In the past couple of weeks, we have mourned the loss of the legendary Acura NSX and welcomed the return of the Acura Integra. We also learned about the NSX Type-S, which will have 600 hp and will only be produced in a limited quantity. It’s been quite the rollercoaster of emotions when it comes to Acura news as of late, but the light at the end of the tunnel is that there will be another Acura NSX to look forward to “at some point.”

The next Acura NSX could be electrified

The editors at Motor Trend recently spoke with Acura’s Brand Officer, John Ikeda, about all things Acura, some of which included the recent news about the NSX. According to the publication, Ikeda said, “There will be a next one, at some point, I am sure…There will be another one.” If that’s not reassuring, we don’t know what is.

However, if you have your fingers crossed that the next NSX will be anything like the original, think again. Every automaker knows that they have to flow with the tides when it comes to new innovations and progressive technology. As such, Motor Trend also mentioned that the next NSX will most likely be an electric vehicle, which is fitting given that many automakers are heading toward electrification in the near future.

“We didn’t want to let the NSX die on a vine…”

The Acura NSX has always been the automaker’s “halo car,” which is basically the attractive beacon that has all of the latest and greatest technologies to lure buyers into checking out the rest of the lineup. It’s the car that people drool over, but can’t have, so they buy a TLX instead. From a marketing standpoint, it’s genius. But from an engineering standpoint, a halo car is also a learning experience.

Ikeda told Motor Trend that Acura didn’t “go into it to make a lot of money.” Instead, the automaker used the NSX to find out which direction it wanted to go in the future. “We learned a lot about electrification and fun to drive, which is a staple,” Ikeda said. The Acura NSX Type S is a testament to that notion with its upgrades and updated performance. However, that car is more of a “last hurrah,” which is evident in the fact that the very first one sold for over $1 million during an auction at Monterey Car Week.

Ikeda also told Motor Trend, “We didn’t want to let the NSX die on a vine. To go quietly into the night is not what it deserves.”

The Integra was also brought up

Ikeda also spoke to Motor Trend about the forthcoming 2023 Acura Integra. So far, it sounds like it’s going to be as we expect: an entry-level sports car that will be more obtainable to the masses. The Japanese automaker just needed to get the NSX out of the way first in order to usher in the Integra and take the brand back to its luxury performance roots.

“Now it’s the right time to retire the halo and bring in the volume entry car. It’s time to return to Integra,” Ikeda said.