The Original Acura NSX Was Honda's Most Successful Failure — Revelations with Jason Cammisa Ep. 32
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Published 2023-07-27
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The all-aluminum NA1-chassis NSX was developed as Honda was on top of the world — it had just begun an incredible string of Formula One victories, its Accord was the best-selling car in America, and its new Acura luxury brand was a resounding success.
The NSX would be the company's flagship, demonstrating that Honda could apply its F1 know-how to a Ferrari-challenging, mid-engined supercar.
It was received with near unanimous praise from the American automotive media, but ultimately the NSX struggled to find buyers for the majority of its 15-year production run.
In this episode of "Revelations," automotive journalist Jason Cammisa takes us through the history of the original NSX and why, in retrospect, it was actually a success despite being unable to live up to its sales expectations — and how it differs from the second-generation, Ohio-engineered and -built NC1 hybrid.
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Revelations | Untold Stories About Automotive Legends with Jason Cammisa
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All Comments (21)
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I was not a responsible kid back then and of course I took out a loan to buy my white 1992 nsx working as an intern in 2009. Looking back. It was the best decision I have ever made. Still gets me excited every time I start up the car.
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Let's not forget that the NSX was also the benchmark for none other than Gordon Murray, the guy who made the McLaren F1. This speaks volumes about how good this car was to inspire such a legend.
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The NSX was one of the best car designs ever. 30 years later it is as contemporary as anything on the road.
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I had a '91 NSX which I loved more than most people. I didn't sell the car, I lost it to a red light runner. This is the one car I wish I could have back, but prices have really changed since then
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Makes me think the NSX in Pulp Fiction was the perfect car for Wolf to drive. He was meticulous, unemotional, just needed the utility to get places quickly, cleanly and under the radar!
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"Revelations with Jason Cammisa" is probably my favourite thing on YouTube now.
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I’m addicted to Camisa’s storytelling. Such deep knowledge and such fun presenting. Thanks to the whole crew for such an awesome series!
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Its an undeniable fact that the intended market for the NSX totally slept on this absolute gem, to their total loss.
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No matter how many potholes life throws my way or how stuck I feel in traffic, whenever I catch sight of "Revelations" and Jason Cammisa in the same sentence, I can't help but rev up with excitement! It's like getting a full tank of fuel for my soul, and suddenly, the road ahead feels smoother, faster, and oh-so-thrilling!
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I remember exactly why the NSX didn't sell.. it had an MSRP of $65k, and dealers marked it up to be more than a Ferrari 355
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"Revelations with Jason Cammisa" is probably my favourite thing on YouTube now.. Cammisa and the NSX, this is bound to be gold.
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I'm glad Gan San got a shout-out in this video. He was MUCH more responsible for the driving development of this car than Senna was
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This was my dream car at a 10 year old, I thought it looked amazing and futuristic, for 1994. The style still holds up 30 years later.
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The quality of this show never ceases to amaze; the script, the color grading and audio/sfx is top tier!
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6:30 one thing that people usually miss with the C series engine they used in the NSX was that it didnt have steel cylinder liners like in normal engines. Honda used FRM (Fiber Reinforced Metal) to decrease the friction between the piston and the cylinder, kinda how Porsche used Nikasil coated cylinders to decrease friction. The same treatment was done in the H series engines (prelude and some accord models) and the S2000. Although, they def perfected the FRM technology with the s2000.
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This is such a fantastic piece by Jason and the Hagerty team! To summarize: Honda did not make a mistake with the NSX itself, but instead with the way they marketed it. Love this car.
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Timeless, gorgeous design. Always wanted one. I remember a time when you could find a well-used but clean example for around $20k. Sadly I didn't have any money then.
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They just don't miss, do they? Amazing work, Jason and team at Hagerty!
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Jason is my favourite car nerd to listen to, he knows exactly how to pull a good story together while being educational. The NSX has always been my favourite Japanese car and one of my favourite cars of the last 30 years. I hate the heavy blobs they call cars these days. What a beauty still.
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Was the only Acura certified technician in the dealership when the first one was delivered. (First one to drive it😂) Truly an amazing piece of engineering. Hard to believe it came from the same manufacturer as the Vigor 😑 😂😂
