Honda debuts the Type R treatment on the NSX supercar

Fittingly, Honda's Type R story begins with its ground-breaking NSX supercar, which was originally developed with the help of racing legend Ayrton Senna.

Its aluminum monocoque body was a first for a production car, helping to shave weight. The Type R treatment took weight reduction even further by removing the stereo and air conditioning, and tossing out most of the sound-deadening material. In total, Honda engineers shaved off roughly 308 pounds.

The NSX Type R's Championship White paint is a direct nod to the RA 272 Formula 1 car that Richie Ginther drove to victory at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix, Honda's first GP win.

Lightweight carbon-fiber Recaro seats dress the interior of the NSX-R.

The sound system was removed from the NSX-R because it did nothing to improve vehicle performance.

The NSX-R's six-speed manual shifter.

To further stiffen the NSX-R's aluminum chassis, additional underbody bracing was installed.