The Honda NSX was first shown in 1989 as a prototype in Chicago. Today it is a symbol of Honda's sporting spirit, combining power, speed and grace.
A streamlined low silhouette, the highest level of finish, the world's first load-bearing all-aluminum body, an on-board computer, a security system, a leather interior - everything is made using the latest technologies.
The range of engines is represented by: powerful 3 l DOHC (with two overhead camshafts, 256 hp) Maximum speed 260 km/h. It is equipped with a 4-speed "automatic", instead of which a sport shift system with an adaptive hydromechanical automatic transmission and the ability to shift gears directly on the steering wheel (F-Matic transmission) can be installed. And a 3.2 liter V6 (280 hp) equipped with a VTEC system (electronic control of lift height and valve opening time). The maximum speed is 270 km/h. It comes with a 6-speed "mechanics". This unit has only been offered since 1997.
The NSX cabin features a double surround layout that provides both driver and passenger with plenty of space. Excellent ergonomics of the driver's seat, precise steering and reliable brakes are the key to comfortable movement. In addition, the NSX has an unusually large number of curved windows for a sports car, which provides excellent visibility from the driver's seat.
To maintain stability at high speeds, the RTU system is used, and in headwinds and variable road conditions, a self-locking limited slip differential serves the same purpose. The four-channel ABS system independently controls the disc brakes on all wheels. The Honda NSX is equipped with an electronic traction control system and Ryaon 66 airbags from the American company DuPont.
Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, cruise and climate control systems, a tuned engine exhaust system and a high-end Bose audio system. All NSX models are equipped with power steering, and since 1994 also with wider wheels.
In total, there are three variants of the car: NSX, NSX-T (produced since 1997 with a targa body - a removable middle part of the roof), NSX-R (produced since 1992, a lightweight version).
The updated Honda NSX was introduced in 2001 at the Tokyo auto show. The exterior design of the car has been noticeably upgraded. There was an updated head optics, a different configuration of the air intake, as well as a new design of the rear part - lights in the entire width of the body and an integrated spoiler.
The power unit inherited from its predecessor is a 3.2-liter V6 engine, which will be paired with either a new automatic transmission or a six-speed manual, to choose from.
In May 2002, the new NSX-R was introduced. Manufacturers boldly reduced the proportion of soundproofing materials to reduce the weight of new items and doubled the stiffness of the suspension springs. The power unit remained the same.
In 2004, Honda decided to start official sales of the NSX-R in the UK. Previously, this extreme version of the NSX model was officially sold only in the domestic market of Japan.
This version of the Honda NSX-R is equipped with the same 276 horsepower six-cylinder engine as the base model, but differs from it in that the crankshaft in this version has undergone careful balancing, thereby ensuring the stability of the engine at the highest speeds.
In addition, the weight of the novelty is significantly less than the previous model due to the hood and spoiler made of carbon fiber, new ultra-light Recaro seats with a carbon fiber frame, an updated steering wheel and a titanium gear lever knob. The lighter weight made the NSX-R faster than the base version.
Plus, a special fairing was installed on the car, which streamlines the air flows under the bottom of the compartment. This made it possible to significantly improve aerodynamic performance at high speeds.
It should also be noted that the suspension of the sports coupe, the gearbox, the brake system, now designed for larger wheels, have also been adjusted, and an upgraded electronic throttle control system has also appeared.
In conclusion, we add that soon the current Honda NSX model should be replaced by a completely new car, the development of which is nearing completion. The prototype of the new Honda super coupe was named Honda HSC (Honda Sports Concept). A different name is due to the fact that the novelty is a completely different car that has nothing in common with the previous version.
We also note that in the US Honda NSX is sold under the Acura NSX brand, and in Japan under the name Honda Verno.
Honda NSX with dignity combines high technical data and stylistic sophistication.
Honda NSX is a Japanese-made sports car that was produced in two generations. For the first time the model was born in the 90th year. Since 2015, the second generation of these sports cars has been produced. Why do street racers love this car so much? Honda NSX: see photos and review of the car in our today's article.
