Edmunds CarPool

And if Mitsu applies the efforts with the Eclipse and Galant (Refresh? probably FMC IMO) as they did with the Lancer and the Outlander, Mitsu could turn into something special once again. I think they're well on their way....
 
New Avalon within 2 years? Already?

"the Maxima goes big (and diesel) to challenge Avalon and Accord."
 
Too bad, would love to see the edgier Maxima return, something like the 2001 model, heck even a rear drive car based on the next 350Z.
 
"A redesigned (and lighter) Z comes for 2009."
 
Ah, that's more like it.

Diesel, diesel, diesel. That's cool. I'm glad more diesels are coming to America. If the Japanese do well in that market, maybe other carmakers will follow suit. How about a BMW 320d?

This was a cool post Karl, very informative. Thew new Scion TC looks....interesting.

Man, I hope the Ralliart can deliver. I'm not a fan of the '08 Impreza redesign, and it'll be good for another aggressive looking compact sedan to start giving the WRX a run for its money. Competition is good right? Looks like they got the styling down pretty good, now they just gotta deliver on the rest the bargain.

How many crossovers can they build?!!

Kabura = possible route to heaven.

Toyota has done it again. The Scion is pre-crushed, and ready for recycling.
 
It looks like something very heavy was dropped on it.
If the Scion really looks like the picture; GM is off the hook for the Aztec.

I think the Fuse is sweet looking. Then again, I'm a fan of the xB too. The Fuse looks almost Audi-ish.

Since Toyota owns 8.7% of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. (FHI), the parent company of Subaru, I would think Subaru should have a hybrid production vehicle in its lineup soon. One of the reasons Toyota acquired FHI (not only to assemble more Camrys, folks!) was for its lithium-ion battery technology it was originally hoping to incorporate into the third generation Prius.
 
Subaru has a boxer diesel engine on the way! The first U.S.-market vehicle to receive it will probably be the MY2010 Forester. Some European-market MY2008 Subaru vehicles should be getting this engine according to the initial Geneva Auto Show announcement.
 
Subaru "BlueBoxer" diesel?
http://66.160.188.111/Straightline/2659
 
Geneva announcement
http://66.160.188.111/Straightline/2434
 
Video (HTML used due to link length)

Isn't Subaru owned by GM?
 
Yeah, mnorm, that Scion tC is ugly!
 
I hope Mazda don't let the B-series die. They have a far nicer/more modern B-series on other markets so I think they should modify modify that for US use and get rid of the current crap. And I think they're investing too much in crossovers, although I must admit it appears the small CUV market is growing.....but I'd rather they had a Mazdaspeed 5 instead of another (yawn) crossover! What happened to the Mazda that makes different vehicles?
 
I can't wait for the Evo! Not that I can afford one, but I'm excited by it all the same!

GM used to own 20% of Subaru until early to mid-2005. That relationship explains the "Saabaru" 9-2x and the facelifted 2008 Subaru Tribeca's amazing resemblance to the Saab 9-6x that never saw the light of day.
 
The next round of the Evo vs. STI war should be a good one! :o) I am confident Subaru won't disappoint like they did with the latest WRX offering.

I dont think the lack of a V8 is Acuras failing, it may be part of it but not all. The big thing us Honda/Acura enthusiasts are angry about is the lack of RWD Acura platform(s). Honda has said that it wants to further seperate Honda and Acura but at the same time EVERY ACURA VEHICLE is based on a Honda product. While this is efficient from a production standpoint it really hurts BOTH brands.
 
It hurts Honda because the big wigs wont let the Honda brand see its full potential. For example, the new Accord. It cant be sportier because it would step on the FWD Acura TL's toes. Now if Acura had a RWD TL then Honda could up the performance of the Accord to current FWD TL or TL-S levels of performance which is pretty damn good. A RWD TL wouldnt have anything to worry about as the Accord would stay FWD, simular to the Nissan Altima/ Infiniti G35s current positions.
 
Heavy compromise in the luxury segement isnt good for high performance or brand image. Also Acura's take it or leave it approach regarding options doesnt give the consumer any choice. Luxury cars are about excess and exclusivitiy and Acura lacks that. Im not saying go as far as BMW or Mercedes and offer a plethora of option packages but give the Acura consumer a chance to tailor his/her car. Currently just about every Acura car is alike, same wheels, same features so why even bother? Where is the exclusivity? Why do I want the same Acura TSX/TL/RL everyone else has?
 
