How many times have you heard it? "All the TSX needs is more motor." Well, now it has such a powerplant in the form of an optional 3.5-liter V6. It cranks out 280-horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque and sends it through a five-speed automatic transmission.
Is it the cure for what the TSX was lacking? Executive Editor Michael Jordan spent some time behind the wheel of one and came away impressed with its performance. That said, he still questions if it was the right path for Acura to take given America's newfound love of all things efficient.
Detroit might be down, but it is also out -- very, very out there. And by "Detroit," we mean, of course, the cosmopolitan hot spot of Howell, MI.
That's where our spy shooter snapped off these exclusive shots of this, um, Acura Integra Speedster four-door. We presume this is an homage to either the spectacular Lincoln Continental four-door convertibles of the '60s or the result of prolonged effects of the brown acid, also of the '60s.
Sure, this may look like a back-yard hack-job, but the details reveal that it is, in fact, a back-yard hack-job. For example, by keeping portions of the broken glass in place even after the backlight has been smashed out, the builder is giving a knowing nod to the car's origins. And the structural(-ish) re-enforcement ties the cut-down A-pillar to the rear bulkhead for no real reason. And note that the builder has also substituted a shorty windshield in traditional speedster fashion because leaving the full-height windshield on this baby would look, you know, stupid. Capping it all off is a little home-brewed windblocker fashioned of a sheet of "cardboard." This material sandwiches a piece of corrugated material between its two faces for improved rigidity.
Writing about the best used performance cars for $5,000 was a challenge. At that price point, you're either going to get lucky and find a gem, or get unlucky and end up shelling out another $5,000 to keep a basket case running.
So with that in mind, we decided to bump the price floor to $10K to start and see what we could find. The talent pool is much deeper for sure, although the possibility of a clunker is still there if you're not careful.
So take a look at our list and see what you think. Anything we missed?
It's not as simple as you might think. Base price is one thing, but depreciation, insurance, gas costs factor in there too. Edmunds own John Giamalvo spoke with CNBC recently and profiled several cars that represent the best value in their segment.
#NYIAS Good news from the Acura press conference in New York: Not only is the 2010 Acura ZDX vastly better-looking than the TL, it's also better-looking than the BMW X6 and, as crossover-ish SUVs go, it borders on downright attractive, assuming you're OK with the Acura corporate face.
The stance is lower than we'd expected -- the ZDX is more of a peer to the BMW 5 Series GT than the X6 or Infiniti FX35. The curvy character line down the length of the ZDX is also a welcome departure from the excessive straight edges on recent Acura sedans.
More product details, photos and video after the jump.
After dropping teaser shots a couple of weeks ago, Acura has now confirmed the name for the new crossover it will unveil at the 2009 New York Auto Show: ZDX. Acura is still calling it a prototype, but given that it goes on sale this fall there won't be too many changes.
"The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura sales. "The prototype showcases a new level of luxury, style and refinement for Acura and speaks volumes towards our commitment to advancing the brand."
A race is kind of like a physics test, a high-speed evaluation of automotive machinery. But the best thing about sports car racing is, there isn't just one right answer.
The 12 Hours of Sebring provide a worthwhile reminder, as a surprising number of different exam booklets were submitted for the 57th running of the annual, twelve-hour endurance race in Florida. This road-racing event is part of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), one of the few racing championships that is about cars, not just money. In comparison, Formula 1 and NASCAR look like one-make spec-car series, where the only way to tell the cars apart is by color and sponsorship decals.
The Audi R15 TDI earned the gold medal in this particular physics test by narrowly winning the race by just 22.279 seconds over the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP with which it had rubbed fenders for virtually the entire 12 hours. But the Acura ARX-02a, BMW M3 GT2, and Lola B09/86-Mazda MZR-R also came up with some interesting answers.
Earlier today, Acura released an odd-looking teaser shot of the crossover it will unveil at the 2009 New York Auto Show. Shortly thereafter, a member of the Acurazine fansite found a few more, slightly more revealing photos.
