Is the NSX all-aluminum?
No. The NSX is not strictly all-aluminum. While aluminum has been central to its chassis design, the two generations of NSX use a multi-material approach that combines aluminum with steel and composites to balance weight, rigidity, safety, and packaging. The original NSX used an all-aluminum space frame, while the modern ND NSX relies on a predominantly aluminum backbone supplemented by other materials.
Historical overview
The NSX lineage illustrates how material strategy evolved from the 1990s into the 2020s, reflecting shifts in engineering priorities, safety standards, and hybrid technology.
First generation NSX (1990-2005): all-aluminum frame
The original NSX, launched in 1990, was engineered around an aluminum space frame designed to maximize rigidity while minimizing weight. Honda sought to deliver supercar handling with practicality and reliability, achieving a lightweight structure by using aluminum for the primary chassis and most body panels.
Second generation NSX (2016-2022): multi-material construction
When Acura revived the NSX in 2016, the company adopted a modern, multi-material approach. The ND NSX uses an aluminum-based space frame as its backbone, but includes high-strength steel reinforcements in critical crash zones and employs carbon fiber-reinforced polymer components in selected areas to reduce weight further. This mix supports the hybrid drivetrain and all-wheel-drive system while maintaining rigidity and safety.
Material breakdown (quick guide)
Here is a concise look at how materials have been used in practice across generations. The list highlights the core structural approach rather than every component.
- First-generation NSX (1990-2005): largely aluminum space frame with aluminum body panels.
- Second-generation NSX (2016-2022): aluminum space frame complemented by high-strength steel in some zones and carbon fiber components in select parts.
- Special editions (e.g., NSX Type S): continued multi-material strategy with weight-saving measures, not a pure-all-aluminum design.
In short, the NSX has remained aluminum-centric in its engineering but not restricted to aluminum alone.
Current status and context
As of 2025, Acura has not announced a new NSX model. The second-generation NSX production ended in 2022, with final variants including the Type S. Since then, Acura has not confirmed a successor, though material and performance discussions continue to matter for enthusiasts and industry observers alike.
What this means for drivers and collectors
For drivers, the NSX’s material choices translate into a distinctive blend of rigidity, handling, and efficiency enabled by aluminum-focused design, balanced by steel and composites to meet safety and packaging needs. For collectors, the original all-aluminum pedigree of the first generation remains a notable distinction within the NSX lineage.
Summary
The NSX is not all-aluminum. Its early model featured an all-aluminum space frame, but the current-generation NSX uses a multi-material chassis that pairs aluminum with steel and composites. Aluminum remains central to the architecture, yet the construction is not exclusively aluminum across its history. The NSX’s evolving material strategy mirrors broader automotive trends toward multi-material design and hybrid performance.
What's the difference between a Honda NSX and an Acura NSX?
When the first NSX launched in 1990, it was sold in North America as the Acura NSX. Acura operates as the luxury division of Honda, thus making it the perfect brand to launch this new sports experimental vehicle. The original NSX was actually sold as both the Acura NSX and Honda NSX, depending on the target market.
What material is the Acura NSX made of?
Aluminum Body
All-Aluminum Body. In 1989, Acura broke the wheel with the global debut of the first-generation NSX, a low slung, super light, high-revving machine featuring the world's first all-aluminum construction. Decades later, NSX is still the highest standard in supercar comfort and performance.
Is the NSX carbon fiber?
This is carbon fiber just wrapped.
Is the Honda NSX aluminium?
The decision to build the car exclusively of aluminium followed an intensive research effort, from which Honda concluded that it was the most efficient way to meet the stringent rigidity and weight targets set. In particular, it meant the NSX would enjoy a high power to weight ratio.
