Straightline

I like this idea. Give the more powerful model AWD so you don't have issues with torque steer.
 
Brilliant. I bet it sells well.
 
OTOH it may be the pin in the coffin for the RL.

This is my take on Acuras strategy of becoming a tier 1 brand.
 
- The 09 TSX/TL wont have what takes the brand to the next level but they will be better than the cars they replace. I look at these 2 vehicles as "stepping stones" until the next generation of both vehicles arrive.
 
- The current MDX and RDX have only been on the market for about 2 years so look for a MMC refresh sometime in 2009. The next generation of both vehicles should represent what Acuras intentions are.
 
The MDX is actually VERY competitive and currently is Acuras sales leader. The RDX could use some work as it wasnt properly executed. A 6AT, DI and better anti boostlag technology would help tremendously with efficiency and performance.
 
- The MMC refreshed 2009 RL (as ugly as it is) is just a band-aid fix as of now as the car has been a sales flop. From what Ive read the MMC just isnt a face/tail lift as there have been numerous changes to the chassis, suspension tuning, engine, and the SH-AWD system.
 
The next RL (2011?) should be the first Acura to represent where Acura wants to be in terms of brand image and performance.
 
Im interested in the revemped 300hp SOHC V6 in the 09 RL as it has VTEC on BOTH intake AND exhaust valves while retaining its SOHC valvetrain. I believe thats an industry first as thus far having VVT and/or valve lift on both intake and exhaust valves has only been achieved with DOHC configurations.
 
- The V10 powered Acura GT will debut......in like 2050 or so given Honda keeps pushing its release date. The platform, drivetrain, suspension, and chassis have already been developed. Acura is having trouble with the styling....imagine that.
 
What Im REALLY REALLY interested in is what Acura product planners told us at TOV (Temple of Vtec) as they read the boards quite often.
 
Supposedly there will be a few Acura exclusive models that we havent seen before. Im thinking a performance coupe (G37/335i fighter?) thats NOT based on the Accord platform. There is another vehicle in the pipe line also but Im unsure of what it is, maybe some sort of convertible?
 
Id also look for the RL to either grow in size or a true full size V8 powered flagship to make a debut within the next 5 or so years.
 
Id also look for more options and packages as Acura will FINALLY offer a number of different trim lines for ALL Acuras. Finally an Acura customer can somewhat configure a vehicle to their personal specifications instead of Acuras "one size ifts all" strategy.
 
Of course the "one size fits all" strategy is great for production costs as just about every model is equipped the same but this is the LUXURY SEGMENT and high compromise just isnt accepted here.

A new model TL has to just completely kill the RL, especially if it has AWD which is the only differentiating trait of the current RL.
 
Not sure why the type s version isn't available on debut, as enthusiasts interested in performance generally buy cars early in the model cycle. Honda made the same mistake with the Accord V6 MT sedan, offering manual transmission "performance" in the last two years of the model when enthusiasts aren't generally interested.
 
Interesting ideas hondaacura, but I have yet to see Honda have a 6 speed auto. Based on all the problems with their 5 speed auto, one would think they'd give in and have someone else... aisin perhaps... make them, but I haven't heard anything about that either.
 
The RDX was a good idea, but hasn't taken off. Many competitors have v6's with more power that are better on gas, and one also needs to question luxury compact SUV's as a viable market anyway.
 
The sohc J-series V6 has to go. While it's a good engine, Honda has spent too much time implementing VCM for a 1mpg improvement that robs midrange power. They'd get the same improvement from a 7speed auto or CVT, and better drivability. Adding exhaust vtec... who cares. It's inadequate for the RL, and 300 hp won't keep the TL competitive for long. I'd like to see DI or AVTEC soon.
 
Honda's almost complete absence from Ward's 10 best as of late is a huge disappointment, but not a huge surprise, for me.

"Interesting ideas hondaacura, but I have yet to see Honda have a 6 speed auto. Based on all the problems with their 5 speed auto, one would think they'd give in and have someone else... aisin perhaps... make them, but I haven't heard anything about that either."
 
The Honda 5ATs were problematic until around 2004 when Honda added the extra oil jets. The Honda 5AT was revamped to a much stronger 4 shaft unit starting in 2004 for the 2005 model year and hasnt had any issues to date. Maybe Honda should use GMs 6AT and implement their own grade logic programming?
 
"The sohc J-series V6 has to go. While it's a good engine, Honda has spent too much time implementing VCM for a 1mpg improvement that robs midrange power. They'd get the same improvement from a 7speed auto or CVT, and better drivability. Adding exhaust vtec... who cares. It's inadequate for the RL, and 300 hp won't keep the TL competitive for long. I'd like to see DI or AVTEC soon."
 
Its probably much cheaper for Honda to introduce VCM (using existing VTEC system) rather than to engineer a whole new transmission for old engine architecture. You just cant "add a gear". I do agree that Honda and Acura would certainly benefit from a 6AT and maybe a new V6 design although the J series V6 overall is still competitive and efficient. A Accord EX-L V6 6MT or TL Type S will confirm that.
 
Adding VVT or VTEC to the exhaust valves will increase torque production, so contrary to your belief it is worth something. DI and A-VTEC would be certainly welcome as the a-VTEC is supposedly supposed to increase torque production and efficiency (13%) by a nice margin over the current i-Vtec engines. It was supposed to be implemented on the 2008 Accords 4 bangers but...... we still have i-VTEC. I dont think Honda will implement DI anytime soon.
 
For those who dont know what a-VTEC is, its similar to BMWs vaunted Valvetronic system . a-VTEC is FAR less complex, less expensive, much lighter, and unlike Valvetronic it will be available on higher revving engines.
 
Link to a-VTEC system details from Feb 2007.
 
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=659664

Honda did implement direct injection on the 2.0l k-series on the stream. I'm not sure why they went away from it. It will be interesting to see what they go to for their next gen automatic tranny, and the market will force their hand soon, as they'll be the last maker offering 5speeds in the midsize market. I agree the J series is still competitive, and they'll likely get another generation of cars out of it. My point is that they're supposed to have great drivetrain engineering, but what they are selling at the moment is very average except VCM which has little purpose outside the marketing literature.

"My point is that they're supposed to have great drivetrain engineering, but what they are selling at the moment is very average except VCM which has little purpose outside the marketing literature."
 
I guess if you go by Hondas "less is more" philosophy I would assume that their V6 is better than average. You have to consider that Honda still uses the SOHC VTEC valvetrain compared to the DOHC VVTi setups used by just about every competitor. Certainly not the best performer in its class but its no slouch especially the non VCM V6's. Drive a 2008 Accord EX-L coupe 6MT, its a beast. Add to that they still use a 5AT as you stated.
 
The SOHC configuration is much more compact, lighter weight, less expensive, has and fewer moving parts yet they can get power thats pretty competitive as well as decent fuel economy. Keep in mind the basic arhitecture for this engine is almost 13 years of age!
 
I will say that I expected more from Honda regarding the VCM technolgy. Id like to know how/why the VCM system sucks out the midrange so much? I know it takes some of the performance mechanicals away from the VTEC system but what mechanicals are replaced? Id be MUCH more impressed if Honda could have implemented the VCM technology with no penalty in overall performance.

From the news I heard today it seems as if Acura will offer a FULL LINE of RWD powered sedans, a 2 seat convertible (think Mercedes SLK)and some other LARGE and smaller models.