Honda NSX
JDM · Honda
The car that proved Japanese makers could build a true mid-engine supercar. Designed with input from Ayrton Senna.
The Honda NSX (sold as Acura NSX in North America) is a mid-engine supercar produced from 1990 to 2005 (first generation, NA1 and NA2) and 2016 to 2022 (second generation, NC1). The original NSX was developed under code name HP-X and was the first production car to use an all-aluminum monocoque chassis extensively. The transverse-mounted C30A V6 made 270 horsepower in early NA1 cars, increasing to 290 in later NA2 examples. What set the NSX apart from contemporary supercars (Ferrari 348, Porsche 928, Lotus Esprit) was its drivability. NSX owners could daily drive their cars without drama. The aluminum chassis, sophisticated suspension geometry, and Honda engineering reliability made the car as easy to live with as a regular Acura sedan, while delivering supercar performance. Ferrari executives reportedly studied the NSX after launch and significantly improved the 355 in response. The Type R variants (NSX-R, NA1 1992 and NA2 2002) were the most extreme expressions. Stripped of interior weight, fitted with sport-tuned suspension and chassis, and finished in Championship White, the NSX-R is widely considered one of the great driver cars of any era. Production was limited; the 1992 NSX-R was 483 units, the 2002 NSX-R was 140 units. On WhipJury, NSX submissions are rare but always do well in voting. Both NA1 and NA2 generation cars appear; the NC1 (2016-2022) hybrid second generation has a smaller but growing presence. Clean Championship White or Long Beach Blue examples reliably top voting.
The first NSX (NA1, NA2)
NA1 (1990-2002). Original NSX. Aluminum monocoque, C30A V6 (3.0 liter, 270 horsepower). Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Pop-up headlights through 2001.
NA2 (1997-2005). Refresh. C32B V6 (3.2 liter, 290 horsepower in some markets). Six-speed manual replaced five-speed. Various other refinements. Pop-up headlights replaced with fixed headlights from 2002 model year.
Type R variants (1992 and 2002). NSX-R is the focused track-oriented variant. Stripped interior, lighter wheels, sport suspension, Championship White paint. Limited production (483 units of 1992 NSX-R, 140 units of 2002 NSX-R).
Second-generation NSX (NC1, 2016-2022)
Hybrid powertrain: twin-turbo V6 plus three electric motors making around 573 horsepower combined. Dual-clutch automatic. Carbon fiber chassis components. Heavier than the NA1 (3,803 lb vs 3,060) but more powerful and faster. Reception was mixed; the car was capable but lacked the original NSX cultural significance.
NSX on WhipJury
NA1 and NA2 submissions are rare but always do well. Track-prepped builds (NSX with sticky tires, lower suspension, aero kit) are common. The Type R variants are unicorns. The community recognizes the NSX as one of the seminal Japanese cars and votes accordingly. NC1 second-generation cars are increasingly common as they age into the used market.
Frequently asked questions about Honda NSX
More on the Honda NSX
Acura started selling more than 3,000 reproduction parts for the 1991 to 2005 NSX on November 2, through its dealers and Honda's DreamShop. It hasn't published a parts list or prices, and Honda's Japanese catalog is mostly mechanical so far.
The one-off Acura NSX Roadster from 2012's The Avengers is on Cars & Bids with no reserve, and the full winning bid goes to charity. Under the concept-car body is a 1991 NSX with more than 252,000 miles, and it can't be driven on public roads.
USDM stands for United States Domestic Market: cars and parts built to American rules. Those rules gave US cars side marker lights, 5 mph bumpers, and decades of round sealed-beam headlights, and they're why imports wait 25 years.
Where the engine sits sets the hood length, the cabin position, and the balance, and you can read it from across a car park. Front engine gives the long hood people read as expensive, mid engine drops the nose and collects mass at the rear, and rear engine gives the 911 its unmistakable falling tail.