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Honda NSX

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Honda NSX
A 1991-2001 Honda NSX
Overview
ManufacturerHonda Motor Company
Also calledAcura NSX
Production1990—2005
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutMR layout
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L C30A V6
3.2 L C32B V6
Transmission4-Speed Automatic Overdrive
6-Speed Manual Overdrive
Dimensions
Wheelbase2530 mm (99.60 in.)
Length4425 mm (174.20 in.)
Width1810 mm (71.30 in.)
Height1170 mm (46.10 in.)

The Honda NSX (Acura NSX in North America and Hong Kong) was a sports car produced between 1990 and 2005 by the Japanese automaker Honda. It has a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, an all-aluminium body and chassis, and a V6 gasoline engine featuring Honda's VTEC system.

"NSX" is an acronym for "New Sportscar eXperimental" when it was presented (as NS-X) at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989 and at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1989. Internal Honda sources say the X initially stood for unknown in the codename of the car while it was in development.

Pre production

The car initial design first came into light in 1984 when Honda commissioned Pininfarina to design its HP-X (Honda Pininfarina Xperimental).[1] For the following year the design was lent to its then partner Rover's MG EX-E[2]

Brazilian Ayrton Senna and American Bobby Rahal were both involved with the NSX's development, however Senna was more heavily involved, and performed many duties related to chassis tuning (in a similar manner to Michael Schumacher's tuning of the Ferrari Enzo Ferrari chassis). Senna was also given an NSX by Honda, although details of this car and its fate are unclear.[3]

The car was designed by a team led by Chief designer Ken Okuyama, LPL (Large Project Leader) was the Executive Chief Engineer Shigeru Uehara.

Manufacture and release

Upon its release in 1990, the NSX was a design ahead of its time. The car was intended to showcase Honda's racing technology, exemplified by the NSX's ultra-rigid, ultra-light aluminium monocoque chassis, titanium connecting rods and high-revving capabilities. The car's high chassis rigidity and cornering/handling prowess were the results of Ayrton Senna's direct input with NSX's chief engineers while testing at Suzuka Circuit during its final development stages. The NSX was initially assembled at the purpose-built Takanezawa R&D Plant in Tochigi from 1989-early 2004, which then moved to Suzuka Plant for the remainder of its production life, by approx. 200 hand-picked staff from various Honda factories. In addition to their renowned skills, each of them must have at least ten years of experience in car assembly and were interviewed extensively for their degree of passion and devotion to the project before they were finally chosen.

Wheels magazine Australia 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 majority of car enthusiasts describe the NSX as a supercar based on its styling, body type, drivetrain layout, packaging, and most especially in the area of car handling. Few others have disagreed, claiming the NSX does not qualify for exotic car/supercar status because it's not of European origin and is not powerful enough compared to today's newer offerings, although its 270 rated horsepower at debut in 1990 was only 30 horses shy of the 300 lbs. heavier Ferrari 348, NSX's direct rival. Because of its lighter weight, the NSX was slightly faster than the 348 in straight-line acceleration. Still, for a time, it sported the highest per-litre specific output of any road-going naturally aspirated V6 in the world and is exceptionally fast for the motor's relatively low power output versus comparable "supercars". Post-1997 3.2 liter North American Acura examples are commonly known to achieve a 13.3 second quarter-mile time (1997-2005 model year NSX-T; The 149 lbs. lighter Zanardi Edition NSX is closer to 13 sec. flat), while the Japanese NSX-R (2002+) is known to perform 12.8 second quarter-mile time. The surprising performance is due mostly to a high 8,000 rpm redline, flat power curve, short gears, and mid-engine layout.

On July 20, 2005, mere days after the announcement of the closure of current NSX production, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui announced that a new NSX was under development and would sport a Formula 1-inspired V10 motor, with speculation that it might have the SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system from the Acura RL. In addition, he stated it would be ready within three to four years.

