What makes NSX an Exotic?

[nsxsupra]

In Japan, the NSX is probably far from what one would call exotic, but maybe here in the States it is. It's the same with a Corvette. While a Corvette isn't anything special in the States, it is special overseas.

Actually the opposite, NSX is super exotic in Japan. There are less sold there, 7394 to be exact. The low production # is just one of many....reasons why NSX is in fact an exotic car.

NSX is far more respected in Japan than in US. Many publications even go as far as calling NSX the national treasure of Japan.

I travel to Japan average 6 times a year since 1998. My passport have all my traveling records. NSX sightings are always extremely rare for me compare to Ferraries, GTRs, etc. Look up at Carsensor.net (largest used car site in Japan similar to Autotrader to USA). There are very few NSXes available, and the used car price is stronger and higher in Japan compare to USA.

While a fantastic car, Corvette is not very special in overseas. The # sold oversea are very low for the population in other countries. Look at NSX, Porsches, Ferraries, BMWs, Mercedes, other Japanese cars. These cars all sell very well outside of their home countries.

As for my personal opinion, yes, NSX is an exotic car. Still the best looking car came out of Japan. Sometimes when I see one, I still drop my jaw, especially when I get carry away and forget that I also own one. Everytime I drive it, I still can't believe how well the car is built, how amazingly fun it is to drive.

 

[Synthesis]

Actually the opposite, NSX is super exotic in Japan. There are less sold there, 7394 to be exact.

NSX is far more respected in Japan than in US. Many publications even go as far as calling NSX the national treasure of Japan.

I travel to Japan average 6 times a year since 1998. My passport have all my traveling records. NSX sightings are always extremely rare for me compare to Ferraries, GTRs, etc. Look up at Carsensor.net (largest used car site in Japan similar to Autotrader to USA). There are very few NSXes available, and the used car price is stronger and higher in Japan compare to USA.

While a fantastic car, Corvette is not very special in overseas. The # sold oversea are very low for the population in other countries. Look at NSX, Porsches, Ferraries, BMWs, Mercedes, other Japanese cars. These cars all sell very well outside of their home countries.

As for my personal opinion, yes, NSX is an exotic car. Still the best looking car came out of Japan. Sometimes when I see one, I still drop my jaw, especially when I get carry away and forget that I also own one. Everytime I drive it, I still can't believe how well the car is built, how amazingly fun it is to drive.

i saw more nsxs in the 3 months that i lived in tochigi than i ever saw in my life. i guess it's a matter of where you are. :wink:

however, i did notice that supras are just as rare to see as they are here, and i saw only one vette. (AND one LIFTED F150 lol). ferraris are nothing special in tokyo; never saw them where i was living though.

 

[Synthesis]

(however, i don't live in socal either.... def a bigger nsx population over there :wink: )

 

[RatedZ]

I really like the NSX from a styling standpoint, for the most part, but I don't find the front 3/4 angle to be particularly flattering. From every other angle, I really like it. I think the back end looks really cool, and I love the solid "lightbar" across the rear, and the side profile is great.

I think I'm going to be disappointed when the new NSX is released. I was hoping that it would be closer to sharing its profile with the "current" one; more or less, an update.

 

[Tony Montoya]

It's a hand built aluminum car. That's enough.

 

[ralfus90]

When I think of "exotic," something made of rare, high quality materials comes to mind. I also think of something instantly recognizable, even if it's not by a person that's into cars.

People claim Porsches are exotic. I see them everyday. I don't give them a second glance.

I think a lot of people confuse "exotic" with "unique."

I've personally never seen an NSX as being "exotic," probably more-so because they're manufactured by an "everyday car manufacturer" like Honda. I place the NSX in the same category as the Corvette. I think they're both great performers, but neither of them are exotic.

hey guys a nooB here but i guess an outsiders view may be different to your own...i live in oz and have travelled a bity and also have many friends who live overseas one of which owns an exporting company in japan that specializes in cars and car parts and i believe that the nsx fits the mould of an exotic perfectly...just because it is semi mass produced (large manufacturer etc) doesnt make it any less of an exotic...look at the ford gt40 or the callaway corvette or any number of other large manufacturers that make special anniversary or limited model runs ....

