In 1992 Honda released a lightweight version of the NSX called the NSX-R for the Japanese market that took advantage of the Type-R nameplate. It was revised to be a lightweight version that was more capable on the racetrack than the road.

Honda fit the NSX-R with no air conditioning, no spare tire, no traction control, no stereo and no sound deadening. The result was a NSX that shed 120 kg (265 lb) of weight.

The suspension was heavily updated with larger sway bars, suspension links, coil springs and dampers.

Honda improved interior with bright red Recaro seats that were specifically design for the NSX-R from carbon-kevlar. This was matched with a new Momo wheel and high-contrast red stitching.

Final drive increased to 4.235:1 from 4.06:1, this let the driver take better advantage of the balanced crankshaft in the higher rpm range.

Options for the NSX-R included air conditioning, a Bose stereo, carbon fibre interior trim and white-painted wheels.