Does NSX have manual transmission?
No — the current NSX is automatic-only, using a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. The original NSX from the 1990s offered a manual gearbox as the standard option, but later generations did not.
By generation: what changed
Understanding how the NSX's transmission options evolved helps explain the current situation and what buyers can expect today.
First-generation NSX (1990–2005)
The original NSX was designed as a lightweight, mid‑engine sports car with a focus on driver engagement. It shipped with a five‑speed manual transmission as the standard option, which became a defining feature for enthusiasts. An automatic option existed only in limited cases and was uncommon outside certain markets.
Second-generation NSX (2016–present)
The modern NSX uses a hybrid powertrain with a three-motor electric setup and a nine‑speed dual‑clutch transmission. It features paddle shifters and various drive modes, including a manual‑shift feel, but there is no true manual gearbox or gear lever to operate directly. Acura has not offered a manual transmission option for this generation, including the current Type S variant.
Transmission options at a glance
Here is a concise rundown of what has been available across NSX generations.
- First-generation NSX (1990–2005): Manual five-speed was standard; an automatic was available only in limited markets/rare configurations.
- Second-generation NSX (2016–present): Nine-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) with paddle shifters; no manual option.
These points show that if you are seeking a traditional manual, the older, original NSX would be the model to look at, whereas the current generation does not offer a manual transmission in any trim.
Summary
In sum, the NSX does not offer a manual transmission in its current lineup. The excitement of manual gearboxes belongs to the early generation NSX, while today’s NSX focuses on cutting‑edge hybrid power and rapid shifts through a dual‑clutch automatic system.
