REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Timeless? Hardly. Aesthetically, the NSX just doesn’t have it anymore. And when you come right down to it, did it ever? The model formerly known as the Japanese Ferrari owes the attention it gets more to its rarity than it looks. However, from the technical standpoint the NSX has all it takes to make car enthusiasts break out in a sweat. Honda’s engineers have slaved away to add a host of features that give the NSX an aura previously exclusive to Porsche, Ferrari or Lotus, to name only the most illustrious makes of this particular ilk. Quite a feat!The NSX has two seats in the purest sense of the term and its satin soft cockpit barely offers more head or leg room than that of small and medium-sized cars. Its low-set seats, gracefully sculpted in the ergonomic tradition of true sports cars are designed to facilitate good support-while still allowing the slightly stocky to feel completely at ease. Visibility isn’t perfect, but on what sports car is it? Plus the air- conditioning has to be on high to clear out the stifling heat of the interior. Finally, as space is limited, there are just two small baggage compartments-one in front, the other behind.People say the NSX- T is docile, which is true. This sports car is quite civilized next to many of its more physically demanding rivals. And, while it is docile, drivers will quickly reach their limits-not necessarily the same as those of the car. At this point, things could go haywire, because a mid-engine car like this is not very forgiving of a beginner’s mistakes. If you pull your foot off the pedal during a hard turn, you may feel like the brake lights are spinning toward you. The NSX-T quickly becomes lighter and less stable at higher speeds. Faster than 200 km/h, the front end loses its balance and requires constant vigilance. The six gears are properly staggered, while the automatic SportShift transmission makes it easy getting around town-like offering you manual control when you want it.

PROS
 Surprisingly docile
Admirably well designed interior
Exotic AND reliable

CONS
Sometimes tricky handling
Front end lifting at high speeds
No more technical or design innovations

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: no data Passenger: no data
New front and rear fascias
2002 Japan

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