The Honda NSX is a two-seat, mid-engine coupe[1] sports automobile made by Honda that is sold in North America as the Acura NSX.
The HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental)[2] idea, a mid-engine 3.0 L V6 engine rear-wheel drive sports car, is where the NSX got its start in 1984. Honda committed to the project with the goal of providing reliability and a lower price point while matching or surpassing the performance of the Ferrari range’s V8 engines at the time. As a result, the idea changed, and the name was changed to NS-X, which stood for “New,” “Sportscar,” and “eXperimental”[3], despite the fact that the production vehicle was initially introduced as the NSX.
The McLaren F1 supercar’s designer, Gordon Murray, acknowledged that the NSX served as an influence for the F1 after testing a number of high-performance vehicles and discovering that the NSX chassis offered the best performance. The design, according to Murray, was “monumental” for sports car design. He discovered that the vehicle was readily capable of handling additional power and urged Honda to create a more potent engine, but they refused. Murray used a BMW engine to design the F1, but he loved the NSX so much that he bought one for himself and drove it for 75,000 miles. The NSX, according to Murray, is “close to his heart.” [4]
In This Article...
Was the initial NSX built by Honda or Acura?
At the Chicago car show in 1989, Honda introduced the Honda NS-X in production form. A few months later, it had its Japanese debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. The car’s former name, NS-X, was changed to NSX. The NSX became Honda’s new flagship model when it first went on sale in Japan in 1990. Beginning in November 1990, Honda’s flagship Acura luxury brand began marketing the NSX in North America and Hong Kong.
The NSX was the first production vehicle to have an all-aluminum body. The use of aluminum reduced the weight of the body alone by roughly 200 kg and the suspension arms by a further 20 kg. Other noteworthy features included titanium connecting rods, an electric power steering system, an independent, 4-channel anti-lock brake system, and the first electronic throttle control ever installed in a Honda, which would appear later in 1995.
Ayrton Senna’s work with the NSX’s principal engineers during prototype testing at Honda’s Suzuka Circuit during its final development led to the car’s chassis rigidity and handling qualities. From 1989 to the beginning of 2004, the NSX was initially put together at the purpose-built Takanezawa R&D Plant in Tochigi. Thereafter, it was transferred to Suzuka Plant for the duration of its manufacturing life. The NSX was built by a team of hand-picked employees with a minimum of 10 years of experience who were hired from different other Honda facilities. The team consisted of 200 of Honda’s most skilled and experienced workers.
Acura NSX: Does Honda own it?
Simply said, Honda still holds ownership of Acura. The Acura brand, which is only headquartered in North America, actually made its debut in 1986. This implies that Acura-branded vehicles and dealerships are available in the United States and Canada but not in Japan. However, the luxury car brand has grown significantly in popularity since its founding in the 1980s, which is remarkable given that it only had two vehicles to offer at the time: the Legend and the Integra. Thankfully, the two original models’ legacy still exists in the current product selection.
Is a Honda an Acura?
The main business, Honda, introduced Acura in 1986. Honda’s premium line was initially marketed in the United States under the name Channel II. Today, the Acura brand enjoys the same level of global recognition as Honda.
How many more NSX are there?
Highlights of the 2022 Acura NSX Type S: Only 350 vehicles will be produced, with 300 going to the American market. The fastest and most potent road-going Acura ever, with 600 horsepower (+27) and 492 lb-ft.
Why aren’t Acura NSX sales up?
a need for an update to the infotainment system Unfortunately, the Acura NSX’s infotainment system is antiquated. In particular, the graphics pale in comparison to what is currently on the market. The touchscreen ought to be as impressive as the car’s capabilities in this era of connection, but that isn’t the case in this instance. Manufacturers frequently assert that technology helps sell automobiles.
Which is superior, Acura or Honda?
Honda cars are distinguished from Acura automobiles by their dependability, efficiency, and high safety ratings. In addition, Honda will be a superior option if you’re searching for a small car, midsize car, small SUV, or midsize SUV, even though there is some overlap between Honda and Acura products.
The NSX or Supra, which is quicker?
Great views of the drivers’ scorching laps as they compete against one another are seen in the film. And it’s obvious that both men are making a strong effort to win. The top lap time for the Supra was 2 minutes 8 seconds, and the best lap time for the NSX was 1 minute 59.8 seconds. So, as should have been expected by all of us, the NSX did indeed win. However, Arllan in the Supra kept Jay and his NSX in sight, demonstrating the Supra’s superior cornering abilities. But kudos to both drivers for putting on a fantastic performance.
Why is the Honda logo on the Acura NSX?
You’ve come to the right place if you’re wondering what sets the Honda NSX and Acura NSX apart. We’ll quickly summarize the two companies and the variations in their NSX models for you.
