2001 Acura NSX

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

Both engines are normally aspirated and are equipped with dual overhead cams, four- valves-per-cylinder, a Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTECœ) system, and a Variable Volume Induction System intake configuration. They also offer 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.

Introduced in 1991 and not fundamentally altered since, the mid-engine 2-seat sports car from Honda’s luxury division comes as a fixed-roof coupe and as the NSX-T with removable roof panel. A 6-speed manual transmission teams with a 290-hp 3.2-liter V6, a 4-speed automatic with a 252-hp 3.0-liter V6. The automatic has Acura’s SportShift manual-shift feature. Traction control, ABS, power steering, leather interior standard. A revised 2002 model is due in early calendar ‘02.

This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. The Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable. Unlike previous models it doesn’t beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, the Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills and average acceleration, but for weekend fun on a twisty back road it’s hard to beat.

If you don’t mind spending a few more bucks, we recommend you take a look at the Mercedes-Benz SLK. The Mercedes offers an interesting mix of performance and luxury. It also has a retractable hardtop, making it more of an all-weather car.

U.S. NSX sales totaled just 221 units in calendar 2000 (vs 238 the previous year) and a mere 95 in the first half of ‘01, off 29.6 percent from the year-earlier period. All other markets, where this “exoticar” is sold as a Honda, generate hardly more. Even so, NSX remains an image-leader for the Japanese company, and after 11 years with no fundamental change, it will finally be updated for 2002 as a late arrival.

We’ll know all the specifics soon, so keep checking back with us. From what we know now, however, the 2002 NSX is a reskinned version of the current model, with a reshaped nose and tail, more prominent rear spoiler, and exposed glass-covered headlamps instead of the familiar flip-up units. Powerteams may be massaged a bit, and a few new features are likely–including, perhaps, a 5-speed automatic transmission. Most Acura dealers should have at least one ‘02 NSX in stock by the second quarter of next year. A full redesign with rumored V8 power has apparently been put back until at least the 2006 model year.

2001 Acura NSX Performance

- 2,977 cc 3 liters 6 V mid engine with 90 mm bore, 78 mm stroke, 10.2 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel
- Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 9.8
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- Main 70 liter premium unleaded fuel tank
- Power: SAE and 188 kW , 252 HP @ 6,600 rpm; 210 ft lb , 285 Nm @ 5,300 rpm

2001 Acura NSX Handling

- ABS
- Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
- Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
- Immobilizer
- Limited slip differential
- Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel
- Wishbone front and rear suspension with stabilizer bar independent with coil springs

2001 Acura NSX Exterior

- Front and rear body color bumpers
- Coefficient of drag: 0.32
- Driver and passenger power body color door mirrors
- External dimensions: overall length (mm): 4,425, overall width (mm): 1,811, overall height (mm): 1,171, wheelbase (mm): 2,530, front track (mm): 1,509, rear track (mm): 1,529 and curb to curb turning circle (mm): 11,613
- Front fog lights
- Projector beam lens halogen bulb concealed headlights
- Heat reflective glass
- Luxury trim
-
Black paint , gloss paint , pearl paint
- Rear window
- Front and trunk/hatch spoiler
- Front steel manual sunroof
- Tinted glass on cabin
- Weights: curb weight (kg) 1,455
- Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe

2001 Acura NSX Interior

- Air conditioning with climate control
- Power + diversity antenna
- Peripheral anti-theft protection
- Front ashtray
- Audio anti-theft protection: code
- Bose audio system with AM/FM
- Cargo area light
- Cargo capacity: all seats in place (liters): 142
- Front seats cigar lighter
- Clock
- Dashboard full console , floor full console with covered storage box
- Courtesy lights
- Cruise control
- Front seats cup holders
- Door ajar warning
- Floor covering: carpet in load area
- Floor mats
- Driver and passenger front airbag
- Sports seat , sports seat
- 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
- Front seat center armrest
- Lockable glove compartment
- Two head restraints on front seats
- Illuminated entry system
- Internal dimensions: front headroom (mm): 922, front hip room (mm): 1,367, front leg room (mm): 1,125 and front shoulder room (mm): 1,334
- Low fuel level warning
- Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch
- Vehicle speed proportional power steering
- Front power windows with one one-touch
- Front reading lights
- Rear view mirror
- Remote audio controls
- Remote fuel filler door release
- Electric remote trunk/hatch release
- Leather seat upholstery with additional leather
- Seating: two seats
- Service interval indicator
- Four speakers
- Leather covered steering wheel
- Tachometer
- Ventilation system with recirculation setting