The 1999 Acura NSX and NSX-T continued the tradition of high-performance and reliability established by the earlier models, featuring a blend of technological advancements and design excellence. Here are the key details and features of the 1999 models:
Overview
- Manufacturer: Honda (marketed as Acura in North America)
- Model: NSX / NSX-T (Targa)
- Class: Sports car / Supercar
- Body Style: 2-door coupe (NSX), 2-door targa (NSX-T)
- Layout: Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine and Performance
- Engine: 3.2-liter V6
- Horsepower: 290 hp at 7,100 rpm
- Torque: 224 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 4.8 seconds (manual)
- Top Speed: Around 175 mph
Design and Features
- Chassis: Aluminum monocoque body structure for reduced weight and improved performance.
- Roof: Removable targa top roof panel for the NSX-T, offering an open-air driving experience.
- Suspension: All-aluminum double wishbone suspension.
- Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes with ABS.
- Wheels/Tires: 16-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, fitted with performance tires.
- Interior: Leather seats, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, Bose sound system.
Technological Innovations
- VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control): Enhances performance by optimizing valve timing and lift.
- Drive-by-wire throttle system: Improves throttle response and overall engine management.
- Torsion Bar Suspension: Provides superior handling and ride quality.
Notable Features
- Performance: The 3.2-liter V6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission continued to offer exceptional performance and driving dynamics.
- Targa Top Design: The NSX-T variant features a removable roof panel, adding versatility and the joy of open-air driving.
- Refinements: Minor updates and refinements to interior and exterior features to maintain the NSX’s competitive edge and appeal.
1999 Acura NSX/NSX-T Specifications
| Specifications | NSX/NSX-T | |
| Engine Type Manual Automatic |
3.2-L (3179 cc), DOHC V-6 3.0-L (2977 cc), DOHC V-6 |
|
| Horsepower, SAE Net Manual Automatic |
290 hp @ 7100 rpm 252 hp @ 6600 rpm |
|
| Torque, SAE Net Manual Automatic |
224 Ib ft @ 5500 rpm 210 Ib ft @ 5300 rpm |
|
| Redline Manual Automatic |
8000 rpm 7500 rpm |
|
| Bore & Stroke Manual Automatic |
3.66 in x 3.07 in (93.0 mm x 78.0 mm) 3.54 in x 3.07 in (90.0 mm x 178.0mm) |
|
| Displacement Manual Automatic |
194 cu in (3179 cc) 181 cu in (2977 cc) |
|
| Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | |
| Induction System | Programm Fuel Injection (PGMFI) with Variable Volume Induction System | |
| Valvetrain | 4 valves per cylinder, belt-driven, dual overhead camshafts with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Electronic (VTEC) system | |
| Engine Block Manual Automatic |
Aluminum alloy with FRM cylinder liners Aluminum alloy with cast-iron cylinder liners |
|
| Cylinder Head | Aluminum alloy | |
| Connecting Rods | Titanium | |
| Emission Control | 3-way catalytic converter | |
| Ignition System | Electronic direct ignition | |
| Alternator | 12 V, 120 amp max | |
| Battery | 12 V, 65 amp/hr, maintenance-free | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, aluminum double-wishbone with coil springs, stabilizer bar and compliance pivot | |
| Rear Suspension | Independent, aluminum double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar | |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium unleaded 91 octane | |
| Body Type | All-aluminum unit body | |
| Shock Absorbers | Telescopic/gas-filled, front & rear | |
| Steering Type | Electric, variable power-assist, rack-and-pinion | |
| Steering Ratio | 18.6:1 | |
| Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-toLock | 3.07 | |
| Turning Circle, Curb-to-Curb | 38.1 ft (11-.6m) | |
| Wheels Front Rear |
