Acura has added performance to a good all-around car instead of designing a performance car from scratch. To reduce noise, a bearing supports the idler shaft, and gear-mesh contact ratio was refined. The only factory option on either the 3. These changes give it a firmer ride, and slightly crisper handling with good compliance over rough roads. To achieve its high output, the Type S incorporates several engine enhancements including a dual-stage induction system, low-restriction dual-outlet exhaust, larger diameter throttle body, increased compression ratio, special intake valves, camshafts and cylinder heads.
The Type S, with its 17-inch tires, feels firmer still, less plush, and with sharper turning response. The 4-cylinder model had an option for a 5-speed. But that's not the problem. The rear seat quarters are a bit light on legroom, as you'd expect, but treat occupants to pleasantly comfy seats with rear cupholders and an in-seat storage cubby. If you judge by specs and numbers alone, the 3. Key engine attributes were analyzed to develop engineering targets for smoothness and noise control. We expect a low-15-second time in the quarter-mile when we get our hands on a testable Type S.
An expanded torque converter lockup area provides a more direct driveline feel, similar to a manual transmission. At the same time, we are ever ready to publicly smack the snot out of a new car that warrants it. A palpable difference is readily noticeable from behind the wheel. Classy, comfortable, and refined, it had no problem drawing buyers-accounting for about a quarter of all sales-but its lack of sport appeal left many enthusiasts unimpressed. A crisply-defined oval tail panel and large taillights give it presence from the rear. Check our Check also: Complete photo gallery and specs - click the button below: Search automobile-catalog: this database is huge, use the search field below to find here data you are looking for: Photo of the moment: Photo: © Nissan Motor Co. Each curve was a test of the double-wishbone suspension and the specially tuned features of the Type S.
Ominous gray clouds spit water down on the windshield as we wound our way through the Los Padres National Forest toward Pine Mountain Summit. It's all the right gear, and our track numbers show the Type S to be fleet and capable. These elements allow the Type S to achieve a broad torque curve providing 232 lb-ft of torque between 3500 and 5500 rpm. We've just gotten out of the 2001 Acura 3. During the redesign, the team opted for larger diameter brakes 11. Engineering 5 Speed Automatic 3. Yet somehow the specs don't tell the whole story.
Similar to the powertrain in the 3. As the engine accelerates through 4400 rpm 4800 rpm on Type S , the intake rocker arms transition to actuation by high-lift, long-duration cam lobes designed to optimize high rpm output. There is no penalty in drivability, and very little in fuel mileage -- the 3. Southern California was experiencing a heavy winter storm, one that might have spoiled an introduction of a lesser car. The 1998 and 1999 models featured a 2. Engineering 5 Speed Automatic 3.
The Type S seemed oddly slow off the line, but midrange power was excellent. In either form, that 3. Debuted at the Los Angles Auto Show in January and due to go on sale in early March, the 2001 3. Additionally, by reducing the number of machined surfaces, spin-cast cylinder liners ease the manufacturing process. The Type S goes one step further, with stiffer springs, increased compression and rebound damping and longer bump stops to achieve a sportier feel. Any steering lightness during acceleration in more an effect of weight transfer than of torque steer. If it senses that either a person is leaning against the door or a small child is in the front passenger seat, it will keep the side airbag from deploying and allow only a low-speed deployment of the front passenger airbag.
An automatic climate control system with micron air filtration keeps the cabin clean and comfortable. To foster the immediate feel of a manual transmission, in SportShift mode, the transmission logic commands firmer shifts that are approximately 10 percent quicker than in automatic mode. Our hand-timed 0-to-60-mph runs fell in the neighborhood of about seven seconds, which is certainly quicker than the last 3. The manumatic is a brilliant execution applied to the wrong concept. Please refer to the maintenance section of your owner's manual to determine all appropriate maintenance intervals.
That same mix of virtues vaulted the to first in a comparo of nine luxury vehicles earlier this year. The gently-rounded semi-fastback profile is balanced by angular fender and character lines and plane surfaces. Please refer to the maintenance section of your owner's manual to determine all appropriate maintenance intervals. Vehicle Stability Assist is standard on the Type S as well. Several enhancements to the 3. No wonder, since they all share Honda's new mid-size platform.
More to the point, the high-revving, 260-hp engine positively screams out for a proper manual transmission. Acura engineers say that these enhancements mean a broader torque curve with 232 lb-ft of torque between 3500 and 5500 rpm. The exclusive camshafts found in the Type S engine further increase power output by providing longer intake valve duration, more vale overlap and additional lift for the exhaust valves. Driven by the crankshaft via a glass-fiber reinforced toothed belt, the cams actuate the valves via friction reducing roller followers. We love coming across a new car that is so freakishly compelling that we encourage you to sell the house immediately and buy one.