5| With aluminum body panels and frame, the NSX is an exercise in lightweight design but with the roof gone, engineers required some 55 kg of extra weight to properly reinforce the structure. Some additional body flex over the coupe can be detected but nothing too serious. Introduced in 1990, the NSX was an inspiration of Hondas technologyâ€"driven racing program. The NSX priced then at about $70,000 was truly Japan‘s first (and still only) supercar. It was a showcase of innovation but best of all it proved to be the perfect test bed for new technologies, like the Vâ€"TEC engine, which have now tnckled down all the way to the Civic. Through no fault of its own, NSX sales have never met expectations â€" most likely because exotic car buyers have traditionally looked to Europe for the thnils and status that they seek. > The NSX retains its sleek ultraâ€"low body, remniscent of some Ferraris with enough magnetism to cause a small commotion in most places. In an attempt to breath some life into sales, the 1995 mode| NSXâ€"T incorporates a removable targa top and an optional semiâ€"automatic transmission similar to those used in Formula 1 racing. For many, test driving cars may appear to be one of the world‘s best jobs. Let me tell you that the writing part is hard work and for every neat car that we test there are at least a couple that we would just assume not. With all the cars that we have driven our tastes have outgrown our wallets. The point is that we are not easy to impress and there are only a handful of cars like the new Acura NSXâ€"T that can get us really excited anymore. The Tâ€"roof covers almost the entire top of the car and can be There‘s no denying it â€" Acura‘s NSXâ€"T is one thrilling car to drive by lan B. Macpherson Probablylh:mos;umz'mgaspectofanSX-T‘sth-itonly uses a normally aspirated (ie. not turbo) 3.0â€"litre, Vâ€"6 engine not urdxkcdmwhichyouï¬ndina?mbeor(zmrxb\nlhmghsou down. Not to mention the SportShift is a $5,000 option and one which you‘ll probably just as often do without by putting the shift lever in "D" and forgetting about it. The problems with this system start with the sluggish response to inputs, which is slower than I could work with the fiveâ€"speed manua.lmdcndswilhd\efxulmlourgwsmjwnotmugh for a high revving Vâ€"TEC engine. Sometimes 1 found myself huntâ€" ingbetwccnaguxtlmwnstoobtmymdomdmwsbogï¬ng n e e en s _ uelet osuams 1 The all new semjâ€"automatic transmission dubbed SportShift is part of an apparent rush by manufacturers to put this racing techâ€" nology on showroom floors. The idea is to save the driver from ulunghxsl’nndsofltlnwheclwhileshifï¬ngmd.mimpot- tantly, to decrease time between shifts. The NSX uses a short lever orf the right side of the wheel which can be moved up or down to change into any of the fourâ€"speeds, with the present selection digâ€" itally displayed on the dash. The programming protects the engine Pn en en l onnel a wIe" P 1 1 removed by releasing and pulling out locking handles on each side of the car (identical to the Civic Del Sol). The section can d\cnbeesi}yliftcdoflbyoncpmonmdmmhcq)unnound before disappearing into a space underneath the canopy, all withâ€" out eating up an inch of storage space. Of course it still no conâ€" vertible but it does give you a nice open air feeling and avoids the maintenance pitfalls of a soft top. BR «& *See your authorized Voivo dealer for details. Test drive a new Volvo, today. it just might be your best move up Drivealonghemdiomoveryins‘lyle:inabrandneaVoIvo.Anamttnthumm beaso&dhvcstmem-mdavefysecureone-ingoodtimesandbad.Somloormbadt the good life with the added protection of Volvo features like these: * Energy Absorbing Impact Structures * 4â€"year/80,000 kms limited warranty*, * Reinforced Steel Passenger Cage whichever comes first * Antiâ€"Lock Braking System * &â€"year unlimited mileage corrosion protection warranty* (Continued on page 35) IARDLY 485 King St. North Waterloo, Ontario (519) 885â€"5090 3 YEAR 5 Â¥R.100.000 Km ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE L als of bwo door hatchbacks, and four door Sedans 95 Elantra m 600 Seoan â€" Avaitabie in 1.6 uire, and 1.8 Live engines ... 13 in stock. 95 Sonata ow s secan â€" Avaiabie in 4 cytnder ana 0 6 ylinder engines. 95 Accent ... Motoring 95‘s "Economy Car ot the Year" VER TO MAKE ROOM FOR ‘96 MODELS K I T C H E NE R ISI\'H.RN SAAB ISUZUI "Based on a 36â€"month lease tor 1908 Saab 800 8 19A faight $748 and $478 securtty depont are required. Lo A Saab helps you carry everything. ‘Northdale N*3 Auto Bodvss3%s \ 430 Albert Street, Waterioo Including _ your mortgage. The 1995 Saab 900 $3 18"° m* 450 Belmont Ave. W. _ 744â€"5811 Complete Collision and Refinishing Service _ _ K MOTORS ‘QQ Factory order may be necessary. See us tor detain. *Plus applicable taxes and licence. T m’r w us VOLVO