Suggestion for next interior

[Timbo]

I recently had a chance to sit in a Lotus Elise, and for such a tiny car, I loved the open, airy feeling of the interior. Sitting in the NSX again, it seemed like so much space is wasted w/ that huge thick center console (not sure if that's the correct term - the 'tunnel' running from the heater controls down thru the shifter)- so cramped and unneccesary, like carrying a big suitcase between the front seats.

A pic of the Elise interior:

No big-ass center console! Isn't that nicer?

So, for the next NSX (let's hope), I hope for a similar layout. You could pack the climate controls into a pod next to the steering wheel (as was nicely done w/ the '90-96 300ZX). The stereo could move up to where the heater/vents currently sit in the NSX. And below that, nothing but open, airy space! Any opinions?

Edit: pic wasn't showing up, here's a different one.

[This message has been edited by Timbo (edited 05 March 2003).]

 

[Lud]

Originally posted by Timbo:
Sitting in the NSX again, it seemed like so much space is wasted w/ that huge thick center console (not sure if that's the correct term - the 'tunnel' running from the heater controls down thru the shifter)- so cramped and unneccesary, like carrying a big suitcase between the front seats.

That tunnel covers a major structural beam, which is one of the reasons the NSX chassis is so stiff. The S2000 is similarly engineered.

The Elise is much smaller and lighter so it doesn't need that type of design to be stiff.

[This message has been edited by Lud (edited 05 March 2003).]

 

[nsxtasy]

I've driven an Elise. It's very quick, and a fun car to drive. But there is absolutely nothing in its ultra-primitive interior that I would want the NSX to emulate.

 

[kgb_agent]

To me, that tunnel and the sloping center console has been the hallmark of the NSX's distinctive interior since inception. I'm glad no other cars (to my knowledge) have copied it.

The Elise interior IMO looks like every econobox out there: plain, straight dash, two bucket seats, and e-brake between the seats. Go buy a Neon!



[This message has been edited by kgb_agent (edited 05 March 2003).]

 

[Timbo]

Originally posted by kgb_agent:
To me, that tunnel and the sloping center console has been the hallmark of the NSX's distinctive interior since inception. I'm glad no other cars (to my knowledge) have copied it.

Actually the design is very similar to that of the earlier 300ZX, and before that, the Porsche 928 (dating back to 1978).

Originally posted by kgb_agent:

The Elise interior IMO looks like every econobox out there: plain, straight dash, two bucket seats, and e-brake between the seats. Go buy a Neon!

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
..there is absolutely nothing in its ultra-primitive interior that I would want the NSX to emulate.

Guys you are missing the point. I'm not talking about the whole interior - just the open space vs. the center console. May I ask, why do you prefer the latter? If as Lud said it covers a needed support, that is a fair trade-off, but all else equal I sure prefer the open feel.

Here, if you want to go a bit more upscale:

Glorious, open space! Less cramped feeling, more airy, simply better. At least in my eyes.

 

[nsxtasy]

Most manufacturers have done away with the open space because of its antiquated look. Some have even offered optional consoles so that you could spend extra to do away with the "old look".

 

[PHOEN$X]

I think the NSX interior (including the distinctive center console) is a signature trademark of the car, instantaneously recognizable when you see one. Other than the cassette player, it still looks modern to this day. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Cars with a gap in the middle where the shifter is remind me of luxboats with bench seating--Buicks, etc. I much prefer having the console wrapped around me. One of the few reasons I like my old Stealth over my new Mustang.

Besides, I forgot who said it, but the NSX is a car you wear, not just drive. So true.

<font size=1>

[This message has been edited by PHOEN$X (edited 05 March 2003).]

 

[Timbo]

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
Most manufacturers have done away with the open space because of its antiquated look. Some have even offered optional consoles so that you could spend extra to do away with the "old look".

Yes, that seems to be true. For example the previous Porsche 911 had open space under the dash, and in the new 996 they have added the bulky divider. Most old sports cars have empty space under the dash, most new ones do not.

But for the life of me, I can't figure why people want the feeling of a wall around them, instead of being out in the open. Am I the oddball here?

 

[PHOEN$X]

Originally posted by Timbo:
But for the life of me, I can't figure why people want the feeling of a wall around them, instead of being out in the open. Am I the oddball here?

Probably.

Are you by any chance claustrophobic?

 

[Timbo]

Originally posted by PHOEN$X:
Probably.

Are you by any chance claustrophobic?

Heh. No, but I am generally minimalist in nature, and any sort of excess bulk or wasted space bothers me. In fact, I dare say that big center console goes against my idea of what the NSX should be - free from all excess, and not a wasted inch anywhere. Again, if there's a structural support in there, I'll let it slide..

And indeed, I really like the whole philosophy of the Elise. If/when they ever get off their a**es and bring the thing over here, I'm gonna think long and hard about snapping one up.

 

[nsxtasy]

Having the controls in places where they are visible and easy to reach is great design. That's why the "center stack" for stereo, A/C, etc., is used in most modern automobiles. Leave it open and you are not using some of the most convenient space that is accessible to the driver.

Originally posted by Timbo:
Am I the oddball here?

For wanting the "look" of the old-fashioned cars from the forties and fifties, with the bench seats and the horizontal dash with nothing underneath, and for wasting some of the most usable space in the interior - I would have to say yes.

