Is the Honda NSX a supercar?
The Honda NSX is generally not considered a traditional supercar; it is best described as a high-performance mid-engine sports car, with the second-generation NSX and especially the limited Type S variant blurring the line toward supercar territory.
What defines a supercar?
There is no single universal rule for what makes a car a supercar, but certain criteria are commonly used by automotive journalists and enthusiasts. The following points outline the typical expectations that push a car into the supercar category.
- Price and exclusivity: supercars typically sit in the six-figure price range and are produced in limited numbers, creating rarity.
- Performance benchmarks: rapid acceleration (often 0–60 mph in roughly 3 seconds or less) and high top speeds (frequently well above 180 mph).
- Engineering and hardware: mid-engine, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, advanced aerodynamics, and often extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum.
- Brand heritage and design intent: associated with exotic brands and extreme, race-bred aesthetics and technology.
- Track-oriented dynamics: emphasis on handling, cornering capability, and driving engagement beyond everyday sports cars.
By these standards, the NSX sits primarily as a high-performance sports car with hybrid technology; the Type S variant, with greater power and track-focused tuning, nudges that classification toward traditional supercars but generally remains outside the established, long-standing supercar tier reserved for brands like Ferrari, McLaren, or Lamborghini.
NSX at a glance: generations and variants
Note the big generational shifts from the original 1990s model to the modern, hybrid-powered second generation, and the late-performance Type S edition that followed.
- First-generation NSX (1990–1994): mid-engine V6 with light weight, aluminum monocoque, rear-wheel drive, and a pioneering all-aluminum chassis. It offered around 270 hp and was renowned for balance, handling, and ethos of reliability paired with performance.
- Second-generation NSX (2016–2022): a complete redesign with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 combined with three electric motors under Honda's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system. Total output was around 573 hp and torque in the mid-500s, with 0–60 mph accelerations near the 3-second mark and a top speed in the low 190s mph range. It introduced advanced electronics and driving modes and a more aggressive stance than the original.
- NSX Type S (2023–2024 production): a limited-run, higher-performance version with more power, sharper handling, and track-focused upgrades. Production was capped at a relatively small number (about 350 units globally), and it carried a premium price well into six-figure territory.
These generations show how the NSX evolved from a ground-breaking hybrid supercar concept into a broader high-performance platform, with the Type S representing the apex of the lineup before formal discontinuation of standard NSX production.
Performance and technology highlights
The NSX families combine a powerful mid-engine layout with hybrid assistive systems to optimize performance and handling. The original NSX relied on a naturally aspirated V6 and nimble weight distribution, while the second-generation expanded into electrified propulsion, all-wheel drive distribution, and sophisticated torque-vectoring to achieve precise cornering and grip. The Type S tightened these aspects with redesigned aerodynamics, stiffer suspension, and higher performance tuning.
Design language and driving experience
Visually, the NSX embraces sharp lines, an aggressive front fascia, and a low, wide stance. The interior prioritizes driver ergonomics and cockpit feel with a focus on instrumentation that communicates the status of the hybrid system and performance modes. The driving experience blends everyday usability with track-ready capability, which is a hallmark of high-performance Hondas from this era.
Pricing and market positioning
In its heyday, the base NSX price sat above entry sports-car levels but below the typical supercar range, while the Type S carried a premium that pushed it toward the higher end of six-figure pricing. Availability has varied by market, and the limited-run Type S has become a collector example for enthusiasts seeking extreme NSX performance in a compact, mid-engine package.
Summary
Bottom line: the Honda NSX is best described as a high-performance, mid-engine sports car with hybrid technology. The Type S variant elevates its performance and exclusivity, giving it some of the attributes associated with supercars, but it remains distinct from the traditional supercar category dominated by ultraluxury brands. Its place in automotive history is secure as a ground-breaking hybrid with an emphasis on balanced handling and everyday usability.
