What is the Honda NSX real name?
The official name of the car is NSX; in Japan it is marketed as Honda NSX, while in North America it is sold as Acura NSX. The acronym NSX has long been the subject of interpretation, but there is no single, formally published meaning from Honda.
In practice, the NSX is a two-generation sports car that debuted in 1990 and was revived in 2016. Although fans often debate what NSX stands for, the branding used by Honda and Acura is the primary identifier for the model across markets. The distinction between Honda NSX and Acura NSX reflects regional branding choices rather than two different vehicles.
Branding by Market
How the NSX is branded varies by region, which affects how people refer to the car in conversation and in media.
- North America: Acura NSX
- Japan and most other markets: Honda NSX
- Note: European markets historically used Honda NSX, with Acura branding largely limited to the US/Canada in the first- and second-generation era
The branding distinction helps explain why the same car can be called by different manufacturer badges depending on where you are.
The Meaning Behind NSX
The letters NSX are widely treated as an acronym, but Honda has never issued one definitive, universal expansion. Over the years, outlets have cited several possibilities, while Honda presents NSX primarily as a model name rather than a fixed phrase.
- New Sports eXperimental
- New Sports eXperience
- No official, single expansion; NSX is commonly used as a brand name rather than a phrase
In everyday usage, NSX remains a badge associated with high-performance engineering and Honda/Acura’s engineering ambitions.
Historical and Generational Context
The NSX first appeared in 1990 as Honda’s mid‑engine, two‑seat supercar, showcasing advanced machining and performance. The second-generation NSX, launched in 2016, continued the lineage under the Acura brand in North America while retaining the NSX name across markets.
Summary
The car’s real name is NSX. In the US, it’s branded Acura NSX; elsewhere it’s Honda NSX. While NSX is frequently treated as an acronym, Honda has not published a single official meaning. The name endures as a hallmark of Honda/Acura’s performance heritage across two generations.
