January 1984, Honda's Wako Research and Development Center initiated the fundamental research for a new drive system, aiming to transition from the prevailing front-engine/front-wheel drive (FF) vehicle configuration to an alternative format. At that time, FF was the predominant layout used in Honda cars, as it provided superior interior comfort and accommodation for the occupants.

  While FF had proven to be successful in ensuring a comfortable and spacious interior, Honda sought to explore other drive system options that could potentially offer different advantages and performance characteristics. By initiating this research, Honda aimed to diversify its vehicle lineup and provide customers with a wider range of choices that catered to various driving preferences and needs.

  Through the innovative research efforts at the Wako R&D Center, Honda was laying the groundwork for future vehicle developments and advancements, potentially introducing new drive systems that could complement the existing FF lineup and expand the brand's offerings in the automotive market. This commitment to research and development has been a defining trait of Honda's ethos, driving the company's continuous pursuit of engineering excellence and customer satisfaction.

  The development team at Honda believed that a change in the drive format could offer significant benefits, particularly in terms of frame design and packaging flexibility. They set their sights on an underfloor, midship-engine rear-wheel drive (UMR) format, which had the potential to combine efficient packaging with the sporty characteristics typically associated with rear-wheel drive vehicles.

  In February 1984, the development team constructed a UMR test vehicle using a first-generation City, aiming to expedite their research and evaluate the handling and performance characteristics of the new format. The test drive of the UMR-version City left a lasting impression on the team members, as they were amazed by the unique and superior handling compared to the original front-wheel-drive (FF) configuration. However, at that time, the available technology placed certain limits on the UMR's potential advantages over the traditional FF setup, leading to the project being shelved. 

  Despite the setback, the team members couldn't forget the exhilarating experience they had with the UMR experiment. Encouraged by comments from supporters during evaluation meetings, the research focus shifted from the drive format to dynamic performance, particularly in creating a sportscar with a lower center of gravity for enhanced handling characteristics.

  In 1983, a prototype car based on the CR-X was created to test dynamic performance from various perspectives. The return of Honda to the F-1 Series in the same year further fueled the enthusiasm at the R&D Center, as there was anticipation that Honda might venture into building sportscars.

  By the fall of 1985, Honda's development engineers embarked on the earnest creation of a new sportscar. The passion and desire to create a car that could bridge the gap between mass-production FF models and F-1 cars, while also becoming the new face of Honda, drove the team's dedication and commitment to the project.

  This marked the beginning of a new chapter for Honda, setting the stage for the development of what would eventually become an iconic and revered sportscar in the automotive world. The journey to create this sportscar would eventually lead to the birth of the Honda NSX, a legendary vehicle that would leave a lasting impact on the automotive industry and solidify Honda's position as a manufacturer of high-performance and technologically advanced vehicles.

  In mid-1986, the development team completed Prototype I of the NSX, marking the team's first implementation of the innovative Milky Way diagram in its construction process. During this stage, the team considered both sheet steel and aluminum as potential materials for the car's body. While sheet steel was an option, it was less favored due to its potential drawbacks in achieving the desired running performance of a midrange, F-1 class car.

  Using sheet steel would add weight to the vehicle, making it challenging to meet the target performance levels expected from a midrange, high-performance car. This additional weight would require a larger and heavier engine, potentially pushing the car out of the desired midrange category. Furthermore, sheet steel could compromise the NSX's intended purpose, which was to break away from the conventional image of a sportscar as a compromise in comfort and safety for the sake of achieving superior slalom statistics.

  To ensure the NSX would be a cutting-edge sportscar with advanced features and technology, such as power windows, full-automatic air conditioning, traction control, and antilock brake systems (ABS), the development team needed to minimize the weight of the vehicle. Consequently, the decision was made to equip the NSX with the world's first all-aluminum monocoque body. This groundbreaking choice allowed Honda to create a lightweight yet rigid structure, combining exceptional performance with comfort and safety, redefining the concept of a sportscar.

