Japan’s top supercars
Acura NSX
Acura, Honda’s luxury division, launched the NSX for the North American market in 1989, when Japan was enjoying its economic bubble. The car made its debut in a genre that Japanese manufacturers had never ventured into before and surprised the world with its high quality and price.
Without any major update, the first-generation model was sold for a long time which lasted for 16 years. And 10 years after the first model ended its production, Acura launched a new generation that comes with a hybrid powertrain.
At that time when the NSX was introduced, Honda was into its successful F1 racing program. That helped Honda’s dream of building a genuine supercar with midship layout come true.
Perhaps the car’s biggest achievement was to introduce its outstanding handling performance and comfortable interior to the supercar category at that time, which every carmaker believed that it was all about speed. Thanks to this, the NSX was designed with a driver-centered design by featuring an automatic air-conditioner and electric power steering. And for the second generation, the car became the leader in its category with having a state-of-the-art hybrid system.
The first-generation was sold for ¥8 million (about $115,000 today) at launch, which was a bargain for a supercar at that time. On contrary, the current generation starts from $159,495, making it the most expensive car now sold in Japan. But considering the recent skyrocketing prices of other supercars, we can say this price is still inexpensive for a hybrid supercar.
Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R is the supercar that represents not just the company Nissan, but also the country Japan.
In 2007, the car was introduced as a successor to the Skyline GT-R (BNR34). Although the ‘Skyline’ name got off from the actual model’s name, Nissan sees the car as the de facto successor to the Skyline GT-R and is at the third generation based on the engine. Development was led entirely by Kazutoshi Mizuno, who was assigned directly by the CEO at that time, Carlos Ghosn.
The new GT-R featured various new technologies. By introducing a completely new platform that was designed exclusively for the GT-R, the car was able to mount its transmission, clutch, and transfer case on the rearward, making a perfect balance with the engine in the front.
And for its production, a new system was introduced. Every body is assembled in a cleanroom by a craftsman and after the car is complete, Nissan’s skilled driver test drives the car to adjust the engine, transmission, and brakes.
Prices start from $113,540 for the 2021 model. This price is considered rather inexpensive when compared to other supercars, but there are some voices that the model has been overpriced since the price started from $69,850 when launched in 2007.
