Engine: All alloy quad cam 24 valve V6, 2997cc
Fuel system: VTEC Injection
Power output: 280bhp @ 7300rpm
Max speed: 178mph
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.5 sec
Weight: 1365 Kg

Not many cars are developed on the test track by F1 gods, but one stands out – much of the chassis development work on the Honda NSX was carried out by Ayrton Senna when he was at the peak of his powers. Honda came, saw and conquered F1, winning 6 manufacturers championships in a row, and then decided they needed a new challenge. Whilst GP junkies understood the technological advances that Honda had made, very few car buyers knew. So, the solution was to make a genuine (and still the only Japanese) supercar that showcased all Honda’s F1 knowhow – the NSX.

At the time, Senna was F1 world champion, and as he was driving a Honda powered car, he did all the testing on the NSX, putting in many hard hours at the test track, and turning the car into something the cognoscenti still drool about.

As a result, the earliest NSX could do 0-60 in 5.7 seconds and top 168 mph, and displayed a road manner that was unheard before in a supercar. While its handling was at least as good as it's rivals, it had a much better ride and was far easier to drive than any of them. With a light clutch, slick gearchange, smooth power delivery, superb all-round visibility and ergonomic cockpit, if you could drive a Civic, you could drive an NSX. Undoubtedly, NSX was the most refined and practical supercar ever made.

However, European traditionalists refused to accept a Japanese supercar, and unfairly criticised its lack of character. But in 1994 the NSX eventually was given the title it deserved - "the best handling car" awarded by both Autocar and Car magazines. With these awards Honda forced both Ferrari and Porsche to up the ante with their new cars, and probably is the reason the current 911 and F430 are such accomplished performers.

Weekday points: 7; Weekend day points: 14.