i believe personally that an exotic is a mixture of availablility craftmanship and power to weight as well as handling dynamics...i know that brings other cars such as the supra gt3000 and gtr skyline into the piture along with the evo mitsubishis etc but true exotics i believe are at least mostly hand made ie hand assembled or modified enough from a std car to be almost a new car and dont just come out the other end of a production line...there are exceptions tho...(geez complicated question or what..haha) such as aston martins..which are aaaaalmost exotic.. and other larger cars that are hand made but dont quite have the auro about them i think its because they dont really have the racing heritage or pedigree that an exotic should possess the nissan r390(i think thats what it was called) is in the same light as the nsx even though there were only a little over 120 made they are definately an exotic yet made by a large passenger car company...not havin a shot at anyone just my opinion is all and that from an outsider looking in....slightly different perspective from the average user here i would assume but i certainly believe that the nsx is almost the definition of exotic supercar even though it doesnt have the same all out go that the typical exotic has now a car does have to handle and stop and look the part to be an exotic and on these alone the nsx is included...
my 2 cents hope i havent tread on anyones toes...damned noobies..haha

ralf

 

[BD]

i believe personally that an exotic is a mixture of availablility craftmanship and power to weight as well as handling dynamics...

Until the F430, Ferrari wasn't really built with good craftmanship, and all Ferraris are considered as exotic.:biggrin:

 

[ralfus90]

Until the F430, Ferrari wasn't really built with good craftmanship, and all Ferraris are considered as exotic.:biggrin:

this is true but they are almost completely handbuilt and when they are running they cover all other bases in regards to performance....there are many hundreds if not thousands of other examples of exotic cars by normal or mundane manufacturers too that i havent listed that are classed as exotics that have poor build quality also i mean lambos werent the best in the early days but the muira is still an exotic... ferraris have alwasy been classed as exotics if for nothin else the fact they have pedigree just because they arent the best quality doesnt mean they dont deserve exotic status...but there are exotics and then there are exotics...lol there are a few cars over here that are based on family cars that are a poompteenth away from being classed as exotics that the build quality etc suffers and holds them back but that is mainly coz they are based on a std car that has been reworked im sure its the same stateside...gt500's , shelbys etc corvettes (the upper tier vettes would surely be exotics right?) and many others that are older like the detomaso's...they dont have the build quality but they are still exotics....

 

[kiisaka]

Until the F430, Ferrari wasn't really built with good craftmanship, and all Ferraris are considered as exotic.:biggrin:

And more V8 Ferraris were built while NSX was in production.

 

[ralfus90]

hehe i see your point but it is possible to have a high production number and still be an exotic...lol just out of curiousity...is a bentley or rolls royce or even slr mercedes and maybach classed as exotics? what about a bmw 850i alpine? that discounts the price issue as well...car doesnt HAVE to cost a million bucks to be classed as exotic does it...coz that would discount alot of cars as well...especially the smaller companies like elfin lotus tvr etc i dont think there is an exact basket to fit exotics in i think they need a combination of all the attributes that have been included/outlined above
basically i think we need to bake a cake here with everyone listing one different aspect of what makes an exotic car ie one ingredient...

 

[RatedZ]

It's a hand built aluminum car. That's enough.

Factory 5 Racing cars are also hand-built. Not exotic.

I guess I'm where I started. Throwing up my hands in confusion, and just as stumped.

 

[Ski_Banker]

I think the definition, in each person's eyes, has to be global. Clearly, in some places certain cars (Ferrari 360/430, Gallardo) are seen many times a day. But I would still call them exotic (but just not *very* unique) if I lived there.

I'm a bit biased, obviously, but I definitely think the NSX fits the bill of exotic in every category except "parent company" -- and for that matter Audi and Fiat make Lambos and Ferraris. BTW, the NSX was built until 2004 in its own dedicated production facility & city, away from every other Honda (except the S2000 later). Tochigi, Japan.

Related note: I saw my *second* Honda NSX in London today after 6 months. I've seen more, different, Veyrons, Enzos and R8s. :wink:

 

[ralfus90]

I think the definition, in each person's eyes, has to be global. Clearly, in some places certain cars (Ferrari 360/430, Gallardo) are seen many times a day. But I would still call them exotic (but just not *very* unique) if I lived there.

I'm a bit biased, obviously, but I definitely think the NSX fits the bill of exotic in every category except "parent company" -- and for that matter Audi and Fiat make Lambos and Ferraris. BTW, the NSX was built until 2004 in its own dedicated production facility & city, away from every other Honda (except the S2000 later). Tochigi, Japan.

