2003 Acura NSX
Beginning in 2002, all Acura NSXs features a removable aluminum roof panel that can be easily stowed under the rear glass hatch. Also, in 2002, the Acura NSX received a variety of styling enhancements to modernize the car’s looks and refinements to the chassis to ensure its competitiveness as a world-class sports car. The front fascia of the Acura NSX was updated with a higher hood, and a redesigned front bumper and spoiler. The front headlights changed from pop-up halogen units to fixed position Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. Other external styling refinements for 2002 included new mesh side air intakes, a trunk lip spoiler, more aggressive exhaust tips, and a redesigned taillight configuration. Chassis refinements included a larger diameter rear stabilizer bar, firmer front springs, and bigger wheels and tires to enhance the car’s dynamic handling characteristics. The enhancements together combined to reduce the car’s coefficient of drag from 0.32 to 0.30 and raise the top speed from 168 to 175 mph.
The 2003 mid-engine Acura NSX offers two distinct powerplants. The first is an all-aluminum 3.2-liter V-6 that produces 290 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The second is an all-aluminum, 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 252 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque mated to an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with Formula One-inspired Sequential SportShift.
Both engines are normally aspirated and are equipped with dual overhead cams, 4 valves-per-cylinder, a Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTECTM) system, and a Variable Volume Induction system. They also feature Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and a direct-ignition system that uses six individual coils, one mounted atop each spark plug, instead of a single coil for all six cylinders.
The chassis features all-aluminum construction for lightweight. The 4-wheel, independent double-wishbone suspension features aluminum-alloy control arms and hub carriers front and rear to minimize unsprung weight for optimum handling.
Aluminum subframes for the suspension further reduce suspension mass. The braking system features large-diameter, ventilated 4-wheel discs and an advanced 4-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). The sophisticated Traction Control System (TCS) has been designed to help limit wheel-spin and enhance control.
The standard engine on the Acura NSX is an all-aluminum, 90-degree, 3.2-liter (3,179 cc), dual overhead cam, 4 valve-per-cylinder V-6 that produces 290 hp at 7,100 rpm and 224 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Redline for this engine is 8,000 rpm.
The only factory option for the NSX is an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission that comes with an all-aluminum, 90-degree, 3.0-liter (2,977 cc), dual overhead cam, 4 valve-per-cylinder V-6 with a top output of 252 hp at 6,600 rpm and 210 lb-ft of torque at 5,300 rpm. Redline for this engine is 7,500 rpm.
An exclusive electronically controlled Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTECTM) system optimizes volumetric efficiency at both low and high engine RPM. A unique Variable Volume Induction System changes the configuration of the intake system in conjunction with varying engine speeds, working with the VTEC system to broaden the torque curve and increase peak power output.
2003 Acura NSX Features
ENGINEERING FEATURES | Manual | Automatic |
3.2-liter, 290 hp, 24-valve, DOHC, V-6 aluminum alloy engine | x | — |
3.0-liter, 252 hp, 24-valve, DOHC, V-6 aluminum alloy engine | — | x |
Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control system (VTECTM) | x | x |
Titanium connecting rods | x | x |
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) | x | x |
Drive-by-wire throttle system | x | x |
Direct Ignition system with knock control | x | x |
6-speed manual transmission | x | — |
Electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter and Sequential SportShift | — | x |
105,000-mile tune-up interval | x | x |
Variable electric power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering | x | x |
All-aluminum unit-body construction | x | x |
4-wheel all-aluminum independent aluminum double-wishbone suspension | x | x |
