Art of Gears
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How the 1990 Acura NSX Set a Standard for Sports Cars

By Barnell Anderson

DETROIT, MI, - JANUARY 15:The new Acura NSX concept vehicle awaits its reveal at the 2013 North American International Auto Show media preview January 15, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. Approximately 6000 members of the media from 68 countries are attending the show this year. The 2013 NAIAS opens to the public January 19th. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI, - JANUARY 15:The new Acura NSX concept vehicle awaits its reveal at the 2013 North American International Auto Show media preview January 15, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. Approximately 6000 members of the media from 68 countries are attending the show this year. The 2013 NAIAS opens to the public January 19th. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images) /
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The Acura NSX is one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. Debuting in 1990, most know the vehicle as an Acura, but other parts of the world recognize it as a Honda. Either way, this vehicle is the stuff gearhead dreams are made of. Like many Japanese cars of the time, the original Acura NSX fetches a pretty penny on the used car market. Unfortunately, the older versions are becoming increasingly rare.

Perhaps the biggest claim to fame for the 1990 Acura NSX is its power and speed. According to MotorTrend, the Acura sports car has a standard 3.0-liter C30A V6 engine under its hood. One of the things that makes it special is that the automaker designed this powerful engine specifically for the NSX. Typically, vehicles share engines with other cars, which is one of the reasons why so many sports cars are similar. NSX enthusiasts will note that a later model of the sports car contained the first VTEC engine used in the United States.

Regarding speed, the 1990 Acura NSX is an absolute beast and still competes with some of the fastest cars of today. Many reports say it takes the first model Acura NSX under five seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour. However, most accept that the car takes about 5.5 seconds to achieve the feat. The transmission options for this car are a four-speed automatic and a five-speed stick shift.

In terms of power, the 1990 NSX has a maximum output of 270 horsepower. The vehicle’s torque is 210 lb-ft. This Acura has a top speed of 163 miles per hour.

The first model Acura NSX is also notable because it represented a shift in sports cars. Many sports cars before this put much more of an emphasis on performance. While that’s important here, the automaker wanted the vehicle to be usable and comfortable. The design team accomplished this goal by adding things such as comfort seats, much more interior space, and sound deadening.

The Acura NSX is a sports car the world will never forget. This is the case because it created the standard for future vehicles of its type. Of course, the models that followed the original are also exceptional, but the first is special and holds a special place in the hearts of many.

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