In today’s modern classic-focused enthusiasts market—the label generally involves machines built in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s—a first-generation Honda/Acura NSX needs absolutely no assistance to shine as an analog god of the mid-engined world. However, digital artist Khyzyl Saleem (aka the_kyza) managed to turn the JDM icon into another type of future classic, giving it a floating twist in his latest rendering.
Flying cars are a reality these days, even though their mainstream adoption may or may never come due to a myriad of reasons like safety or costs. However, the mainstream lust for cars that travel through the air was arguably born in the 1950s, with many iconic sci-fi titles portraying such wheel-less machines over the decades (Blade Runner is one of the first examples that come to mind).
So, in a way, this NSX feels natural, even though it doesn’t come with an explanation regarding the way it does what a car is supposed to do before being the object of one’s fetish, namely take its occupant(s) from A to B.
Honda created the OG NSX with a clear goal in mind: to one-up the Ferrari 348 (one could say this American builder who recently installed a Honda K-Series turbo-four in his Prancing Horse had the same ideal). And the Japanese supercar hit its mark, being sharper than its Italian target for a fraction of the cost.
However, the recipe for success was anything but simple. For starters, the Japanese carmaker spent no less than six years preparing the vehicle ahead of its 1990 introduction.
The result was the world’s first all-aluminum semi-monocoque production vehicle. Interestingly, Honda’s initial desire for a compact engine almost saw its legendary V-TEC system being left out of the picture, but this was fortunately added last-minute. As a result, the initial engine, codenamed C30A, is a N/A 3.0L V6 making 276 hp (280 PS) with a sweet redline of 8,000 rpm.
However, the NSX, with its midship layout, is focused on handling. And the phenomenal handling of the supercar is in no small part owed to the involvement of the late F1 champion Ayrton Senna. In fact, here’s the pre-viral-era viral video of the Brazilian racer teaching us the art of heel-and-toe on an NSX at Suzuka in loafers.
He wasn’t the only famous driver whose fate was tied to the Honda halo car, though. For one, the NSX won the LMGT2 class at Le Mans in 1995, with the all-Japanese driver lineup including Keiichi Tsuchiya (aka Drift King).
Integration is the key
The London-based digital master made this the first 3D work of his hover/floating series, an effort he used to deliver early last decade, back in his 2D days. He used to design cars for the Need for Speed series then, while nowadays he makes his body kits in the real world, as this Mazda RX-7 development shows.
Khyzyl maintained the JDM hero’s visual identity, while giving us a perfect integration of the futuristic elements. Aside from the wheel covers, he also portrayed small pieces of hardware underneath the car, where the wheels used to be—perhaps some directional thrusters are installed here.
The black and yellow paint scheme, with the barely visible “Proto1” scrip (there’s a more elaborate pixel play there, make sure to zoom in on it) on the doors and hood, makes us wonder if there are more of these floating cars coming.
You’re not the only one who would pay big money for an NSX
Purists need not fret, though. Given the kind of prices the first-gen NSX commends these days, the chances of, say, somebody installing hovercraft hardware on one in an attempt to replicate this visual stunt are practically zero.
If you’re looking for an early car that’s been properly maintained, be prepared to spend over $70,000. In 1995, the vehicle got its NSX-T targa top body style alongside the coupe, while 1997 brought a tech upgrade with a 3.2L engine. These later cars can set one back in excess of $130,000 when in good condition.
Then there’s the current, Gen II Honda/Acura NSX, which is now in its final year of production. Despite its performance falling slightly behind that of rivals, the tech-fetishy nature of its hybrid powertrain means this still has plenty of appeal. As such, you can find yourself paying north of $200,000 for one these days, which, for the record, is more than what a loaded example used to cost when new.
As for what lies ahead, Honda has already confirmed the NSX nameplate has a future, while hinting at (surprise, surprise!) complete electrification for the Gen III model expected to arrive after 2025.
