Acura Debuts Alex Zanardi Edition NSX

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ACURA
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MEDIA
INFORMATION
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For Immediate Release
For More Information:
Kurt Antonius (310) 783-3996
Jay Joseph (310) 783-3396
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AC 98-12
Acura Debuts Alex Zanardi Edition NSX
MIAMI, Fla., Nov. 6 - Acura todflYunveiled its most exclusive, best handling
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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 trom
two-time CART open-wheel racing chain~ionship driver, Alex Zanardi. Only fifty copies
ofthis limited edition model ~ill be hand built - each identified by a numbered signature
plaque located between thedJjver and passenger seat head rests.
Zanardi himselfwill take delivery of the first signature series NSX when it goes
on sale in March of 1999. "This is.a teITifichonor forme," 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."
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1919 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90501-2765
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Tel. (319) 783-3165
. FAX (310) 783-3622
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Alex Zanardi Edition NSX
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The ultra-exclusive Alex Zanardi Edition coupe features a lower overall weight
than the standard NSX through a number ofw~ight reducing measUres. A racetracktuned s~spension, lightweight BBS alloy wheels, titanium shift knob and signature series.
plaque are a few of the key elements that set this modeI apart from other NSX models.
Other features av'ailableonly on the
Alex Zanardi Edition NSX include
a body,
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colored hard-top roof,.red-stitched interior trim with suede-like seating surfaces,
aluminum-mesh intake covers, and a new lightweight rear spoiler.
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"The Alex Zanardi Edition takes the NSX to a new level of performance and
exclusivity, and will appeal to the discerning enthu~iast in search of something uniquely
thrilling" said Jeff Conrad, assistant vice president, national marketing, ofAcyra
Division. "From the outset, the NSX has been Acura's technology showcase, and in that
sense, the Alex Zanardj'Edition NSX is the perfect jewel to top the Acuracrown."
The Alex Zanardi Edition bikes NSX performance up a notch with an improved
power40-weight ratio,. Total vehicle weight is reduced 149pounds compared to the.
NSX -T, through the use of a fixed hard-top roof, lighter rear spoiler, single pane re~
glass,lightweight BBS alloy wheels, a lighter battery, and a manualrack-and-pinion
stee~g system in place of the electric po~er steering.
Suspension is provided by Iiforged, all-aluminum independent double-wjshbone
setup assisted by multi-rate gas-filled dampers with front and rear stabilizer bars. Tht:
Alex Zanardi Edition NSX also boasts a racetrack-tuned suspension system and manual
rack-and-pinion steering for increased steering precision and,handling control.
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Alex Zanardi Edition ~SX
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The front ahdrear sho~krebound\ates have been iricreasedby 99,percentand 31
percent,respeGtive1y,along with compression rates that h~vebeen increased by 72
p~cent and ~o per~enL Front and rear springs are 103 percent and 32 per~ent stiffer,
respyctively, along with finnerbushings '- yielding front and rear.roll cyntersthat are
lower by O.6:inche,sinfrontand oj inches atthe rear., A lower overall vehicle height and
'Cehterof
gravity also contIibllte to'improved
cornering perfonnance.
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Additional
exclusiveieatures in9lude anewtitanium~finishedcenter console and
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door inserts, and perforated suede-like ~ea!ingsurfaces for superior griP. In addition to
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1hese~ts, red stitching highlights the l~ather-wrapRedsteering 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 vehiCleas one of only fifty to be
hand built at the company's Takanazawa plantinTochigi, Japan. An exclusive Fonnula
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Red ex!erior,'colorcompletes the package.
The AlexZanarcli Edition NSX is equippedwith a 3.2-liter, DOIfC, 24-valve"
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VTECV-6engirie prQducing290 ho~sepowerand 224 lb.-ft. oftorque,coupled to a
6-speed close-ratio manu~l transmission.
Braking is accomplished,through:ventilatedfour-wheel discs with 4-:channel
Antilock Braking System. An advanced automatic Traction Cqntr61Sys~em(TCS) works
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in',conjupc'tlon\yith the drive-by-wire throttle to help the driver maiptain control in
slippery conditions, and can be ~witcheg:offif desired.
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Alex Zanardi Edition NSX
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Interior features include an Acura/Bose Music System@,automatic climate
control, power windows, power door locks, cruise control and telescoping steering wheel.
An ariti-theft immobilizer system will disable the-fuel system in the event of tampering.
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Having pioneered the Japanese-nameplate luxury performance market in 1986,
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Acura introduced the world's firstall-alumillllm, mid-engine, exotic sports car; the NSX,
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in 1990. The NSX established a new definition of exotic performance, combining.topl
notch dynamic performance with superior comfort, reliapility and driveability: Since
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then, the NSX has been continuously refined to keep it on the cutting edge of sports car
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performance.
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Like all Acuras, the Alex Zanardi Edition NSX is covered by a comprehensive
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4-year/50,00O-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and Acura Total LuxurYCare
program, which includes free'24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip
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routing.
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