So now we have multiple angles of the shadowy crossover, most of which seem to indicate that Acura is getting ready to build a vehicle similar to the BMW X6. With that in mind, the darkly-lit photos make a little more sense.
We expect to see this sporty crossover arrive with the same 3.7-liter V6 used in the all-wheel drive TL sedan, so it should match up well with BMW's six-cylinder X6 and Infiniti's FX35. Look for full details in a few weeks when it makes an official world debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show.
#CAS09 There wasn't much to see at the debut of the 2010 Acura TSX V6. Its new 3.5-liter engine was not on display and even if the hood wasn't open, most of the engine is covered in black plastic anyway.
It's a serious engine, though, 280 hp from 3.5 liters, same one that's in the base TL. Putting that much power through the front wheels should make for some interesting steering feedback when you power out of corners, but the TL seems to handle it quite well.
Thankfully, this TSX gets an upgraded suspension that includes larger 18-inch wheels and tires. They're still of the all-season variety, but at least they look better. The lack of a manual transmission is another slight disappointment.
Expect to see the 2010 Acura TSX V6 in showrooms this summer, with a price that splits the difference between the current TSX and the base TL. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
It's the European version of our Acura TSX, of course, but it has a more potent version of Honda's 2.2-liter i-DTEC diesel four-cylinder engine that is definitely not for us. For starters, it only comes with a manual gearbox. If you wanted to keep arguing, we'd refer you to the economy, high diesel prices, the economy, tough U.S. emission standards and the economy.
But it's nice to imagine how our TSX would feel with this turbodiesel four, which is rated at 177 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm. That's not much hp, but torque is what our TSX needs more of, given its modest 172 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm.
Eventually, though, Honda will get around to putting a V6 in the TSX and we'll forget all about the Euro-spec Honda Accord Type S. You're not seeing the actual Type S here, of course, as that car will have a new 18-inch wheel design and special badging, along with two exclusive paint choices -- Premium White Pearl and Basque Red. We'd be shocked if the car in the show booth wasn't Basque Red, and even more shocked if it wasn't the Tourer (wagon) body style.
Acura told dealers recently that an upcoming crossover vehicle is still on track for a late 2009 debut according to a report in Automotive News. The new vehicle is part of Acura's strategy to become a "Tier 1" luxury brand. In other words, it wants to compete directly with BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.
Spy photos of the new Acura crossover show a sleek design that clearly favors style over utility. With the MDX already taking care of the larger three-row segment of market, it looks as though Acura is gunning for buyers who might otherwise go for something like the BMW X6 or Infiniti FX. Both are niche players, so consider this new crossover a small part of Acura's grander strategy to attain Tier 1 status.
Not so says a source in Japan. The LF-A is still on track and should arrive in the first half of 2010 with a price around $340,000.
The continued existence of the LF-A program has been helped along by the fact that Akido Toyoda, Executive Vice President and grandson of Toyota's founder, has pushed for its development. Toyoda is expected to take over as President of Toyota this spring.
Chalk it up as being one more victim of the lousy economy. Acura has canceled plans for the front-engined V10 supercar. Look for Honda/Acura to put far more focus in hybrids, rather than horsepower in the future.
Well, this is good news. Subaru, unlike many other automakers, is not bailing from the 2009 NAIAS. In fact they will have a new concept to be displayed.
My guess is that it will be a close-to-production--much like several recent Honda and Acura concepts (Pilot, Ridgeline, TL, etc.)--2010 Legacy or Outback. The last time these models were introduced, back in 2004, the Legacy was introduced first at Detroit with the Outback being announced a month later at Chicago. I suspect that will be the case again this time.
That's what AutoObserver is reporting--and it's sure to have more than a few Honda and Acura fans more than just a tiny bit upset.
Why wait until 2015, is what they will be crying? That engine should have debuted with this generation Acura RL, and now they have to wait another 7 years--SEVEN YEARS!
