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August 2002

Hottest NSX ever.. The NSX-R

NsxR photo

Honda has released the lightest NSX to date. Lighter even than the 3.0 NSXs of the past. The new NSX-R features Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel (no airbags), carbon fiber rear wing. and carbon fiber hood which features a vent for the exiting air from the radiator. What maybe more important is what the NSX-R is missing. No power steering, no stereo, no air conditioning, and no power windows. Less accessories than the already lighten NSX type S. The engine is unchanged, producing 280 hp at 7300 rpm and 225 lbs-ft at 5300 rpm with a redline of 7700 rpm. Weighing just 1270 kgs or 2800 lbs, combined with a shorter final ratio, the NSX-R sprints to 60 from a stop in 4.4 seconds. Bettering NSX-S's 4.8 0 to 60. Handling is improved with higher spring rates, interior

revised dampeners, and of course, the lighter weight. The steering has become even more responsive with the deletion of electric assist. The NSX-R maybe the best handling sports car to be produced of Japan. Improving it's image as Japan's finest example of a sports car. With the (although maybe not permanent) death of it's rivals from the past, the Skyline GTR, Supra TT, and RX7, the NSX-R maybe a signal of the final evolution of the NSX-R. The 12 year old design has been long over due for a remake. The question is, how far Honda will go to produce a low production sports car that does not make money.