4-wheel ventilated disc brakes | x | x |
Torque-reactive differential | x | — |
Torque control differential | — | x |
17-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels | x | x |
Ultra-high performance tires | x | x |
Dual exhaust system | x | x |
LEV exhaust emission control system | x | x |
SAFETY and SECURITY FEATURES | Manual | Automatic |
4 channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) | x | x |
Traction Control System (TCS) | x | x |
Driver’s and passenger’s front airbag (SRS) | x | x |
3-point seat belts | x | x |
Seat belt pre-tensioners with load limiters | x | x |
Side-impact door beams | x | x |
Front and rear crumple zones | x | x |
Theft-deterrent system | x | x |
Electronic immobilizer system | x | x |
EXTERIOR FEATURES | Manual | Automatic |
Fixed High-Intensity Discharge headlights (HID) | x | x |
Removable aluminum roof panel with an integrated storage compartment | x | x |
Rear window defroster with timer | x | x |
Dual power-operated outside mirrors | x | x |
Heat-rejecting green glass | x | x |
Body-integrated rear spoiler with LED central high mount brake light | x | x |
Power antenna | x | x |
INTERIOR FEATURES | Manual | Automatic |
SEATING and TRIM | ||
Perforated leather-trimmed seats and door panels | x | x |
Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel | x | x |
4-way power driver’s and passenger’s seat | x | x |
COMFORT and CONVENIENCE | ||
Automatic Climate Control System | x | x |
Acura / Bose® Music System with AM/FM/Cassette | x | x |
Tilt and telescopic steering column | x | x |
Carpeted floor mats | x | x |
Steering wheel-mounted cruise control | x | x |
Variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist feature | x | x |
Center storage console | x | x |
Dual beverage holders | x | x |
Door storage compartments | x | x |
Maintenance interval reminder | x | x |
Side window defoggers | x | x |
Remote trunk/hatch/fuel-filler door releases | x | x |
Pre-wiring for CD changer | x | x |
2003 Acura NSX Specifications
POWERTRAIN | ||
Engine Type | ||
Horsepower, SAE Net | ||
Torque, SAE Net | ||
Redline | ||
Bore & Stroke | (93 mm x 78 mm) |
(90 mm x 78 mm) |
Displacement | ||
Compression Ratio | ||
Induction System | ||
Valvetrain | ||
Engine Block | ||
Cylinder Head | ||
Connecting Rods | ||
Emission Control | ||
Ignition System | ||
Alternator | ||
Battery | ||
Recommended Fuel | ||
Layout | ||
Transmission | ||
Ratios (:1) |
2nd / 1.956 3rd / 1.428 4th / 1.125 5th / 0.914 6th / 0.717 Reverse / 3.186 Final / 4.062 |
2nd / 1.552 3rd / 1.026 4th / 0.684 Reverse / 1.909 Final / 4.428 |
CHASSIS | ||
Body Type | ||
Front Suspension | ||
Rear Suspension | ||
Shock Absorbers | ||
Stabilizer Bars | ||
Front |
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Rear |
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Steering Type | ||
Steering Ratio | ||
Steering Wheel Turns (lock to lock) | ||
Turning Circle (curb to curb) | ||
Wheels | ||
Front |
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Rear |
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Tires | . | |
Front |
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Rear |
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Braking System | ||
Front Discs | ||
Rear Discs | ||
Total Swept Area | ||
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) | ||
CAPACITIES | ||
Crankcase | ||
Cooling System | ||
Fuel Tank | ||
Volumes | ||
Passenger |
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Cargo |
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Total |
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FUEL ECONOMY | ||
EPA Fuel Mileage – City / Highway | ||
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS | ||
Wheelbase | ||
Track, front | ||
Track, rear | ||
Overall Length | ||
Overall Width | ||
Overall Height | ||
Curb Weight | ||
Weight Distribution (% front / rear) | ||
AERODYNAMICS | ||
Coefficient of Drag (Cd) | ||
Coefficient of Lift (Cl) | ||
Frontal Area (A) | ||
Air Drag Coefficient (Cd x A) | ||
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS | ||
HeadRoom | ||
Leg Room | ||
Hip Room | ||
Shoulder Room | ||
WARRANTIES | ||
Vehicle | ||
Outer Body Rust-Through | ||
Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC) with roadside assistance |