Related note: I saw my *second* Honda NSX in London today after 6 months. I've seen more, different, Veyrons, Enzos and R8s. :wink:

by R8's do you mean the vauxhall ie the hsv clubsport r8? or actual audi r8?

 

[RatedZ]

I think what is and isn't exotic probably depends on where you live...

 

[NSXrunner]

But once again, we're back where we started with "exotic."

Something you don't see everyday: B4C Camaro
Limited Production number: B4C Camaro
Discontinued (or no longer made): Camaro

I'm not trying to be argumentative, just trying to come to the same determination as everyone else of what "exotic" truly is.

LOL No worries. Like a couple people here already mentioned. The term exotic can actually vary depending on location and personal tastes. Hence there is no clear defenition that everyone will 100% agree with.

Take me for example, and dont take this as a jab, but I will agree that the B4C Cam was limited production, but, in the end its still a Camaro. So to me I would just call it a "unique". This goes the same for the Mustang, yes I know there are multiple limited models, but still, in the end, still a Mustang.

But again thats just me, others will see things differently and thats fine.

 

[RatedZ]

LOL No worries. Like a couple people here already mentioned. The term exotic can actually vary depending on location and personal tastes. Hence there is no clear defenition that everyone will 100% agree with.

Take me for example, and dont take this as a jab, but I will agree that the B4C Cam was limited production, but, in the end its still a Camaro. So to me I would just call it a "unique". This goes the same for the Mustang, yes I know there are multiple limited models, but still, in the end, still a Mustang.

But again thats just me, others will see things differently and thats fine.

I don't take it as a jab. I'd question anyone's credibility that labeled it as anything but a Camaro. I can't lie, I enjoy owning a "unique" vehicle, but it doesn't look like anything special. It looks like a V6 coupe. Nobody would ever know the difference by looking at it sitting in a parking lot. The moment I started it up, people would take notice and realize that there's just something "wrong with this picture." Even though it's in V6 trim, it has the Z28 hardware; V8, slightly tuned (above Z28) suspension, etc.

I've since had the LT1 built up, and it's probably putting out between 400-425 hp at the crank (on 9.7:1 compression). I plan on supercharging and running around 7 lbs of intercooled boost, so when all is said and done, it will probably be making upwards of about 550-575 hp at the crank. :smile:

Anyway, before I start getting off on a tangent, I did have quite the amount of entertainment amongst the "cruisers" when I lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Not only did I still have my Delaware plates on the car, but everyone thought it was a V6, and couldn't figure out why they were losing. I raced a Vette one time and he yelled at me after a loss, "Turn off the nitrous!" No nitrous here.

A few weeks later, I pulled into the local hang-out (Oscar's Custard Stand) and overheard him talking to someone, saying, "There's that f-ed up V6 Camaro I was talking about." I was tickled pink, especially since nobody knew what I had under the hood.

But whatever the case, I'm happy with it being "just a Camaro." I wanted one from the time I was about 12, and got this one when I was 22. I'm now 33, and still love it just as much today as when I bought it. It's hard to believe that I've owned this car for 1/3 of my life.

 

[Hugh]

What makes NSX an Exotic?

The fact that I own one.

 

[flaminio]

I've personally never seen an NSX as being "exotic," probably more-so because they're manufactured by an "everyday car manufacturer" like Honda.

I'd disagree with this, and put forth the Ford GT as an example. Inarguably exotic from an "everyday" manufacturer.

"Exoticness" is a quality about the NSX that has been debated since its inception, probably. For many of the reasons posted above, I consider the NSX an exotic, but if you don't, I'm cool with that.

A couple notes that the Ferrarista usually talk about when defining exotics: race heritage (Honda has that in spades), and the ever elusive "soul" (whatever that means).

 

[I Grok NSX]

Purpose built, hand made, exotic materials.

Hand made should read "Hand assembled" .

 

[jbum]

I also think that it's unfair to compare the NSX, which hasn't been updated in almost two decades, to current Ferraris, McLarens, etc.

The NSX was a great car and definitely in the upper echelon of sports cars. If the NSX were to have been updated and kept up with the best cars in the world, it might still hold an image closer to the exotic definition. Many of the old Ferraris now probably not not that special in terms of performance compared to current set of super cars... that doesn't make them less exotic. Why? Because of the fact that Ferrari has kept up their image and brand.

