Honda NSX
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The Honda NSX (Acura NSX in North America) is a handmade sports car automobile made by Honda. It has a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, an all-aluminium body, a V6 engine (the C30A) that produces 216 kW (290 bhp) and 304 N·m (224 ft·lbf) of torque and a current price of US$90,000.
Honda has announced that the NSX will end production in June, 2005, 15 years after the first NSX was built. Production is currently at approximately 20,000 units.
Manufacture and Release
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At its release in 1991, the NSX took many in the car industry and elsewhere by surprise. It was the first time that a Japanese automaker had made a car to compete against the products of the traditional European exotic car manufacturers such as Ferrari and Porsche. Besides competing against these manufacturers the car was also intended to showcase Honda's racing technology.
Wheels magazine awarded the Honda NSX the 1991 Car of the Year award.
Despite the NSX's current age, it still has a strong base of fans and supporters. Honda and others describe the NSX as a supercar based on its styling, body type and handling. Some people disagree, claiming that it is not powerful enough.
Refinements and versions
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Since its launch, the NSX has remained largely unchanged.
Honda produced a very limited number of NSX type R in 1992 for Japan. Major changes include a more aggresive suspension and a extensive weight reduction to 1230 kg from the normal NSX weight of 1350 kg. The NSX type R was very track oriented as it lacked sound deafening, audio, electric windows, and air conditioning in an effort to reduce weight.
In 1995 the NSX-T was released with a targa top roof, and in 1997 the NSX received a 3.2 L C32A engine giving it slightly more power.
Along with the engine enlargement in 1997, Japan received the NSX type S and NSX type S Zero, weighing in at 1320 kg and 1280 kg, respectively, and both with stiffer suspension than the normal NSX.
The biggest change for the NSX came in 2002 when it received a face-lift with fixed headlights and various other cosmetic refinements (see photo from LA Autoshow 2003). It also received a new 3.2 L C32B engine.
A second iteration of the type-R dubbed NSX-R was released in 2002 again exclusively in Japan. The NSX-R has a more aggressive rear spoiler and hood vent, along with various refinements to reduce weight to 1270 kg. Under the body, panels and air fences in the front, along with a small rear diffuser serve to produce balanced downforce. The subtle changes along with its renowned handling have kept NSX-R in contention on the track even against considerably higher-powered cars.
The type S continues with the face-lifted NSX keeping the weight at 1320 kg.
The Honda HSC concept, showcased at the Geneva Motor Show, has been speculated to be the forerunner of the next NSX.
External links
- Honda NSX official website (http://world.honda.com/NSX/)
- NSX Prime : NSX FAQ (http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/faq.htm)
- NSX Prime : Forums (http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/index.php)