1992 Acura NSX

Seeking to enter the supercar market, Acura commissioned Pininfarina to design the first prototypes. Their goal was to make a vehicle that was equally as powerful and fast as other supercars from Italy or Germany but with superior reliability and a lower price point. The NSX was given a cab-forward design with the power plant behind the driver, with a low center of gravity and great weight distribution. Honda turned to their successful Formula 1 Motorsports program for technology, including the all-aluminum engine's ability to REV to 8,000 RPM. Titanium connecting rods in the engine help to permit reliable high RPM operation. It was given an all-aluminum monocoque body, the first production car fitted with this feature, and an aluminum alloy frame and suspension. With the extensive use of aluminum, nearly 400 lbs were saved over the steel equivalent, while the aluminum suspension saved an additional 44 lbs.

The NSX was given an independent four-channel anti-lock disc brake system, an electric power steering system, and Honda's proprietary VTEC variable valve timing system.

The NSX offered tremendous performance with zero-to-sixty mph achieved in 5.03 seconds, and the quarter mile in 13.47 seconds. Along with performance, it was also one of the most reliable and easy-to-service supercars of all time. Many examples were able to exceed 200,000 miles of active driving before requiring major engine service.

Automobile Magazine named it their Automobile of the Year.

Acura introduced the new sports car at the Chicago Auto Show in February of 1989. The mid-engine NSX appeared on the supercar market in 1991 and continued in production for over ten years.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019