Acura Debuts Alex Zanardi Edition NSX
6 November 1998
Acura Debuts Alex Zanardi Edition NSX MIAMI, Nov. 6 -- 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 from 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 driver 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 model
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-to-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 the 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(R), 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 top-notch 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/50,000-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 -- At A Glance
* Production: 50 units -- each with a numbered Alex Zanardi signature
plaque
* 149 pound weight reduction from NSX-T
* Front & rear shock absorber rebound rates increased 99% and 31%,
respectively
* Front & rear shock absorber compression rates increased 72% and 50%,
respectively
* Front & rear spring rates increased by 103% and 32%, respectively
* Stiffer, larger diameter rear stabilizer bar with thicker tube wall
Alex Zanardi Edition: 0.75 inch diameter, 0.11 inch wall thickness
NSX-T: 0.68 inch diameter, 0.09 inch wall thickness
* Overall height reduced by 0.4 inch
* Front roll center height reduced by 0.6 inch
* Rear roll center height reduced by 0.3 inch
Performance Modifications Weight difference
Manual rack-and-pinion steering
(Electric Power Steering deleted) - 32.0 lb.
Firmer, racetrack-tuned suspension + 0.9 lb.
Lightweight BBS alloy wheels - 8.8 lb.
Lightweight rear spoiler - 3.7 lb.
Lightweight battery - 6.8 lb.
Single partition glass - 4.2 lb.
Fixed hard-top roof - 95.0 lb.
Exterior
New wheel center cap --
Titanium shift knob + 0.4 lb.
Aluminum mesh intake covers + 0.2 lb.
Zanardi signature plaque --
Body-colored roof panel --
New Formula Red Exterior --
Interior
Perforated seat surfaces with red stitching --
Red-stitched steering wheel --
Red-stitched door lining --
Titanium look center console
and instrument meter panel --
Titanium look door panel --
Total weight reduction = - 149.0 lb