Originally posted by Timbo:
I really like the whole philosophy of the Elise. If/when they ever get off their a**es and bring the thing over here, I'm gonna think long and hard about snapping one up.

They already announced that they will be selling it here, two months ago. Click here.

For another alternative that might appeal to you, check out the 1954 Buick...

[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 05 March 2003).]

 

[naaman]

I like how the NSXs center console places the shifter and other controls very close to the driver's right hand. In my car--I am tall so I have to put the seat back to get enough leg room--I have to lean forward to reach the raido and defrosters etc, and I have to REACH down to the shifter to change gears: much of my arm's movement is at the elbow.

But in the NSX it minimalizes elbow movement and it's more in the wrist.

 

[TigerNSX]

Personally, I prefer the center console in NSX and S2000. It makes me feel as if I have been fitted into the car like gloves.

 

[PHOEN$X]

It has been said before, but Honda was a groundbreaking leader in the area of ergonomic design. Only now are other car makers (VW, etc.) starting to catch up. I've been in many cars, and none were preferable to the NSX in terms of ergonomics. In fact, that's one of the factors that prevented me from getting a Viper or a Ferrari when I was shopping for an exotic car.

 

[NetViper]

I personally think the NSX is one of the best interiors of any sports car ever made. The 360 is nice, but that open space does not make it feel as intimate as the NSX. Now if they would just add an in-dash cd player....

 

[Timbo]

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
Having the controls in places where they are visible and easy to reach is great design. That's why the "center stack" for stereo, A/C, etc., is used in most modern automobiles.

Originally posted by naaman:
I like how the NSXs center console places the shifter and other controls very close to the driver's right hand.

Remember where I noted the 300ZX's placement of the heater controls? I owned a Z, and LOVED that little pod. Doesnt get any easier to reach than right next to the steering wheel - you dont even have to reach - just move a finger over. And if you moved the stereo up to the right of the pod, that too would be easier to reach. AND it would reduce the distance you have to divert your eyes to see both.

Nissan, unfortunately, in its fervor to clog up the central interior w/ more and more bulk, added vast amounts of plastic, an absurd center speaker (which inevitably never works), a clock, etc, to their massive center console...

If you like the look/layout of the NSX design better, fine, but I don't know where you get argument that its positioning of the stereo/AC is easier to reach than what I've suggested.

In fairness I will note that it could be a lot worse. Ever sat in a Lambo or a Viper? Its like having the Great Wall of China between you and the passenger.

Originally posted by Tiger740:
Personally, I prefer the center console in NSX and S2000. It makes me feel as if I have been fitted into the car like gloves.

YES!!! Thank you Tiger. Finally, a legit reason why someone likes the console design better.

 

[Lud]

Originally posted by Timbo:
Again, if there's a structural support in there, I'll let it slide..

You can see part of it in this chassis diagram: http://www.nsxprime.com/Gallery/press/tidh/tidh-23.htm

The one in the S2000 is considerably more substantial than the one in the NSX. There are probably diagrams or pictures of it floating around out there too.

 

[kgb_agent]

Originally posted by Timbo:

Here, if you want to go a bit more upscale:

Glorious, open space! Less cramped feeling, more airy, simply better. At least in my eyes.

Is it upscale or openness that you want? I admit that the 360's look is more upscale due to the leather. But the NSX is more exotic. The first time I got to take a spin in a 360 I was unimpressed by the interior. I particularly found the aluminum touches odd. I do prefer the 360 driver's seat bolsters and steering wheel to the NSX.

 

[john576]

So glad its not like the 3rd gen RX-7s cheap plasic that IMO is not comfy to use as an armrest, which to me ranks up there with AC.
I wish the factory stereo's ease of replacement (cosmetically/$wise) resembled those of Accords or Preludes. Other than that I think the NSX interior layout rocks..console and all. BTW that Elise interior reminds me of archaic interiors of pre-99 911s.

 

[5inchfatlip]

A NEW UPDATED STEERING WHEEL. It looks so old and boring, we can at least put a nice Acura emblem like the TL/CL has..

 

[POWERED by HONDA]

Yuck.

I don't like the designs with open spaces underneath.

The NSX interior is "perfect." It just needs some updating. (LED lighting, better stereo, etc.)

 

[rprnet]

I agree with you POWERED. An better sound system, maybe with video screen and navigation, and digital dash would make me seriously consider buying a new NSX. I still love my '96 though.

------------------
1996 NSX-T (red/tan)
1994 Mustang GT 5.0
2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by rprnet:
digital dash

Noooooo!!!

 

[matteni]

I love the interior but the only 2 things that seem out of place to me are the LED clock (analog would be nice) and the fake chrome bit on the e-brake. Other areas to rethink might be the interior map and dome lights and the visors. I would also like the audio controlls on the steering wheel like the other Honda/Acura products.

I was at the auto store yesterday and was shocked how many bottles use the NSX interior!

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by matteni:
Other areas to rethink might be the interior map and dome lights and the visors.

Huh? I like the interior map and dome lights, lights and controls for each side, ergonomically easy to use and nice feel. And the visors work fine, too, especially the clever little one above the rear view mirror. What's wrong with those?

One thing I would change is to eliminate the sealant on the leather so that it smells like an upscale shoestore, the way leather should...