The Original Honda NSX and the Two Competing Design Proposals
The genesis of the first Honda NSX in 1990 was not a linear path. To define the Japanese supercar, the brand explored two contrasting visions commissioned to renowned Italian design studios. 🏎️
The Creative Duel Between Two Design Giants
Honda sought a revolutionary concept and hired both Italdesign and Pininfarina. Each firm interpreted the brief uniquely, presenting almost opposing design philosophies that reflected different schools of automotive thought.
Italdesign's (Giugiaro) Radical Proposal:- Featured extremely angular lines and a wedge-shaped silhouette.
- Included iconic elements of the era such as pop-up headlights and a large front air intake.
- Its truncated rear and rear window brought it aesthetically close to supercars like the Lamborghini Countach.
Giugiaro imagined a samurai in futuristic armor, a metaphor for aggressiveness and technology.
Pininfarina's Functional Elegance (Okuyama)
Under the direction of Ken Okuyama, Pininfarina opted for an approach centered on the driver's experience. They prioritized ergonomics, excellent visibility, and efficient aerodynamics to achieve a low drag coefficient.
The Pillars of the Winning Design:- Organic and pure shapes seeking timelessness.
- A cabin designed to be manageable and comfortable for daily use.
- A perfect balance between sporty character and practical refinement.
The Final Decision: Philosophy Over Spectacle
Honda chose Pininfarina's proposal. The brand valued more the integral philosophy of creating a supercar that was fast, but also reliable and accessible, over Italdesign's more radical visual impact. The final metaphor was clear: they chose the perfectly balanced katana that cuts through the air, not the armor that only shines. ⚔️