SUMMER WEEK #3: Honda NSX Roadster

The Honda NSX

Why was a convertible version of the Honda NSX never actually put into production? This is due to several reasons. One of the biggest challenges in designing a convertible is maintaining the structural rigidity of the car. The Honda NSX was known for its excellent handling and performance, which depended heavily on chassis stiffness and balance. Removing the roof would significantly reduce this stiffness, which could negatively affect the car’s driving performance and safety.

Adding a convertible mechanism, including reinforcements to maintain structural integrity, would also significantly increase the weight of the car. In addition, the NSX was designed with a focus on aerodynamics and downforce to optimize high-speed performance. Removing the roof would change the aerodynamic efficiency of the car, potentially leading to reduced performance and stability at high speeds.

Investments

Developing a convertible variant would require significant investment in design, engineering and production. Honda may have decided that demand for a convertible version of the NSX would not be large enough to justify these investments. Moreover, Honda positioned the NSX as a high-performance sports car, and a convertible variant might not fit into that market segment.

Developing a convertible brings additional complexities, such as the need for a mechanism for the roof, additional safety features and possible modifications to the interior. This could increase the cost of production and the final selling price, which may have been a limiting factor.

Although there have been prototypes and concepts of an NSX convertible, Honda ultimately decided to stick with the coupe version to preserve the NSX’s core values – performance, driving pleasure and technical innovation.

Summer Week

It’s Summer Week at AutoRAI.co.uk. In this week, we highlight summer models using artificial intelligence. All the models under review do not exist. We can only dream about it.