Forged aluminum alloy 16 x 7 JJ 17 x 8.5 JJ |
|
| Tires Front Rear |
215/45 ZR 16 245/40 ZR 17 |
|
| Braking System | Dual-diagonal, power-assisted, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes; 4-channel Antilock Braking System (ABS) | |
| Front Discs | Ventilated, 11.7 in (298 mm) Diameter 1.1 in (28 mm) rotor thickness |
|
| Rear Discs | Ventilated 11.9 in (303 mm) Diameter 0.9 in (23 mm) rotor thickness |
|
| Swept Area Front Rear |
221.1 in (1426 cm2) 229.2 in (1479 cm2) |
|
| Parking Brake | Rear, mechanical | |
| Powertrain | ||
| Type | Transverse midship-engine/rear-wheel drive | |
| Transmission Ratios (: I) | 6-speed manual | 4-speed automatic with SportShift (optional) |
| 1st | 3.066 | 2.611 |
| 2nd | 1.956 | 1.551 |
| 3rd | 1.428 | 1.025 |
| 4th | 1.125 | 0.684 |
| 5th | 0.914 | – |
| 6th | 0.717 | – |
| Reverse | 3.186 | 1.909 |
| Final Drive | 4.62 | 4.428 |
| Capacities | ||
| Crankcase | 6.7 U.S. qt (6.3 L) | |
| Cooling System Manual Automatic |
16.9 U.S. qt (16.0 L) 17.4 U.S. qt (16.5L) |
|
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 U.S. gal (70 L) | |
| Passenger Volume | 48.9 cu ft | |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 5.0 cu ft | |
| Total Volume | 53.9 cu ft | |
| Fuel Economy | Factory-Estimated Fuel Mileage, City/Highway* 17/24 (manual) 18/24 (automatic) * California figures are the same. |
|
| Exterior Dimensions | ||
| Wheelbase | 99.6 in (2530 mm) | |
| Track, front | 59.4 in (1510 mm) | |
| Track, rear | 60.2 in (1530 mm) | |
| Length | 174.2 in (4425 mm) | |
| Overall width | 71.3 in (1810 mm) | |
| Height | 46.1 in (1170 mm) | |
| Curb Weight Manual Automatic |
Coupe 3066 Ib (1392 kg) 3110 Ib (1412 kg) |
NSX-T 3160 Ib (1435 kg) 3204 Ib (1455 kg) |
| Weight Distribution (% F/R) |
42/58 | |
| Coefficient of Drag (Cd) | 0.32 | |
| Coefficient of Lift (Cl) | 0.05 | |
| Frontal Area (A) | 19.16 sq ft (1.78 m2) | |
| Air Drag Coefficient (CD x A) |
0.57 | |
| Interior Dimensions | ||
| Head Room | 36.3 in (921 mm) | |
| Leg Room | 44.3 in (1126 mm) | |
| Hip Room | 53.8 in (1366 mm) | |
| Shoulder Room | 52.5 in (1334 mm) | |
| Warranties | ||
| Vehicle | 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty | |
| Outer Body RustThrough | 5-year/unlimited-mile limited warranty | |
| Roadside Assistance (TLC) | 4-year/50,000-miles | |
Acura Debuts Alex Zanardi Edition NSX
- 1999: Alex Zanardi Edition features exclusive wheels and tires, shift knob, numbered plaque, weight reduction, retuned suspension and titanium-finished center console and door trim
Acura today unveiled its most exclusive, best handling and quickest model ever at the 1998 Miami International Auto Show. The 1999 Alex Zanardi Edition NSX takes Acura’s all aluminum exotic sports car to new levels of excitement with this signature series model that features a number of distinctive features, including revised suspension and exclusive interior and exterior styling cues.
Available only as a hard-top coupe, the signature series NSX takes its name trom two-time CART open-wheel racing championship driver, Alex Zanardi. Only fifty copies of this limited edition model will be hand built – each identified by a numbered signature plaque located between the driveer and passenger seat head rests. Zanardi himself will take delivery of the first signature series NSX when it goes on sale in March of 1999. “This is a terrific honor for me,” said the Italian-born Zanardi. “The NSX is clearly one of the greatest exotics of all time and I am very pleased to be associated with such a fantastic sports car.”
The ultra-exclusive Alex Zanardi Edition coupe features a lower overall weight than the standard NSX through a number of weight reducing measures. A racetrack tuned suspension, lightweight BBS alloy wheels, titanium shift knob and signature series plaque are a few of the key elements that set this modeI apart from other NSX models.
