Honda’s World Class Sports Car
The first generation Acura NSX, also known as the Honda NSX, was introduced in 1990 and quickly became an iconic sports car. It was designed to compete with Ferrari and Porsche in the high-performance sports car market. Its unique mid-engine layout and lightweight aluminum body construction made it stand out from its competitors. The NSX was not only a performance car, but it also incorporated innovative technology that paved the way for future engineering. The combination of performance and technology made the NSX a game-changer in the sports car industry, and it continues to be a sought-after classic car today. The first-generation Acura NSX entered the US market in 1990 with a starting MSRP of around $60,000, which was quite competitive at that time. Today, pristine and low-mileage examples of the NSX can fetch over $150,000 in the collector car market.
Acura NSX Engine
The engine that powered the first Acura NSX in 1991 was a 3.0-liter VTEC V6 that produced 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a marvel of engineering, featuring titanium connecting rods, forged pistons, and an aluminum block and cylinder heads. The NSX engine was designed to be balanced and smooth, with a redline of 8,000 RPM. It was also relatively light, weighing in at just over 400 pounds, adding to the car’s exceptional handling and agility. The NSX engine was a masterpiece of performance, reliability, and efficiency, helping to cement the car’s legendary status among driving enthusiasts.
Acura NSX Transmission
The manual transmission was engineered to match the Acura NSX engine’s power and provide a smooth, short throw gear change with a light clutch. Refinements include a double-cone synchronizer in second gear, a synchronized reverse gear, reduced gear noise, and a large diameter cable shifter for excellent precision. The shift throw is 40 mm, which compares well to the 60 to 70 mm of most exotics. Additionally, oil agitation and foaming has been reduced significantly by devising a forced lubrication system driven by a trochoid oil pump. The pump is located in the transmission and is powered by a spur gear.
| Acura NSX (1st Gen) Specs | |
| Horsepower: | 270 hp |
| Torque: | 210 lb/ft |
| 0-60 mph: | 5.9 s |
| 0-100 mph: | 15.9 s |
| 1/4 Mile: | 12.39 @ 118 mph |
| Weight: | 3,010 lbs |
| Production | 18,000 Units |
Acura NSX Design And Aerodynamics
The Acura NSX was a joint venture between the renowned designer Pininfarina and Acura’s in-house design team. The NSX was developed to have a low center of gravity, a reliable and lightweight chassis, and a balanced weight distribution for high-speed stability. The car’s aerodynamics were also carefully considered, with a sleek and cleanly designed exterior that minimized drag and increased fuel efficiency. The car’s front and rear spoilers, as well as its inverted wing at the back, added downforce that kept the car planted to the ground during high-speed cornering. The first generation Acura NSX remains a benchmark for automotive design and aerodynamics to this day.
Acura NSX Interior
The interior of the 1991 Acura NSX is a perfect blend of performance and luxury. The car came equipped in the 90s with advanced technological features like power windows, air conditioning, a premium audio system, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat that provides comfort and support during long drives. The dash is sleekly designed and contains an extensive array of instruments and gauges that provide critical information about the NSX’s perfromance. One of the most notable technological advancements of the Acura NSX is its three-mode suspension system, which allows the driver to select the stiffness of the suspension depending on the road conditions. The car also features an advanced traction control system that provides excellent stability and control, even during high-speed driving.
