When the original Honda NSX made its debut in 1989, it forever changed the supercar segment by offering dramatic supercar styling, performance and dynamics and breaking new ground in terms of quality, ergonomics and usability.
By making use of advanced new technologies, such as a lightweight yet rigid all-aluminium monocoque body and chassis, mated to a mid-mounted transverse V6 engine, the original NSX challenged conventional supercar wisdom. Its high-revving engine featured a number of innovative production technologies, including forged pistons, titanium connecting rods and VTEC valve train.
Moreover, the NSX sought a more intimate connection between driver, car and the road, pursued through essential design elements – low vehicle mass, high power-to-weight ratio, a rigid body supporting a performance-focused chassis, outstanding visibility, exceptional ergonomics and accessible performance. The result was a paradigm-challenging definition of a supercar.
Importantly, the first generation NSX also exemplified Honda’s high standards of quality, durability and day-to-day usability, without compromising performance – something rarely found in supercars of the day.
Respecting the core characteristics and differentiators of the original NSX, the new Honda NSX pursues an altogether new and revolutionary idea for Honda supercar performance, melding timeless sports car values with next-generation technologies to create a New Sports eXperience. Just as Honda’s precision crafted performance DNA guided the creation of the original NSX, every aspect of this new design is accordingly a next-generation expression of those same values. The NSX has been tested and tuned on roads and race circuits around the world. Primary development tracks were located in Alton, Virginia at Virginia International Raceway; in Rhineland, Germany at the famed Nürburgring; and on the northern-most Japan island of Hokkaido at Honda’s own Takasu test circuit.
Technical specifications
Two-door, two-seat sportscar with aluminium-intensive, multi-material chassis and multi-material body
Power unit
| Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit | |
| Type | Front wheels: mechanically independent from rear power unit components, two electric motors (Twin Motor Unit); Rear wheels: twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine with one Direct Drive Motor and 9-speed DCT |
| Maximum total system power | 581 PS |
| Maximum total system torque | 646 Nm |
Engine
| Twin-turbocharged DOHC V6 (petrol) | |
| Type | 4 valves per cylinder |
| Layout | Longitudinally mid-mounted |
| Capacity | 3,493 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 91 mm x 89.5 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Power | 507 PS between 6,500 – 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 550 Nm between 2,000 – 6,000 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 7,500 rpm |
| Power output | 145 PS per litre |
| Valve train | 24 valve, Dual-VTC, chain-driven camshafts |
| Cylinder block and head material | Aluminium alloy |
| Piston construction | Cast aluminium with integrated cooling channel |
| Crankshaft construction | Forged steel |
| Connecting rod construction | Forged steel |
| Cylinder bore lining | Plasma transferred wire arc thermal spray |
| Cylinder bank angle | 75 degrees |
| Exhaust system layout | Dual catalytic converter, dual path per bank |
| Turbocharger type | Single scroll |
| Maximum boost pressure | 105 kPa (1.05 bar) |
| Wastegate control | Electrical |
| Turbine construction | Inconel |
| Lubrication | Dry sump system with six-rotor scavenge pump |
| Fuel Injection | Direct and port injection systems |
Direct Drive Motor
| Type | Water-cooled motor / generator |
| Layout | Direct drive motor attached directly to crankshaft |
| Power | 48 PS at 3,000 rpm |
| Torque | 147 Nm between 500 and 2,000 rpm |
Twin Motor Unit (TMU)
| Type | Water-cooled motor / generator |
| Layout | Independent twin motors in a single package with a planetary gear set, one-way clutch and brake |
| Power | 37 PS + 37 PS at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 73 Nm + 73 Nm between 0 and 2,000 rpm |
Transmission
| Nine-speed dual clutch transmission (9DCT) |