There have been several reports recently that the diesel-powered version of the Acura TSX has been indefinitely delayed. It has nothing to do with the cost of diesel fuel, but rather that the automatic version can't pass our emission regulations. So, might Acura be forced to go the urea injection route, as per its European competitors?
That's the bad news. The good news is that Acura is planning on offering a V6 in the TSX, at least as an option. When will we see it? Not sure.
The highlight of the overall technology package offered on the 2009 Acura TL is definitely the ELS Surround sound system, which was designed and personally tuned by Grammy-winning music producer and engineer Elliot Scheiner.
With 440 watts of power, there's plenty of output and, with 10 speakers, prepare for a true wall of sound. I listened to everything from Emma Shapplin and the Eagles to The Roots and Sigur Ros, as well as my usual demo tracks like "Boxekiller," covering every genre, format and file type. The 5.1 is amazing. Some people may want a little more bass for certain songs (and more controls to tweak the sound), but overall, this is a very well-balanced audio system that offers an immersive listening experience with enough musical detail to satisfy even some audiophiles.
Although at its best with DVD-Audio, the ELS (ELS is Scheiner's nickname) Surround system is more than capable of delivering terrific sound from files on your iPod (that is, as long as you have songs converted at a decent bit rate). I connected my iPhone with a connector cable to the USB interface in the center console and was able to zip through my music on the 8-inch monitor, much as I would on the iPhone itself. Plus it charged the unit. If you have another music player that you can't connect via USB, you can use the stereo mini jack input, also located in the compartment.
With XM Satellite (free for 90 days) and the internal 12.7-gig hard drive for storing your favorite tracks, you have one of the best OE entertainment systems anywhere.
Too bad the system's voice recognition feature didn't work as well as it should. I sometimes had to repeat instructions in an effort to get what I wanted. I should note, however, that I've yet to experience voice recognition in any factory or aftermarket system with anything approaching a flawless success rate. When the Acura system works well, it's a nice luxury that lets you keep your hands on the steering wheel while controlling audio, climate and navigation functions by speaking your commands (there are 600).
Whereas the voice recognition has some issues, the navigation system is truly advanced. The large monitor is positioned well and displays a nav menu that is intuitive and simple to access. All the buttons and dials on the center stack may be intimidating at first, but once you start trying the functions, you'll likely find it user-friendly.
The highlights of the navigation system are the extensive traffic information, the Zagat ratings for restaurants and, something essential for long journeys, weather reports for any place in the country. Depending on traffic conditions, the system will offer rerouting if it calculates that the alternative is more than a couple of minutes faster. The delay in getting timely traffic info (as is the case in other systems) can make this a marginally beneficial feature, but that potential problem is ameliorated by the fact that in the TL, information is updated every 90 seconds.
Pairing my iPhone to the Bluetooth system was also quick and hassle-free, but loading my contact list of about 250 people or so took over a minute. Once it had my address book, though, it was a breeze accessing the information and making calls. The only real problem was the quality of the audio. I could certainly hear and be heard, but there was significant static that interfered with easy communication. -- Ben Oh, Inside Line Contributor
IL Tech Ratings (10 is best): 2009 Acura TL Audio: 9 iPod: 9 Navigation: 9 Ergonomics: 8 Bluetooth: 7
Good news for Acura fans, as the 2010 TL (that's right, 2010, not 2009) will offer a brand new 6-speed manual transmission as an option on the SH-AWD model. Inside Line has a feature story up on this car (also a news story linked below). Well, it was actually a prototype of this car. Regardless, they tested it against the current competition--and it flat out blew the others away in terms of handling.
I know the styling is somewhat controversial, but I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt until I see it in the flesh. My only other concern is with the automatic version. A 5-speed automatic seems a bit low-tech these days, especially in this class of vehicle where 6- and 7-speed automatics are the norm.
