Honda NSX Type R closer

The Honda NSX is one of the best supercars we've ever driven.

Propelled by a twin-turbo V6 hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain, it's the duck's guts according to both motoring.com.au's editor in chief and managing editor.

But imagine if its 427kW/646Nm outputs were boosted even further?

We talked to Jon Ikeda, the vice president and general manager of Acura in the USA, about the NSX and its future during 2019 Detroit motor show.

"Performance is what we're after and the NSX sets the table for us. Whether we're doing coupes or SUVs, it's going to be a performance car," said Ikeda.

Quizzed on the idea of a Honda NSX Type R, or an Acura NSX Type S as it would be badged in North America, boasting more power, even more aggressive aerodynamics and a lower kerb weight, he said exactly what we wanted to hear.

"I'm a car guy, so always faster performance vehicles … yeah we like that, we talk about it."

Ikeda was careful to avoid confirming anything and US Acura PR manager Matt Sloustcher was quick to try and shut down our conversation, but even he didn't deny the existence of a hard-core NSX.

"We'll see … anything can happen," he said. "There's always proposals," he said, before cautioning that the company had no plans "at this stage".

So is there perhaps an upgrade of some sort coming for existing NSX owners?

"Not that I can discuss," said Sloustcher.

He observed there was always customer demand for high-performance products but for the time being the company is keeping tight-lipped on any future NSX upgrades.

"If you want a really fast one you can buy the NSX GT3 race car," Ikeda grinned.

We noted that the carbon-fibre clad racer is illegal on public roads, to which he laughed: "In the Outback, I'm sure nobody will say anything!"

As we've reported, while the NSX Type R is expected to bring more power and less weight, Honda's next-generation NSX may ditch its advanced hybrid powertrain for an all-electric four-motor system like the one in the Acura EV Concept (pictured) created for the famous Pikes Peak Hillclimb.

It produced an incredible combined total of 746kW (about 1000hp) and could hit 100km/h in 2.5 seconds on its way to 200km/h in less than 6.2 seconds.

While the NSX is sold in Australia wearing Honda badges, it's marketed in North America under the luxury Acura brand, which is to Honda what Lexus is to Toyota, Infiniti is to Nissan and, soon, what Genesis is to Hyundai.

Despite repeated local denials Ikeda suggested the Acura brand could be introduced here.

"First we're focussed on North America -- obviously this is where our roots are so we want to be a success here," he said.

"But our first grandchild is in China. We sell cars there and we're starting to grow so, you know, anything could happen. Never say never.

"Aussies love premium cars and fast cars," he smiled.

Ikeda said that around 1000 NSX supercars have been sold since it was launched later than expected in 2016, and the focus was still very much on that vehicle.

"The NSX is just starting to make inroads, so we're trying to get the cars and volume at the moment and get the awareness up," he explained.

Unsurprisingly, around 850 of the NSX total have been snapped up by customers in North America, where it is produced, with just six examples now in Australia and a seventh now in transit.

Honda Australia owns two second-generation NSXs - a registered press/marketing vehicle and a non-saleable 'market evaluation' vehicle - and the first customer car was delivered in December 2016.

Since then Honda has sold and delivered three more production NSXs (although one is yet to be registered and may not be), exhausting its 2017 allocation of five vehicles.

Honda Australia's 2018 NSX allocation is expected to be similar, ensuring the $420,000 supercar remains one of the most exclusive models on our roads, but it won't say if all vehicles yet have names on them.