a centerlock wheel design on an Acura. The wheels feature a distinctive three-dimensional directional pattern, matte anodized finishes and forged carbon-fiber inserts.
Behind them are high-performance carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes.
The combination of large centerlock wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes and extensive use of forged carbon suggests the NEXERA Vision was designed to communicate serious performance capability rather than simply serve as a futuristic design study.
Although Acura has not announced production specifications for the concept, the hardware provides a clear indication of the performance-focused philosophy behind the new design language.
Acura’s New “Phantom Lighting” Signature
Perhaps the most interesting styling detail is hidden within the NEXERA Vision’s bodywork.
Acura calls the technology “phantom lighting,” with ultra-thin headlights and taillights designed to remain visually integrated into the body when switched off. When illuminated, the lighting elements emerge dramatically from the otherwise uninterrupted surfaces.
The new lighting signature is inspired by Acura’s “A” mark.
According to Tsuchida, the objective is to create a visual identity that makes future Acura vehicles immediately recognizable.
The NEXERA Vision therefore isn’t just introducing another interpretation of Acura’s grille or lighting design. Instead, the company appears to be developing a broader visual signature that can be carried across multiple vehicle segments.
Acura says the new lighting treatment will influence future production vehicles, beginning with the next-generation RDX Hybrid.
A Driver-Focused Acura Sports Car Interior
Inside, the NEXERA Vision takes a similarly unconventional approach.
Acura describes the cockpit as a balance between spaciousness and precision-focused intimacy, with the entire interior designed around the driver.
The seating position is particularly unusual. The front seats are integrated directly into the floor and remain fixed in position. This allows the driver’s seating position to be significantly lower than would be possible with conventional adjustable seats.
Instead of moving the seat, the pedals and steering wheel adjust to accommodate the driver.
The result is intended to create a more grounded, connected driving position while reducing potential distractions inside the cockpit.
The interior combines black and white surfaces with gloss-black finishes and contrasting pink accents. Forged carbon fiber is used alongside premium sustainable materials to give the cabin a distinctly modern performance character.
Sustainable Materials Meet Acura Performance
Sustainability is another important part of the NEXERA Vision’s interior design.
Acura has incorporated several alternative and recycled materials, including recycled aluminum, Alcantara incorporating certified post-consumer recycled polyester and CircuLeather, a genuine leather material designed to support a more circular material lifecycle.
The approach reflects a broader change taking place throughout the premium automotive industry, where sustainable materials are increasingly being used without necessarily sacrificing the appearance or tactile qualities expected from a luxury vehicle.
“Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in how premium quality and performance are defined,” Tsuchida said.
For Acura, the NEXERA Vision provides an opportunity to demonstrate that performance, luxury and sustainability do not necessarily have to exist as separate priorities.
Fourth-Generation Acura RDX Hybrid Will Lead the Way
While the NEXERA Vision itself remains a concept, its influence on future Acura models could be considerably more important than the car’s production prospects.
Acura has confirmed that the fourth-generation RDX Hybrid will be among the first production vehicles influenced by the new design direction.
That makes the NEXERA Vision particularly significant. Concept cars often preview individual design elements, but Acura is positioning this vehicle as the foundation of an entire design philosophy.
The production RDX is therefore expected to provide the first major opportunity to see how the concept’s ideas translate into a practical road-going vehicle.
Elements such as the new lighting signature, more disciplined proportions, sculpted body surfaces and integrated aerodynamic details could eventually become defining characteristics of future Acura models.
Acura NEXERA Vision Debuts at Monterey Car Week
The Acura NEXERA Vision made its global debut at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, on August 14 during California’s Monterey Car Week.
The concept was subsequently scheduled to appear at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Concept Lawn on August 16, giving enthusiasts and collectors another opportunity to see Acura’s new design direction in person.
The choice of Monterey Car Week for the debut is significant. The event attracts some of the world’s most important performance cars, luxury vehicles and concept automobiles, providing Acura with an appropriate stage for a vehicle intended to signal a new chapter for the brand.
Acura’s Challenger Spirit Returns
The NEXERA Vision represents a considerable change in emphasis for Acura.
Its combination of aggressive proportions, butterfly doors, active aerodynamics, centerlock wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, forged carbon components and futuristic lighting gives the concept a much more dramatic presence than a conventional luxury crossover or sedan.
At the same time, Acura has deliberately avoided making the design purely futuristic. The emphasis on proportion, surface treatment and driver engagement gives the concept a connection to traditional performance-car design.
That balance may ultimately be the most important aspect of the NEXERA Vision.
Acura is attempting to create vehicles that feel technologically advanced without becoming visually dependent on technology. The result is a design philosophy centered on form, performance and recognizable brand identity.