To be fair, we should compare the NSX to the cars that were around in 1990 and give it a fair assessment.

my two cents.

 

[nsxvtecvtec]

u guys know what. i strongly agree with NSXsupra.
same reason.i actually drive a yellow 1997 nsx. when i saw someone driving a NSX, it grabs my attention suddenly . yeah,i forgot that i am driving it myself when i see another one. amazing mid engine. great handle on freeway.

 

[H-carWizKid]

I think the NSX is a great car, but you're definitely right. Unfortunately, Honda really didn't make much of a profit off of the NSX (if any at all), and it ended up being more of a rolling advertisement for their technology more than anything else.

290 hp is certainly not a lot of power for a high-end sports car, and the torque was even lower, wasn't it? A power/weight ratio can only carry a car so far.

It's a shame Honda didn't do anything to update the NSX.

RatedZ, I see all your points, and I think they are valid from your perspective. Yet we disagree.

For my .02- The NSX was conceptualized by Honda as an exotic car. In 1991 when it hit the scene it was in fact every inch a hand built exotic car. anyone would have said so in 1991.

but times have changed.

Having an all aluminum moncoque isn't all that exotic when you compare it to the carbon fiber tubs of today. The impressiveness of the DOHC VTEC system has been diluted by it's inclusion in vehicles as mundane as Civics, and fan boi moronitude regarding the systems capabilities.
The standard corvette has 110 more HP than the last variation NSX.

In 2007, the NSX just doesn't compare that favorably with the exotic flavor of the month, but does that mean it isn't an exotic anymore? Has it been stripped of it's automotive stature by time, and technology?

I ask you to consider- If the logic is that you can strip an Exotic car of it's "exoticness", then that same logic has to apply to a musclecars "muscle-ness".

I would have to ask- is a 1967 Camaro really a musclecar? I mean, compared to todays standards does that machine really hold up to the image? The standard 327 V8 only put down 210hp! We get that out of 4 bangers today. These days if you want to even be considered for entry into the Musclecar realm you need at least 300hp. Your LT1 doesn't even qualify (in stock form) @ 285 hp...
So what does that make the Camaro? An exceptionally fast commuter car?

Not really.

If someone ever suggested to me that a 1967 327 Camaro, or even a 1994 LT1 Camaro was anything other than a musclecar, I would look them in the eye and tell them they don't know shit about cars.:wink:


I feel the NSX is an Exotic car. More than that, I think it is a "dream car".

Here is the scale I use- our 1994 NSX is parked at a car show in 2007, along with 150 other beautiful cars from across nearly every era, both foreign, and domestic. A 5yr old boy stands 3 feet in front of it staring at his reflection on the hood.

He looks at me with wide eyes and asks me what kind of car it is.
I tell him it is an NSX, and he looks up at his Dad and says "I want one of these when I grow up".

Dream Car. There you have it. :biggrin:

Philip

BTW- I really like Camaros, and enjoy identifying all the subtle differences that identify one model from another accross all 4 existing generations. I look forward to the upcoming 5th gen, and I am glad that you found, and own your dream car.

 

[NSXFRIEND]

What makes a car an Exotic. Is it limited production, mid engine, weight to horsepower, or just a consumer label?. My wife asked me and I didn't have an answer.
THanks

1. Exclusivity
2. Performance
3. Engineering
4. Looks

Nsx looks like no other car, yet gets mistaken for Ferrari all the time. Numbers are farely small, performance/form over function is like no other on the track, reliability is unheared of for an exotic car. Price was just up there most exotics of its time. It is the most sought after exotic in the market due to all the attributes mentioned above.

 

[RatedZ]

RatedZ, I see all your points, and I think they are valid from your perspective. Yet we disagree.

For my .02- The NSX was conceptualized by Honda as an exotic car. In 1991 when it hit the scene it was in fact every inch a hand built exotic car. anyone would have said so in 1991.

but times have changed.

Having an all aluminum moncoque isn't all that exotic when you compare it to the carbon fiber tubs of today. The impressiveness of the DOHC VTEC system has been diluted by it's inclusion in vehicles as mundane as Civics, and fan boi moronitude regarding the systems capabilities.
The standard corvette has 110 more HP than the last variation NSX.

In 2007, the NSX just doesn't compare that favorably with the exotic flavor of the month, but does that mean it isn't an exotic anymore? Has it been stripped of it's automotive stature by time, and technology?

