Did Honda make a mid-engine car?
Yes, Honda has produced several mid-engine sports cars over the years, including the Honda NSX and the Honda S660. The NSX, in particular, was a groundbreaking mid-engine supercar that challenged the dominance of exotic Italian brands when it was first introduced in the late 1980s.
The Honda NSX: A Mid-Engine Supercar Pioneer
The Honda NSX, introduced in 1990, was a landmark mid-engine sports car that showcased Honda's engineering prowess. Designed to compete with the likes of Ferrari and Porsche, the NSX featured a lightweight aluminum body, a high-revving V6 engine, and a sophisticated suspension system that provided excellent handling and performance.
The NSX was notable for its innovative use of technologies like variable valve timing and forged aluminum components, which helped it achieve a rare combination of power, agility, and everyday drivability. It was also one of the first Japanese supercars to gain widespread acclaim and respect from enthusiasts around the world.
The Honda S660: A Compact Mid-Engine Roadster
More recently, Honda has produced the S660, a compact mid-engine roadster that is sold primarily in the Japanese domestic market. The S660 features a turbocharged 660cc engine and a lightweight, nimble chassis that provides an engaging driving experience in a small package.
While the S660 is not sold globally, it demonstrates Honda's continued interest in exploring mid-engine sports car designs and providing enthusiasts with unique, driver-focused vehicles. The S660 has been praised for its excellent handling and fun-to-drive character, even if it lacks the raw power and performance of the iconic NSX.
In summary, Honda has a rich history of producing mid-engine sports cars, from the groundbreaking NSX supercar to the more recent S660 roadster. These vehicles showcase the company's engineering prowess and its commitment to delivering engaging, driver-focused experiences to enthusiasts around the world.
Was the NSX mid-engine?
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.
Does Honda make a V8 engine?
No, Honda does not currently produce a V8 engine for passenger cars, but it has made V8s for racing and has a new V8 outboard boat motor. The company has never offered a production V8 in its road vehicles, though it did rebadge a Land Rover to create the Honda Crossroad SUV, which came with a V8 engine.
Production V8s
- Honda Crossroad: The only production Honda vehicle to come with a V8 was the 1993–1998 Honda Crossroad, which was a rebadged Land Rover Discovery Series I and was sold only in Japan.
- Honda BF350: Honda produces a 350-horsepower V8 outboard motor for boats, called the BF350.
Racing V8s
- Honda Indy V8: From 2003 to 2011, Honda supplied a 3.0–3.5 L V8 engine for the IndyCar racing series.
- Formula One: The Honda Racing F1 team used a 2.4 L V8 engine in the 2006–2008 seasons as mandated by F1 regulations.
What Honda is mid-engine?
The Honda NSX is a mid-engine sports car known for its precision handling and reliability. The first-gen (1990) featured a V6 VTEC engine and an aluminum body, with input from Ayrton Senna. The second-gen (2016) introduced a hybrid twin-turbo V6 with 573 hp and all-wheel drive.
How much did the Honda N600 cost?
1.395 dollars
The N600 had a price tag of 1.395 dollars when it was launched, making it very affordable. The popularity of automatic transmissions in the US market was an important reason why Honda introduced the Hondamatic transmission in 1968.
