Introduction

The intention in creating the Acura NSX, first introduced for the 1991 model year, was to produce a hand-built, exotic, mid-engine sports car that would establish entirely new levels of prestige, performance, refinement, drivability and reliability. The aluminum-bodied NSX defined a new interpretation of the exotic sports car through state-of-the-art, lightweight technology.

As the NSX evolved during the 1990s, it was continually hailed as a technological showcase.

The NSX-T model introduced during the 1995 model year, which featured a removable roof panel, broadened the appeal of the NSX. It also succeeded in maintaining the extremely high levels of performance and sophistication established by the NSX coupe. Technological achievements included an optional Formula One-inspired Sequential SportShift(TM) automatic transmission with a unique steering column-mounted electronic shifter; a drive-by-wire throttle system and standard variable, electric power-assisted steering (EPS), a compact and efficient system pioneered in the first-year NSX equipped with automatic transmission.

The 1997 NSX/NSX-T took a giant step forward in performance with several major enhancements - most notably a larger, more powerful 3.2-liter, 290 hp, V-6 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. Other significant engineering updates included larger brakes and an improved Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), refinement to the electric power steering system, application of aluminum alloys for lighter-weight, high-rigidity body panels, adoption of special heat-reflecting window glass and an anti-theft vehicle immobilizer feature.

In designing the NSX, achieving a light overall weight was chosen as the best way to attain the following attributes:

• World-class performance comparable to existing exotics
• Excellent livability - the NSX is as easy to live with on a day-to-day basis as any other Acura
• Outstanding handling whether in the city or on the highway
• A high level of comfort and ergonomic design and a low ambient-noise level
• Reliability and durability equal to mass-produced automobiles
• Extremely high levels of fit, finish and materials
• An excellent climate control system to keep the occupants comfortable in any weather condition

While providing the excitement of open-air motoring, the NSX also sets benchmarks for exotic sports cars in the following areas:

• Excellent body rigidity for precise handling
• Outstanding levels of noise isolation
• Minimizing wind buffeting at speed
• Providing a security system that functions with the top removed

Overview

The mid-engine NSX offers two distinct powerplants. The first is an all-aluminum 3.2-liter V-6 that produces 290 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The second is an all-aluminum, 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 252 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque mated to an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with Formula One-inspired Sequential SportShift.

Both engines are normally aspirated and are equipped with dual overhead cams, 4 valves-per-cylinder, a Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(TM)) system, and a Variable Volume Induction system. They also feature Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and a direct-ignition system that uses six individual coils, one mounted atop each spark plug, instead of a single coil for all six cylinders.

The chassis features all-aluminum construction for light weight. The 4-wheel, independent double-wishbone suspension features aluminum-alloy control arms and hub carriers front and rear to minimize unsprung weight for optimum handling.

Aluminum subframes for the suspension further reduce suspension mass. The braking system features large-diameter, ventilated 4-wheel discs and an advanced 4-channel Anti-lock braking system (ABS). The sophisticated Traction Control System (TCS) has been designed to help limit wheel-spin and enhance control.

Select Page Introduction Powertrain Chassis Body Manufacturing Page: 1 of 5