Building on the sleek, mid-engine design and distinctive styling that have made the Acura NSX a favorite among sports car enthusiasts, Acura has given the 2002 NSX a variety of styling enhancements that give it an even more contemporary, high performance look. Combined with refinements to the suspension, these changes not only enhance the way the NSX looks, but also make it more aerodynamic and boost its already impressive performance.
"We've modernized the look of the NSX, updated the styling and refined the handling while maintaining the essential character that has made it a true world class sports car," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "The 2002 NSX has engineering sophistication, pure sports car performance and a contemporary design."
All '02 NSXs feature a removable roof panel as standard equipment for open-air driving. Two new colors, Long Beach Blue Pearl and Imola Orange Pearl have been added for 2002. The front fascia has been changed to give the car a more contemporary, yet still distinctive appearance. The pop-up headlights have been replaced with lighter, fixed position High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights which update the look while producing twice the illumination of conventional headlights. Other enhancements to the front of the car include an aggressively styled front bumper, a revised chin spoiler and a revised hood line.
In the rear, the turn signals, which in the past have been integrated into the taillight housing, now occupy their own circular housings set off from the rest of the lights. Revised badging, a revised bumper with air diffuser, a new trunk lip spoiler and new exhaust finishers subtly update the rear fascia while maintaining the car's distinctive design. Overall, external improvements to the 2002 NSX not only enhance the car's look, but also improve aerodynamic performance enough to boost the car's top speed from 168 mph to 175 mph.
The hand-stitched, leather-trimmed interior of the NSX is designed to evoke the image of a jet fighter cockpit, providing excellent visibility, easy-to-read instrumentation and supportive, leather seats. In addition to black or tan, for 2002, the NSX is available with six new interior colors; Vivid Blue, Vivid Orange, Vivid Red, Vivid Yellow, Targa Silver and White. These interior color schemes can be matched to the car's exterior color for a customized, high tech look. The center panel has also been updated with black chrome plating replacing the tin-nickel coating.
The NSX offers two distinct, mid-ship mounted powertrains. The first is a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.2 liter, DOHC, 24-valve, 90-degree V-6 engine coupled with a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission producing 290 horsepower and 224 lb.-ft. of torque. The second is a 3.0 liter DOHC, 24-valve V-6 engine with a 4-speed Sequential SportShift' automatic transmission that generates 252 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque.
Both NSX engines are equipped with Acura's patented Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC™) system, a Variable Volume Induction System, direct ignition and the computerized Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system pioneered in Formula One racing.
To complement its innovative powertrains, the NSX chassis features all-aluminum construction for low overall weight and high rigidity. The four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension features aluminum-alloy control arms and hub carriers to minimize unsprung weight for optimum handling. Aluminum subframes for the front and rear suspension further reduce weight. For 2002, the suspension was refined with higher spring rates in front and a larger diameter stabilizer bar in the rear. Tire sizes were increased from 215/45 R16 to 215/40 R17 in front and from 245/40 R17 to 255/40 R17 in the rear. Together, these enhancements reduce body roll, improve steering balance and enhance rear stability for an increase in overall cornering performance.
The NSX's braking system features large-diameter, ventilated four-wheel discs and an advanced 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). A sophisticated Traction Control System (TCS) helps limit wheel-spin and enhances control.
As with all Acura models, the NSX comes with a long list of standard equipment and comfort and convenience features including an automatic climate control system,
Acura/Bose® Music System, power windows and door locks, cruise control and an electronic immobilizer system.
The 2002 NSX, like all Acura vehicles, is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.acuranews.com.