The HONDA NSX in the Enter Technikwelt

Honda NSX – An Underrated Milestone

The NSX refers to a two-seater mid-engine sports car offered by Honda in various versions between 1990 and 2005. In North America and Hong Kong, it was sold under the brand name Acura. Racing versions of the car were used in motorsport with factory support until the end of 2009. The NSX is considered a technical pioneer in several respects: it was the first production vehicle made almost entirely of aluminum and featured early innovations such as electronic power steering and drive-by-wire throttle control. The V6 engine with titanium connecting rods and platinum spark plugs achieves impressive speeds of up to 8000 rpm.

NSX NA1 (1990–1997)

In a specially built manufacturing facility in Utsunomiya (Tochigi Prefecture, Japan), around 200 technicians produced up to 25 NSX cars per day through elaborate manual labor. The vehicles were built exclusively to order, which led to waiting times of at least six months. Honda sometimes required a down payment of around 10 percent when ordering, which was usually demanded directly from the customer.

The first model version available from August 1990 (code NA1) was equipped with a transversely mounted 3.0-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine (engine code C30A). This engine came from the further developed C-engine family, which had been in use in Honda and Rover models since 1985. Characteristic of the engine were four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and a cylinder bank angle of 90 degrees.

The NSX in the Enter Technikwelt

A special example is on display in the Enter Technikwelt: a 1990 NSX NA1, equipped with the characteristic pop-up headlights, known as sleepy eyes – front headlights that are recessed or covered when turned off.

Felix Kunz, the initiator of the Enter Technikwelt, considers the NSX one of the most underrated sports cars. In his opinion, the car combines everything that makes an outstanding sports car: stylish design, impressive performance, and a captivating engine sound. At the time, Honda brought everything technically possible to the table. The NSX deserved greater recognition in the market.

Features of the NSX

NSX buyers received a relatively affordable exotic car with extensive standard equipment and numerous technical highlights, including:

• Electronic throttle (Drive-by-Wire)
• Variable limited-slip differential
• Titanium connecting rods
• Platinum spark plugs
• Cruise control
• Automatic climate control
• Two regulated three-way catalytic converters
• SRS safety system (with two airbags, seatbelt tensioners, and emergency power supply)
• Bose hi-fi system with Alpine CD changer and motorized antenna

Compared to competitors like the Ferrari 348 or F355, the maintenance costs of the NSX were significantly lower. However, insurance premiums were similarly high because repairs to the complex aluminum body required specialized equipment and expertise.

In December 2002, the first production vehicle of the NSX NA1 with the manufacturing number "01" was auctioned in London for the equivalent of around 175,000 euros. Incidentally, the world's largest private NSX collection is believed to be held by the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah.

Visit our vehicle exhibition and become part of the AutoZeit Friends of Enter

Anyone who wants to admire the Honda NSX and many other legendary vehicles up close is warmly invited to visit our exhibition Fascination Vehicles. Whether cult vehicles, movie stars on four wheels, or impressive racing cars – with us, you can experience the fascination of automobiles in all their diversity. The exhibition is included in the museum admission, and for all vehicle fans who only want to admire our vehicle collection, we offer discounted admission prices.

You can get even closer with a membership in the AutoZeit Friends of Enter:
As a member, you benefit from free entry to the basement of the Enter Technikwelt, an AutoZeit subscription (6 issues per year), discounted event participation, 10% discount in the museum shop, and a regular newsletter with exciting news and events about the fascinating world of technology and vehicles.