In a nutshell, Acura is a high-end variation of Honda. It is used to luxury automobiles that American Honda believed would be more difficult to sell if they wore the Honda logo. Initially, Acura was solely offered in North America and Hong Kong and was a North American brand. Over time, this has changed, and more places across the world now sell vehicles with the Acura emblem.
We must distinguish between the two distinct generations in order to understand the differences between the NSX. Let’s start by taking a look at the original NSX.
Honda NSX vs Acura NSX Generation 1
There isn’t much of a difference between the Honda NSX and Acura NSX from the first generation. From 1990 to 2004 and from 2004 to 2005, respectively, both vehicles were produced in Honda’s Takanezawa plant in Tochigi, Japan, and at its Suzuka R&D facility. The following are the only variations:
- Acura vehicles were built with a left-hand drive configuration.
- Badge
- Modest ECU remapping
Honda NSX vs Acura NSX Generation 2
The second generation NSX’s surface differences between the Honda and Acura models are largely the same as those of the first generation. There are a few more changes, though, if we pay more attention. Here are the distinctions:
- Different airbag and restraint systems are available for Acura cars. Airbags must be made to accommodate passengers who are not wearing seatbelts in the US. In comparison to laws in other regions of the world, this is significantly different.
- Vehicles from Acura are left-hand drive.
- When in reverse, Japanese NSX vehicles make a distinctive beeping noise (not to be confused with a reverse sensor sound). This is because of a particular Japanese law.
- Honda vehicles have clear indication glass, but Acura vehicles have amber. Regulations in the US are to blame for this. Some Honda promotional vehicles have amber glass since they are merely rebadged Acura vehicles (for example, the one used in the Tokyo Motor Show).
- In the case of a collision with a pedestrian, a distinct bonnet/hood hinge on Honda models will pop out to raise the bonnet. This complies with European and Japanese pedestrian safety regulations.
Overall, there aren’t many differences between the NSX models made by Honda and Acura for both generations. Check read our post on the “Complete History of the Honda NSX Generation 1” and the video below if you want to learn more about the NSX.
Honda NSX: Is it a supercar?
Despite having a good reputation for dependability, Honda does low in our Driver Power assessment.
A hand-built supercar known as the Honda NSX is put together at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, in the United States. That should imply that it was built to a higher standard than Honda’s mass-produced vehicles, which are already of a high caliber. It’s simply unfortunate that not all of the inside elements are as upscale as those in an Audi R8 or a McLaren 570S.
In our Driver Power satisfaction polls, Honda performs admirably as a brand, but the favorable comments we receive from owners frequently stress qualities that don’t actually relate to the NSX. The convenience and fuel efficiency that Honda drivers enjoy in their vehicles aren’t as good in the NSX. Owners did complain about their vehicles’ outdated infotainment, and the NSX will share this complaint with the rest of the Honda lineup.
Although the NSX hasn’t been evaluated by Euro NCAP, it should be safe because to its six airbags, stability control, and strong braking system. Nevertheless, functions like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automated emergency braking are not included.
Is Acura a brand in decline?
The good news is that despite some people’s perceptions that Acura’s products had become stale, the company was never seriously in danger of going out of business. Although it was more of a sales downturn, things may improve in the upcoming years.
As the corporation demonstrates that it still cares about what the public thinks, the introduction of the new Acura TLX in 2021 does hold some promise. The Type S trim level will be available for the next model, demonstrating Acura’s continued ability to produce performance-oriented vehicles. Does this indicate that the company is turning a new leaf and returning to its “performance luxury roots? Time will only tell.
Is Acura a premium Honda brand?
The premium Honda range includes the luxury brand Acura, which is usually regarded as such. Their vehicles have high-end components, cutting-edge technology, upscale styling, and superior performance. Therefore, Acura vehicles are likely to be found if you’re shopping for a luxury vehicle or SUV.
Honda engines are they used in Acuras?
Today, Acura develops engines, chassis, and technology in addition to producing exceptionally plush and comfortable vehicles and crossovers. And because Honda and Acura are so closely related, both brands utilise the majority of these technologies. For instance, the Acura MDX and the Honda Pilot both use the same base and engine (as well as the nine-speed transmission on the Pilot Touring). The Honda Odyssey, Accord, and Ridgeline also use the 3.5-liter Earth Dream V6 as it is a mainstay of the Acura lineup. The same is true for both brands’ entertainment systems; Honda goods benefit from having a premium feel, and Acura may concentrate on other interior features of their cars because mass production allows for cost savings.
Honda and Acura may not appear to have much in common to the ordinary consumer, but if you dig a little further, you’ll discover how closely related these two businesses are. Both brands share many parts, dealerships are typically close by (and frequently controlled by the same organizations), and switching between brands may occasionally qualify you for fidelity rebates.
Therefore, if you often drive a Honda and are interested in seeing what luxury looks like in a Honda, stop by and we’ll show you.