Engineering:Honda NSX
| Honda NSX | |
|---|---|
 Acura NSX (first generation, NA2) along with some NA1 NSX cars | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Also called | Acura NSX (North America) |
| Production | 1990–2006 (NA1/2) 2016–2022 (NC1/2) |
| Model years | 1991–2006 2017–2023 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
The Honda NSX (sold in North America as the Acura NSX) is a two-seater sports car manufactured by Honda over two generations. The first generation was produced from 1990 until 2006, whilst the second generation was made from 2016 to 2022. The first generation was introduced as a two-door coupé, with a two-door targa top variant later added, and has a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The second generation is only a coupé, and has a rear mid-engine, all-wheel-drive layout. The first generation has a transversely-mounted naturally-aspirated engine with a V6 configuration, whilst the second generation has a twin-turbocharged V6 engine supplemented by multiple electric motors in a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.
The origins of the NSX can be traced back to 1984, with the HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) concept,[1] for a 3.0 L (180 cu in) V6 rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car. Honda, with the intention of meeting or exceeding the performance of the then V8 engine Ferrari range, committed to the project, aiming at both reliability and a lower price. The concept evolved and had its name changed to NS-X, which stood for "New", "Sportscar" "eXperimental",[2] although the production model launched as the NSX.
First generation (NA1/2; 1990–2006)
The NSX was designed by a team led by Chief Designer Masahito Nakano and Executive Chief Engineer Shigeru Uehara. It benefited from advanced aerodynamics and styling inspired by the F-16 fighter jet cockpit[3] as well as input, during the final development stages, from Formula One World Champion Ayrton Senna.
The NSX was the first general production car to feature an all-aluminium semi-monocoque.[4] 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 transmission, or starting in 1994 the SportShift 4-speed automatic transmission, also known as F-Matic, which allows the option of conventional automatic shifting or manually shifting with a fingertip shift lever on the steering column.[5][6]
The car was presented at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show. Production started in a purpose-made factory in Japan,[citation needed] for sale from 1990. It was originally available as a coupé, then, from 1995 onwards, as a targa top, and also included variable electric power-assisted steering system for all drivetrains [7]. It underwent a performance update in 1997, which saw the arrival of a larger 3.2 L V6 engine,[8] and a facelift in 2002 where the pop-up headlights were replaced with fixed headlights. The first-generation NSX was discontinued in december 2005. North American models were sold as the Acura NSX. The rarity is that only less than 20,000 were made making it highly expensive.
Pre-facelift cars (1991-2001) are widely referred to as NA1 models, while the facelifted cars (2002-2006) are best known as NA2 models.[9]
North American sales figures
| Year | USA[10] | Canada[11] |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1,119 | 156 |
| 1991 | 1,940 | 253 |
| 1992 | 1,154 | 91 |
| 1993 | 652 | 64 |
| 1994 | 533 | 31 |
| 1995 | 884 | 38 |
| 1996 | 460 | 16 |
| 1997 | 415 | 13 |
| 1998 | 303 | 10 |
| 1999 | 238 | 5 |
| 2000 | 221 | 6 |
| 2001 | 182 | 4 |
| 2002 | 233 | 3 |
| 2003 | 221 | 2 |
| 2004 | 178 | 6 |
| 2005 | 206 | 1 |
| 2006 | 60 | 2 |
Second generation (NC1/2; 2016–2022)
.jpg)
.jpg)
In December 2007, Acura announced plans to launch a NSX successor by 2010, based on the styling of the front V10-engined Acura ASCC (Advanced Sports Car Concept).[12] Despite prototypes being tested for production, Honda announced, just one year later, that production plans had been canceled due to "poor economic conditions."[13] Instead, in March 2010, Honda unveiled the HSV-010 GT that participated in the Japanese Super GT Championship. The HSV-010 GT never reached production as a street-legal car.
Reports that Honda was again developing a successor to the NSX re-emerged in April 2011.[14] 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 and was released for sale in 2016.