Also, there's a video of the new car with an interview with the Acura Chief Engineer explaining the new car. Also confirmed is that the base TL will indeed remain FWD, while the top model get Acura's SH-AWD.
An all-new 2010 Acura crossover is in the works, and our spy shooters in Death Valley spent the better part of the night getting the first spy shots. Slated to slot in above the MDX in the lineup, the new crossover is aiming to compete with the Infiniti FX and BMW X5. It will ride on the same all-wheel drive platform as the upcoming TL sedan, so expect to see similar hardware under the hood. With the launch of the TL still to come, don't expect to see this new crossover until late next year at the earliest.
Inside Line has posted a couple of digital renderings of the upcoming Acura NSX replacement. Like the Nissan GT-R, it will be a classic front-engine, long-hood exotic GT; rather than a race car-inspired mid-engine vehicle, like the original NSX. The Acura will be powered by a V10, and will deliver the power via AWD.No doubt Acura chose this direction because of greater sales appeal, but I for one will miss not seeing a mid-engine sports car in Acura showrooms. Since these are digital renderings, and not the real deal, I'm a bit reluctant to comment on the styling. Having said that, what I see here I prefer over what Nissan came up with.Next-Generation 2010 Acura NSX Exposed
New images of a lightly disguised '09 Acura TL are now up on the Net. Unlike previous images, these really give a clear indication of what the car looks like.More images here.
As had been rumored the all-new 2009 Acura TL will be offered with Acura's excellent SH-AWD. What's not known--at least to me at this point--is if this will be an option or if it will be on all new TL models. The reason I mention this is that there will be two TL models, which could mean only one will be AWD. Stay tuned as I'm sure this will be cleared up soon.
Acura is stating that this will be the most powerful TL ever, and will be available in the fall.
A heavily masked 2009 Acura TL was caught on a camera phone by a quick-thinking Acura fan, and posted over at the Temple of VTEC, a Honda/Acura fan site. Actually there were three cars, and once the Acura test drivers caught wind that they were being tailed (and photographed), they did some fancy driving to try and lose the photographer.
A couple of days ago Straightline posted an entry in which Honda CEO Takeo Fukui had issued an edict stating that the new NSX "must" beat the Nissan GT-R's "Ring lap record (Honda NSX "must" be faster than GT-R at the 'Ring). Now we learn that Honda, with their first trip to the Nürburging with this new car, just posted a 7:37 lap, which is within eight seconds of the Nissan GT-R's 7:29 lap record for a production car.
So if you had any doubts before, this is a sure indicator that the 'Ring lap time race is off and running...
The upcoming Honda NSX "must" be faster than Nissan GT-R around Nurburgring is the ultimatum set forth by Honda CEO Takeo Fukui.
The NSX project engineers have their work cut out for them, for sure. Early info on the car suggest it will have a front-mounted 550 hp 5.5L V10 with cylinder deactivation capability, and will use a 8-speed paddle-shifting automatic. All that power will be sent to all four wheels via a beefed up version of the Acura SH-AWD...
Say what you want about the BMW X6, but despite it's size and weight, that sucker can handle as well as some of the best sport sedans out there. Much of this back road prowess is due to a trick chassis called Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) that ZF has developed; part of which includes a torque-vectoring rear differential that can send more power to the outside rear wheels while cornering. Umm.... did someone just whisper Acura SH-AWD in my ear?
Besides the the torque-vectoring aspect, there are other features—a "suite" of chassis-control components—with the end result being a killer handling system...
Say what you want about the BMW X6, but despite it's size and weight, that sucker can handle as well as some of the best sport sedans out there. Much of this back road prowess is due to a trick chassis called Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) that ZF has developed; part of which includes a torque-vectoring rear differential that can send more power to the outside rear wheels while cornering. Umm.... did someone just whisper Acura SH-AWD in my ear?
Besides the the torque-vectoring aspect, there are other features—a "suite" of chassis-control components—with the end result being a killer handling system...