Other features available only on the Alex Zanardi Edition NSX include a body-colored hard-top roof, red-stitched interior trim with suede-like seating surfaces, aluminum-mesh intake covers, and a new lightweight rear spoiler.
“The Alex Zanardi Edition takes the NSX to a new level of performance and exclusivity, and will appeal to the discerning enthusiast in search of something uniquely thrilling,” said Jeff Conrad, assistant vice president, national marketing, of Acura Division. “From the outset, the NSX has been Acura’s technology showcase, and in that sense, the Alex Zanardi Edition NSX is the perfect jewel to top the Acura crown.”
The Alex Zanardi Edition takes NSX performance up a notch with an improved power 40-weight ratio. Total vehicle weight is reduced 149 pounds compared to the NSX-T, through the use of a fixed hard-top roof, lighter rear spoiler, single pane rear glass, lightweight BBS alloy wheels, a lighter battery, and a manual rack-and-pinion steering system in place of the electric power steering.
Suspension is provided by a forged, all-aluminum independent double-wishbone setup assisted by multi-rate gas-filled dampers with front and rear stabilizer bars. The Alex Zanardi Edition NSX also boasts a racetrack-tuned suspension system and manual rack-and-pinion steering for increased steering precision and,handling control.
The front and rear shock rebound rates have been increased by 99 percent and 31 percent,respectively, along with compression rates that have been increased by 72 percent and 50 percent. Front and rear springs are 103 percent and 32 percent stiffer, respectively, along with firmer bushings- yielding front and rear roll centers that are lower by 0.6 inches in front and 0.3 inches at the rear. A lower overall vehicle height and center of gravity also contribute to improved cornering performance.
Additional exclusive features include a new titanium-finished center console and door inserts, and perforated suede-like seating surfaces for superior grip. In addition to these seats, red stitching highlights the leather-wrapped steering wheel and emergency brake handle. A brushed aluminum plaque located on the rear firewall is numbered and engraved with Alex Zanardi’s signature, identifying the vehicle as one of only fifty to be hand built at the company’s Takanazawa plant in Tochigi, Japan. An exclusive Formula Red exterior color completes the package.
The Alex Zanardi Edition NSX is equipped with a 3.2-liter, DOHC, 24-valve” , VTEC V-6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 224 lb.-ft. of torque, coupled to a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission.
Braking is accomplished through ventilated four-wheel discs with 4-channel Antilock Braking System. An advanced automatic Traction Control System(TCS) works in conjunction with the drive-by-wire throttle to help the driver maintain control in slippery conditions, and can be switched off if desired.
Interior features include an Acura/Bose Music System®, automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks, cruise control and telescoping steering wheel. An anti-theft immobilizer system will disable the fuel system in the event of tampering.
Having pioneered the Japanese-nameplate luxury performance market in 1986, Acura introduced the world’s first all-aluminum, mid-engine, exotic sports car, the NSX, in 1990. The NSX established a new definition of exotic performance, combining topnotch dynamic performance with superior comfort, reliability and driveability. Since then, the NSX has been continuously refined to keep it on the cutting edge of sports car performance.