Refinements and versions

Honda shocked the exotic car world when it introduced its NSX in 1990. Honda designers started with the basic exotic-car wedge (championed by the Ferrari Testarossa and 308), that would remain basically unchanged for its entire life. To back up the styling, the mechanical specifications were right out of a race car. The NSX featured a super-light all-aluminum chassis, body, and suspension, a first for a production car. Total weight of the entire bare aluminum monocoque was only 200kg. The suspension was a double wishbone suspension, mounted at both ends on aluminum subframes. The standard race-inspired V6 engine was mounted midship and featured Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), six individual coils, and titanium connecting rods. This was the first application of VTEC in a vehicle offered outside of Japan.

First Generation NSX-R (JDM)

Beginning in 1992 Honda produced a limited number of around 500 NSX-Rs exclusively for the Japanese domestic market (JDM). Major changes include a blueprinted engine producing 280 BHP in stock form, a short ratio gearbox, more aggressive suspension and an extensive weight reduction to 1230 kg from the normal NSX weight of 1350 kg. The NSX-R was very track oriented as it lacked sound deadening, audio, electric windows, and air conditioning in an effort to reduce weight. Yet these items were available for a hefty premium as optional items. Production ended in 1995.

NSX-T

In 1995 the NSX-T with a targa top roof was released in Japan as a special order option. In North America of that same year the NSX-T replaced the standard coupe entirely as the only trim available since, with notable exceptions of Zanardi Edition NSX in 1999 and a handful of special dealer-ordered post-1997/pre-2002 3.2 liter coupes. The removable roof hurt the chassis rigidity of the NSX and added about 100 pounds of structural reinforcements. In addition to this major change, the suspensions have also been softened noticeably to improve ride and comfort. All roofs were now body colored instead of black although in Japan the two color tone black roof /body color was still available as optional feature. Finally available on the manual transmission version NSX was the electric power steering previously only available in the automatic version.

1997 Performance-Enhancing Changes (Worldwide)

1997 brought the biggest changes to the performance of the current generation NSX for the Japanese domestic versions and abroad. For 1997 engine displacement increased from 3.0 L to 3.2 L. This new 3.2 L C32B engine gave it slightly more rated power. This improved horsepower from 270 hp to 290 hp while torque increased from 210 to 224 ft·lbf (manual transmission only). Another big change was the change from a 5-speed transmission to the current 6-speed manual. The combination of slightly-increased horsepower and torque, 6-speed manual, and optimized gear ratio produced considerable improvements on the dragstrip. The new NSX rang up better numbers than the horsepower and torque improvements may suggest over previous model NSXs. 0-60mph time dropped from 5.4 seconds to as low as 4.5 seconds for the NSX-S Zero. Other notable changes include a brake rotor size increase from 12 inches to 13 inches, a new aluminum alloy to reduce weight and increase rigidity, and a transponder in the key.

NSX-S, S-Zero (JDM)

Along with the engine enlargement in 1997, Japan exclusively received the NSX type S (NSX-S) and NSX type S Zero (NSX-S-Zero), weighing in at 1320 kg and 1280 kg, respectively, and both with stiffer suspension than the normal NSX.

Alex Zanardi Edition NSX

Produced exclusively for the U.S. Domestic Market (USDM), the Alex Zanardi Edition NSX, basically a JDM NSX-S variant, was introduced in 1999 to commemorate Alex Zanardi's 2 back-to-back championship wins for Honda/Acura in 1997 and 1998 in the CART Champ Car series. Only 51 examples were ever built, available only in New Formula Red to reflect the color of the Champ Car Zanardi drove for Chip Ganassi Racing. Number 0 was a press car that appeared in auto shows across the country. The same car was also featured in Car and Driver for its July 1999 issue. In June 1999 Road and Track's supercar handling test, driven by Mario Andretti, along with Dodge Viper GTS-R, Lotus Esprit, Porsche 911 Carrera 4, Ferrari F355 Spyder, and Chevrolet Corvette C5 Coupe, Zanardi number zero almost walked away a victor - it lost 1st place to 911C4 by merely 1/2 point based on Andretti's personal preference for the Porsche's All-Wheel Drive capability. This NSX was eventually sold to a private individual. Number 1 belongs to Zanardi himself and was NOT given a North American VIN number and registered elsewhere unknown, rumored to have been modified by Honda with hand-activated throttle, braking, and shifting mechanisms to accommodate Zanardi's current physiological state since the Lausitzring crash in 2001. Number 2 through 50 were sold to the U.S. general public - Some dealers across the country with previous high NSX sales will receive one or more, most will receive none. Visible signs that differentiate the Zanardi Edition NSX from pure JDM Type S NSX are the serial-numbered brushed-aluminium plaque adhered to the rear bulkhead with engraved Acura logo and Zanardi's signature, the black red-stitched leather/suede seats and the airbag-equipped Acura OEM steering wheel, in contrast to the racier Honda-Logo Momo wheel especially commissioned for JDM Type S, S-zero, and R models. Internally, however, is nearly identical to Japanese-Spec NSX Type S (NSX-S).

