BODY
Aluminum Unit-Body Construction
- World's first mass produced all-aluminum body
- Unit body weighs only 462 lbs -- 40% less than steel
- Incorporates unique high-strength extruded-aluminum side sills
- Unique heat treatment ensures surface hardness
- Highly corrosion resistant
- High torsional and bending rigidity
Cabin-Forward/Long-Tail Design
- Best-in-class visibility -- 312 degrees
- Significantly improves aerodynamic balance
- Provides optimum occupant and component layout
- NSX-T features and easily removable roof panel for open-air driving
POWERTRAIN
VTEC System
- First application in U.S.
- Unique Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC)
- Uses two different cam profiles to improve low-end torque and high-end power
- Boosts engine performance to more than 90 hp per liter
Variable Volume Induction System
- Improves power and torque by optimizing air induction at all rpm
Direct Ignition
- Eliminates distributor
- Each plug has its own ignition coil, similar to a. racing engine
- Delivers stable high voltage to spark plug
Titanium Connecting Rods
- World's first use in a production car
- Stronger than steel, lightweight -- saves 190 grams
- Reduces reciprocating mass for high-rpm engine operation
Transmission
- All-new compact, lightweight, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission
- Formula One-inspired SportShift system for automatic transmission models allows for fully automatic or manual shift operation
Torque Control Differential and Torque Reactive Differential
- Unique limited slip differential designs
- Improves stability in crosswinds
CHASSIS
All-Aluminum Suspension
- Aluminum 4-wheel double-wishbone design
- Forged-aluminum suspension arms for strength, low unsprung weight
- Front suspension utilizes unique compliance pivot for ideal suspension geometry and ride quality
- 44 lbs (20 kg), lighter than steel
Four-Channel Anti-Lock Braking; System (ABS)
- First use in U.S.
- Provides more precise independent braking control over each wheel
Traction Control System
- Enhances performance over wide range of conditions rather than just low friction surfaces
- System can be shut off manually by driver
- Drive-by-wire throttle control enhances TCS deceleration stability
Electric Power-Assisted Steering
- First of its kind on American market
- Electric variable power-assist uses electric motor rather than hydraulics to reduce steering effort
- Reduced weight
- Does not take power away from engine to operate hydraulic pump
Custom-Designed Tires and Wheels
- Specially developed wheels and tires: Front -- 215/45ZR 16 tires, 16 x 7 JJ forged alloy wheels; Rear -- 245/402R 17 tires, 17 x 8.5 TT forged alloy wheels
- Unidirectional tires specific to each corner of the car
- Different compounds used front and rear
- Lightweight, forged aluminum-alloy wheels reduce unsprung weight by 19.8 lbs (9 kg) over cast wheels
Drive-By-Wire Electronic Throttle System
- Improves throttle response and acceleration feel
- Improves performance of automatic cruise control and traction control system
INTERIOR
Dual Air Bags, Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners (Supplemental Restraint System)
- Compact air bag design allows use in small steering wheel space
- Electrical connectors are gold-plated to enhance conductivity and provide corrosion protection and reliability
- Automatic seat belt tensioners help to hold occupants in place
Aluminum Seat Frame
- First for a production car
- Entire seat frame made of lightweight stamped aluminum
- Has one-third fewer parts than steel seat
- Seat rails made from aluminum extrusions
Highly Efficient, Heat-Absorbing Green Glass
- Helps keep the effects of solar loading on interior temperatures at a minimum in hot weather
Last modified 2/3/97. Copyright ©1996, 1997 by AUTOPEDIA, all rights reserved. AUTOPEDIA™, AUTO411™, CAR-IQ™, DEALERPEDIA™, INTERLOT™, SIMULSEARCH™ and INTERQUOTE-RFP™ are trademarks of AUTOPEDIA. All other trademarks, tradenames and/or service marks are the property of their respective holders. Although all information and prices contained herein are obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, AUTOPEDIA assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information and no liability for any errors and/or omissions. All information is subject to change without notice.