Even though the Acura Integra Type-R coupe is FWD, and is out of production, Subaru has chosen that car to model the performance and size specs after for their new RWD coupe. Due in 2011, and being co-developed with Toyota, the new car is expected to have an MSRP under $20K for base models. It will use the Subaru boxer engine, and there have been rumors of a possible AWD version also being offered, although there is no mention of that in this latest Inside Line report.
Inside Line also reports that the Toyota version will be a Japan-only vehicle, while the Subaru version will be marketed worldwide...
XM's NavTraffic feature is gaining popularity by leaps abounds. For 2009 it will be offered on more than 40 vehicles. Those automakers include GM, Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, and Toyota. The upcoming Hyundai Genesis will offer it, and GM is including the feature in 22 new vehicles this year...
Latest word on the replacement for the NSX is that it's going to target Ferrari and Lamborghini, likely the F430 and Gallardo. So we're talking somewhere well north of $150K.
The car will have a V10 and Acura's SH-AWD. 4WS was also considered, but that idea appears to have been shelved...
News that's leaking out from the recent annual Acura dealer meeting is that there will be two different Acura TLs for 2009. One being a FWD model, powered by a 280 hp 3.5L V6; and the other being powered by a 300 hp 3.7L V6, likely from the MDX, and it will have Acura's SH-AWD.
This AWD model will not be the Type-S, but rather a different model all together. As for the Type-S?..
In the latest bit of technology, Acura will be adding real-time weather alerts to the 2009 RLs and TSXs equipped with the Technology Package which includes navigation and XM radio. It will alert drivers to developing weather events such as hail, tornado, icy roads, flooding and other dangerous storm conditions.
I remember reading about this a while back, in an article pertaining to Japanese-spec Hondas equipped with this capability. Now this very worthwhile feature is coming here...
In an ideal world, the new version of every sports sedan would be lighter and more powerful than the generation it replaces. But we're realists. We'll take one or the other.
What we generally do not like is when the new version of a sports sedan is heavier and less powerful...
Industry insiders and Acura customers alike have been screaming for a V8-powered Acura sedan for ages, and it looks like their wish may finally come true, as it's reported the next RL will get a 420-hp 4.8L V8. It also appears this sedan will switch from a FWD-biased SH-AWD to a RWD-biased SH-AWD. In addition it sounds like the RL may be available in both RWD and SH-AWD, although that's not entirely clear in the IL report.
So come mid-2010, when the car is scheduled to debut, everybody should be happy—especially Acura dealers...
The first image and info on the 2009 Acura TSX was released last week, and now, thanks to widespread leaks on numerous webpages, we can bring you the full specs on the Acura’s entry-level sedan. Unfortunately, the new info doesn’t give Acura fans much to get excited about as the TSX will continue to use a 2.4-liter four-cylinder hooked to either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual.
The basic dimensions of the car are up slightly in all directions and the suspension still consists of dual wishbones up front and a multilink setup in back. New two-stage dampers are the only major change...
Acura has just released an official photo of their new 2009 TSX. As you can see, and like the just announced RL, the styling is evolutionary in nature. So no surprises here—an speaking of surprises, are there any under the skin or inside? Don't know yet, as Acura hasn't tipped their hand here yet. Expect to see it debut at the New York auto show next month.
An Autoblog reader sent them this shot of the next European Honda Accord Tourer getting gas. And as most of you know, the Euro-Accord is sold here as the Acura TSX. As you can see, there don't appear to be any surprises in terms of styling. No word yet as to what's under the skin...
Because Acura was the only manufacturer that refused to give us early information on what it was showing in Chicago, one might have anticipated big news. But Acura's debut turned out to be less than its super secrecy might have indicated.
Acura pulled the wraps off its 2009 RL, which to the naked eye, looks much like the current model. While the Japanese automaker is positioning it as a redesign, we prefer the term "refresh" for this one...