"Facelifted" NSX (Worldwide)

The biggest exterior changes for the NSX came in 2002 when it received a facelift with fixed headlights and various other cosmetic refinements such as xenon HID headlamps (see photo from LA Autoshow 2003). The fixed roof NSX was dropped for the 2002 model year. The suspension was revised and the NSX received larger wheels and tires. In addition, the NSX was now available in a number of exterior colors with either a matching or black interior to provide a number of possible color combinations.

Second Generation NSX-R (JDM)

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 "negative lift", in other words, downforce. The subtle changes along with its renowned handling have kept NSX-R in contention on the track even against considerably higher-powered cars, such as the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale and the Porsche 911 (996) GT3, whose Nordschleife lap time it tied, at 7 min. 56 sec.

A more agile, more responsive, and quicker limited edition NSX called the NSX-R GT was later released. This model was limited to a production run of 5 cars, at a cost of US$ 462,400. This NSX was created to help Honda comply with the Super GT production-based race car homologation requirements. It's easily identifiable by the non-functional snorkel attached to the roof of the car (the snorkel is fully functional in the Super GT race cars), lower and widened body, and more aggressive aerodynamic components.

Second Generation NSX-S (JDM)

The second iteration NSX-S, sold exclusively in Japan, continues with the face-lifted NSX keeping the weight at 1320 kg.

Race modified NSX in the paddock of the Hockenheimring

In motorsport

Since the beginning of the NSX's production, the car has been used as a safety car at the Suzuka circuit, even for the Japanese Grand Prix in its early years of production and is still used at the circuit. The car is also used for the same role at Twin Ring Motegi, the other circuit owned by Honda.

24 Hours of Le Mans

The NSX made three appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 1994, 1995 and 1996.

In 1994, three Honda NSXs were entered in the 1994 24 Hours of Le Mans. Cars numbers 46, 47 and 48 were prepared and run by team Kremer Racing Honda, with Team Kunimitsu assisting and driving the number 47 car. All were in the GT2 class, and all completed the race, but placed 14th, 16th and 18th.

In 1995, three Honda NSXs were entered in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. Honda's factory team brought two turbocharged NSXs which were entered in the GT1 class numbered 46 and 47. Car 46 was Not Classified (failed to complete 70% of the distance of the winner) and car 47 Did Not Finish (retired for clutch & gearbox failure). The third NSX, number 84, was prepared as a naturally aspirated car and run by Team Kunimitsu Honda in the GT2 class. This NSX, driven by Keiichi Tsuchiya, Akira Iida and Kunimitsu Takahashi placed 8th overall and first in the GT2 class after completing 275 laps.

In 1996, for the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans, only the Team Kunimitsu Honda NSX returned, with the same drivers. It completed 305 laps to finish in the 16th position overall, and third in the GT2 class.

