Modern Classics: Acura NSX, 1990-2005

December 16, 2009

Little changed for the following year (1996), but in 1997, a new 3.2-litre all-aluminum engine, producing 290 horsepower, powered the NSX. The five-speed manual transmission was also dropped in favour of a new six-speed. Little else changed for the following year, but in 1999, three NSX models were available – the standard fixed roof coupe, the targa version and a new Alex Zanardi edition.

2002 Acura NSX; photo courtesy Honda/Acura. Click image to enlarge

The Alex Zanardi edition was produced exclusively for the North American market to acknowledge Zanardi’s two back-to-back CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams) wins for Honda/Acura in 1997 and 1998. The Zanardi edition was unique in the fact that it came with black leather and suede seats complete with red stitching. A brushed aluminum plaque sporting Zanardi’s signature and serial number of the vehicle could also be found on the rear bulkhead. Only 51 of these special edition NSXs were ever produced.

Again, as in previous years, there were few modifications made internally or externally to the NSX. In 2000 there were some additional upholstery options and in 2001, an emergency opener was added to the inside of the trunk. No-cost carpeted floor mats were also now a standard feature of all NSX models.

Perhaps the biggest and most significant styling change came in 2002 when, in an attempt to give the NSX a more updated look, the pop-up headlights were replaced with fixed position High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights. The front bumper was also given a face-lift as were the chin spoiler and hood.

2001 Acura NSX-T; photo courtesy Honda/Acura. Click image to enlarge

The rear bumper was also revised in 2002 with a re-designed lip spoiler. These further external styling enhancements resulted in reducing the already impressive low drag coefficient, resulting in an improved top speed of 281 km/h (175 mph), up from 270 km/h (168 mph).

For the remaining three model years, the NSX changed little, and the final Acura NSX rolled off the assembly line in 2005. At the time, there were plans by Honda to re-introduce the NSX in 2008/09, but sadly, this plan still hangs in limbo.

For those of you who have spotted the odd NSX at a car show or on the streets, you may have noticed that more often than not, many seem to have that Formula red exterior: there is a reason for that.

Apparently, the colour red is “faster.” Red paint is lighter than any other colour due to the pigment being lighter. One could speculate that the folks at Honda took their mission seriously and considered every angle, every possible way to reduce the weight of this exotic automobile. Either way, the styling of the car makes for a vehicle that looks great in just about any colour.

1991 Acura NSX; photo courtesy Honda/Acura. Click image to enlarge

If you are wondering how many NSXs made their way into Canada, the number is approximately 700. The biggest selling year was in 1992 in which 253 were sold across the great white north. Sales figures dropped off significantly in the following years world-wide.

Nearly 20 years after these cars first hit the streets, they still boast that exotic car look with performance to boot. To this day, not another mainstream automotive manufacturer has produced such a vehicle and possibly will not attempt such a feat in these trying economic times. The Acura NSX is a true classic in every sense of the word and will remain so for many years to come.

Honda perhaps said it best in 2002, when through a press release stated, “The NSX has earned its status as one of the world’s premier exotic sports cars with a combination of head-turning performance and contemporary styling.” Well said!

Pages: 1 2