The 2022 Acura NSX Type S achieves a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 2.9 seconds. This elite performance is delivered by a 600-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain paired with a sophisticated Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, making it the fastest and most powerful production NSX ever built.
As we look back from 2026, the 2022 Acura NSX Type S remains a high-water mark for Japanese supercar engineering. Serving as the final iteration of the second-generation (NC1) NSX, the 2022 model was limited to just 350 units worldwide. It wasn't just a celebratory "final edition"; it was a comprehensive mechanical overhaul designed to extract every possible ounce of performance from the hybrid platform. To understand how the NSX achieves its sub-3-second 0-60 sprint, one must examine the intricate synergy between its internal combustion engine and its three-motor electric system.
The Engineering Behind the 2.9-Second Sprint
The 2022 Acura NSX Type S utilizes a mid-mounted 3.5-liter 75-degree twin-turbocharged V6 engine. On its own, the internal combustion engine is a marvel, but the "0-60" magic happens because of the hybrid integration. Unlike traditional supercars that rely solely on mechanical gear reduction and engine RPM to build torque, the NSX uses "Torque Fill" provided by its electric motors.
The Internal Combustion Powerhouse
For the 2022 Type S, Acura engineers utilized turbochargers borrowed from the NSX GT3 Evo race car. These turbos feature a 6% increase in boost pressure, totaling 16.1 psi. To manage this increased heat and pressure, the Type S received new fuel injectors with a 25% higher flow rate and more efficient intercoolers. This raised the engine's output to 520 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
The Three-Motor Hybrid System
The NSX's unique layout features three electric motors:
- The Direct Drive Motor: Sandwiched between the V6 engine and the 9-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). This motor acts directly on the crankshaft, providing instant torque and smoothing out shifts.
- The Twin Motor Unit (TMU): Located at the front axle, this unit consists of two independent electric motors that power the front wheels.
During a 0-60 mph launch, the TMU is vital. While the rear wheels are managing the massive torque of the V6, the front motors provide immediate "pull," effectively creating an all-wheel-drive launch that minimizes wheel spin. This instantaneous electric torque (available at 0 RPM) fills the gap while the turbochargers are spooling up, resulting in a linear, neck-snapping acceleration curve.
Launch Control and the 9-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission
Achieving a 2.9-second 0-60 time requires more than just raw power; it requires the ability to put that power to the pavement efficiently. The 2022 Acura NSX Type S features an evolved 9-speed DCT that was specifically recalibrated for the Type S.
Rapid Downshift and Gear Ratios
The transmission in the Type S is tuned for 50% faster upshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes. For the 0-60 sprint, the first gear ratio is aggressive, designed to maximize the mechanical advantage at a standstill. The SH-AWD system manages the power distribution across all four wheels with millisecond precision, ensuring that the Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires—developed specifically for this car—maintain optimal grip.
The Launch Control Sequence
To achieve the advertised 0-60 times, drivers must engage the NSX’s "Track Mode." With the brake pedal depressed and the throttle fully applied, the system enters a "Ready" state. When the brake is released, the hybrid system coordinates the TMU, the Direct Drive Motor, and the V6 to deliver a massive surge of power. For 2022, the Type S also received a battery capacity increase of 20% and a 10% increase in battery output, allowing the electric motors to contribute more energy during the initial launch phase.
Comparative Performance: 2022 Acura NSX Type S vs. Competitors
To understand where the 2022 NSX Type S stands in the pantheon of supercars, it is helpful to compare its performance metrics against its contemporaries. In 2022, the supercar market was transitioning toward hybridization, and the NSX was an early pioneer of this trend.
| Feature | 2022 Acura NSX Type S | 2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance | 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo (992) | 2022 McLaren Artura |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-60 MPH | ~2.9 Seconds | 3.1 Seconds | 2.7 Seconds | 3.0 Seconds |
| Horsepower | 600 hp | 602 hp | 572 hp | 671 hp |
| Torque | 492 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft | 531 lb-ft |
| Powertrain | 3.5L V6 Hybrid | 5.2L V10 | 3.7L Flat-6 Twin-Turbo | 3.0L V6 Hybrid |
| Drivetrain | SH-AWD | Quattro AWD | AWD | RWD |
| Top Speed | 191 mph | 201 mph | 199 mph | 205 mph |
While the Porsche 911 Turbo holds a slight edge in pure 0-60 acceleration due to its rear-engine weight bias and PDK transmission, the NSX Type S remains significantly quicker than the naturally aspirated Audi R8. The comparison with the McLaren Artura is particularly interesting, as both represent the "new school" of V6 hybrid supercars. The NSX's SH-AWD system gives it a traction advantage over the rear-wheel-drive Artura during standing starts.
Aerodynamics and Weight Management
Weight is the enemy of acceleration. The standard 2022 Acura NSX Type S has a curb weight of roughly 3,898 lbs—heavy for a supercar due to the batteries and electric motors. However, Acura offered a "Lightweight Package" to mitigate this.