Honda announced that its "i-DTEC" clean diesel technology will make its U.S. debut in a 2009 Acura-badged vehicle. Impressively, Honda's diesel meets Tier 2 Bin 5 emission levels without the use of urea injection. To date, the only other passenger-car diesel we're aware of that accomplishes this feat is VW's upcoming 2.0-liter TDI...
BMW looks to be getting a new torque vectoring rear axle, that will allow power to the rear wheels be shifted left or right as needed. This would replace the existing rear differential; and sounds similar, at least in concept, as to what Acura uses on their SH-AWD models. BMW says this can work with both RWD and AWD vehicles.
Just as the cute and cuddly concept cars of the Tokyo auto show were about to eat us alive, we saw a racecar, a dirty one with tire scuff marks that no one had bothered to detail, and most unbelievable of all, it was a Honda Accord. Actually, to us, it was an Acura TSX. And instead of an 800,000-rpm VTEC motor under the hood, this car had an oil burner... Honda's 2.2-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder.
The interior of this right-hand-drive car has been fitted with a roll cage and stripped of every seat except the driver's, which is a full-on racing seat with a five-point harness. Honda has been using the car for endurance racing at the Twin Ring Motegi facility in Japan, and as you can see from this strip of tape, drivers kept track of how many laps they were able to get out of the car after each fill-up.
Ever hear of the term "Torque-Vectoring All-Wheel-Drive?" It's the latest high-tech version of AWD, in which power is not only front to rear, but also from side to side within each axle.
The Acura SH-AWD is a torque-vectoring AWD system, as it monitors vehicle speed, wheel speed, gear position, steering angle, yaw rate, lateral G forces and other inputs, while automatically adding torque to the outside rear wheel in corners to make the car turn quicker.
Besides Acura, there is the Ricardo Cross-Axle Torque-Vectoring system, which uses wet clutches and planetary gearsets, in both the front and rear differentials. These items are controlled by electrical, electromechanical or electrohydraulic control systems...
Acura wants to be known as a "Tier 1" luxury brand, and as such, is in the process of redefining their product line and their image.
“Our goal is to move Acura into a Tier 1 luxury brand,” says John Mendel, the executive vice president of automobile operations for American Honda. “We’re pretty clear about it. BMW is well established, and Acura is not in terms of a brand image...
It's very easy to see where Honda is going with the Accord Tourer concept. This is pretty much the exact shape the new European-market Accord will take when it debuts in production form next year in Geneva. This is a good-looking wagon that we'll never see in the U.S...
Spy shots of the all-new 2009 Honda Pilot are up on Inside Line. So far little is known about the vehicle. Even so, I think the new Acura MDX might give a clue as to what's under the skin. By that I mean don't expect anything more than what the MDX offers from a technology standpoint...
Forbes has come up a list of the top 10 least expensive luxury vehicles to own over a 5-year span.
The figures include not only MSRP, but also depreciation, interest and opportunity costs, fuel, maintenance and repairs, insurance, and taxes and fees.
10. Lincoln MKZ: $55,011 9. Lexus ES 350: $54,585 8. Acura RDX: $54,502 7. Lexus IS 250: $53,220 6. Volvo V50: $52,906 5. Audi A3: $51,513 4. Saab 9-3 SportCombi: $51,499 3. Volvo S40: $51,484 2. Saab 9-3 Sedan: $50,282 1. Acura TSX: $47,084
As we expected, the 2009 Acura NSX test mule spotted in a garage just outside the Nurburgring eventually made its way onto to the test track. Seeing the car out in the open reveals just how different this prototype is from the S2000 shell it's based on. The wheelbase has clearly been stretched out with the driver sitting almost dead center in the chassis. The width doesn't appear to have changed much, but the wheels and tires are definitely bigger than anything seen on an S2000...
It's been awhile since we heard anything about the 2009 Acura NSX. It was over a year ago when Honda officials confirmed a V10 engine for the next-generation NSX, but since then all we've heard or seen out of Japan was the Sports Car Concept shown in Detroit. These latest spy photos taken just outside the Nurburgring suggest work is still very much in progress. This chopped up S2000 features four tailpipes in back and a heavy-duty double wishbone suspension...
