The Birth of a Japanese Supercar

The Honda NSX began with the HP-X concept, designed by Italian styling house Pininfarina and presented in 1984. Honda later developed the concept into its own mid-engine sports car, with the production car designed under Chief Designer Ken Okuyama and Executive Chief Engineer Shigeru Uehara.

Honda's goal was ambitious. The NSX was developed to challenge established European sports cars while offering the reliability, usability and engineering quality expected from a Honda.

Designed Around the Driver

Visibility was a major consideration during the NSX's development. Honda's engineers and designers studied the excellent all-round visibility of high-performance aircraft, including the F-16.

This influenced the NSX's forward-positioned cockpit, giving the driver an unusually clear view of the road. The cab-forward design also helped create the distinctive proportions of the mid-engine sports car.

Revolutionary Aluminium Construction

One of the NSX's greatest engineering achievements was its extensive use of aluminium. The car became the world's first mass-produced vehicle to feature an all-aluminium monocoque body.

Using aluminium instead of steel resulted in major weight savings, with approximately 200 kg saved compared with an equivalent steel construction. Aluminium was also used extensively in the suspension to further reduce weight.

VTEC V6 Power

The NSX was powered by a naturally aspirated V6 featuring Honda's DOHC VTEC technology. The engine was designed to deliver strong performance at high engine speeds while maintaining the smoothness and reliability expected from a Honda.

Titanium connecting rods were also used, allowing the engine to operate reliably at high rpm. Other advanced features included a four-channel anti-lock braking system and electric power steering on automatic-transmission models.

Racing Expertise

Honda drew on its motorsport experience during the NSX's development. Japanese Formula One driver Satoru Nakajima was involved in early testing, while three-time Formula One World Champion Ayrton Senna also played an important role in evaluating the prototype.

During testing at Suzuka, Senna provided feedback on the car's chassis rigidity and handling. Honda responded by increasing its development targets for chassis stiffness and continued testing at the Nürburgring.

The NS-X Appears

The NS-X prototype made its first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989 before being displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October of the same year.

The reaction to the car was highly positive, and Honda continued development towards production. Before the production model was released, the name was changed from NS-X to NSX.

A New Approach to the Supercar

The NSX offered a different approach to the traditional European supercar. Rather than relying solely on engine power, Honda focused on low weight, balance, aerodynamics, handling and advanced engineering.

The result was a mid-engine sports car that combined high performance with levels of reliability and everyday usability that were unusual for the class.

The End of the First Generation

The first-generation NSX continued to evolve throughout its production life, receiving updates and more powerful engines while retaining its core philosophy of lightweight construction and precise handling.

Production finally ended in 2005 after approximately 15 years. By then, the NSX had established itself as one of the most important Japanese performance cars ever produced.

A Lasting Legacy

The Honda NSX demonstrated that a Japanese manufacturer could produce a sophisticated mid-engine sports car capable of challenging established European rivals.

Its combination of aluminium construction, VTEC technology, high-revving V6 power, racing expertise and everyday usability made the NSX a landmark in automotive engineering and one of Honda's most influential performance cars.