THE HONDA NSX: JAPAN'S EVERYDAY SUPERCAR

1990 · Honda · 6 min

Honda set out to prove a supercar could be reliable and usable — with a little help from Ayrton Senna.

THE CHALLENGE

In the late 1980s Honda decided to build a mid-engined supercar that, unlike its temperamental Italian rivals, would start every morning and work every day.

THE MACHINE

The NSX used an aluminium monocoque — a world first for a production car — and was tuned with input from Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna, who refined its chassis feel.

When it launched in 1990 it matched Ferrari performance while being effortless to live with, forcing the establishment to respond.

Timeline

  • 1989 — FIRST SHOWING: NSX revealed.
  • 1990 — THE MACHINE: Production begins.
  • 2005 — THE LEGACY: First generation ends.