GMP Honda NSX-R NA2

A second iteration of the NSX-R was unvieled in 2002, again exclusively in Japan. As with the first NSX-R, weight reduction was the primary focus for performance enhancement. The NSX-R was again based on the coupé, due to its lighter weight and more rigid construction. Carbon fibre was used to a large extent throughout the body components to reduce weight, including a larger and more aggressive rear spoiler, vented hood and deck lid. The vented hood was said to be the largest one-piece carbon-fiber hood used in a production road car. Additionally, the original NSX-R's weight reduction techniques were repeated. Furthermore, the power steering was removed. Finally, larger yet lighter wheels resulted in a total weight reduction of almost 100 kg (220 lb) to 1,270 kg (2,800 lb).
The 3.2 L (3,179 cc) DOHC V6 engine received special attention as well. Each car's engine was hand assembled by a skilled technician using techniques normally reserved for racing programs. This balancing and blueprinting process significantly reduced parasitic loss of power. Officially, Honda maintains the same power output of the 2002 NSX's engine.
Creating the impression of increased power, the accelerator was re-tuned, becoming much more sensitive to movement, particularly at the beginning of the pedal's new shorter stroke. This, coupled with the harsh suspension, makes it difficult for the driver to drive smoothly at low speeds on streets with even slight bumps. The lack of power steering has also been noted by drivers as making the car tiring and hard to steer at low speed.
The result of Honda's second NSX-R effort was a vehicle that could challenge the latest sports car models on the track, despite having a base design that was more than 15 years old. For example, noted Japanese race and test driver Motoharu Kurosawa piloted a 2002 NSX-R around the Nurburgring road course in 7:56, a time equal to a Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale. The NSX-R accomplished this feat despite being out-powered by the Ferrari by over 100 bhp (75 kW).