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Acura NSX Timeline: From 1989 to 2016 Production

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2016 Acura NSX

The 2016 Acura NSX is one of our favorite models to have risen out of the ashes in the past few years. With roots in the late 1980s and a solid fan base, the NSX has seen its fair share of changes and upgrades. Let’s take a look at how the NSX turned into the sleek monster we know and love.

The NS-X Concept Stage

1989 – The Acura NSX first debuted as a Honda, using its first concept name, NS-X. In proper 80s fashion, this ‘code name’ stood for New Sporstcar Experimental; because code names just make everything cooler.

First-Generation NSX Production

1990 – The two-seater developmental version of the NS-X eventually gave way to a production ‘NSX’ version, and marked the first all-aluminum body from Honda, with an all-aluminum V6 engine. Over the next decade,the NSX would see minor performance upgrades and special editions.

2005 – The first generation of the NSX ceased production in November.

The Second-Generation Concept Stage

2007 – Tetsuo Iwamura, CEO of Honda America, announced a new supercar in the works. NSX fans waited in the wings for a nail biter that wouldn’t see fruition until 2011. The faltering American economy stalled plans, but allowed engineers to take full advantage of the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept developments during this time.

2011 – Acura announced the next move for the NSX – a second-generation NSX concept car. Honda promised that the new NSX “would be exhilarating to drive but also environmentally friendly” and would “incorporate an electric drivetrain to give the petrol engine a boost.”

2012 – The second-generation NSX concept debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. An all-wheel-drive with a shark of a silhouette impressed critics and showed promise for the future of the NSX.

2016 Acura NSX Production Version

2014 – The official production version of the NSX was announced in 2014 and the next full year was filled with speculation and a struggle from the press to obtain spy shots of the infamous production versions.

2015 – The production version of the 2016 Acura NSX debuted at the North American International Auto Show. While the spirit of the original 1989 NS-X was still alive with two doors and sleek styling, this futuristic version brings modern power to a proven model. The twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC 3.5L V6 engine is mated to an electric motor, providing both power and eco-sensibility.