Like all Acuras, the Alex Zanardi Edition NSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,00O-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and Acura Total Luxury Care program, which includes free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
1999 Alex Zanardi Edition NSX- Features
| Engineering Features | |
| 3.2-L, DOHC, 24-valve, V-6 engine | x |
| Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system | x |
| Programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) | x |
| Drive-by-wire throttle system | x |
| Direct ignition system | x |
| 6-speed manual transmission | x |
| 4-wheel, independent, aluminum double-wishbone suspension | x |
| All-aluminumunit-body construction | x |
| Titanium connecting rods | x |
| 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes | x |
| Torque-reactive differential | x |
| Forged alloy wheels | x |
| High-performance tires | x |
| Safety Features | |
| 4-channel Antilock Braking System(ABS) | x |
| Driver’s and passenger’s air bag Supplemental Restraint System(SRS) | x |
| 3-point seat belts with automatic seat belt tensioners | x |
| Traction Control System(TCS) | x |
| Side-impact door beams | x |
| Front and rear crumple zones | x |
| Exterior Features | |
| Power antenna | x |
| Heat-rejecting green glass | x |
| Dual power-operated door mirrors | x |
| Rear window defroster | x |
| 4-coat, 4-bake enamel paint | x |
| Body-colored front/rear bumpers | x |
| Body-integrated rear spoiler with LED brakelight | x |
| Dual exhaust system | x |
| Retractable projector beam Headlights | x |
| Interior Features | |
| Seating and Trim | |
| 4-way power seats | x |
| Full-length center console with dual cup holders | x |
| Full interior carpeting | x |
| Full cargo area carpeting | x |
| Comfort and Convenience | |
| Automatic climate control system | x |
| Acura/Bose@ Music System, AM/FM stereo, electronically tuned cassette radio, FM diversity antenna | x |
| Full instrumentation | x |
| Power windows | x |
| Power door locks | x |
| Cruise control | x |
| Fully adjustable steering column (tilt and telescopic) | x |
| Variable intermittent windshield wipers | x |
| Side window defoggers | x |
| Remote trunk/hatch/fuel- filler door releases | x |
| Pre-wiring for CD changer | x |
| Security | |
| Antitheft alarm | x |
| Security system w/ immobilizer | x |
1999 Acura NSX/NSX-T – Features
| Engineering Features | Manual | Automatic |
| 3.2-L, DOHC, 24-valve, V-6 engine |
x
|
–
|
| 3.0-L, DOHC, 24-valve, V-6 engine |
–
|
x
|
| Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system |
x
|
x
|
| Programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) |
x
|
x
|
| Drive-by-wire throttle system |
x
|
x
|
| Direct ignition system |
x
|
x
|
| 6-speed manual transmission |
x
|
–
|
| Electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with lockup torque converter and SportShift mode |
–
|
x
|
| 4-wheel, independent, aluminum double-wishbone suspension |
x
|
x
|
| Electric, variable, power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering |
x
|
x
|
| All-aluminum unit-body construction |
x
|
x
|
| Titanium connecting rods |
x
|
x
|
| 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes |
x
|
x
|
| Torque-reactive differential |
x
|
–
|
| Torque control differential |
–
|
x
|
| Forged alloy wheels |
x
|
x
|
| High-performance tires |
x
|
x
|
| Safety Features | Manual | Automatic |
| 4-channel Antilock Braking System (ABS) | x | x |
| Driver’s and passenger’s air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) |
x | x |
| 3-point seat belts with automatic seat belt tensioners | x | x |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | x | x |
| Side-impact door beams | x | x |
| Front and rear crumple zones | x | x |
| Power antenna | x | x |
| Heat-rejecting green glass | x | x |
| Dual power-operated door mirrors | x | x |
| Rear window defroster | x | x |
| 4-coat, 4-bake enamel paint | x | x |
| Body-colored front/rear bumpers | x | x |
| Body-integrated rear spoiler with LED brakelight | x | x |
| Dual exhaust system | x | x |
| Retractable projector beam headlights | x | x |
| Interior Features | Manual | Automatic |
| Seating and Trim | ||
| Leather-trimmed 4-way power seats | x | x |
| Full-length center console with dual cup holders | x | x |
| Full interior carpeting | x | x |
| Full cargo area carpeting | x | x |
| Comfort and Convenience | ||
| Automatic climate control system | x | x |
| Acura/Bose® Music System, AM/FM stereo, electronically tuned cassette radio, FM diversity antenna |
x | x |
| Full instrumentation | x | x |
| Power windows | x | x |
| Power door locks | x | x |
| Cruise control | x | x |
| Fully adjustable steering column (tilt and telescopic) | x | x |
| Variable intermittent windshield wipers | x | x |
| Side window defoggers | x | x |
| Remote trunk/hatch/fuel-filler door releases | x | x |
| Pre-wiring for CD changer | x | x |
| Security | Manual | Automatic |
| Antitheft alann | x | x |
| Security system w/immobilizer | x | x |