Currently all of these cars are close in interior demensions, I think the TL actually has MORE room that the RL. Both the TL-TSX currently are in the same segment as the BMW 3. The TSX takes on the lower end while the TL takes on the higher end 3's. STUPID IDEA!
 
It should be like this:
RWD Acura TSX= 3 Series fighter from the 328 to the M3
RWD Acura TL= 5 Series fighter from the 535 to the M5
RWD Acura RL=7 Series fighter
 
~LP

VERY good points hondacura4 (it's like you are really into these brands or something... =)). I agree, RWD is an even bigger failing than the lack of V8.
 
Honda should seriously hire you as a consultant.

Me, like Honda? Who would have thought? =)

The only part I disagree with iis lining up against the 3/5/7-series.
 
Everyone does it but it irks me, on principle. The G35/Skyline was a midsized premium car before the 3-series even existed. It shouldn't feel compelled to shrink to 3-series size, or grow in price to match the 5-series. Japan and the US simply developed with an attitude that expensive cars are either pure sports cars, or larger than a compact. The TL, G35, and CTS shouldn't have to change.
 
Not that the RL should have less interior room than the TL, that's just dumb.

RWD Acuras? Not if I was running the company. I'd make them "ALL" AWD, not RWD.

Well, Carlisimo, I don't think the compact luxury class exists anymore. The only luxury cars that could be described as compact are the 3-series and the IS.....the 3-series is almost mid-sized, it looks smaller than it is.
The A4, CTS, C-class, TSX, G35, etc are all mid-sized but compact only in price.
So, basically, the compact luxury class as we knew it 10 years ago is dead. I think it will be eventually replaced by the Mini, 1-series and maybe the Golf GTI.
 
That being said, I think the compact luxury class as defined by the 3-series and equivalent models still has a large following and is lucrative. I don't know if the "TL, G35 and CTS should have to change", but I know that it makes sense for any luxury manufacturer to have a 3-series competitor if they hope to sell in reasonably large volumes.

I also think Acura should go the AWD route, if it won't make their cars too expensive to be competitive. On the whole, I think AWD has more advantages.
AND they need V8 engines for their higher-end models. Luxury cars are about prestige and V8 engines provide that prestige.

Isuzu? I can not figure out why Isuzu maintains the facade of selling non-commercial vehicles in the US. What is the point? Isuzu could import the D-Max and avoid the chicken tax by assembling knock-down-kits in NAFTA area of Mexico if they wanted to sell their own vehicles in the US. There would still be no business case for maintaining a dealership network for non-commercial vehicles with only one model. I just don't understand what is gained by selling the GM built i-series and Ascender trucks. The least Isuzu could do would be to put a Isuzu diesel in the GM vehicles and offer some type of differentiation!
If GM and Isuzu still had strong ties it would make sense to badge the GM-Daewoo's as Isuzu's.
Is there ANY possible outcome for Isuzu in the US other than extinction on the light duty side of the business?
 
Old Isuzu Gemini http://www.vidly.net/video-isuzu-gemini-dancing-in-paris.html

Karl...any other information about the crossover slotted between the CR-V and Pilot? Will it be based on the Japan-only Crossroad?

hondaacura4, I strongly disagree that the lack of factory options is a bad thing. I own a Honda specifically because Honda dealers can't load up the cars they buy with extra accessories. Actual on the lot prices for Honda were lower when I was buying. Can't stand how dealers for other manufacturers destroy the value of a car by padding the price with extra accessories.
 
The FWD Acura TL is a good roomy midsize sedan for people who plan to use the back seat and 4 doors for passengers instead of just lower insurance rates. I prefered driving the Infiniti G35 sedan, but a friend who's ready to buy will probably buy the TL to get more interior volume relative to exterior dimensions. The new supersize Accord platform unfortunately throws away the efficient midsize package advantage.

I keep wondering if Mitsubishi could survive if they sold only __one__ car, the EVO, and became a niche brand aimed solely at Enthusiasts?
Where are EVO's most popular, for that matter? Then again perhaps the new Ralliart will solve their problems.
 
Why is Isuzu still here? Are they simply winding down from the last series of cars they sold years ago?
 
As for the Fuze, it screams Urban, but echos some of the Audi concepts banging around for the A1.

rsolland/blackadder,
I personally don't want Acura to be the Japanese Audi and make all or most of their cars AWD especially if they remain FWD based vehicles. We all know this isn't the best recipe for creating superior driving dynamics as the engine sits over the front wheels, not behind. This setup tends make the vehicle nose heavy and under steer as the weight isn't distributed properly like a true FR chassis.
Acura shouldn't MAKE you take the AWD system as its not needed by all especially people in warmer climates, and it tends to use more fuel. SH-AWD is an awesome system but its currently being used as a band aid as the RL relies on the system to remain competitive in the segment. BMW actually has a "torque vectoring" AWD system in the works also and of course it will compliment the FR chassis much better than the FF chassis of the RL.
  
