Acura NSX Sets The Pace For 1996 Performance Models

The Acura NSX continues as one of the world's greatest exotic sports cars, providing consumers with a choice of two body configurations for 1996-the hard-top NSX coupe and the open-top NSX-T with a lightweight, quickly detachable roof panel for open-air driving.

Since the introduction of the NSX-T in 1995, sales of the NSX have nearly doubled compared to the previous year.

"When Acura first introduced the NSX, we established a new benchmark for performance and style," said Rich Thomas, Acura executive vice president and general manager. "With the 1996 models, we are continuing that tradition and again leading the way for the competition to follow."

As testimony to the NSX's outstanding performance and handling, a specially prepared NSX-T has been selected to participate as the official PPG Indy Car World Series pace car at select 1996 Indy Car races.

Powered by an all-aluminum, 3.0-liter, fuel-injected DOHC powerplant which produces 270 hp with a manual transmission and 252 hp with an automatic transmission, the engine uses a sophisticated VTEC-Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System and Variable Volume Induction System to dramatically increase horsepower and torque.

All 1996 NSX models are available with an optional SportShift automatic transmission. The system features a selectable manual shift mode which incorporates a unique steering column-mounted fingertip shift control. The transmission can operate either as fully automatic or be shifted manually for high performance driving by moving the steeringcolumn-mounted flipper lever up or down.

As the world's first all-aluminum production sports car, the hand-crafted NSX has an outstanding power-to-weight ratio. In designing the open-top NSX-T, the engineers added more than fifty strategically placed reinforcements to help ensure a strong, lightweight and rattle-free structure.

The forged aluminum, fully-independent, double-wishbone suspension features sophisticated progressive-valve shock absorbers to impart race-like handling yet provide a smooth, comfortable ride. Lightweight forged aluminum wheels with ultra highperformance tires are also standard.

Other 1996 NSX features include an electronic drive-by-wire throttle system that senses the throttle position and relays the information to a computer which instantaneously activates the throttle, Acura's exclusive Electric Power Steering system and a sophisticated high-performance Traction Control System (TCS).

Safety features on the NSX include a driver and passenger air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), an automatic seat belt tensioner system and side-impact protection which meets stringent 1997 safety standards. To help the driver maintain steering control during maximum braking, a sophisticated four-channel Anti-LockBraking System (ABS )is also standard on the NSX.

Interior appointments of the exotic NSX include leather-trimmed power seats, Automatic Climate Control, Acura/Bose® Music System, a theft-deterrent system and electronic cruise control.

In an era where mass production is the norm, the uniqueness of the NSX is highlighted again. Each NSX is painstakingly hand crafted at a special factory designed exclusively for the NSX.

Like all Acura models, the NSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care™(TLC) program privileges such as free 24-hour Roadside Assistance, Concierge Service, trip routing and more. A full line of Acura luxury performance automobiles is available at nearly 300 Acura dealers nationwide.