What is the Honda version of the NSX?
The Honda version of the NSX is the Honda NSX—the same mid‑engine sports car built by Honda. In North America, it is sold as the Acura NSX, while in Japan and many other markets it carries the Honda badge as the Honda NSX.
Branding by market
Brand names for the NSX vary by region, reflecting Honda’s two-brand strategy for different markets.
- First generation (1990–2005): Honda NSX in Japan and many other markets; Acura NSX in North America and some others.
- Second generation (2016–present): Honda NSX in Japan and other non‑NA markets; Acura NSX in North America.
- Type S variant (introduced in the 2020s): Acura NSX Type S in North America; Honda NSX Type S in markets where offered, with marketing primarily centered in the U.S. and Canada.
The branding pattern shows that the hardware and engineering are largely shared, while the badge reflects regional marketing strategies rather than a fundamentally different car.
A closer look at the two NSX generations
The NSX lineage comprises two generations, each defining the model in its era. The first generation established Honda’s mid‑engine performance story, while the second generation introduced a modern hybrid system to deliver high performance with advanced electronics.
First generation overview
Launched in the 1990s, the original NSX emphasized lightweight construction, a mid‑mounted V6, and a manual‑focused driver experience. It became renowned for balance, daily usability, and a then‑rare combination of performance and reliability for a supercar.
Second generation overview
Debuting in 2016, the modern NSX uses a hybrid powertrain that combines a twin‑turbo V6 with multiple electric motors to power all wheels, delivering a high‑tech, track‑ready performance package. In North America, this generation is marketed as the Acura NSX; in other regions, it wears the Honda NSX badge.
A higher‑performance Type S variant arrived later, bringing increased output, revised aerodynamics, and chassis tuning for a more aggressive, track‑oriented character. The Type S was marketed as Acura NSX Type S in North America, with Honda NSX Type S available in select markets where offered.
Summary
In essence, the Honda NSX is the same car that North American buyers know as the Acura NSX—the difference being branding by market rather than a separate vehicle. Across generations, Honda maintains two badges to align with regional sales strategies, while the core engineering remains shared. The Type S variant adds a more extreme, performance‑focused option within the NSX lineup wherever it is offered.
