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Did the NSX come in manual?


The Acura NSX, a legendary sports car known for its innovative design and performance, has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. One of the most common questions about this iconic vehicle is whether it was ever offered with a manual transmission. Let’s dive into the history and details of the NSX to answer this question.


The Acura NSX and Its Transmission Options


The Acura NSX, first introduced in 1990, was designed to compete with high-performance sports cars while offering the reliability and practicality Honda is known for. Over its production years, the NSX was indeed available with a manual transmission, making it a favorite among driving purists who value the connection and control that only a manual gearbox can provide.


Manual Transmission Availability by Generation


The NSX has gone through two major generations, and the availability of a manual transmission varied between them:



  • First Generation (1990–2005): The original NSX was offered with a 5-speed manual transmission initially, which was later upgraded to a 6-speed manual in 1997. This generation also had an automatic transmission option, but the manual versions were particularly sought after for their engaging driving experience.

  • Second Generation (2016–Present): The second-generation NSX, reintroduced as a hybrid supercar, came exclusively with a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Unfortunately for manual enthusiasts, this generation did not include a manual option, as the hybrid powertrain and advanced technology were better suited to an automatic system.


Why the Manual NSX Is So Special


The manual transmission versions of the first-generation NSX are highly regarded for several reasons:



  • Driver Engagement: The manual gearbox allowed drivers to feel more connected to the car, enhancing the overall driving experience.

  • Rarity: As automatic transmissions became more popular, manual NSXs became increasingly rare, making them highly desirable among collectors.

  • Performance: The manual transmission paired perfectly with the NSX’s naturally aspirated V6 engine, delivering smooth and precise shifts.


Conclusion


In summary, the Acura NSX did come with a manual transmission during its first generation, making it a dream car for enthusiasts who value the art of shifting gears. However, the second-generation NSX moved away from this tradition, focusing on advanced hybrid technology and automatic transmissions. If you’re in the market for a manual NSX, your best bet is to look for a first-generation model, which remains a timeless classic in the world of sports cars.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which Acura comes in manual?


The 2025 Integra delivers an unforgettable driving experience. It's equipped with a 200-HP * VTEC® Turbo engine and sporty paddle shifters for power you can feel and control. Available 6-speed manual transmission paired with a sophisticated Rev-Match Control system pushes the boundaries of excitement to the redline.



Does the Acura NSX come in automatic?


Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The V-6, the nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and one of the electric motors work as a team to power the rear wheels. The other two electric motors operate independently to drive the front wheels, effectively giving the NSX all-wheel drive.



What is the rarest NSX?


The rarest Honda NSX ever built
But just how rare was the Honda NSX-R GT? Extremely rare. In fact, there were only five copies ever produced by the Japanese automaker, but Honda never intended to mass produce it for the public.



Did the RSX come in manual?


The base model RSX was available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control. The Type-S was only available with a close-ratio 6-speed manual.



Does the NSX come in manual?


The NSX was now made available in a number of exterior colours with either a matching or black interior to provide a number of possible colour combinations. A 4-speed automatic transmission with manual-type shift option also became available.



Why was the NSX discontinued?


The Acura NSX, on the other hand, has been discontinued due to declining sales and the company's focus on electric vehicles.



What does NSX stand for?


New Sports eXperimental
A team at American Honda later chose to express the definition as "New Sports eXperimental." For production, the decision was made to remove the hyphen from NS-X, leading to NSX as the official model name for Acura's first supercar.



What is the rarest Acura?


This is one of 50 built globally that's right this is the 2022 Acura NSX Type S. So as we walk around this bad boy right here. It's absolutely incredible it's monstrous.



Is the Honda NSX manual or automatic?


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 ...



Why does the NSX have 9 gears?


The 9-speed Dual Clutch Transmission works in concert with the engine and Direct Drive Motor to make full use of the power unit's broad power band, producing lightning-quick gear changes that support the NSX Type S's response.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.