Acura NSX Club of America Annual “NSXPO” Event

A huge ingredient of the joy in being a collector car owner is connecting with members of the community who drive the same model. Since the late 1990s, the Acura NSX Club of America (NSXCA) has come together each year for an annual meet called “NSXPO.” This year, Arizona played host to the convention and in so doing attracted upwards of $8-10 million in cars to the region.

The flagship mid-engined NSX supercar first debuted in Japan under the Honda nameplate in 1990 and was introduced to the Acura lineup in North America the following year. Its first generation, ranging from model year 1991 through 2005, sold about 9,000 units over the 15-year span. The NSX managed to deliver a reliable ownership experience combined with both exotic styling and excellent balance. Even though its horsepower output in stock form was rated at fewer than 300 ponies, its all-aluminum chassis made it a lightweight and nimble machine suited for canyon carving.

After a hiatus, the second generation NSX came to market in 2017 with very different type of recipe for performance driving: this time, it came as a twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 connected to three electric motors. As the brand’s halo car, it sold relatively few units but offered undisputed sportscar expertise, including setting a production car lap record at the Long Beach Grand Prix. Acura elected to discontinue the car after 2022, but in so doing, ramped up its horsepower to an even 600 with a Type S variant for the final year. Production for that model was limited to just 350 units for North America.

NSXPO 2022 festivities kicked off with a two-day track event at the newly-constructed Podium Club facility about an hour from Phoenix where drivers put cars through their paces. A larger crowd began to assemble in Scottsdale two days later for the social component of the event. Playing host to the roughly 250 participants and 120 vehicles in attendance was the Talking Stick Resort & Casino in Scottsdale. A number of sponsors contributed to the success of the program, including Acura itself as one of the top-tier contributors.

The schedule was action-packed with a variety of attractions for the group. The 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden at Papago Park provided a vivid dusk setting for an opening reception after attendees picked up their credentials and goodie bags. A mariachi band showed up with entertainment to spice things up.

On Friday, a 200-mile drive loop introduced NSXCA members to some of the scenery and attractions of the Mogollon Rim near Payson. The Chaparral Pines Golf Club welcomed the group for a flow-through lunch, and an excursion to Tonto Natural Bridge offered a glimpse at the world’s largest travertine arch. That night, after a group photo, dinner was hosted by The Vault — an exclusive vehicle storage and maintenance facility just a few minutes from the host hotel. A charity program held for Baller Dream Foundation, an organization benefitting young individuals who are battling cancer, raised over $6,000 thanks to generosity of club members.

Saturday’s key events began with a vendor showcase ScienceofSpeed, a specialty facility that for 20 years has pioneered performance parts and services for the Acura NSX and Honda S2000 models. Judging was held there for awards to be distributed later that evening. Adding to the adventure was an isolated and unexpected thunderstorm that created drama for the many folks who rarely take their NSXs out in inclement weather. Luckily, the weather passed without incident and there were plenty of microfiber towels to go around afterward.

Finally, NSXPO 2022 capped off back at the Talking Stick Resort with a cocktail hour and closing banquet dinner. On display inside the ballroom were a rare 1-of-50 1999 NSX Alex Zanardi Edition and a 2022 NSX Type S. The program consisted of sponsor recognition, a tribute to club members who passed away, an auction, and awards. NSXCA member Ken Sax from Chicago was recognized for his perfect attendance record at every NSXPO since 1997. The long-distance award went to Ole Sorenson who drove his Nord Gray Metallic NSX over 2,800 miles from Sarasota, Florida to Scottsdale. Nine other awards were handed over in a variety of categories to proud owners.

What’s next for the NSX family? The show will go on! An announcement was made about the chosen location for next year’s event: NSXPO 2023 will head east to Atlanta, Georgia with a targeted event timeframe of October.

As the NSX model ends production with the Type S model this year, Acura considers this the car’s “victory lap.” It remains to be seen if or when Acura will bring the model back for a third generation in the future. Perhaps by that time, it will rely upon a fully electrified powertrain.