First, consider the first generation of sports cars. In the second half of the article, the new Honda NSX 2015-2017 will be presented. So let's get down to the detailed review.
car design
The fashion of the early 90s is the so-called blind headlights. This style was so popular that even the Bavarians from BMW came to it (the legendary 31st body).
"Honda NSX" (see the photo of this unique car in our article) has a bright and dynamic style. The car looks especially impressive in red.
In front - a compact bumper with foglights and white turn signals and massive arches protruding beyond the line of the embossed hood. On the side - a cutout for air intake and neat thresholds. Nearby is the fuel tank hatch. If you look closely, you can see the difference in the width and diameter of the rims. On the rear axle they are more massive. Since the car is rear-wheel drive, this has a positive effect on the traction during acceleration. Plus, a wide "back" that makes the car more aggressive. The roof is black, but the mirrors are painted in body color.
restyling
From 2002 to 2005, a restyled Honda NSX was produced. Reviews say that the car has acquired a more modern look. The restyled model lost blind optics. Now it is a separate headlight unit, with integrated turn signals. There are no foglights. Instead, there is a cutout for air intake at the bottom of the bumper.
As before, the car is equipped with different-wide disks. The roof is now painted in body color, and the spoiler has become less high. The main features of the "Honda" have been preserved. Restyling only refreshed the appearance of a two-door sports car.
By the way, the Honda NSX entered the American market under the Acura logo. Externally and technically, these are two identical cars.
Salon of the first generation
"Honda NSX" - the car is very low, and in order to somehow compensate for the lack of space, the driver and passenger are in a "reclining" state. Naturally, in order to organize comfort, the manufacturer had to change the geometry of the panel. So, a distinctive feature of the Japanese coupe has become an inclined, oblong center console.
The photo shows the Japanese version, with the right wheel. As you can see, the handbrake lever is tilted closer to the passenger. The steering wheel is three-spoke, with an airbag and a pair of buttons. The instrument panel is analog type, without an on-board computer. Despite the compact dimensions, there is a glove compartment and an armrest. The latter also provides a niche for things. Door cards are slightly elongated "from the bottom up" to the front panel. The seats are leather, with bright lateral support.
"Honda NSX" has a good range of adjustments - say reviews of motorists and owners. Despite the low ground clearance, getting into the car is quite comfortable.
Specifications of a Japanese car
One of the differences between the sports "Honda" is the correct weight distribution. This was achieved thanks to the special placement of the engine. It is not installed under the hood, as usual, but at the rear with an offset to the passenger compartment. Such manipulation allowed to increase the controllability and maneuverability of the car.
The first generation Honda NSX was equipped with a 3-liter 6-cylinder gasoline unit. Thanks to forcing, its power was 274 horsepower. The motor was distinguished by an aluminum block and a VTEC phase system. The motor easily spun up to 8 thousand revolutions.
As far as transmissions go, the NSX had a five-speed manual for the most part. They love this particular checkpoint street racers. The Honda NSX was also equipped with a 4-band automatic transmission. It is very rare on these models.
As for the dynamics, the Japanese car turned out to be very frisky. Due to the use of a lightweight aluminum body and a high-speed engine, its maximum speed was 270 kilometers per hour. Acceleration to hundreds took 5.2 seconds. Up to 200 km / h, the car accelerated in 19 seconds. For the 90s, these were record-breaking characteristics. At the moment, most coupes of this class have higher dynamic performance.
Second generation - design
After an almost 10-year pause, the second generation of Honda NSX sports cars was born. The characteristics of the car have improved markedly. But first, about the design.
The appearance of the sports car only remotely resembles the first generation.
The silhouette turned out to be even more aggressive and faster. More than a thousand new parts were used in the body. The front stern is characterized by a wide radiator grille, massive air intakes and "evil" optics. Arches with huge discs still stick out from under the hood. The side air intake has moved up. Mirrors have become more oblong. The roof on the Honda is now panoramic. On the side, the car has a streamlined, drop-shaped silhouette.
