The first-generation and second-generation NSX are two of the most loved cars to wear the Honda/Acura brand. When the first-generation launched it was regarded as one of the best cars to ever come out of Japan and even competed with the likes of Ferrari’s supercars while being much more practical, reliable and cheaper.
A couple of years after the NSX launched, Honda would introduce the NSX-R version. This no-compromises NSX delivered greater performance at the detriment of comfort. Only a limited number of these cars would be produced with production ending in 1995.
In the latter part of the decade Honda would replace the 3.0-litre V6 engine with a more powerful 3.2-litre unit, and in 2002 the NSX received a facelift that brought it up to date with modern styling. Production of the first-generation NSX would continue until 2005.
After a decade of no NSX, Honda/Acura decided to reintroduce the iconic nameplate in 2016 with the second-generation NSX. This new car featured a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Unlike the first-gen car, the second-generation NSX is made in Honda/Acura’s Ohio plant.
But Where Did the NSX Name Come From & What Does it Stand For?
Originally, the Honda NSX was known as the HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental). This early concept was co-developed with Pininfarina and featured a 2.0-litre V6 engine.
Honda would eventually take this concept and turn it into the NS-X, which stood for “New”, “Sportscar” “eXperimental”. The NS-X would feature a 2.7-litre single overhead camshaft V6 engine from the Honda Legend.
As development progressed, Honda would drop the hyphen from the name and simple call it the “NSX”.
