In the early 1990s, Acura introduced a car that would forever change the sports car market – the Acura NSX. With its advanced engineering, sleek design, and impressive performance, the NSX quickly became a favorite among car enthusiasts and sports car enthusiasts alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 1990s Acura NSX, exploring its history, model variations, features, cost, achievements, and racing history.
History
The Acura NSX was first introduced in 1990 as a high-performance sports car from Honda’s luxury brand, Acura. The vehicle was developed with the goal of creating a world-class sports car that could rival the likes of Ferrari and Porsche, while still offering the reliability and practicality that Honda was known for.
The first-generation NSX was powered by a mid-mounted 3.0-liter V6 engine, which was paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The engine was capable of producing 270 horsepower, which was a significant amount of power for a sports car of that era. The NSX also featured a lightweight aluminum body, which helped to improve handling and overall performance.
In 1997, Acura introduced an updated version of the NSX, which included a larger 3.2-liter V6 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The updated engine produced 290 horsepower, which helped to improve the car’s overall performance.
Model Variations
Over the years, the Acura NSX has gone through several different model variations, each with its own unique features and performance capabilities. Here are some of the most notable model variations:
NSX-T: The NSX-T was introduced in 1995 and featured a removable targa roof panel. The NSX-T was otherwise identical to the standard NSX.
NSX Zanardi Edition: The NSX Zanardi Edition was a limited-edition model that was produced in honor of the famous Italian racing driver, Alex Zanardi. The car featured a number of performance enhancements, including a lightweight titanium shift knob, an aluminum flywheel, and a sport-tuned suspension.
NSX Type R: The NSX Type R was a stripped-down version of the vehicle that was designed specifically for racing. The car featured a lightweight body, improved suspension and brakes, and a more powerful engine.
Features
The Acura NSX was known for its advanced engineering and innovative features. Here are some of the most notable features found on the NSX:
Mid-mounted engine: The NSX features a mid-mounted engine, which helps to improve handling and overall performance.
Lightweight body: The NSX’s lightweight body is made from a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber, which helps to reduce weight and improve performance.
Advanced aerodynamics: The NSX features advanced aerodynamics, including an active rear spoiler and a front air dam, which helps to improve downforce and stability at high speeds.
All-wheel drive: The NSX features all-wheel drive, which helps to improve traction and handling in a variety of driving conditions.
Cost
The Acura NSX was a high-end sports car, and as such, it came with a relatively high price tag. In 1990, the base model of the NSX had a starting price of around $60,000. By 1997, the price had increased to around $85,000 for the standard model and $88,000 for the NSX-T.
Significant Achievements
Over the years, the Acura NSX has achieved a number of significant accomplishments. Here are some of the most notable:
1991 Motor Trend Car of the Year: The Acura NSX was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1991, which was a significant achievement for a Japanese sports car competing against significant European rivals.
1992 and 1995 IMSA Supercar Championships: Acura NSX drivers won the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Supercar Championship in 1992 and 1995, proving the car’s performance capabilities in high-level racing competitions.
1995 Indianapolis 500: Acura served as the official pace car for the 1995 Indianapolis 500, with a specially designed NSX leading the pack.
1996 British Touring Car Championship: The NSX competed in the British Touring Car Championship in 1996, with drivers taking first and second place in their class.
Racing History
The Acura NSX has a rich racing history, with the car being used in a variety of high-level racing competitions. In addition to its success in the IMSA Supercar Championship, the NSX has also competed in the Japanese Grand Touring Championship (JGTC), the British Touring Car Championship, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
One of the most notable NSX racing teams was the Comptech Racing team, which competed in the IMSA Supercar Championship in the 1990s. The team was able to secure two championship victories in 1992 and 1995, with driver Parker Johnstone winning the driver’s championship in both years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1990s Acura NSX was a groundbreaking sports car that helped to redefine the sports car market. With its advanced engineering, sleek design, and impressive performance, the NSX quickly became a favorite among car enthusiasts and sports car enthusiasts alike. While the car was relatively expensive, it offered a level of performance and reliability that was unmatched by many of its competitors. With its rich history and impressive racing pedigree, the Acura NSX will always be remembered as a true icon of the sports car world.
