Acura NSX First Generation Chronology (2005-1991)
The NSX, marketed in North America as the Acura NSX, is a two-seater, rear mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car manufactured by Honda from 1990–2005 (First Generation). The NSX debuted at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show.
Years Available: 1991-2005
Original Engine: 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve VTEC V-6
- 270 hp @ 7100 rpm, 210 lbs-ft @ 5300 rpm (with 5-speed manual)
- 252 hp @ 6600 rpm, 210 lbs-ft torque @ 5300 rpm (with 4-speed automatic)
Original Transmission:
- 5-speed manual/4-speed automatic
- New model; first all-aluminum production car; first variable valve timing and lift in production car; first use of titanium connecting rods in production car
- North American models were sold as the Acura NSX.
- 1992: Grand Prix White exterior color available
- 1993: passenger side airbag and seat belt tensioners standard equipment
- 1994: larger wheels and tires standard
- 1995: NSX-T with removable roof panel introduced; electric power steering standard; electronic throttle control standard; torque reactive differential standard; automatic models receive SportShift manual shift control
- 1996: no changes
- 1997: new 3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine produces 290 hp and 224 lbs-ft torque with 6-speed manual transmission (automatic-equipped models retain 3.0-liter combination); larger brakes with retuned anti-lock control; retuned electric power steering; dual mass flywheel; reshaped front spoiler; new wheels
- 1998: no changes
- 1999: Alex Zanardi Edition features exclusive wheels and tires, shift knob, numbered plaque, weight reduction, retuned suspension and titanium-finished center console and door trim
- 2000: perforated leather upholstery standard
- 2001: no changes
- 2002: all NSX models feature removable roof panel, NSX-T name dropped; pop-up headlights replaced with fixed-position HID; lower air dam; redesigned taillights, air diffuser, exhaust tips, trunk lip spoiler; new Acura badging; smoother side sills; revised suspension; larger wheels and tires
- 2003: no changes
- 2004: redesigned meter panel surround; new shift knob; standard keyless entry system; standard trunk-mounted 6-disc CD changer
- 2005: no changes; final model year for NSX
- The first-generation NSX was discontinued in 2005.
Honda NSX Type R
Type R is the pinnacle of Honda factory performance. First introduced on the Japanese market NSX supercar in the early 1990s, Type R’s track-focused approach to the creation of speed. Based on the first-generation NSX, three different versions of the NSX Type R were sold exclusively in Japan, as a Honda-branded model. The first-generation NSX was produced from 1990-2005.
1992-1995 (Japan): The first Honda to wear the red Type R badge was the Honda NSX Type R supercar, which was available in limited numbers from 1992 to 1995. Just 500 were sold. The supercar’s suspension was retuned to be even more aggressive, and weight was reduced by more than 200 pounds through the elimination of sound deadening materials, power windows, air conditioning, and the audio system. NSX Type R was available only in Championship White, which recalls Honda’s first Formula 1 race car in the 1960s.
- Engine : 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 – 270 hp (210 lb.-ft.)
- Transmission : 5-speed manual
2002 (Japan): The second NSX Type R was simply dubbed NSX-R and was released to the Japanese market in 2002. Just 140 were produced. It included the weight reduction methods used on the original NSX Type R along with a larger more powerful 3.2-liter V6, a 6-speed manual transmission and carbon fiber body work, most noticeably a pass-through hood and larger rear wing. The aerodynamic changes resulted in a degree of downforce rarely seen in a street-legal car. The suspension and brakes also were retuned for track performance, and the engine’s crankshaft was precision balanced.
- Engine : 3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 – 290 hp (224 lb.-ft.)
- Transmission : 6-speed manual
2005 (Japan): The NSX R GT is the rarest evolution of the first generation NSX Type R. Only five were built, each painted Championship White. Mechanically identical to the NSX Type R, the NSX R GT was a homologation special, created only so its unique bodywork would meet motorsports regulations and be used in competition. An NSX R GT is easily identified by its massive non-functional roof scoop, aggressively re-styled front and rear fascias which are made of carbon fiber to reduce weight, and larger side air ducts. Once homologated on the production car, the supercar’s aero package was quickly fitted to the NSX race cars competing in the GT500 class of Super GT.
- Engine : 3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 – 290 hp (224 lb.-ft.)
- Transmission : 6-speed manual
Acura NSX First Generation Gallery