Although the original name was retained, this time it was defined as "New Sports eXperience".[15] Unlike the first-generation NSX which was manufactured in Japan, the second-generation NSX was designed and engineered in Marysville, Ohio, at Honda's plant, led by Chief Engineer Ted Klaus.
The second-generation NSX has a hybrid electric powertrain, with a 3.5 L twin-turbocharged V6 engine and three electric motors, two of which form part of the SH-AWD (Super Handling-All Wheel Drive) drivetrain, altogether capable of 573 hp (427 kW; 581 PS). The transmission is a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic. The car's body utilizes a space frame design, which is made from aluminium, ultra-high-strength steel, and other rigid and lightweight materials, some of which are the world's first applications.
The first production vehicle with VIN #001 was auctioned off by Barrett Jackson on 29 January 2016.[16] NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick won the auction with a bid for US$1,200,000. The entire bid was donated to the charities Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground.[17][18][19][20][21]
The first NSX rolled off the production line in Ohio on 27 May 2016 and Hendrick was there to drive it off.[22][23][24][25][26] The first sales of the second-generation NSX in the US were registered in June 2016.
The NSX Type S was revealed on August 12, 2021, with an increase to 602 hp. The Type S is the last update before the November 2022 discontinuation. 300 units only of the NSX Type S were destined for the United States, with 30 units for Japan, and 15 units for Canada.[27]
U.S. and European sales figures
| Year | USA[28] | Europe[29] |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 269 | 0 |
| 2017 | 581 | 126 |
| 2018 | 170 | 45 |
| 2019 | 238 | 36 |
| 2020 | 128 | 8 |
| 2021 | 124 | 3 |
| Total | 1,510 | 218 |
References
- ↑ "Honda HP-X". History and Models – Pininfarina Models. Pininfarina. http://www.pininfarina.com/index/storiaModelli/modelli.html?scheda.php?id=36&cmp=anno&ord=desc&sl=0&ids=1a6cbefaafe007a7d9b765f7b345b49f.
- ↑ "The NSX". Honda. http://world.honda.com/history/challenge/1990thensx/index.html.
- ↑ "Honda Worldwide | July 12, 2005 "Honda to Discontinue Production of the NSX Sports Car"". World.honda.com. 12 July 2005. http://world.honda.com/news/2005/4050712.html.
- ↑ "Honda NSX" (in de). Auto, Motor und Sport. 4 March 2016. https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/marken-modelle/honda/nsx/. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ↑ "1995 Acura NSX/NSX-T -- Powertrain". http://www.hondanews.com/channels/acura-automobiles/releases/1995-acura-nsx-nsx-t-powertrain?l=en-US&mode=print.
- ↑ Neve, Esther (14 March 2016). "Buying guide: the original Honda NSX". https://www.topgear.com/car-news/tgs-guide-japan/buying-guide-original-honda-nsx#1.
- ↑ "1995 Acura NSX/NSX-T Press Kit". https://hondanews.com/en-US/releases/release-b0d1dd782a56b2b52f910a004c34c9f7-1995-acura-nsx-nsx-t-introduction#:~:text=Prior%20to%20the%201995%20model,electric%20power%2Dassisted%20steering%20system.&text=To%20further%20reduce%20unsprung%20weight,are%207%20x%2016%20inches.&text=The%20suspension%20engineers%2C%20working%20in,predictable%20reaction%20to%20steering%20input..
- ↑ "Acura (Honda) Workshop Service and Repair Manuals > NSX V6-3.2L DOHC (VTEC) (1997) > Relays and Modules > Relays and Modules - Accessories and Optional Equipment > Alarm Module, (Vehicle Antitheft) > Component Information > Locations". https://workshop-manuals.com/acura/nsx/v6-3.2l_dohc_(vtec)/relays_and_modules/relays_and_modules_accessories_and_optional_equipment/alarm_module_(vehicle_antitheft)/component_information/locations/. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ↑ "NSX VIN information". http://www.nsxprime.com/nsx-faq/nsx-vin-information/. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ↑ US NSX Sales
- ↑ Canada NSX Sales
- ↑ Spinelli, Mike (8 January 2007). "Detroit Auto Show: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept". Jalopnik. Gawker Media. http://jalopnik.com/cars/concept-cars/detroit-auto-show-acura-advanced-sports-car-concept-227098.php.