Behind the Honda looks no less impressive. Previously, the Japanese used solid optics. Now these are two separate lights. By the way, they are LED. Car bumper - with bright cutouts for air intake. The spoiler was removed in the new generation. But this did not affect the maneuverability and controllability of the car, because the coefficient of the car is 0.26 Cx.
In terms of dimensions, the car is very low. The length of the car is 4.5 meters, the height is only 1.2 meters, but the width is almost 2 meters. Unlike the first generation, "Honda NSX" "recovered" by 400 pounds in running order. Now the car weighs 1710 kilograms.
Salon
Inside, NSX looks luxurious and presentable. Not deprived designers of "Honda" and sportiness. So, inside there are seats with pronounced support, as well as red Alcantara. The shape of the steering wheel has changed to an ellipsoid. Buttons have also been added. The center console is still heavily tilted. There is a multimedia display. Instead of the usual gearshift lever, a “twist washer” is now installed. Only high-quality finishing materials are used in the interior. Everywhere you can see aluminum and chrome inserts.
The instrument panel has also changed a lot. Instead of the usual arrows, there is a color LCD screen. The panel can change design depending on the driving mode (sporty or "comfort").
Specifications of the new Honda
The Japanese have seriously improved the technical part. So, they equipped the old 6-cylinder V-shaped engine with two turbochargers and a combined fuel supply. The volume of the cylinders has also increased. So, at 3.5 liters, the engine produces 507 horsepower. Torque - 550 Nm. An important feature is that thanks to the turbocharger (and not the turbine), there are no thrust failures here. Torque is available already from 2 thousand revolutions. And this despite the fact that it easily spins up to 8-9 thousand.
Is the new NSX a hybrid?
Time goes by, technology changes. Why is it all? The fact is that in addition to the main gasoline unit, Honda uses an electric motor with a capacity of 48 kilowatts. Its torque is 73 Nm. This engine is installed between the main unit and a 9-speed robotic gearbox. By the way, the transmission is equipped with two clutches and a hydraulic transformer. The usual mechanics are no longer there. Together with the electric motor, the power of the Honda NSX sports car is 572 horsepower, and the torque is 645 Nm.
Dynamics
The Honda NSX car has good dynamic performance. Acceleration to hundreds of kilometers per hour takes no more than 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed compared to the previous generation has increased by 14 percent and is 308 kilometers per hour.
Chassis
The supporting element in the design of the Japanese sports car is a spatial multi-component frame. Japanese engineers claim that it was made by ablative casting. The floor elements are made of lightweight carbon fiber. Most of the body parts are made of sheet polyester composite and carbon fiber. Suspension - independent front and rear, built on transverse double wishbones. The shock absorbers are filled with magnetorheological fluid and have an adaptive function (“sport”, “comfort” mode).
Brake system of the car - disk. The front uses 6-piston calipers. Rear - 4-piston. Brake discs are made of ceramic. This is the most energy-intensive and durable material. Steering - rack and pinion, supplemented by an electric booster with progressive characteristics.
The cost and equipment of the new Honda
Officially, the 2nd generation Honda NSX is not supplied to the Russian market. The initial cost of the car - 198 thousand dollars. Already in the basic configuration, the machine has the following set of options:
- Frontal and side airbags in total 6 pcs.
- Dual zone climate control.
- LED optics front and rear.
- Digital dashboard.
- Leather trim seats and multifunction steering wheel.
Conclusion
So, we found out what the Honda NSX has technical specifications, design and price. Is it worth buying such a car? Expert reviews say that the car is not suitable for the Russian market. Only a few will take on its maintenance. There are no official service centers, as well as dealers, in the Russian Federation. It is reasonable to buy it only with a large budget location.
The second-generation Honda NSX sports car - the successor to the legendary model of the original generation, produced from 1990 to 2005 - made its European debut in March 2015 at the Geneva International Motor Show, but its world premiere was organized back in January at the North American bride, but with the emblem " Acura.
