2004 Acura NSX

Acura’s high-dollar, aluminum-bodied, mid-engine sports car underwent a notable redesign during the 2002 model year. In addition to restyled front and rear fascias, the two-passenger NSX got a lower air dam as well as an air diffuser integrated into the lower rear bumper. Acura’s goal was to enhance the car’s handling, performance and aerodynamics.

Fixed-position headlights replaced the prior pop-up units. A trunk lip spoiler was added above restyled taillight housings. The front spring rate was increased, and a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar and bigger 17-inch tires were installed.

2004 Acura NSX

Minor changes for 2004 include a new keyless entry system, gearshift knob and trunk-mounted CD changer. A lightweight removable roof panel is standard.

Since its 1991 debut, the NSX has been the most costly, strongest-performing member of the Acura lineup. It competes against the Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper SRT-10 and Porsche 911. Through the years, the NSX has been a technological showcase for Honda, Acura’s parent company. Originally intended as a response to Ferrari and other makers of high-end sports cars, the NSX never achieved that level of status. A redesigned NSX is likely to appear soon.

Exterior
Unlike some sports cars with designs that date back to the early 1990s, the NSX still looks sleek and contemporary. Aluminum is used for the low-slung coupe’s sculpted, wedge-shaped body and many other components. An integrated rear spoiler contains a center-mounted brake light. The NSX rides a 99.6-inch wheelbase, measures 174.2 inches long overall and stands 46.1 inches tall. Weight distribution is 40/60 percent, front to rear. The removable aluminum roof panel permits open-air driving and contains an integrated storage compartment.

High-intensity-discharge headlights sit in conventional fixed positions. The lower air dam helps yield a 0.30 coefficient of drag, as well as improved front-to-rear lift balance. Forged aluminum-alloy wheels with a ribbed spoke design hold 17-inch tires.

Interior
Only two people can ride in the NSX, but tall occupants get more usable space than they would in many other sports cars. Acura claims the cockpit is meant to evoke that of a jet fighter’s. Because of the midmounted engine, a modestly sized trunk is located up front; its cargo volume is just 5 cubic feet.

Standard equipment includes hand-stitched perforated leather-trimmed seat upholstery, automatic air conditioning, four-way power bucket seats, cruise control, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a Bose cassette stereo with a trunk-mounted CD changer, variable intermittent wipers, and power windows, locks and mirrors.

Under the Hood
Two powertrains are available. A 252-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission, while a 3.2-liter V-6 cranks out 290 hp and mates with a six-speed-manual gearbox. The SportShift automatic unit features a manual gear-selection provision that operates via a toggle lever on the steering wheel — an idea borrowed from Formula One racing. Instead of a throttle cable connected directly to the gas pedal, the NSX uses electronic drive-by-wire technology.

2004 Acura NSX

EPA Fuel Economy:      City: 17   Highway: 24
Available Engines:      252-hp, 3.0-liter V-6
290-hp, 3.2-liter V-6
Available Transmissions:     4-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
6-speed manual w/OD

Acura introduced the NSX to North America in 1989, touting it as a supercar for Everyman and Everywoman. At the time its suggested price of a little over $50,000 was indeed a bargain, given the NSX’s level of performance and quality.The NSX’s peak sales year was its first, and recent American sales volumes have been considerably less. In 1997, power was increased to 290 horsepower, and for 2002, the drag coefficient was reduced, increasing the NSX’s top speed to 175 mph.

Comfort & Convenience

3.0 AT

3.2 MT
Sunroof     N/A     N/A
Air Conditioning     Std.     Std.
Power Windows     Std.     Std.
Power Door Locks     Std.     Std.
Leather Seats     Std.     Std.
Power Seats     Std.     Std.
Max. Seating     2/2
Number of Doors     2/2

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
Category     Base, man. Rating     Premium Sporty performance Car Average Rating
Acceleration     9     7.7
Fuel Economy     6     4.7
Ride Quality     2     4
Steering/Handling/Braking     10     8.4
Quietness     4     4
Controls     7     5.8
Details
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)     5     5.4
Room/Comfort (rear)     0     .6
Cargo Room     1     2.2
Value within Class     4     4.6
Total Score:     48     47.4
3.0 AT

3.2 MT
Cassette Player     Std.     Std.
CD Player     Std.     Std.
Nav. System     N/A     N/A
Safety
(more)

3.0 AT

3.2 MT
Airbags     Driver
Passenger<     Driver
ABS Brakes     Std.     Std.
Traction Control     Std.     Std.
Stability Control     N/A     N/A
Final Assembly 3.0 AT
Location     Japan     Japan

