Loading

Why is it called Acura NSX?

The Acura NSX is a renowned sports car that has captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. But have you ever wondered why it's called the "NSX"? In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating story behind the name of this iconic vehicle.


The Meaning Behind the "NSX" Moniker


The "NSX" acronym stands for "New Sportscar eXperimental," which reflects the car's innovative design and engineering. The "N" represents the "New" concept, the "S" stands for "Sportscar," and the "X" signifies the "eXperimental" nature of the vehicle.


When Acura, Honda's luxury division, set out to develop the NSX, they wanted to create a sports car that would challenge the established supercars of the time, such as the Ferrari and Porsche. The "eXperimental" aspect of the name reflects the groundbreaking technologies and design approaches that were incorporated into the NSX.


A Pioneering Approach to Sports Car Design


The Acura NSX was a revolutionary sports car in many ways. It was the first production car to feature an all-aluminum body and chassis, which significantly reduced the vehicle's weight and improved its performance and handling.web> Additionally, the NSX was powered by a mid-mounted V6 engine, a configuration typically reserved for exotic supercars.


Another innovative aspect of the NSX was its focus on driver engagement and everyday usability. Unlike many high-performance sports cars of the era, the NSX was designed to be comfortable, reliable, and easy to live with on a daily basis. This approach, combined with its exceptional handling and performance, made the NSX a unique and highly desirable sports car.


The Legacy of the Acura NSX


The Acura NSX has left an indelible mark on the automotive world. It was a groundbreaking sports car that challenged the established norms and set new standards for performance, design, and everyday usability. The NSX's success and influence can be seen in the many sports cars that have followed in its footsteps, incorporating similar design philosophies and technologies.


Today, the Acura NSX continues to be a highly sought-after and respected sports car, with a loyal following of enthusiasts who appreciate its unique blend of performance, innovation, and everyday practicality. The "NSX" name has become synonymous with Acura's commitment to excellence and its pursuit of the ultimate driving experience.

Is an Acura NSX faster than a Corvette?


Despite producing more power and offering AWD grip, the NSX Type S matches the Corvette Stingray by accelerating to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds, and falls 3 mph short of the Chevrolet's top speed, cresting at 191 mph.



Was the NSX a flop?


The NSX would be the company's flagship, demonstrating that Honda could apply its F1 know- how to a Ferrari-challenging, mid-engined supercar. It was received with near unanimous praise from the American automotive media, but ultimately the NSX struggled to find buyers for the majority of its 15-year production run.



Why did Acura stop the NSX?


The Acura ILX has been discontinued because the company plans to focus on the Acura Integra for the sedan market in the United States. The Acura NSX, on the other hand, has been discontinued due to declining sales and the company's focus on electric vehicles.



Why is it called Honda NSX?


The development code name, NS-X represented "new," "sportscar" and "unknown world," X being the mathematical symbol for an unknown value. It was the prototype for a new offering that Honda believed would captivate driving enthusiasts around the world.



Are Honda NSX and Acura NSX the same?


The Honda NSX, marketed in North America as the Acura NSX, is a two-seater, rear mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car manufactured by Honda. The origins of the NSX trace back to 1984, with the HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) concept, for a 3.0 L (180 cu in) V6 rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car.



How rare is an Acura NSX?


In 15 years of production, from 1990 to 2005, 18,685 NSXs were built, so it wasn't a total sales disaster. Of those, 8997 went to the US, where they were badged Acura NSX, but just 1559 came to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.



What does NSX mean in Acura?


New Sports eXperimental
A team at American Honda later chose to express the definition as "New Sports eXperimental." For production, the decision was made to remove the hyphen from NS-X, leading to NSX as the official model name for Acura's first supercar.



What is the rarest NSX?


Only 30 NSX Type-S Zeros were produced between 1997 and 2001, making it the rarest version of the NSX next to the five homologation special NSX-R GT cars.



Are Acuras basically Hondas?


They are both owned by the same company, however, Honda specializes in delivering a range of mainstream automobiles for customers, while Acura is focused on the production of luxury performance models for SUVs and sedans.



Why is it called the NSX?


The Origins of NSX
The “NSX” name stands for “New Sports eXperimental.” Legendary F1 driver Ayrton Senna assisted Honda engineers in perfecting the NSX's handling. When the first NSX launched in 1990, it was sold in North America as the Acura NSX.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.