1989 Acura NSX Concept
About the Car
1989 Acura NSX Concept
The Acura NSX, also known as the Honda NSX, is a classic sports car with a rich history.
The 1989 Acura NSX Concept was unveiled with a shorter wheelbase and less overhang, but a last-minute engine change resulted in a slightly longer final model.
The NSX was praised by automotive journalists for its design but was criticized for its lack of power, leading to engine upgrades in subsequent models.
The NSX’s mid-mounted 3.0-liter V6 engine produced 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, and it was mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Honda made several changes and updates to the NSX over the years, including a targa-top model, the NSX-T, and a more powerful NSX Type R.
The NSX was discontinued in 2005 after around 18,000 units were built, but it remains a beloved classic among automotive enthusiasts.
The NSX’s lightweight body was made of aluminum, which helped keep the car’s weight down to around 3,000 pounds.
The NSX Type S was a limited-edition model produced in Japan with performance upgrades.
The Acura NSX engine has been refined and upgraded in subsequent models, and the Honda NSX is a testament to the ongoing evolution of this iconic sports car.
The NSX is a sought-after collector’s car, with some examples selling for well over their original sticker price.
In 1989, the Drake Hotel in Chicago hosted the unveiling of the prototype NS-X Concept, which was designed with a shorter wheelbase and less front and rear overhang than the final production model. However, a late change to the engine specification, switching from the SOHC V6 to the DOHC V6 with VTEC valvetrain, had a significant impact on the design evolution from prototype to production.
During a press conference, the president of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tadashi Kume, fired up the prototype’s engine, which drew media attention and prompted him to ask why the NS-X Concept did not use the newly developed VTEC technology for a V6 engine. The engineering team received similar input from top enthusiast automotive journalists at a pre-launch event, including Car and Driver, Motor Trend, and Road & Track, who praised the NSX but also felt it could use more power.
As a result of the engine change, the production NSX had a slightly longer wheelbase and increased front and rear overhangs to accommodate the wider DOHC VTEC cylinder head. These changes were made rapidly, resulting in the longer final model. Today, the 1989 Acura NSX Concept remains an iconic vehicle in automotive history, loved by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
For those interested in owning an Acura NSX, there are many options available, including the Acura NSX for sale and the Honda NSX, which was sold in some markets as the Acura NSX. The NSX was also produced as the Honda NSX 1995 and the Honda NSX 2005, with different features and specifications. Additionally, the NSX Type S was a limited-edition model produced in Japan with performance upgrades.
While the 1989 Acura NSX Concept is a classic vehicle, it’s important to note that there have been many updates and improvements to the NSX engine over the years. The Acura NSX engine has been refined and upgraded in subsequent models, and the Honda NSX is a testament to the ongoing evolution of this iconic sports car. For those looking to learn more about the history of the Acura NSX or the Honda NSX, there are many resources available online, including image galleries of the cars from almost every part of the world.
The Acura NSX finally debuted in 1990 as a 1991 model, and it quickly garnered critical acclaim as a supercar that could be driven daily. The car’s mid-mounted 3.0-liter V6 engine produced 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, and it was mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The NSX’s body was made of aluminum, which helped keep the car’s weight down to around 3,000 pounds.
Over the years, Honda made several changes and updates to the NSX, including a targa-top model, the NSX-T, and a more powerful NSX Type R. In 1995, Honda gave the NSX a refresh, with updates to the suspension, brakes, and engine, which now produced 290 horsepower.
Honda continued to produce the NSX until 2005, when it was finally discontinued. In total, around 18,000 NSXs were built, and the car remains a beloved classic among automotive enthusiasts.
Today, the NSX is a sought-after collector’s car, with some examples selling for well over their original sticker price. If you’re in the market for an NSX, be prepared to pay a premium, as these cars are rare and highly desirable.
At its core, the Acura NSX was a revolutionary car that helped redefine what a supercar could be. With its mid-mounted engine, lightweight body, and impressive performance, the NSX was a game-changer that inspired other automakers to follow in its footsteps. Even today, nearly three decades after the NSX was first introduced, it remains an iconic and beloved car that continues to inspire and delight enthusiasts around the world.