The car not only dressed in a cool “outfit”, but also received a rather original design component - which is worth a hybrid power plant with three electric motors. The two-door entered the countries of the Old World in April 2016, and in the future it can reach Russia.
Externally, the "second" Honda NSX looks beautiful and spectacular from any angle. The powerful, squat and aerodynamically balanced body of the sports car attracts the eye with bold lighting equipment with full LED “filling”, a swift silhouette with “inflated” rear fenders and a “quartet” of the exhaust system.
The Japanese coupe is 4470 mm long, 1215 mm high, 1940 mm wide, and has a 2630 mm gap between the axles. In the "combat" state, the car weighs a minimum of 1711 kg.
The interior of the NSX is attractive in appearance and expensively executed in practice - the seats and most of the panels are covered in natural leather, which is diluted with alcantara and metal "decor". The instrument panel is dominated by a liquid crystal display that changes design depending on the driving mode, and an ellipsoid-shaped relief multi-steering wheel falls into the hands of the driver.
A heavily inclined center console, which houses a color “TV” of a multimedia complex and an original “remote control” of the climate system, passes into a “tall” floor tunnel, which defines a pair of cockpits with sports bucket seats in the cabin.
Specifications. The Honda NSX of the second generation within the base (behind the passenger compartment) has a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two turbochargers, a 75-degree camber angle and a combined fuel supply, delivering 507 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque at 2000-6000 rpm . A 48-horsepower electric motor, implanted between the internal combustion engine and a 9-speed “robot” with two clutches and a torque converter, helps the unit load the rear axle with thrust.
The front axle drive uses a pair of electric motors with a return of 36.5 "mares" and 73 Nm each, which are capable of operating in generator mode and controlling the thrust vector when cornering. The maximum hybrid power plant produces 572 “horses” of power and 645 Nm of torque.
In asphalt disciplines, the second “release” of the Honda NSX shows itself on the good side: it rushes from standstill to the first 100 km / h in 3.8 seconds, and accelerates up to reaching 308 km / h.
At the heart of NSX is a unique multi-component space frame constructed using the ablative casting method. The floor panels are made of carbon fiber, and all body parts are made of aluminum and polyester sheet composite. The suspension of both axles is independent on double wishbones with adaptive shock absorbers filled with magnetorheological fluid. A powerful system with monoblock six-piston calipers in front and four-piston rear, ventilated carbon-ceramic discs on all wheels and a whole range of electronic assistants is responsible for effective braking on the car. The sports car “flaunts” a rack and pinion steering device with an electric power steering having progressive characteristics.
Options and prices. In the European market, sales of the second-generation Honda NSX started in April 2016 at a price of $196,300 (they will ask for that much in Germany), and in the foreseeable future, the “Japanese” may also appear in Russia.
In the “base”, the coupe has six airbags, a leather interior, a dual-zone “climate”, LED optics “in a circle”, a multimedia system, a virtual instrument panel, ABS, ESP and a lot of other modern equipment.
D. Sold in North America and Hong Kong under the brand name Acura. Many innovative solutions were used in the design: this is the first car, the body and chassis of which are made of aluminum, equipped with a fully electronic power steering, an electronic gas pedal (the so-called Drive-by-Wire), the engine had a V-shaped arrangement of cylinders, the maximum number of revolutions 8000 per minute, and power indicators unattainable for those times for atmospheric engines, for the first time the connecting rods were made of titanium, for the first time in the world it was equipped with platinum spark plugs. For better aerodynamics, the bottom of the car was flat, and the shape of the rear helped to minimize the force of separation of the wheels from the surface at high speeds [ ] .
