Honda NSX

Honda NSX
First generation NSX
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Also called	Acura NSX
Production	1990—2005 (first generation) 2015—present (second generation)
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car, Supercar (second generation)

The Honda NSX, marketed in North America as the Acura NSX, is a 2-seater, mid-engine sports car manufactured by Honda.

First generation (1990-2005)

The origins of the NSX trace back to 1984, with the HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental)^[1] concept, which was a mid-engined 2.0 L V6 engined rear wheel drive sports car. Honda committed to the project, with the intention of meeting or exceeding the performance of the then V8 engined Ferrari range, while offering reliability and a lower price point. The concept thus evolved and had its name changed to NS-X, which stood for "New", "Sportscar" "eXperimental",^[2] although the production model was launched as the NSX.

The NSX was designed by a team led by Chief Designer, Masahito Nakano, and Executive Chief Engineer, Shigeru Uehara. It benefitted of advanced aerodynamics and styling inspired by a F-16 fighter jet cockpit^[3] and input from the late Formula One World Champion, Ayrton Senna, during the final development stages.

This NSX became the world's first mass-produced car to feature an all-aluminium body. It was powered by an all-aluminium 3.0 L V6 engine, which featured Honda's VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system developed in the 1980s, a 5-speed manual or 4-speed Sports Shift automatic transmissions.

It was presented at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show and was built in a purpose-made factory in Japan, for sale from 1990. It was originally available as a coupé and, from 1995, a targa top. It underwent a performance upgrade in 1997, which saw the arrival of a larger 3.2 L V6 engine,^[4] and a facelift in 2002 before being discountinued in 2005. North American models were sold as the Acura NSX.

Second generation (2016-present)

Second generation NSX

In December 2007, Honda announced plans to launch a NSX successor by 2010, based on the styling of the front V10-engined Acura ASCC (Advanced Sports Car Concept).^[5] Despite prototypes being tested for production, just a year later, Honda announced that plans had been cancelled due to poor economic conditions.^[6] Instead, in March 2010, Honda unveiled the HSV-010 GT for participation in the Japanese SuperGT Championship. This car never reached production as a street-legal car.

Reports that Honda was again developing a successor to the NSX reemerged in April 2011.^[7] By December 2011, Honda officially announced a second generation NSX concept, which was unveiled the following month at the 2012 North American International Auto Show as the Acura NSX Concept.

The production model was displayed three years later at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, for sale in 2016. Although the original name was retained, this time it was defined as "New Sports eXperience"^[8]

The new NSX is a hybrid sports car powered by 3.5 L twin-turbo V6 engine and three electric motors, two of which form part of the "SH-AWD" all wheel drive drivetrain. The transmission is a 9-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic. Its body utilizes a space frame design, which is made from aluminum, ultra-high strength steel, and other rigid and lightweight materials, some of which are the world's first applications.

Unlike the first generation, the 2016 NSX is designed and manufactured in the United States. Compared to the previous generation, this version of the NSX is described as an American muscle meets European exotic. The exhaust sounds completely different from the original. While the original model sounds like an Italian exotic car, this new model has an exhaust that is heavily inspired by the original muscle cars from the 1960s, particularly the 1965 Ford Mustang or the 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle. It is sold as the Acura NSX in North America and as the Honda NSX worldwide. The price is set at $156,000 and can go up to $200,000 when fully loaded.

In February 1, 2016, Acura sold the first production VIN #001 of the NSX at an auction for $1.2 million. The proceeds were donated to charity.^{[9][10][11][12]}

References

1. "Honda HP-X". History and Models – Pininfarina Models. Pininfarina. Retrieved 2007-09-05.
2. "The NSX". Honda. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
3. "Honda Worldwide | July 12, 2005 "Honda to Discontinue Production of the NSX Sports Car"". World.honda.com. July 12, 2005. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
4. Acura NSX V6-3.2L DOHC (VTEC) (1997)
5. Spinelli, Mike (January 8, 2007). "Detroit Auto Show: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept". Jalopnik. Gawker Media. Retrieved December 17, 2008.
6. Aziz, Nick (December 17, 2008). "Acura NSX Cancelled; Honda Slashes Forecast". LeftLane News. MNM Media, LLC. Retrieved December 17, 2008.
7. Holmes, Jake (April 25, 2011). "Revival, Part Deux: Honda President Dishes on New NSX Successor". Automobile. TEN: The Enthusiast Network. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
8. Mukminin, Amirul (January 13, 2015). "2016 Honda NSX Shown in Production Form at NAIAS". wemotor.com. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
9. "Barrett-Jackson yo Auction 2017 Acura NSX VIN #001 for Charity at 45th Anniversary Scottsdale Auction". Barrett-Jackson. December 18, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
10. Acoba, Paulo. "First 2017 Acura NSX Sells for $1.2 Million at Barrett-Jackson". Art of Gears. Fansided. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
11. Joseph, Noah (January 31, 2016). "Acura NSX #001 Sells for $1.2 Million". Autoblog. AOL. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
12. "First 2017 Acura NSX Scores Record Auction Price of $1.2 Million at Barrett-Jackson" (Press release). Scottsdale, AZ. PR Newswire. Retrieved March 20, 2016.