The world's most civilized supercar? The Acura NSX was a game-changer, no question about that, and without cars like this 1991, cars like the Ferrari 458 Italia, the Audi R8, and Lamborghini Gallardo probably wouldn't be as spectacular and as civilized as they are today. Honda's low-slung, aluminum-intensive wedge has aged well, and still draws all eyes when it rolls past. The specs are impressive, even today, with a 3000-pound curb weight, 270 horsepower from a 3.0 liter V6 that spins to 8000 RPM, and if not for the relatively small wheels and tires, it could probably pass for a decade newer. The paint sure doesn't give away the fact that this sportster is more than two decades old, with a great shine and vivid color that shows no signs of UV damage like many reds do after time. You'd think the chin would take a beating on such a low car, but someone has obviously been very careful about driveway aprons and parking curbs, and despite sticky tires, the rockers look great. The black top looks like a fighter jet cockpit, and the neatly integrated rear spoiler is framed by unique taillights and is more than cosmetic. A lot of these have been driven hard simply because they feel indestructible, but this one shows no signs of abuse, track days, or even harsh weather. Acura went the extra mile with the interior, and while you'd expect some shared components, there aren't many. The deeply sculpted leather buckets grab and hold you like your favorite aunt at a family reunion, and show the kind of wear that makes them more inviting. The seating position is comfortable, it's easy to climb in (ever tried the coordinated "fall" into a Lambo?), and the ergonomics are great. The shifter clicks through the gears like a toggle switch, and the gauges are as easy to read as those in an Accord. Seriously, where's the downside to driving this sucker ever day? There's even a reasonably-sized trunk behind the mid-mounted engine, and another one up front. Car & Driver makes an apt comparison, noting that the 1991 NSX's 3.0-liter DOHC V-TEC V6 makes 270 horsepower, while today's latest BMW 3.0-liter six with direct injection makes 268. Combined with the flyweight chassis, it's exuberant on the road and sings to redline without strain. The five-speed manual transmission may seem quaint today, but with an engine this silky smooth and with 8000 RPM to work with, extra gears are merely superfluous. Four-wheel independent suspension is elegantly simple, somehow managing to be daily-driver supple, yet track-ready tenacious, and the 4-wheel discs are powerful, particularly hiding inside staggered 15- and 16-inch alloy wheels. It wears 205/50/15 front and 225/50/16 rear Dunlops with lots of life left in them. On the verge of becoming bona-fide collectors' items, particularly with a new NSX on the horizon, discover why these cars have such passionate owners. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom. For more information, please call (817) 764-8000 or toll free (855) 877-2707.
↧