Tag Archives: Honda

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

Honda Now Wants to Insure Your Ride Too — Introducing Honda Insurance Solutions

Honda has long been a household name when it comes to moving things—cars, motorcycles, ATVs, even boats. But the Japanese automaker’s ambitions in the U.S. market are expanding in a new direction: insurance. Yes, in 2025, Honda isn’t just selling you the wheels — it wants to insure them too.

Enter Honda Insurance Solutions (HIS)

The newly launched Honda Insurance Solutions (HIS) is American Honda’s attempt to bring peace of mind to its customers by offering branded insurance products for both Honda and Acura buyers. But let’s be clear — Honda isn’t setting itself up as the next Allstate or GEICO. HIS isn’t a direct insurer; it’s an agency, licensed in all 50 states and powered by VIU by HUB, an established insurance broker.

In simple terms, this means HIS is essentially a repackaged broker service, dressed in Honda’s familiar branding. Still, in an industry often criticized for its lack of transparency and ever-increasing premiums, the trust associated with the Honda name could be a powerful draw.

Coverage Beyond the Driveway

HIS goes beyond just auto insurance. Honda customers can secure coverage for everything from their motorcycles and side-by-sides to their homes — potentially simplifying the often chaotic insurance process into a one-stop shop.

The OEM Advantage

But Honda is banking on more than brand loyalty. One of HIS’s key selling points is OEM parts coverage. This optional feature ensures that any repairs made under a HIS policy will be completed with genuine Honda or Acura parts, not aftermarket replacements.

Honda claims this protects vehicle value — though, let’s be honest, we’re not exactly dealing with collector-grade NSXs or vintage Civics here. It’s hard to imagine a significant resale penalty over a non-OEM tail light. That said, purists and meticulous owners may find real comfort in knowing their vehicle is kept 100% Honda-original.

Price Will Be the Real Decider

For most buyers, the real test will come down to cost. Honda says its offerings will be “competitive,” but insurance is a dollars-and-cents game. If HIS can offer similar or better coverage for less than traditional players, it could gain real traction. If not, brand loyalty might only get them so far.

Looking Ahead

What could give HIS an edge is convenience. Honda plans to integrate the service directly into its digital retail platforms, allowing customers to insure their vehicles as part of the buying process — a potentially seamless, no-hassle solution.

So here’s the big question: would you trust your car insurance to the same company that built your car? Would you pay extra to ensure repairs use OEM parts? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or ask your Honda if it feels safer already.

Source: Honda