Automotive history is rich with milestones marking significant innovations. Two such notable milestones emerged in 1989/90 with the debut of the Lexus LS400 and the Acura/Honda NSX. These vehicles weren’t just new ventures for Toyota and Honda; they were groundbreaking for any Japanese manufacturer in their respective segments. Both models decisively outperformed their established competitors, commanding global attention. Over three decades later, these original masterpieces continue to be held in high esteem by automotive enthusiasts.
Toyota boldly challenged the pinnacle of luxury car manufacturing, taking on esteemed brands such as Mercedes, BMW, and Jaguar. Concurrently, Honda ambitiously targeted the elite of the sports car world, setting its sights on renowned names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. Following our recent feature on the Lexus LS400, it is only fitting that we now give the Honda NSX its well-deserved recognition.
The Vision Behind the NSX
Many years ago, while delving deep into Honda’s history, I found myself pondering: Why did Honda create the NSX? The answer lies in Honda’s ambitious spirit and its racing heritage, a cornerstone since the company ventured into automobile manufacturing. Just two years after launching its first production vehicle, the T360 mini pick-up truck in 1963, Honda astonishingly clinched a victory in a Formula 1 race. By the mid-1980s, Honda had returned triumphantly to Formula 1, with its engines dominating the circuit and outperforming rivals like Ferrari. By this time, Honda had already established itself as a successful automobile manufacturer, with models like the Accord achieving bestseller status. Furthermore, Honda had made significant inroads into the luxury market with acclaimed models such as the Legend and the Integra.
Now it was time to showcase its technical prowess, engineering excellence, performance, and racing pedigree, thereby enhancing its brand image beyond the reputation of reliable economy cars. The NSX was the platform that enabled Honda to achieve that goal.
A Daily Driver with Supercar Credentials
Honda’s vision for the NSX extended beyond contemporary luxury sports cars. Honda aimed to create a sports car that not only provided exceptional performance but also offered the reliability and ease of use not typically associated with its European competitors. The NSX was designed to be a car that could be driven daily, and it handsomely fulfilled that vision. Gordan Murray, the legendary designer of the McLaren F1, took inspiration from the NSX and proudly owned one. I will boldly claim that the original NSX is a better driver than many luxury supercars of today.
Innovation and Engineering Excellence
The NSX was notable for its innovative use of lightweight materials, such as an all-aluminum body and chassis. This was a first for a production car and demonstrated Honda’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and materials. Ayrton Senna’s inputs, especially in handling, significantly raised its rigidity, showing Honda’s dedication to this project.
The NSX also boasted several technical innovations, some of which led to rapid design changes between its preview and launch. The most significant of these was the inclusion of the all-aluminum 3.0L DOHC VTEC V6 in place of the originally planned SOHC V6, which required changes to the length and overhangs. I still wonder how Honda’s engineers pulled off this feat after the car had already been revealed and its launch was imminent.
The Legacy of the NSX
The story of how it came to be named the NSX is also interesting. I won’t delve into the details, but I encourage you to read this article from the Honda news room paying tribute to 30 years of the NSX. It does make me wonder if it was an inspiration for future Acura models like TSX, MDX, RDX, etc.
Though a few modifications were made to the car including an engine upgrade to 3.2L, the car retained much of its original form until 2005 when Honda decided to discontinue it. That was a heartbreak moment for its lovers. A car like the NSX can be owned by only a lucky few, mostly in developed countries, but its fan base was global. I can imagine the collective sigh of all those fans reaching Japan because Honda soon promised a replacement by 2010. It took longer than that but the new NSX made its debut in 2015. As can be expected, the new NSX was a vastly different car than the original. Sadly, by this time the competition was much fiercer, and the new NSX couldn’t repeat the achievements of the original.
There is a ton of content available online about the NSX so I wouldn’t go any deeper in this story. Starting from Wikipedia, YouTube, Car Magazines, Independent Reviewers, Official Honda Websites, etc. you can immerse yourself if you want to. I will conclude by saying that Honda set its eyes on taking on the best in the world and achieved that goal so convincingly that the NSX will forever be remembered as one of the best sports cars ever produced.
