What is the body material of the Honda NSX?
The NSX uses a multi-material construction centered on an aluminum space-frame chassis with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) panels and components to save weight and boost rigidity.
The question of what the body is made from reflects Honda/Acura’s emphasis on combining lightweight materials to balance performance, safety, and efficiency. Below, we break down the main materials and how they fit into the car’s overall construction.
Materials that form the NSX’s body
Below is a concise look at the core materials the manufacturer highlights for the NSX’s body and chassis. This helps explain how the car achieves its blend of rigidity and lightness.
- Aluminum alloy space-frame chassis forming the core structure
- Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) panels used on selected exterior surfaces, including the roof, to reduce weight while maintaining strength
In practice, this multi-material approach combines the durability and lightness of aluminum with the high strength-to-weight ratio of CFRP, contributing to the NSX’s handling, performance, and efficiency.
Why this approach matters for performance
By using an aluminum space-frame chassis, the NSX keeps the overall weight down and rigidity up, which enhances cornering stability and ride quality. CFRP components help further reduce mass in high-stress areas without compromising safety, supporting quicker acceleration and more responsive handling in a hybrid layout.
Manufacturers increasingly cite multi-material construction as a cornerstone of modern performance cars, and the NSX is a prominent example within Honda’s lineup. The result is a body that aims to balance strength, weight, and durability across everyday use and track-ready driving.
Summary
The Honda NSX’s body is built from a multi-material combination: an aluminum space-frame chassis reinforced by carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) panels and components. This approach aims to deliver a lightweight, rigid structure that supports the car’s performance and hybrid drivetrain characteristics.