- ↑ Aziz, Nick (17 December 2008). "Acura NSX Cancelled; Honda Slashes Forecast". LeftLane News. MNM Media, LLC. http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-nsx-cancelled.html.
- ↑ Holmes, Jake (25 April 2011). "Revival, Part Deux: Honda President Dishes on New NSX Successor". Automobile. TEN: The Enthusiast Network. http://rumors.automobilemag.com/revival-part-deux-honda-president-dishes-new-nsx-successor-42779.html.
- ↑ Mukminin, Amirul (13 January 2015). "2016 Honda NSX Shown in Production Form at NAIAS". wemotor.com. https://www.wemotor.com/blog/2015/01/2016-honda-nsx-shown-production-form-naias/.
- ↑ "Barrett-Jackson yo Auction 2017 Acura NSX VIN #001 for Charity at 45th Anniversary Scottsdale Auction". Barrett-Jackson. 18 December 2015. http://www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/barrett-jackson-to-auction-2017-acura-nsx-vin-001-for-charity-at-45th-anniversary-scottsdale-auction/.
- ↑ Acoba, Paulo (29 January 2016). "First 2017 Acura NSX Sells for $1.2 Million at Barrett-Jackson". Art of Gears. http://artofgears.com/2016/01/29/first-2017-acura-nsx-sells-for-1200000-at-barrett-jackson/.
- ↑ Perkins, Chris (30 January 2016). "The First 2017 Acura NSX Sells for $1.2 Million at Auction". Road & Track. http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/news/a28041/first-nsx-sells-auction/.
- ↑ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (30 January 2016). "First 2017 Acura NSX Sells for $1.2 Million at Charity Auction". Motor Authority. High Gear Media. http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1102137_first-2017-acura-nsx-sells-for-1-2-million-at-charity-auction.
- ↑ McCants, Parks (20 January 2016). "2017 Acura NSX VIN #001 to be Auctioned for Charity January 29". TorqueNews.com. Hareyan Publishing. http://www.torquenews.com/1574/2017-acura-nsx-vin-001-be-auctioned-charity-january-29.
- ↑ Taylor, James (2 February 2016). "First Production 2016 Honda NSX Sells for $1.2m". Car. http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/honda/first-2016-honda-nsx-production-model-sells-for-12m-/.
- ↑ "First 2017 Acura NSX rolls off the line (and it'll get Android Auto!)". 26 May 2016. http://www.androidcentral.com/first-2017-acura-nsx-rolls-line-and-itll-get-android-auto.
- ↑ "Honda Unleashes The First 2017 Acura NSX Supercar: Calm Yourselves, Autophiles". 27 May 2016. http://www.techtimes.com/articles/161396/20160527/honda-unleashes-the-first-2017-acura-nsx-supercar-calm-yourselves-autophiles.htm.
- ↑ "2017 Acura NSX #001 is finally here | Autoblog Minute". 27 May 2016. http://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/27/recap-5-27-16-autoblog-minute/.
- ↑ "Honda rolls out first Acura NSX supercar in Ohio factory". https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2016/05/24/honda-rolls-out-first-acura-nsx-supercar-ohio-factory/84876982/.
- ↑ "Prepare yourselves: The first 2017 Acura NSX is out in the wild - Roadshow". http://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/prepare-yourselves-the-first-2017-acura-nsx-is-out-in-the-wild/.
- ↑ V, Dave; erWerp (2021-08-12). "2022 Acura NSX Type S Sends Off the Second-Generation Sports Car with 600 HP" (in en-US). https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37293552/2022-acura-nsx-type-s-revealed/.
- ↑ "Acura NSX U.S Sales Figures". 29 October 2015. https://carsalesbase.com/us-acura-nsx/.
- ↑ "Honda NSX European sales figures". 29 January 2014. https://carsalesbase.com/europe-honda-nsx/.
 |  |
