PRESS RELEASE
Acura Debuts '97 NSX at L.A. Auto Show
Acura Debuts '97 NSX Exotic Sports Car, Limited-Edition Integra Type R
at L.A. Auto Show
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3 -- Acura today at the Greater Los Angeles
Auto Show unveiled the final two, yet most performance-oriented additions to
its 1997 lineup of luxury performance automobiles -- the 1997 Acura NSX exotic
mid-engine sports car, and the 1997 Acura Integra Type R limited edition
sports coupe.
The latest-generation NSX, making its worldwide debut in Los Angeles,
represents a significant step forward in performance for one of the most
exotic, mid-engine sports cars in the world.
First introduced for the 1991 model year, the NSX now offers a larger,
more powerful, all-aluminum, 3.2-liter V-6 engine with 6-speed manual
transmission, and significant engineering updates to the powertrain, brakes
and steering. It now produces 290 horsepower and 224 lbs-ft of torque for a
7-percent horsepower-to-weight ratio increase on the aluminum-bodied NSX with
6-speed manual.
"The NSX continues its role as a leader in high-performance technology,
which has been one of its crowning achievements since its introduction," said
Rich Thomas, Acura's executive vice president and general manager, noting that
the 1997 NSX with manual transmission increased only 4-1/2 pounds in total
weight despite many improvements. "This year's model takes all of its
original attributes and raises them to the next level with significantly
increased performance."
The all-aluminum, 3.2-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, 90-degree V-6 is the new
standard engine on the 1997 Acura NSX.
Meanwhile, the optional automatic transmission-equipped NSX, with Formula
One racing-inspired SportShift mode, continues to utilize the potent 3.0-liter
V-6 that produces 252 horsepower and 210 lbs-ft. of torque.
Both powerplants feature the exclusive Variable Valve Timing and Lift
Electronic Control (VTEC) system, a Variable Volume Induction System intake
configuration, Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and a direct ignition
system. The new 3.2-liter V-6 also features a retuned, free-flowing exhaust
system.
Other updates for 1997 include:
-- Larger brakes and improved Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) performance;
-- New aluminum alloys for lighter, high-rigidity body panels;
-- Refinements to the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system;
-- Adoption of a dual-mass flywheel;
-- Highly efficient, heat-absorbing green window glass;
-- Anti-theft vehicle immobilizer system;
-- Reshaped front spoiler and new machine-finished wheels;
-- Two exciting new colors: Spa Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue.
Manufacturers suggested retail prices range from $84,000 for the NSX
Coupe, and $88,000 for the open-top NSX-T.
The 1997 Acura Integra Type R, meanwhile, features a 195-horsepower,
1.8 liter, dual-overhead-cam, 16-valve VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine that puts
out more horsepower per liter than any other normally aspirated mass-produced
automobile engine in the U.S.
And, like the NSX, the Integra Type R features numerous, technological
innovations that maximize performance and handling, and provide high levels of
safety, durability and efficiency.
"The Integra lineup has always been dedicated to the proposition that
driving is its own reward, and the Type R is the epitome of that dedication,"
Thomas said. "Its engineering teams included our top Formula One racing
veterans, so the dynamic essence of true race cars is carried through every
stage of development of the Type R."
One of the Type R's most notable engineering achievements is its high-
revving VTEC engine. Features unique to the Type R are: hand-polished intake
and exhaust ports and single-port intake manifold; a larger-diameter exhaust
system to allow larger volume flow; and a torque-sensitive helical limited-
slip differential.
Outstanding cornering response and enhanced braking performance also are a
hallmark of this limited edition vehicle. This is made possible by features
such as; an overall vehicle weight reduction by 93 pounds (compared to the
current Integra GS-R); lower overall vehicle height (by 15 mm compared to the
GS-R) and aerodynamic refinements -- such as a chin spoiler, wing-type rear
spoiler and body-colored side sills -- that result in 30% less lift (Cl) and
1% less drag (Cd); racetrack-calibrated suspension, high-performance tires and
lightweight aluminum alloy wheels in Championship White; larger disk brakes
with performance-oriented calipers; refined Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS);
reinforced unit-body structure.
The interior of the Type R also has a distinctly racing look and sporty,
feel. Features include sport-style seats, a serial number plate on the center
console, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, carbon fiber-like
instrumentation design with amber illumination, and an exclusive Type R
ignition key.
Scheduled to go on sale this Spring and limited to only 500 units, the
Integra Type R will be available exclusively in Championship White -- to
commemorate the company's first-ever Formula One racing victory by Ritchie
Ginther in the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix.
All Acura models are covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-
to-bumper limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total
Luxury Care (TLC) program privileges such as free 24-hour roadside assistance,
concierge service and trip routing.
CONTACT: Mike Spencer, 310-783-3165, Theresa Lin, 310-783-3396, Andy Boyd, 313-567-7770, or Mike Ackerman, 212-765-3804, all of Acura Public Relations
