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While both the NA1 and NA2 generations of the original NSX are represented in Gran Turismo 7 in their sportiest Type R trim, I've always had a soft spot for the NSX Type T, or NSX-T for short.
As one might have surmised, the "T" stands for "Targa" in reference to its detachable roof. From the outside however, it would be tricky to tell an NSX-T apart from a regular NSX, as the engineers were told to keep the Targa looking identical to the coupé. Unable to thicken any pillars or panels to keep the Targa looking identical, engineers worked hard to recoup the losses in body rigidity caused by chopping off the roof of the NSX, which was never designed for a Targa top to begin with. Engineer Horiuchi Sumio was incredibly honest about the shortcomings of the Targa NSX, saying that "it shakes when you hit (the windshield)". Exclusively paired to a 4AT (for the NA1 model), this means that the NSX-T has just 261HP and weighs in at 1,430kg (JP model), which is 15HP lower and 80kg heavier than the base NSX.
Of special interest is the new for 1995 automatic gearbox fitted to NSXes so equipped. The "F-Matic" system allows a driver to manually select gears via switches attached to the steering column, reminiscent of paddle shifters. The detachable roof, like the rest of the NSX's body, is all–aluminium. Weighing 8.5kg, Honda claims it can be stowed into the rear canopy without impeding on boot space nor rear visiblity.
My 1:43 scale model of an NSX-T
While an enthusiast might cringe at the topless 4AT model, the NSX-T has just looked so damned good in my opinion. Said to be inspired by a fighter jet, it is fitting that the roof of the NSX can open up just like a fighter jet. The original NSX broke new ground when it debuted, showing that a supercar can provide everyday comfort and bulletproof reliability; traits which were mutually exclusive before then. While I'm incredibly happy to have both generations of the hardcore NSX-R, I am also morbidly curious as to how a comfier, more "normal" NSX would feel to drive. Coupled with the coupé's already excellent outward visibility, I am almost certain that experiencing the NSX with an open top in VR and listening to its engine through an open cockpit would be so much fun!
As one might have surmised, the "T" stands for "Targa" in reference to its detachable roof. From the outside however, it would be tricky to tell an NSX-T apart from a regular NSX, as the engineers were told to keep the Targa looking identical to the coupé. Unable to thicken any pillars or panels to keep the Targa looking identical, engineers worked hard to recoup the losses in body rigidity caused by chopping off the roof of the NSX, which was never designed for a Targa top to begin with. Engineer Horiuchi Sumio was incredibly honest about the shortcomings of the Targa NSX, saying that "it shakes when you hit (the windshield)". Exclusively paired to a 4AT (for the NA1 model), this means that the NSX-T has just 261HP and weighs in at 1,430kg (JP model), which is 15HP lower and 80kg heavier than the base NSX.
Of special interest is the new for 1995 automatic gearbox fitted to NSXes so equipped. The "F-Matic" system allows a driver to manually select gears via switches attached to the steering column, reminiscent of paddle shifters. The detachable roof, like the rest of the NSX's body, is all–aluminium. Weighing 8.5kg, Honda claims it can be stowed into the rear canopy without impeding on boot space nor rear visiblity.
My 1:43 scale model of an NSX-T
While an enthusiast might cringe at the topless 4AT model, the NSX-T has just looked so damned good in my opinion. Said to be inspired by a fighter jet, it is fitting that the roof of the NSX can open up just like a fighter jet. The original NSX broke new ground when it debuted, showing that a supercar can provide everyday comfort and bulletproof reliability; traits which were mutually exclusive before then. While I'm incredibly happy to have both generations of the hardcore NSX-R, I am also morbidly curious as to how a comfier, more "normal" NSX would feel to drive. Coupled with the coupé's already excellent outward visibility, I am almost certain that experiencing the NSX with an open top in VR and listening to its engine through an open cockpit would be so much fun!
Name: Honda NSX Type T
Code: LA-NA1
Engine:
Transmission/Gearbox:
Gear Ratios:
Fuel Mileage: 8.4km/ℓ
Drivetrain Layout: Rear Mid Engine, Rear Wheel Drive
Steering: Electric Variable Assist Rack and Pinion
Steering Ratio: 18.6:1
Suspension (F/R): Double Wishbone/Double Wishbone
Brakes: Ventilated Disc Brakes
Exterior Dimensions (mm): 4,430 x 1,810 x 1,170
Wheelbase: 2,350mm
Track (mm) (F/R): 1,510 / 1,540
Ground Clearance: 135mm
Minimum Turning Radius: 5.8m
Kerb Body Mass: 1,430kg (3,152.6lbs)
Wheels and Tyres (Front): 16 x 7JJ, 215/45ZR16
Wheels and Tyres (Rear): 17 x 9JJ, 245/40ZR17
Sources:
Honda Media Newsroom
Honda NSX JP brochure
Code: LA-NA1
Engine:
- Name: C30A
- Type: DOHC V6
- Displacement: 2,997cc (181 cu in)
- Bore x Stroke: 90.0mm x 78.0mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
- Induction System: Programmed Fuel Injection (pGM-H) with Variable Volume Induction System
- Valvetrain: 4 valves per cylinder, belt-driven, dual overhead camshafts with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system
- Power (Net): 195kW (265PS) @ 6,800rpm
- Torque (Net): 294N-m (30.0kg-m) @ 5,400rpm
- Rev Limit: 7,500rpm
- Fuel: Unleaded Premium Gasoline
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 Litres (15.3 UK Gal, 18.5 US Gal)
Transmission/Gearbox:
- Type: 4–Speed Automatic
Gear Ratios:
- 1st: 2.611
- 2nd: 1.466
- 3rd: 1.025
- 4th: 0.777
- Final: 4.066
- Reverse: 1.909
Fuel Mileage: 8.4km/ℓ
Drivetrain Layout: Rear Mid Engine, Rear Wheel Drive
Steering: Electric Variable Assist Rack and Pinion
Steering Ratio: 18.6:1
Suspension (F/R): Double Wishbone/Double Wishbone
Brakes: Ventilated Disc Brakes
Exterior Dimensions (mm): 4,430 x 1,810 x 1,170
Wheelbase: 2,350mm
Track (mm) (F/R): 1,510 / 1,540
Ground Clearance: 135mm
Minimum Turning Radius: 5.8m
Kerb Body Mass: 1,430kg (3,152.6lbs)
Wheels and Tyres (Front): 16 x 7JJ, 215/45ZR16
Wheels and Tyres (Rear): 17 x 9JJ, 245/40ZR17
Sources:
Honda Media Newsroom
Honda NSX JP brochure