| Honda NSX | |
|---|---|
| Total information | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Years of production |
- - present tense |
| Class | Sport car |
| Design | |
| body type | 2-door coupe (2 seats) |
| Layout | rear engine, rear wheel drive |
| Engine | |
| 3.0 L C30A; 3.2 L C32B V6, with VTEC system, 255-290 hp, torque 29.06-31.0 kg*m. | |
| Transmission | |
| 4 automatic transmissions, 5 manual transmissions, 6 manual transmissions | |
| Characteristics | |
| Mass-dimensional | |
| Length | 4425 mm |
| Width | 1810 mm |
| Height | 1170 mm |
| Clearance | 120 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2530 mm |
| Rear track | 1530 mm |
| Front track | 1510 mm |
| Weight | NSX-R 92-95: 1,230 kg NSX-R 02-05: 1,270 kg |
| On the market | |
| Other | |
| Volume of the tank | 70 l |
| Media files at Wikimedia Commons | |
Development
According to former head of development department Nobuhiko Kawamoto, the start of the Honda sports car project was given to Mr.
Since the engineers were able to achieve a 50:50 weight ratio between starboard and port when designing the NSX, the car was able to achieve excellent results in circuit racing (24 hours of Le Mans, Super GT500). Developed by racing driver Ayrton Senna
First generation NSX-R
The electric leather seats have been replaced with lightweight carbon fiber racing seats made by Recaro for Honda. However, electric longitudinal seat adjustment and power windows were retained. The standard forged alloy wheels were replaced with lighter ones made by Enkei which reduced unsprung masses. The leather gearshift lever was replaced with a fully milled titanium one.
By 1992, it was well known that, due to its mid-engine layout, the NSX had a tendency to suddenly oversteer under certain maneuvering conditions. In busy street traffic at low speeds, this rarely showed up, but it could occur on race tracks where speeds are much higher. To improve cornering stability in extreme conditions, Honda added aluminum braces up front under the battery and in front of the front radiator, which increased the rigidity of the chassis. The entire suspension has also been replaced with a stiffer front anti-roll bar, stiffer suspension bushings and stiffer springs and dampers.
The standard NSX has stiffer rear springs than the front. When decelerating hard into corners, softer front springs allow weight to be shifted forward, increasing front wheel traction and steering response. But at the same time, weight is taken away from the rear wheels, resulting in less grip. The result is a tendency to oversteer. To reduce this effect, softer rear tires were installed on the NSX, and for the NSX-R, Honda changed the distribution of spring rates between the front and rear axles, installing stiffer springs and a stabilizer in the front suspension. But stiffness is increased on both axles compared to the stock NSX (21mm front sway bar, 2.6mm more than stock; NSX spring rate: front - 3.0kg/mm, rear - 4.0kg/mm vs. NSX-R: front - 8.0 kg/mm, rear - 5.7 kg/mm).
Honda also increased the final drive ratio to 4.235:1 instead of 4.06:1 on the standard variant, which shifted the shift points to higher crankshaft rotation, where more power is needed. This change reduced the top speed in favor of better acceleration. In addition, a new limited slip differential was installed with a higher percentage of blocking. The 3.0-liter engine for the NSX-R features a polished and balanced piston group and crankshaft, hand-crafted by the same highly skilled craftsmen who make Honda racing engines.
Factory options included air conditioning, a BOSE stereo system, carbon fiber center console and door panels, and starting in 1994, large wheels (16" front and 17" rear) painted in Championship White.
Production of this model ended in September 2005.
Specifications
- Engine:
- Volume: 3.0-liter DOHC (3.2 since 2002)
- Location: transverse at the base
- Type: Atmospheric 6-cylinder with V-shaped arrangement of cylinders
- VTEC timing mechanism
- Bore and Stroke: 90mm x 78mm
- Maximum power: 202 kW (274 hp) at 7300 rpm; (321 hp for Type R 3.2 liter models)
- Maximum torque: 285 Nm (29.06 kg-m) at 5400 rpm (331 Nm for Type R 3.2 liter models)
- Compression ratio: 10.2:1
- Maximum speed: 270 km/h
- 0 - 100 km/h: 5.2 s
- 0 - 200 km/h: 19.2 s
NSX-T
In 1995, the NSX-T was introduced in Japan with a targa roof as a special option. In North America in March 1995, the NSX-T completely replaced the standard coupe as the only model available, with the exception of the 1999 Zanardi NSX version and a few special orders between 1997 and 2002. The removable roof reduced the rigidity of the chassis and added about 45 kg to strengthen the structure. In addition, all NSX-Ts had smaller-diameter anti-roll bars, slightly stiffer front springs, and softer dampers to improve comfort and tire wear, while alleviating the skid problem that plagues most mid-engined cars. All roofs were painted in body color instead of black, although black roofs remained an option in Japan. Now, on the version with a manual gearbox, an electric power steering was installed, which was previously installed exclusively on versions with automatic transmission.
