In the early 1980s, Honda had its sights set on producing a concept car to show that it carried a more luxurious name. They partnered with design pros Pininfarina to produce the Honda HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental). The concept stirred up management, and Honda set their most established engineers and designers to create a production version of the HP-X. Intending to be as fast as something from Germany or Italy, the team set to work.
Eventually, the designers and engineers of the prestigious HP-X would see the vehicle rebadged as the NSX (New Sports eXperimental). Branded as the Acura NSX for North America, the original NSX was perhaps the closest thing to a race car one could own! The NSX is a beast of a machine and one that inspires and proves that JDM sports cars can be just as cool as, if not cooler than sports cars from America or Europe. Here's why we think Japan will never make a cooler sports car.
10 It Inspired Hypercars
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During the development of the NSX, Honda was providing engines for the McLaren F1 project. This close partnership allowed designer Gordon Murray an opportunity to drive early prototypes. Initially, Murray had gone for the 911 as inspiration; however, after driving the NSX, he fell in love and became the basis of inspiration for the F1.
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Murray further commented that the NSX's ride quality and handling would be benchmarks for the F1; only the F1 would have to be much faster. Despite the increase in power, the F1 uses the NSX's drive by wire throttle and design elements proving that Honda's supercar inspires hypercars.
9 Rock Solid Performance
A technologically advanced C30A VTEC engine powered the very first models of the NSX. This engine was a first of its kind, featuring titanium connecting rods and an aluminum alloy design with direct injection capable of 270hp with a manual or 252hp with an automatic transmission.
By 1997, Honda had replaced the original engine with the new C32B, capable of 290hp. Further, Honda dropped the automatic transmission in favor of either a five-speed or six-speed manual.
8 Designed Like A Jet
Designers Nakano and Uehara took a ton of inspiration from the F-16 fighter jet. As a result, the driver's cockpit was positioned towards the front to allow for a better 360-degree view.
In addition to the cockpit, the tail was also inspired by the rear of a jet. The NSX benefited from this design as it helped with high-speed directional stability, adding to that legendary handling the NSX is known for!
7 Exclusive Price
Honda's goal with the NSX was to provide a supercar that was more practical and cheaper than anything that Europe or America could produce. This goal was met as the original starting price was between $60,000 and $90,000 depending on features and options. This starting price was almost half of the target Ferrari 348!
Though not to discount the new premium model, the NSX was priced significantly more than the next-best Skyline GT-R R32, which started at $42,650 in 1994.
6 Some Serious Chemistry
The Honda NSX was a technological advancement as a road car. For the first time, titanium was used in the engine. Additionally, the NSX is the world's first all-aluminum semi-monocoque production car, saving 885lbs over a steel frame.
This revolutionary extruded aluminum alloy frame and suspension was applauded for its rigidity yet weight-saving properties. NSX models that were used for GT racing would even see carbon fiber added to the frame, further reducing weight while improving strength.
5 Race Performance
The Honda NSX had racing in its blood, as two F1 drivers, Satoru Nakajima and Ayrton Senna, helped with chassis design. Honda even fielded GT1 and GT2 cars for the 24 Hours of Le Mans based on NSX-R shells. Though placed at a high of 14th, the NSX would fair better in other areas.
The NSX took home several titles and positions throughout an illustrious career in several racing circuits. Most notably, the NSX-GT would win an astounding 36 races between 1997 and 2009 in the Super GT Series. Plus, in 1997, the NSX won the SCCA World Challenge!
4 Not Available Everywhere
The Honda NSX is a rare car to start with, but it doesn't help that in North America, the Honda branding was replaced for the Acura branding, making the Honda NSX that much rarer.
In addition to finding a Honda branded NSX, several varients weren't even available outside of Japan. These models are famously the NSX-R and NSX-S. Additionally, of the five homologation NSX-R GT cars, only one ever sold!
3 An Insane Second Generation
Without the praise, capability, and styling of the original NSX, the second generation would never have been born. Though the second-generation sees production end with the 2022 model, the NSX will go out with the NSX Type-S starting at a blistering $169,500!
The 2022 NSX Type-S is the peak of NSX performance. Featuring a twin-turbo hybrid-electric engine that produces an impressive 600hp and 492lb-ft of torque! This powerful engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission with seamless shifting waiting for the track!
2 Skyrocketing Popularity
The Honda NSX took the world by storm and shook the supercar manufacturers from Europe and America. Their popularity amongst gearheads has never been higher, and resources exist to import a Japanese NSX!
Even as the rest of the JDM car world sees a surge in popularity, the NSX continues to reign as one of the most elusive. A rare NSX-R went to auction with a starting bid of $408,000, proving these classic JDM supercars are mega-popular!
1 Built By Honda - By The Numbers
The Honda NSX has always been a fantastic model, yet its rarity begins to be revealed when looking at the numbers. 1991 was by far the most popular year, seeing 3163 units sold. Further, by 2005 less than 250 were being sold per year, leading to the rarity of the original NSX.
In total, 18,685 original Honda NSXs were sold. Almost half were sold under the U.S as the Acura NSX, making the Honda badging that much more unique. And for most unique, only 6 NSXs were sold in Spa Yellow with Tan interiors, making these examples among the rarest!