"Luxury cars are about prestige and V8 engines provide that prestige." I agree blackadder but whats so prestigious about driving a slightly re-engineered Honda Accord with SH-AWD, which is what the RL is minus the V8. Adding a V8 to the current RL would only make the recipe taste even worse.
Acura needs to take it further without the compromise of using the Accord platform so they can revive their performance image and make a name for themselves in the luxury segment. Infiniti and Cadillac did or are currently doing just that and look at the results! The G and CTS are worthy competition to the Germans in terms of tactility, driving experience and they are both RWD!
  
George2040,
This works for Honda as they usually have 2 to 3 different trim lines available, so you have a choice! But for Acura to load the car with everything standard doesn't give the consumer the ability to customize or tailor the vehicle. People in the luxury segment like prestige, and exclusivity and Acura lacks both. Go look at the Acura TL. Every base TL is equipped nearly the same so where is the exclusiveness? Sure you have the TL-S trim but the only options are summer tires and a manual tranny. Navi and all the other goods come standard. So most TL-S's are equipped the same too. Also the TSX and RL only come with 1 engine when just about every other car in their segments have 2 to 3. I personally don't want my car to be just like every other one out there, especially if its a luxury car.
  
Carlismo, the TSX is about the same size as the current 3 and the TL is about the size of a 5 series, so they wouldn't have to change much if at all. The problem here is that Acura lines 2 different models to compete with the 3. The TSX has the lower end 3's while the TL/TL-S wants to compete with the high end 3's. Why not just use one model to compete in the segment instead of two?
  
The RL actually has less rear interior volume than the TL so whats the real advantage in buying the RL? The TL/TL-S is cheaper, performs better, looks better. Again whats the advantage?
Every car in the RL's segment has a variety if engine choices, options, and an OPTIONAL AWD system. Also a few have high performance variants, M5, E63, RS-6, STS-V ETC ETC yet the RL has a tech package.....WOW! You cant even get an RL or any Acura with a factory installed "sport package" (A-Spec) as its a dealer installed accessory an will run you around $4000 BEFORE installation. I personally think Acura could be a world class contender if they grow some balls!

I think the TSX competes in a lower price rung than the 3-series, and I like it that way. The $25k-$30k price point is important.
 
Besides, it's hard to try to beat the 3-series at its own game. Why try? Not everyone wants a 3-series-like car, go after them.

I think the TSX and 328 are a fair comparison and I agree the $25k-30K price point is great but what If one wants a TSX with more performance but doesnt want a TL? If you want a 3 Series with more performance you have a few options, the 335 and the M3.

Hondacura4,
My analysis for recommending AWD goes like this. We all know the pros and cons of FWD, RWD and AWD. Personally, I don't mind FWD at all as long as they can handle well. And Acura makes FWD cars that handle very well. RWD handles better and has the ability to spin the car with the throttle, but my experience and observations indicate that only hard-core track drivers need those abilities.....almost all luxury car buyers are not track drivers. I for one would love a luxury car if I could afford one but I don't care for spinning the rear of my car!
 
So, FWD is good but luxury car buyers feel it's below them, RWD offers no noticeable advantages but has disadvantages in poor weather....AWD handles almost as well as RWD and offers superior traction. (In most cases, the resulting increase in fuel economy isn't more than 1 mpg.) If I were spending $50k or more on a car, I'd love to not have to worry too much about traction. Hence my suggesting AWD.
 
I think the nose-heavy thing of AWD is unique to Audi and not all AWD cars. If I remember correctly, older Audi models without AWD had that problem too. Correct me if I'm wrong. Is the Evo also nose-heavy? Are AWD versions of Acura nose-heavy?
 
We may also be confusing exclusivity and customaization. Exclusivity simply means the masses or "average Joes" cannot afford it and wouldn't even consider it as their choice of car......owning one immediately sends the message that says "I'm financially successful". I'd say Acura is already exclusive (although not quite as exclusive as its German rivals).
I think offering one trim level is a great idea. A luxury car should be luxurious and, as far as I'm concerned, it's ridiculous for a car costing over $35k not to have navigation, moonroof, leather and premium audio as standard. In 2007, any luxury car that doesn't include these as standard in all but its cheapest cars are ripping people off.
But I see what you mean. Acura should let owners customise their cars more to look and feel unique. I think this can easily be done while offering the key features I named as standard.....maybe they could offer special bumper or spoiler kits, maybe they could offer a special kind of leather as an option, maybe special wheels, so much can be done.
 