I ask you to consider- If the logic is that you can strip an Exotic car of it's "exoticness", then that same logic has to apply to a musclecars "muscle-ness".

I would have to ask- is a 1967 Camaro really a musclecar? I mean, compared to todays standards does that machine really hold up to the image? The standard 327 V8 only put down 210hp! We get that out of 4 bangers today. These days if you want to even be considered for entry into the Musclecar realm you need at least 300hp. Your LT1 doesn't even qualify (in stock form) @ 285 hp...
So what does that make the Camaro? An exceptionally fast commuter car?

Not really.

If someone ever suggested to me that a 1967 327 Camaro, or even a 1994 LT1 Camaro was anything other than a musclecar, I would look them in the eye and tell them they don't know shit about cars.:wink:


I feel the NSX is an Exotic car. More than that, I think it is a "dream car".

Here is the scale I use- our 1994 NSX is parked at a car show in 2007, along with 150 other beautiful cars from across nearly every era, both foreign, and domestic. A 5yr old boy stands 3 feet in front of it staring at his reflection on the hood.

He looks at me with wide eyes and asks me what kind of car it is.
I tell him it is an NSX, and he looks up at his Dad and says "I want one of these when I grow up".

Dream Car. There you have it. :biggrin:

Philip

BTW- I really like Camaros, and enjoy identifying all the subtle differences that identify one model from another accross all 4 existing generations. I look forward to the upcoming 5th gen, and I am glad that you found, and own your dream car.

As time goes on, all cars are going to evolve. Are 1967 Camaros muscle cars? Sure, for the time they were, and they were fast for the time, hence the reason their reputation proceeds them today, but 210 hp, or even 325 hp (some 327s had 325 hp) are almost common these days, yet you mention a 60's muscle car and people automatically associate them with high hp and speed, even though most of them wouldn't crack 14.40s on a good day in the 1/4 mile (in stock trim).

In 1990, 290 hp was a lot of hp. Today, there are more V6s on the market than you can shake a stick at that are making upwards of 270-300+ hp. While on the subject of the Camaro, the next Z28 or SS will have around 400 hp. That's a big number for a stock car, and hp figures are only going to increase with gas mileage as they evolve. Now, Ford has a 500 hp Mustang, GM has a 505 hp Corvette (soon to be 620 hp ZR1), Saleen has a 850 hp S7, Dodge has the 600 hp Viper, etc.

As for Ferrari, Ferrari has certainly done a much better job at protecting their image than Honda has done of protecting the image of the NSX. Honda has quite the race history, but it seems that they're interested more in promoting fuel mileage and family cars than performance. If it were different and Honda took interest in promoting the NSX and keeping its image up, then it would probably be much more recognized today as an exotic car. Even though the NSX was a low-volume seller for Honda, it was still a great advertisement for the company's technology and research and development. They shouldn't have just let it fade away like they did.

 

[Ski_Banker]

As time goes on, all cars are going to evolve. Are 1967 Camaros muscle cars? Sure, for the time they were, and they were fast for the time, hence the reason their reputation proceeds them today, but 210 hp, or even 325 hp (some 327s had 325 hp) are almost common these days, yet you mention a 60's muscle car and people automatically associate them with high hp and speed, even though most of them wouldn't crack 14.40s on a good day in the 1/4 mile (in stock trim).

In 1990, 290 hp was a lot of hp. Today, there are more V6s on the market than you can shake a stick at that are making upwards of 270-300+ hp. While on the subject of the Camaro, the next Z28 or SS will have around 400 hp. That's a big number for a stock car, and hp figures are only going to increase with gas mileage as they evolve. Now, Ford has a 500 hp Mustang, GM has a 505 hp Corvette (soon to be 620 hp ZR1), Saleen has a 850 hp S7, Dodge has the 600 hp Viper, etc.

As for Ferrari, Ferrari has certainly done a much better job at protecting their image than Honda has done of protecting the image of the NSX. Honda has quite the race history, but it seems that they're interested more in promoting fuel mileage and family cars than performance. If it were different and Honda took interest in promoting the NSX and keeping its image up, then it would probably be much more recognized today as an exotic car. Even though the NSX was a low-volume seller for Honda, it was still a great advertisement for the company's technology and research and development. They shouldn't have just let it fade away like they did.

Welcome to the forum...you sound like you've been here for years. :wink: :tongue: