Filed under: Car Buying, Sports/GTs
Acura kills NSX and announces heir
The NSX has received more critical acclaim than any other Acura since its debut in 1991, although it's only managed
to achieve total cumulative global sales of 18,000 unites in 15 years. Regardless, the NSX was a point of pride for
Acura having received accolades such as " the best sports car ever built" from Motor Trend. All good things must come
to an end, and the NSX will meet its maker at the end of the year due to extensive retooling that would have been
necessary to meet strict 2006 emissions and equipment regulations from around the world. While Acura chose not to
release any specifics about the car's replacement, John Mendel, senior vice president of automobile operations stated
the all-new model would be just as groundbreaking as the 1991 NSX.
Check out this link for a cool NSX chronology.
It goes a long way in detailing how truly groundbreaking the NSX has been throughout its run.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
CrunchyCookie 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
What can you say? It was a good 15-year run, but when a $30,000 Mitsubishi can do everything you can do, it's time to go. Specific horsepower output also lags Honda's other cars like the S2000 (and even the RSX, and even the 99 Civic Si), and the aluminum thing never really paid off in the diet program, either. Lastly, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds (vs. Ferrari F430's 3.5)? Yeah, definitely time to go.
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Min 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
When the NSX was first introduced, it was met with skepticism and branded a Ferrari clone. I've always loved the super clean lines of the car, both inside and out and dreamed of owning one. It's sad to see it officially be discontinued but maybe, just maybe, my search for a "classic car" is over if I can find a well-cared-for used model.
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CrunchyCookie 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
By the way Autoblog, you're not doing any favors for your credibility by quoting MOTOR TREND.
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eric 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
Great, their finally bringing out a replacement for the 15 year old NSX. It's a great car, but at 80k it's a little overpriced compared to a Vette. The new one will probably cost around the same amount or more if it has hybrid technology. My question is where the hell is the Prelude or RSX replacement? Honda/Acura needs a performance sports coupe to slot in between the S2000 roadster and the near 100k supercar(NSX). The TSX is not a sports car eventhough it has one of the best manual trannies on the market.
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Brian 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
eric,
I doubt there will be a RSX replacement in Acura. The new Civic SI will probably fill the slot of the RSX Type S in Honda's US lineup. As much as I like the RSX, I don't think it fits too well with Acura's lineup at the moment and their attempt to move upmarket.
I've never been able to decide if I like the looks of the NSX. I generally like it's appearance from any direction except the rear. It just always seemed too wide to me. I agree, it's prime has well passed, but I assume Acura kept it around just as a halo car.
Interested to see what's cooking for the replacement.
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Logan Irons 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
So much for the affordable Exotic.
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ebm14- 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
I like the RSX too. Perhaps they should make it more like a GTI in design and function. The new VW GTI is almost on the same level as the A3, actually they are the same car.
The Civi Si is a slot below the Accord.
As far as the NSX, Japan really needs a mean machine against the M6 and 911.
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rc51 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
I like the NSX, but it was ahead of its time. The fact that it still has good performance and handling is testament to its overall design. By the way 4.5 secs isn't shabby.
One can't compare it to a car (ferrari)that has a V8 and cost a good $50k more.
As far as the vette comparison-well what do expect? Those cars are as common as dirt. Bang for the buck-pushrods and all.
The RSX will like be replaced as they are based on the civic platform. It usually comes around a year after the civic being replaced.
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WillDaThrill 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
You guys talk this car up so much, I doubt any of you have seen reviews on to or have driven it at all. This car has been plagued with handling problems (handling the road) since its' inception. It's not selling because nobody wants a fast, expensive car that can't hold the road. Sure it looks sweet but it's hardly an exotic. Plus you have so many AFFORDABLE cars under 35K that can smoke the pants off of this thing and you can afford the maintenance on them. I think some of you have the poster of it on your wall and are dreaming of how good you think the car is.
I somewhat agree with CrunchyCookie, Motor Trend ate its' words by calling this "the best sports car ever built."