The 2002 SuperGT Raybrig NSX GT500

Super GT

For use in the Super GT, the NSX is highly modified (as allowed by series technical regulations). The most notable change would be in the position of the engine, which is now mounted longitudinally, instead of transverse. Similar to the setup used in modern Lamborghinis the gearbox is located in the center tunnel under the cockpit connected to the rear differential by a driveshaft. In the most recent version, the engine is fed via a roof mounted snorkel, similar to the airbox of an F1 car. The engine can either be turbocharged or naturally aspirated, depending on the class and on the rules. The NSX has always been one of the top three cars in the series, alongside the Toyota Supra and the Nissan Skyline GT-R. The NSX then took the JGTC GT500 class championshp for the Dome Mugen Project in 2000. In 2004, the M-TEC NSX took the championship in the GT300 class. It's also notable that while Toyota and Nissan have replaced their cars with the Lexus SC430 and Nissan Fairlady Z respectively, Honda still runs the NSX in the Super GT.

Trivia

  • In Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction, Harvey Keitel's character, Winston Wolf, drives this vehicle, identifying it as an Acura. In the film, Wolf completes a typically 30-minute drive through Los Angeles in "nine minutes and 37 seconds."
  • The NSX was also featured in an episode of the popular Seinfeld show "The Muffin Tops" (episode #155), in which Elaine needed help to dispose of the muffin stumps. A black NSX slides around the corner and parks. Postman Newman plays a perfect homage to The Wolf, as he emerges, enters the muffin store, and proceeds to solve Elaine's problem.
  • The NSX appears in many videogames that bear roadgoing cars, most notably Gran Turismo and TOCA Race Driver 3.
  • In 2005 Jeremy Clarkson, the presenter of BBC Two's Top Gear, attempted to drive around Laguna Seca faster in real life, than he could on Gran Turismo 4, in near identical cars. As he didn't want to destroy the car by taking too much risk, he ultimately failed in his pursuit, but he wanted to send the recently discontinued NSX out in style.
  • Oracle Corporation CEO Larry Ellison is a long time fan of the NSX and has owned several. He prefers the NSX over his Ferrari. He reportedly gives several NSXs as gifts each year.
  • McLaren F1 designer and evo magazine contributing editor Gordon Murray credits the NSX as one of the most significant cars of the 1990s, calling it the worlds "first practical, well made, rear-mid-engined supercar." According to him, thanks to the NSX, established supercar companies, especially Ferrari, were forced to upgrade their engineering and build quality and not just rely on the prestige and mystique of their name.
  • The NSX-R is one of Keiichi Tsuchiya's favourite cars; he personally owns an NSX and holds the Usui course (his touge homecourse) record with a NSX-R. Tsuchiya can be seen practicing in an earlier model on the racetrack in the final installment of the Shuto Kousoku Trial film, Shuto Kousoku Trial Max. In an episode of Best Motoring, Tsuchiya commented on how the NSX represented Honda Formula 1 (in the same way Ferrari supercars represent Ferrari's F1 efforts) and that Honda should strive to produce a similar representative model in the future.
  • A white NSX-R can be seen driving through a country road in the company's 2005 commercial, titled "Impossible Dream" .
  • On the first verse of Pharrell Williams's song "Can I Have It Like That", Williams says "But then I sold my first verse that copped that NSX", referring to the fact that he had owned a NSX at one time.
  • Lauding the car as one of the best-handling sports cars ever, UK's "Car Magazine" described the NSX in the december issue 1996 as "a 170 mph sports car in which it is possible to dance on the limit yet never fall."
  • The car also appears fictionally in the 1992 Sega arcade game OutRunners under the name Smooth Operator. The characters that drive are Japanese, and the car also comes with a 2-speed manual.

Future

Although no new NSX has been announced, Honda unveiled the Advanced Sports Car Concept in the North American International Auto Show. The concept was introduced by Takeo Fukui, President & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Mr. Fukui stated that this car is the design direction for the successor of the NSX, although it was not stated whether this concept will be named NSX. The ASCC has a V10 engine sitting in the front and a rear-wheel-drive version of Honda's SH-AWD system. It has a wheelbase of 108.8 inches, and holds 19 inch wheels in front, and 20 inches in the rear.[4]

References

  1. ^ http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z2397/Honda_HP-X/default.aspx
  2. ^ http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/index.htm?armgexef.htm
  3. ^ Sourced from the Acura NSX hardcover book sent to owners
  4. ^ http://hondanews.com/CatID3046?mid=2007010746082&mime=asc
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