Once upon a time, Honda decided to make a complete shift from its reputation as a brand that manufactures family cars. The Japanese company decided all of a sudden that it wants to compete on a completely different level, with Ferrari.
In 1964, the history of Honda began in F1, when they entered as both a constructor and engine manufacturer. Honda quickly paved their way through success by becoming the first Japanese manufacturer to win an F1 race. Over the years, the Japanese giant became one of the biggest engine suppliers in the F1, providing teams like Mclaren and Williams, leading them to multiple championships in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Their engines were known for their reliability, quick response, and powerful performance.
Not only was Honda a supplier, but also a part of the F1 with multiple legendary drivers, like Ayrton Senna.
Even though Honda was very successful in Motorsports, they were not seen as a company that could make a supercar. Hence, they decided to prove the exact opposite.
The Birth of the Legend
In 1989, the Honda Acura NSX was first unveiled at the 1989 Chicago Motor Show, marking a new beginning for Honda in the world of Supercars. In a world where Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini conquered the world of Supercars, Honda decided that it could make a supercar:
More reliable than an Italian supercar
More comfortable for daily driving
More technologically advanced
A better value for money with a great performance for its competitive price
Honda Accura’s Legendary Engine
It was a 2-seater mid-engine sports car, powered by a 3.0L V6 engine equipped with dual overhead cams and Honda’s VTEC system. With its beautifully sculpted body and and its outstanding performance, Accura became a hit that buyers in Japan had to wait up to three years to get their car. The engine made 270hp at 7100 RPMs, and 297 N.m. of torque at 5300 RPMs when linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, enough to send the lightweight 1360kg car from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds at that time. When paired with the optional four-speed automatic gearbox, power dropped to 252hp at 6600 RPMs.
Ayrton Senna and Accura NSX
The Accura was lightweight as it was the first mass produced car to use an all-aluminum body, making its drivability and maneuverability to car lovers and experts.
What made it stand out more was being a memorable shift away from its standard product line and being known for its association with three-time F1 champion Ayrton Senna. Senna was involved in the car’s development, and this helped increase its sales and boost its credibility as an impressive supercar. The Accura NSX was undergoing extensive testing on the Nurburgring before it went on 15 years of production, with a mid-life facelift in 2002.
Accura NSX Inspired The Mclaren F1
Whoever knows the Mclaren F1 realises how amazing this car was by all means. Gordon Murray, the legendary designer of the F1, openly praised the Accura NSX for its influence on his work. Gordon Mrray said: “The moment I drove the NSX, all the benchmark cars – Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini – just evaporated. The NSX was so superior in its ride, handling, and steering, so I had to tear up my own rule book and start again. It was the first car that had no drawbacks. It was just brilliant."
The Honda Accura NSX inspired the Mclaren F1 with its chassis stiffness and handling, everyday usability, and steering feel. Gordon Murray test-drove the car and was blown away by its amazing handling and balance, along with its ability to be a daily driver supercar, something that was rare in supercars back then.
Murray even bought an NSX for himself because he admired it so much. The NSX didn’t just challenge Ferrari—it influenced the greatest supercar of all time.
Adrian is an Editor. Psychology graduate with over 4 years in the automotive industry, 3 in front of the camera. Occasionally seen at his family owned tyre shop. He will only buy cars that pass the big bottle test.