With the V8 engines, I wasn't necessarily being specific to the RL but rather any higher-end models they might design in the future.
 
I STRONGLY AGREE with you that having all their cars based on Honda models is not a good idea!

"I think the nose-heavy thing of AWD is unique to Audi and not all AWD cars. If I remember correctly, older Audi models without AWD had that problem too. Correct me if I'm wrong. Is the Evo also nose-heavy? Are AWD versions of Acura nose-heavy?"
  
Yes, Acura cars are nose heavy because of the FWD/transverse layout. Although Acuras are good at masking some of the difference they still dont provide that initial turn in, tactility, and communication of Infinti and BMW. Engine and weight placement has tremendous effects on driving dynamics thats why BMW is considered to have the best sport sedans. RWD , 50/50 weight distribution, and placing the engine closer to the fire wall makes the car more tactile, nimble and balanced. This also spreads the weight all over the chassis instead of having a mass amount weight concentrated in a given area.
  
The majority FWD/FWD based AWD cars (excluding Audi) have transverse layouts which puts the engine over the front wheels. This isn't the best recipe for superior driving dynamics. Audi uses a longitudinal layout (similar to RWD chassis) but they are still FWD based and cant have the exact engine placement as a RWD vehicle as the main drive wheels are the front.
  
We all know Honda/Acura could make some top of class RWD platforms as the S2000 and NSX are proof of that. This is another reason I want Acura to offer RWD based vehicles to offer top of class driving experience and better overall performance as this would help Acura and Honda move up in performance, further separate Acura and make them more exclusive. Its time to stop being just good enough and start trying to be the best.

Hondaacura4
 
I respectfully disagree with your assessment of AWD vs. RWD. As you know I'm a HUGE proponent of AWD, so convincing me otherwise is like talking to a brick wall. Ain't going to happen...
 
From my perspective having all your wheels grabbing for traction is always better than having only half your wheels grabbing for traction—and if anyone can create a perfect AWD system, it's the Honda/Acura guys. Besides, why do you think AWD is banned from so many racing venues? Because it kicks ass, that's why. :)
 
Having said that I'd rather see Acura be the Japanese Audi than BMW or Benz by being 100% AWD with all their cars.

Going off Honda's history, it seems to me that their priority is on packaging, at the expense of dynamics. They put their engines as far forward as they can, sacrificed hydraulic steering and double wishbones to make the Civic's engine bay even smaller... things like that. It's amazing how much they accomplish on the dynamics side, given that focus.
 
So I think it would take a fundamental change in mentality for them to start emulating BMW (who quite obviously is willing to accept mediocre packaging for great dynamics)... I can't see an entire company changing their minds like that. Especially when that attention to practicality was so fundamental to the company's success.

Great observation, Carlisimo! Given that Honda is not a luxury brand and aimed at ordinary people who are likely to value packaging over driving dynamics, they're following a great strategy.
 
However, I think their Acura division need that fundamental shift because luxury cars buyers are (genrally speaking) not practicality-minded. If Acura is aiming for the lower- or mid- end of the luxury car market then their current strategy is probably still valid: afterall, people who spend between $25k and $60k on a car are not necessarily rich these days and so they're likely to still prefer practicality and packaging over driving dynamics (but still want some luxury, prestige and exclusivity).
But if Acura wants to compete in the higher end of the luxury market, their priorities focus on practicality has to change. They need to develop platforms that aree solely meant for luxury cars. They need V8 engines. Higher-end luxury cars are not about practicality and efficiency (in terms of packaging or fuel efficiency).
 
My instincts tell me Acura's focus is on the low- and mid-range luxury market......

Well said Carl as I agree with you on the "Honda philosophy" and it does work.......for Honda. But I think Acura needs a different set of rules to go by if Honda wants to further seperate themselves and tout Acura as a true performance-luxury division. This could only benefit both.
  
Its a bit frustrating when your favorite car manufacturer created cars like the NSX, and S2000 where driving dynamics/performance were 1st priority as I find myself wishing for something with that same formula in a larger package and 4 doors. Id kill for a RWD TSX sized Acura with a 300+hp V6 and a 6MT.
  
  
P.S. I wonder what kind of lease rates BMW has on 335i or 535i Sport?