Second generation
The Acura NSX Concept was unveiled on January 9, 2012 at the North American International Auto Show. The second generation of the NSX is a mid-engined hybrid all-wheel drive coupe. As a power plant, a V6 gasoline engine is used. In addition to it, two electric motors are installed on the front axle, which can generate positive and negative torque, thereby increasing stability and handling when cornering. The third electric motor is installed in the gearbox, it is responsible for the direction of torque to the rear axle.
In 2019, Acura showed an updated version of the NSX. New Acura NSX improvements for 2019 include cosmetic design changes, an expanded interior palette, new standard equipment, suspension tweaks and upgraded tires
Literature
1. "Honda HS-X". History and Models - Pininfarina Models. Pininfarina. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
2. Honda Worldwide | July 12, 2005 "Honda to Discontinue Production of the NSX Sports Car"
3. a b St. Antoine, Arthur. "The Asphalt Jungle: Ayrton's Car." motor trend.
4. Honda - The Power of Dreams.
5. "Sports Car International - December 1990." NSX Prime, 1997-2005.
6. "Sports Car International - August 1990" NSX Prime, 1997-2005.
7. "Sports Car International - December 1998." NSX Prime, 1997-2005.
8. "Acura NSX Zanardi Edition." Car & Driver, July 1999.
9. 24 Hours of LeMans, 1994.
10.24 Hours of Le Mans, 1995.
The Honda NSX is a mid-engined sports car with a very rich history. The development of this model began in 1984, and legendary personalities took part in its testing, including Ayrton Senna, Satori Nakajima and Bobi Rahal.
The first working prototype of the NS-X (New Sportscar eXperimental) was first shown to the world public in February 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show. The car made a splash. It was a major breakthrough in Honda engineering and design, and had a strong impact on the future development of sports cars.
In particular, Gordon Murray, the creator of the iconic hypercar, said that his British company changed its focus when creating its car under the influence of the NXS.
Serial production of the Honda NSX began in 1990. The car received a unique all-aluminum body, first used in the automotive industry. But the main pride of the Japanese was the range of engines.
About motors
Initially, the Honda NSX was offered with a 3.0-liter 256-horsepower DOHC engine. It is aggregated in tandem with a 4-speed automatic transmission, or with an adaptive "automatic" hydromechanical type with switches on the steering wheel. The maximum speed of the sports car reached 260 km / h.
In 1997, Honda began to install a V6 engine with a displacement of 3.2 liters on the NSX. Its return has grown to 280 horsepower. Working in tandem with the new 6-band mechanics, this power unit provided a maximum speed of 270 km / h.
Three machine versions
In total, there are three modifications of the car: the NSX coupe, the NSX-T with a targa body (produced since 1997) and the lightweight modification NSX-R (produced since 1992).
In 2005, the Japanese manufacturer said goodbye to his legend. Serial production of the machine was officially discontinued. The NSX lasted fifteen years on the assembly line. It is also worth noting that in the US and Hong Kong, the model was sold under the name Acura NSX.
About prices
It is not so easy to buy an Acura / Honda NSX on the Russian market now - there are very few offers. Depending on the technical condition of the car, the presence / absence of tuning elements and the year of manufacture, the cost of the NSX varies from 500,000 to 2.5 million rubles.
To be continued…
At the motor show in Detroit 2012 was presented to the generation. The all-wheel drive car is equipped with a hybrid power plant, consisting of a V6 gasoline engine and three electric motors. According to preliminary information, mass production of new items will begin in 2015.
