The original NSX, designed by a team led by Chief Designer Ken Okuyama and Executive Chief Engineer Shigeru Uehara, was heavily influenced by Honda’s experience in Formula 1. The car featured an all-aluminum body, making it the world’s first mass-produced car to use this lightweight material extensively. The design was aerodynamically optimized, with input from F1 driver Ayrton Senna, who helped fine-tune the chassis during development. The NSX’s sleek, low-slung profile and pop-up headlights gave it a distinctive and timeless appearance.

The first-generation NSX was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine, designated the C30A. This engine featured Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology, which optimized performance and efficiency by adjusting the valve timing and lift. The C30A engine produced 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, allowing the NSX to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.7 seconds. In 1997, the engine was upgraded to a 3.2-liter V6 (C32B), increasing output to 290 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque, and improving the 0 to 60 mph time to around 5 seconds. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, which was later replaced by a 6-speed manual in the 3.2-liter models, and a 4-speed automatic. The NSX’s chassis was a marvel of engineering, featuring a double-wishbone suspension at all four corners, which provided exceptional handling and ride comfort. The car’s mid-engine layout contributed to its balanced weight distribution, enhancing its cornering capabilities. The use of lightweight materials, such as aluminum for the body and titanium for the connecting rods in the engine, helped keep the curb weight around 3,000 pounds, which was relatively light for its class.

The NSX was manufactured at Honda’s Takanezawa R&D Plant in Tochigi, Japan, and later at the Suzuka Plant. The meticulous assembly process ensured high build quality and reliability, hallmarks of the Honda brand. The Honda NSX was significant not only for its performance but also for its reliability. Unlike many of its European competitors, the NSX offered supercar performance without the associated maintenance headaches. This reliability was a key selling point and helped establish the NSX as a practical daily driver with the performance credentials of a high-end sports car. During its production run, the NSX competed with several notable sports cars, including the Ferrari 348 and later the 355, the Porsche 911, and the Chevrolet Corvette. Each of these competitors offered their own blend of performance and luxury, but the NSX stood out for its advanced technology, build quality, and everyday usability.