The original performance target for Honda's new sportscar was the Ferrari 328, which was revised to the 348 as the design neared completion. Honda intended its sportscar to meet or exceed the performance of the Ferrari, while offering superior reliability and a lower price. For this reason, the 2.0 L V6 of the HP-X was abandoned and replaced with a more powerful 3.0 L VTEC V6 engine. There were few prototype V6 engines installed in the development of the Honda NSX. The 2.7 liter single overhead camshaft V6 engine from Honda Legend/Honda Coupe was used and then the 3.0 liter single overhead camshaft V6 engine was used in 15 test mules for the Honda NSX
A (non-VTEC) 3.0 liter double overhead camshaft 24 valve V6 engine produced about 250 horsepower and 208 lb-ft of torque was used but the next 3.0 liter double overhead camshaft 24 valve V6 engine was redesigned "to achieve the desired levels of performance and durability; Honda designed a new cylinder block and cylinder heads, and the engine is equipped with the innovative variable valve timing shown recently on the company's home-market Integra"