The Lightweight Package
This optional upgrade reduced the vehicle's weight by approximately 58 lbs (26.2 kg). It included:
- Carbon Ceramic Brakes: Essential for repeated high-speed stops but also crucial for reducing unsprung mass, which improves suspension response and acceleration.
- Carbon Fiber Engine Cover: A cosmetic and weight-saving addition.
- Carbon Fiber Interior Accents: Reducing mass in the cockpit.
By reducing the overall mass, the Lightweight Package allows the 600 hp to work more effectively, slightly improving the car's agility and high-speed stability, though the 0-60 time remains largely consistent due to the traction-limited nature of a standing start.
Aero Enhancements for Stability
The 2022 Type S features a revised front fascia with larger air intakes and a functional carbon fiber front splitter. At the rear, a new GT3-inspired carbon fiber diffuser helps manage airflow beneath the car. While aerodynamics play a larger role at speeds above 60 mph, the increased cooling efficiency for the turbos and the TMU ensures that the car can deliver consistent 0-60 times even after multiple high-performance runs.
Real-World Factors Influencing 0-60 Times
While the "2.9 seconds" figure is the standard benchmark, several real-world variables can influence the actual performance of a 2022 NSX Type S.
Tire Temperature and Compound
The Type S came factory-equipped with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires. These are "track-focused" street tires. If the rubber is cold, the SH-AWD system will detect slip and modulate power, potentially slowing the 0-60 time to the 3.1-second range. Optimal performance is achieved once the tires have reached an operating temperature of approximately 100°F.
State of Charge (SoC)
Because the NSX is a hybrid, its 0-60 performance is partially dependent on the battery's state of charge. If the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) is low on energy, the electric motors cannot provide the full "Torque Fill" required for a sub-3-second run. The car’s onboard computer manages this balance, often using the engine to charge the battery during spirited driving to ensure peak performance is always available.
Surface and Elevation
Performance testing usually occurs on prepared surfaces. On standard asphalt with common road debris, a 0-60 time of 3.0 or 3.1 seconds is more realistic. Furthermore, elevation plays a role; while the electric motors are unaffected by thin air, the twin-turbocharged V6 will lose a small percentage of its efficiency at high altitudes, though the turbos can compensate for this much better than a naturally aspirated engine.
The Legacy of the NC1 Platform in 2026
As of 2026, the 2022 Acura NSX Type S has transitioned from a new showroom flagship to a highly coveted collector's item. The 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds remains competitive even against newer electric and hybrid hypercars.
The significance of the 2022 model lies in its "analog-digital" balance. While it uses complex software and electric motors to achieve its speed, the engagement of the 9-speed DCT and the visceral sound of the GT3-spec turbos provide a mechanical experience that many modern, purely electric sports cars lack. For enthusiasts looking at the secondary market in 2026, the 2022 Type S represents the ultimate version of Acura's hybrid experiment, holding its value remarkably well due to its limited production run of 350 units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2022 NSX Type S have a higher top speed than the standard model?
Yes, the 2022 NSX Type S has a top speed of 191 mph. While the primary focus of the Type S was acceleration and handling, the aerodynamic refinements and the increased 600 hp output allowed for a slight increase in top-end performance compared to the earlier standard models which were typically governed or drag-limited near the same range.
How does the 0-60 of the 2022 NSX compare to the original 1990s NSX?
The original 1990 Acura NSX had a 0-60 mph time of roughly 5.2 to 5.7 seconds, depending on the transmission and year. The 2022 Type S is nearly twice as fast to 60 mph, illustrating the massive leap in automotive technology, specifically the shift from naturally aspirated high-revving engines to hybrid-assisted forced induction.
Is the 2.9-second 0-60 time achievable without the Lightweight Package?
Yes. The 2.9-second figure is largely a product of the SH-AWD system and the increased power of the Type S powertrain. While the Lightweight Package reduces the overall mass of the vehicle, the traction and launch control systems are the primary drivers of the 0-60 metric. The Lightweight Package is more noticeable in lateral G-force measurements and braking distances on a track.
Why is the 2022 model year the only one with these specific specs?
Acura designated 2022 as the final production year for the second-generation NSX. To send the model off, they decided to produce only the "Type S" variant for that final year. This makes the 2022 model unique, as it incorporates all the technical lessons learned from the 2017–2021 production run into a single, high-performance package.
How many electric motors does the 2022 NSX use for acceleration?
The 2022 NSX uses three electric motors during acceleration. Two are located on the front axle (the Twin Motor Unit), providing independent power to each front wheel for traction and torque vectoring. The third is the Direct Drive Motor located between the engine and transmission, which assists the rear wheels and provides instantaneous torque before the turbochargers reach full boost.
Final Recommendation for Owners and Buyers
For those currently owning or looking to acquire a 2022 Acura NSX Type S in 2026, maintaining the hybrid system is paramount to preserving that 2.9-second 0-60 capability. Ensure that the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) software is up to date and that the specialized Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires are replaced with the correct "H0" coded versions designed specifically for the NSX's weight distribution and torque profile. Because the 2022 model was a limited run of 350, it is essentially a piece of automotive history that serves as a bridge between the era of internal combustion and the future of electrification.
