The Honda NSX, sold as the Acura NSX in North America and Hong Kong, is a two-seater sports car manufactured over two generations. The first was produced from 1990 to 2006 and the second from 2016 to 2022.
Honda NSX at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| North American name | Acura NSX |
| First generation | 1990–2006, NA1/NA2 |
| Second generation | 2016–2022 |
| First-generation layout | rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Second-generation layout | rear mid-engine, all-wheel drive |
| First engine | all-aluminium 3.0-litre V6 with VTEC |
| First gearbox | five-speed manual |
| Automatic from 1994 | SportShift four-speed |
| Structure | first production car with an all-aluminium semi-monocoque |
| Concept | HP-X of 1984 |
| Development input | Ayrton Senna |
| Second-generation power | twin-turbo V6 with electric motors |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the NSX.
History of the Honda NSX
From HP-X to NS-X
The origins of the NSX go back to 1984 and the HP-X, the Honda Pininfarina eXperimental concept for a 3.0-litre V6 rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car. Honda, intending to meet or exceed the performance of the V8 Ferrari range, committed to the project with aims of reliability and a lower price. The concept evolved and was renamed NS-X, standing for New Sports car eXperimental.
First generation
The NSX was designed by a team led by chief designer Masahito Nakano and executive chief engineer Shigeru Uehara. It benefited from advanced aerodynamics and styling inspired by the F-16 fighter cockpit, with input during final development from Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna. It was the first general production car with an all-aluminium semi-monocoque and was powered by an all-aluminium 3.0-litre V6 with Honda’s VTEC system, driving through a five-speed manual or, from 1994, a SportShift four-speed automatic.
Second generation
The second-generation NSX, built from 2016 to 2022, is a coupe only, with a rear mid-engine, all-wheel-drive layout. Its twin-turbocharged V6 is supplemented by several electric motors in a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.
Design and features
- All-aluminium body: the first production car with an aluminium semi-monocoque.
- VTEC V6: a 3.0-litre all-aluminium engine.
- Senna’s input: the F1 champion helped tune the final development cars.
- Hybrid second generation: twin-turbo V6 with electric motors and all-wheel drive.
Honda NSX versions
- NSX coupe (1990): the original two-door.
- NSX targa: the open-roof variant added later.
- SportShift automatic (1994): the F-Matic gearbox option.
- Second-generation NSX (2016–2022): the hybrid supercar.
The NSX was Honda’s halo model above the Honda S2000 and Prelude. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda NSX, English Wikipedia: origins, generations, engine, structure, Senna