  The use of aluminum in the monocoque body not only enabled Honda to achieve the desired weight savings but also set a new standard for engineering excellence in the automotive industry. This commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of technology was a testament to Honda's determination to create a groundbreaking sports car that would leave a lasting legacy in the automotive world. The result was the birth of the iconic Honda NSX, a vehicle that would change perceptions of what a sportscar could be and solidify Honda's position as a leader in automotive engineering.

  The decision to build the Honda NSX with an all-aluminum body presented numerous challenges for the development team, as no other automaker had attempted such a construction at the time. Despite the powerful advantages of aluminum, such as being pollution-free, abundant, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant, its high cost and technical complexities in molding and welding posed obstacles. The team also faced the need to establish a dedicated plant solely for producing the car's aluminum body.

  During a trip on the Shinkansen (bullet train), the team noticed that the train was made of aluminum, which sparked the idea that aluminum could be adapted for a sportscar body. Inspired by the Shinkansen's successful use of aluminum, the team made a promise not to shy away from the challenge of creating a car for the new era.

  Material suppliers, initially perplexed by the idea of an all-aluminum body, eventually came around after hearing the team's earnest explanation. The development team and suppliers collaborated to select the 5000 and 6000 series of aluminum, and extensive enhancements were made to meet Honda's stipulated conditions for stamping, forming, welding, and coating processes.

  As problems arose, the team worked tirelessly to devise innovative solutions. The challenging side sill processing was addressed by creating a new forming process involving heated aluminum poured into dies and extruded while being drawn, resulting in a super-strong, rigid honeycomb frame that satisfied the demands of high-performance driving.

  After incorporating five aluminum alloys into the vehicle, the team achieved a significant weight reduction of 140 kg for the body and nearly 200 kg for the entire car compared to a steel-bodied equivalent. This achievement impressed material suppliers, who were amazed by how much of a car could be made with aluminum.

  In parallel with material development, the development team collaborated with the Suzuka factory to build an aluminum-bodied prototype CR-X. Performance tests, crash tests, and verifications were conducted to ensure the practicality and performance of an aluminum body for a midship sportscar.

  Prototype II was a significant step closer to the final product, as interior accessories, equipment, passenger comfort, and environmental adaptability were carefully considered. The attention to detail and continuous improvements throughout the development process eventually led to the creation of the Honda NSX, a groundbreaking sportscar that would revolutionize the automotive industry and set new standards for performance and technology.

  The NSX engineering team at Honda Motor organized an event for NSX owners in June 1991 with the purpose of allowing them to truly understand and appreciate the capabilities of their cars while ensuring they could enjoy them safely. The event also provided an opportunity for the development team to continue refining the NSX based on user feedback and experiences.

  This event, which continues to this day at various venues like the Suzuka Circuit and Twin Ring Motegi, spans two days and features a comprehensive curriculum. It includes lectures by the development staff and guest instructors, covering the car's fundamental concept and the most effective techniques to control it on the road. Participants are even given the chance to drive their NSX cars on the track, gaining valuable insights and refining their driving skills under professional guidance.

  Moreover, the event fosters interaction between NSX owners, development staff, and other participants, allowing them to exchange ideas and feedback. This direct interaction with customers offers valuable insights for the car creators, enabling them to see things from the customer's perspective rather than purely as trained engineers. The comments, requests, and opinions obtained from these events have been instrumental in refining the NSX further.

  As a result of this user-focused approach, the Type R version of the NSX was introduced in 1992, incorporating the feedback and suggestions received from the NSX owner events. This ongoing dialogue with customers has helped the NSX remain a benchmark for high-performance sportscars, preserving its original development concept and setting the standard by which all others are judged.

  Honda's commitment to continuous improvement and customer engagement has allowed the NSX to maintain its status as an iconic and revered sports car, standing as a testament to Honda's dedication to engineering excellence and customer satisfaction.