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Ethan 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
There is a nice article by Jamie Kitman in Automobile this month- comparing the NSX with the Rolling Stones... his conclusion was that both continue to rock many years beyond their expected retirement. The NSX was on the market for 15 years- think about that for a minute- when you consider that the typical Accord/Civic lifecycle is only 4 years, it is absolutely amazing that this car still earns respect from enthusiasts. Its just a shame that the NSX-R was never released in the states...
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tim 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
it has sold "18,000 units" not "18,000 unites"
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j panozzo 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
The NSX was a gorgeous dream car 15 years ago. I wish I had a scale model of it. The body style still is beautiful. But face it, the horsepower did not keep up with the times. 270 for the stick, 252 for the automatic gets dwarfed by many, even sedans and SUVs! Besides, the 85K price tag also guaranteed low niche type sales.
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sr20de 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
Personally, I'm holding my breath for the new Skyline. The NSX used to be my favorite car 10 years ago, but for $90k my money is better spent elsewhere.
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Flanagan 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
WillDaThrill,
The NSX was never about sales. It was more about showcasing technology. Also, it was never plagued by handling problems. Sure, it has lower mechanical grip than, say, a Ferrari 355, but it made up for this by balancing the handling to just on the understeer side of neutral. Remember, this is a mid-engined car we're talking about, so a neutral-to-mild understeer is ideal because it allows you to adjust the car with the throttle.
The NSX also was never about all-out performance. It's always been called a well-mannered supercar, or a daily driven exotic. It's more about balance. It isn't the most powerful, quickest, fastest, or most grippy mid-engined sports car, but it is one of the most rewarding to drive.
If you want to talk about a near-exotic with handling problems, look at the Viper, especially the first generation. Snap oversteer anyone? Grip, grip, slip, spin.
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Poe 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
I absolutely agree with everything Flanagan said - and I'll add that it is also one of the most reliable cars ever built. It placed near the top of the list (if not THE top) in reliability out of every long-term test car Road & Track has ever had in their fleet (and this is as of the current issue).
WillDaThrill: "Plagued with handling problems"?!?!? I've never read anything but positively GLOWING reports of its handling balance and prowess (and I've been reading car rags constantly since long before the NSX existed).
The NSX is a great car with timeless looks and fantastic, well-balanced (if not class leading) performance. It is destined to be a very collectible classic.
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WillDaThrill 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
Umm, Ethan, the civic has been on the market sice the 70's
You are right Flanagan, but if you pay 80 to 90K for a new car, it better at least be a contender to the Mustang. I'm not blowing that much money on a car just to say that "it's all about the technological concept." Even with the Vipers quirks, it's not even close competition. I know mid engines bring up more problems, but you mean to tell me after 15 years they still can't keep and aerodynamic 280hp car in the curves?
POE, do your reasearch, like I said, I know it's a mid engine car but if Porcshe and Lambo can tame their middys in the curves, why couldn't Honda?
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Scott 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
Wow, talk about an overpriced car! Great handling does not justify an 80k sticker. At that price, you're paying for exclusivity and that's about it.
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CrunchyCookie 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
$80K sticker? Try $89,765.
I've never heard of handling problems aside from the usual mid-engine twitchiness, but what's up with the slow-ass steering? 18.6 to 1???
http://www.acura.com/models/nsx_specs_results.asp
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Nick 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
CrunchyCookie, you sound like a 16-year old trying to blast Acura, Motor Trend, and AutoBlog. Please grow up, troll. Until then, get back to driving your Mom's minivan and enjoy your wet dreams about owning a car with a 0-60 time of under 5 seconds.
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Poe 11:05PM (12/18/2005)
WillDaThrill: I don't need to do any reasearch on the NSX. I've been reading about it since it's inception and I already know for a fact that it doesn't NEED any "taming" in the curves. It's a superbly handling car - one of the best! The fact that it's a 15-yr-old design doesn't change that fact. In fact I can't think of ANY true mid-engined cars that require any "taming" in the curves. It's BECAUSE they're mid-engined that they handle so well, not in spite of it!!! Sounds like you need to do a little research yourself (you can start by learning how to spell "Porsche"). I do, however, agree that there are better cars out there for the same or less money than a new NSX. I wouldn't spend $90k on a new one, but if I found a nice used one for a reasonable price, it would be very hard to resist. They're great cars.
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