Touched by the GOATs

During the early 1980s, a group of Honda engineers decided to break away from their typical Front Engined - Front Wheel Drive vehicle designs. They opted to place the engine at the rear of a Honda City, transforming it into a Rear Wheel Drive model. This innovative approach was a revelation for them, akin to experiencing the taste of ice cream for the first time. They were amazed by its exceptional handling capabilities. Regrettably, this endeavor did not lead to any further developments.

In 1984, Honda collaborated with Pininfarina (GOAT #1) to create a concept design named HP-X (Honda Pininfarina Experimental). The HP-X was a stylish two-seater with a doorless design, heavily influenced by ground effects, and powered by a 2-litre V6 engine. Honda's aim was to compete with Ferrari in the sports car arena. This project eventually transformed into the NSX (New Sportscar Experimental), initially featuring a mid-mounted 2.7-litre V6 engine. However, during the later stages of development, this engine was upgraded to a 3-litre V6 producing 270 horsepower.

In the late 1988, Honda began supplying engines to the McLaren Formula 1 team, and McLaren signed a talented Brazilian driver to race one of their two cars. This Brazilian driver went on to win the 1988 Formula 1 championship and secured two more titles in 1990 and 1991. The driver in question was the legendary Ayrton Senna (THE GOAT), who collaborated closely with Honda's Motorsports division on the development of the NSX. Following Senna's feedback from testing at Suzuka, adjustments were made to stiffen the chassis and improve the suspension and handling. Additionally, Japanese F1 driver Satoru Nakajima also played a significant role in the NSX project.

In 1989, the car made its debut at the Chicago Motor Show and later at the Tokyo Motor Show, before being released for sale in 1990. The NSX was the pioneer in featuring a complete aluminium frame and suspension components, resulting in a weight reduction of almost 200 kg compared to its steel counterparts. Additionally, it boasted 4-channel ABS, power steering, and titanium engine connecting rods to support its high-revving engine, capable of reaching 8300 rpm. It is to be noted that the first iteration (NA1) of the NSX did not come with Vtec but it was introduced in the following models. The objective was to position the car as a direct rival to the Ferrari 328 and 348 in terms of performance, while ensuring everyday comfort and reliability.

Among the special editions of the first generation, there were a few notable versions. For instance, the NSX-R was a lighter and more powerful variant exclusively available in the Japanese market. This was followed by the NSX-T, a targa-top model, and later on, the introduction of the NSX-S and NSX-S Zero after the midlife update in 1997. This update included an increase in engine size from 3 litres to 3.2 litres, boosting the horsepower from 270 to 290. Notably, the NSX-T was the sole special edition model sold outside of Japan, specifically in North America.

Honda introduced the NA2 generation in 2002. Main change was the change from pop-up headlights to xenon HID headlamps followed by minor changes to the suspension. The NA2 NSX-R was also launched in 2002 exclusively for the Japanese market. The R received extensive carbon fibre treatment including the spoiler, hood and deck lip. Eventhough the design was considered to be outdated, the NSX-R driven by Motoharu Kurosawa acheived a time of 7 minute 56 seconds on the Nurburgring which was equal to the Ferrari 360 challenge stradale.

Honda went a step higher with the NSX-R GT for homologation purposes doe the Japanese super GT. The NSX-R GT was limited to just 5 units. The most discernible difference to the NSX-R was the snorkel attached to the roof. Other changes include a lowered suspension, wider body and a few aerodynamic bits. Again the 5 units were limited just to the Japanese market.

The NA generations of the NSX ended in 2005. The provenance of the NSX was given more credibility when Gordon Murray (GOAT #2) used the NSX as the performance benchmark for the Mclaren F1.

Photos and words by Jathu Thillai (https://www.instagram.com/jathuthillai/) for Car Chronicles