Ten years after revolutionizing the high performance exotic car segment, the Acura NSX continues into the new millennium as the ultimate representation of Acura performance and style. For the 2000 model year, Acura has further refined the NSX with enhancements to the manual transmission and interior.
"The NSX has always been a standout of performance and technology," says Dick Colliver, executive vice president, Acura division. "No other premium nameplate in the world can claim such a dynamic and diverse product range that includes a performance exotic like the Acura NSX."
The Acura NSX has established itself as a leader in the exotic supercar market through its unmistakable styling and racing-inspired performance capabilities. Incorporating decades of the company's racing experience, the Acura NSX is available in two distinct engine-transmission combinations.
The all-aluminum, 3.2-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V6 develops 290 horsepower with 224 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. This gearbox utilizes short, precise shift throws and has been further refined for 2000 to improve shifting feel. Dual-cone synchronizers are now fitted on all six forward gears to reduce shift load, resulting in quicker, smoother gear changes. The Acura NSX's 6-speed manual gearbox was designed to provide the optimum gear ratio for any high-performance driving situation.
Acura offers an optional, 4-speed sequential SportShift automatic transmission with a Fomula-One inspired steering column-mounted control. The SportShift is coupled to an all-aluminum, 3.0-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V6 creating 252 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Acura NSX is equipped with Acura's patented Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system, which optimizes performance at all engine speeds to broaden the torque curve and increase peak power output. Other technological powertrain advancements include the computerized Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), and a Variable Volume Induction System, which aids in improving low-end torque and high-rpm power. In addition, the drive-by-wire throttle system is controlled by a microprocessor that operates in conjunction with the standard Traction Control System (TCS). Even with all this performance technology, the Acura NSX now complies with Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards.
The state-of-the-art powertrain has been incorporated into the world's first all-aluminum production car, allowing for a solid, yet lightweight performance package. The unit-body structure utilizes high-strength aluminum alloys and special construction techniques unique to the Acura NSX, making it stronger than a comparable steel body, yet 40 percent lighter.
In addition, the NSX-T offers a removable, aluminum roof panel. This panel is designed to be lightweight, yet durable, and has its own storage compartment under the rear glass hatch. This extensive use of exotic materials, combined with a mid-engine design, enables the Acura NSX to achieve world class levels of acceleration, braking and cornering performance.
The use of aluminum continues into the independent double-wishbone suspension components which combine with nitrogen-filled shocks and large diameter stabilizer bars to create a lightweight and highly responsive suspension. In addition, an exclusive electric variable-power-assisted steering system communicates the driver's every command while providing instantaneous feedback from the road. The forged-aluminum alloy wheels of the NSX were designed to improve performance by reducing unsprung weight, yet are significantly stronger than a traditional cast aluminum wheel. Specially designed ultra-high performance tires (215/45ZR16 in front; 245/40ZR17 in rear) ensure a large footprint on the road and help provide responsive handling and maximized cornering capability.
Though engineered to achieve supercar performance, the exotic Acura NSX demonstrates unprecedented levels of drivability and reliability. For the 2000 model year, a new perforated leather has been applied to the seats, door panels, steering wheel and hand brake for better seat ventilation and a sportier, more attractive look. Inside the fighter jet inspired canopy design, the driver and passenger are enveloped in the cockpit by such comforts as an automatic climate control system, the Acura/Bose" Sound System, power windows, door locks and cruise control.
To protect the NSX, the standard security system is designed to ward off intruders while an anti-theft immobilizer system disables the vehicle in the event of tampering.
The Acura NSX is crafted at the award winning Tochigi assembly plant in Japan, where each vehicle is assembled by hand, passed from one work station to the next until completion. Each engine is individually assembled by a highly skilled technician from start to finish. The Acura NSX is truly an exotic supercar built with the everyday driver in mind.
Like all Acura models, the 2000 Acura NSX 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