Honda’s luxury division basically broke the sports-car rules with the NSX. For a high performance “exotic,” the NSX is extremely refined, reliable, and at least modestly practical. Acura’s sports car offers a unique combination of race-car engineering, performance, and looks, along with its pragmatic virtues. Not only is this 2-seater extremely fast, but it’s also smooth, surprisingly quiet, and easier to drive than most high-performance cars. Despite smallish engines, acceleration rivals that of the V8 Corvette and the late-’90s Porsche 911. Our tests bore out Acura’s performance claim, with 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.8 seconds. Even economy is impressive. A late-model 6-speed NSX averaged a relatively frugal 22 mpg. Sure, some folks might crave more raw power, but an NSX offers most of the rewards of a true exotic with almost none of the usual drawbacks–except for its high price. The well-behaved automatic transmission is only slightly less rewarding than the 5- or 6-speed stick. Handling ranks among the world’s best. Steering is precise, though heavy for parking if not equipped with power assist. Cornering is flat and stable, braking short and true, noise levels acceptable. The ride is firm, but supple enough for such a high level of performance. Standard traction control enhances wet-road safety, but can be switched off when not needed. On the down side, the low nose demands some caution around dips, parking-lot barriers, and certain speed bumps. Despite road-hugging styling and a midengine layout, an NSX affords easier entry/exit than most sports cars, including the Corvette, plus the best visibility of any exotic automobile. Over-the-shoulder views are poor, however, and the top of the dashboard reflects in the windshield. Strong sunlight can wash out the electronic climate and audio displays, too. There’s enough cockpit space for husky 6-footers, and the dashboard is as user friendly as a Legend’s. Seating is low-slung but comfortable. Luggage space is sparse.

Value for the Money

Although early models were selling new for as much as $100,000 (or even higher), demand eased after a year or two, sending transaction prices below MSRP. Secondhand too, an NSX is a lot more expensive than a Corvette or a Porsche 911, yet it lacks the pedigree of similarly priced Ferraris. Still, it’s almost worth that high dollar figure because of its blend of refinement, performance, and appealing ergonomics.

price    $60 000 USD
engine    All Aluminum V6
position    Transverse Mid-Engine
valvetrain    DOHC 4-Valves / Cyl
fuel feed    Honda PGM-F1 Electronic Injection
displacement    2977 cc / 181.7 cu in
bore    90.0 mm / 3.54 in
stroke    78.0 mm / 3.07 in
compression    10.2:1
power    201.3 kw / 270 bhp @ 7100 rpm
specific output    90.7 bhp per litre
bhp/weight    199.41 bhp per tonne
torque    284.7 nm / 210.0 ft lbs @ 5300 rpm
redline    8000 rpm
body / frame    Unit Aluminum
driven wheels    Mid Engine / RWD
front tires    F 225/50ZR-15
rear tires    R 225/50ZR-16
front brakes    Vented Discs w/ABS, Vacuum Assist
f brake size    282 mm / 11.1 in
rear brakes    Vented Discs w/ABS, Vacuum Assist
r brake size    282 mm / 11.1 in
front wheels    F 38.1 x 16.5 cm / 15 x 6.5 in
rear wheels    R 40.6 x 20.3 cm / 16 x 8 in
steering    Rack & Pinion
f suspension    A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Tube Shocks, Anti Roll Bar
r suspension    A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Tube Shocks, Anti Roll Bar
weight    1354 kg / 2985 lbs
wheelbase    2530 mm / 99.6 in
front track    1509 mm / 59.4 in
rear track    1529 mm / 60.2 in
length    4404 mm / 173.4 in
width    1811 mm / 71.3 in
height    1171 mm / 46.1 in
transmission    5-Speed Manual
gear ratios    3.07:1, 1.73:1, 1.23:1, 0.97:1, 0.77:1, :1
final drive    4.06:1
top speed    270.4 kph / 168.0 mph
0 – 60 mph    5.6 seconds
0 – 100 mph    14.1 seconds
drag    0.32 Cd

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

Around 50 Exotic cars whent for a six hour drive around Toronto. Some of the nicest rides in the world. Just to name a few of the cars.

Lamborghini Murcielago & Diablo, Ferrari F355, 360 & 550, Mercedes C32 AMG, Lotos Elise, Chevrolet corvette Z06, Acura NSX & S2000, Austin Vanquish DB7, Dodge Viper, Porsche 911 GT2 & Turbo. Tons of cars. Awesome day. This video was created by Picture Perfect Cinematography.