Well, you just knew this was bound to happen: A disgruntled Cadillac owner is suing GM over the fact that the OnStar on his '02 Caddy will go dead next year as GM converts their OnStar system from analog to digital. Welcome to the world of high technology, where nothing is safe from obsolescence...
This change will also affect some cars from Acura, Audi, Subaru and Volkswagen. Some vehicles made between 2002 and 2004 can be upgraded, but all pre-2002 models will become obsolete...
Honda (and Acura) are recalling 165,000 cars because of potential fuel pump problems.
Those affected are 2005 Acura RL, TL and TSX sedans, 2005 Honda Accord coupes, sedans and hybrids, 2005 Odyssey minivans and 2006 Ridgeline trucks.
The move is part of a global recall because of similar problems. Details on the total number of vehicles and the number of countries where the vehicles were sold were not immediately available...
Acura's new Torrance-based design facility isn't yet ready to house the LA-based Acura design team, but that doesn't mean they've been resting on their haunches prior to the big move. Responsible for the V10-powered Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept, Acura's principal designer, Jon Ikeda, said that this sleek new concept was a chance for his team to "let their imaginations run wild." Ikeda says this edgy wide, low concept was designed to be as "powerful and precise as a sling slot."
The front-engine, rear-wheel drive Advanced Sports Car Concept is just a shell with no interior, and there's limited technical information as well. Details include a 108.8-inch wheelbase, 19-inch wheels in the front with 20-inchers in the rear, and custom billet-machined, polished aluminum wheels that shield ventilated carbon ceramic brake discs and eight-piston calipers.
Takeo Fukui, Honda's president and CEO says the Advanced Sports Car Concept showcases the direction of Acura's design future and enthusiasts should look forward to the next phase which Acura will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this fall...
Grilles, once a device for feeding the engine fresh air for cooling, have now become almost exclusively devices for defining the vehicle's "identity." Well, it's always been used for that, but it seems like today more and more cars are using the grille exclusively for vehicle identity, and the engine cooling aspect has almost disappeared.
Witness the Ford Interceptor concept to be shown at the Detroit auto show: The only suggestion of a true air intake is at the bottom of the front fascia, where you can see a small, narrow air slot. From what I can see the main grille is a large chunk of metal (or plastic) with little, if any, ability to let fresh air into the engine compartment...
Found this spy shot over on thehollywoodextrablogspot.com. It appears to be the next European Accord, which in turn means our Acura TSX. Rumors have it that it will have Acura's SH-AWD when it arrives here. That being the case, a battle royal will be shaping up between this car, the Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B, and the Audi A4...
Other than the fact it appeared to offer room for a V8 up front, Acura's Advanced Sedan Concept unveiled at the L.A. auto show didn't generate much enthusiasm. Things will be a little different in Detroit as Acura has announced it's planning to unveil what it's calling the Advanced Sports Car Concept. We would prefer to think of it as the next generation NSX...
Here's the rundown of all the future vehicle information in this week's issue of Automotive News:
-- Lexus will introduce high-performance versions of its standard models beginning with a V-8 powered IS sedan late next year. The models will carry the "F" suffix. The IS-F will get a 425-hp version of the 5.0-liter V8 used in the upcoming LS600h hybrid.
Not all the new vehicles have been revealed yet, but I bet when all the debuts are over, this Acura Advanced Sedan concept will be a strong contender for the LA auto show's "Most Startling" award.
Having a design background, I'm often reluctant to dis radical new designs, regardless of how far the designers may have gone. One thing to keep in mind is that concept cars almost always take new design directions to an extreme, so this is Acura is nothing new in that respect.
In any event, I will take my time and study this car, as it surely hints at some future design direction that Acura is considering...
This one goes out to all of the motorsports fans out there bracing for a long, cold winter with no racing.
The fastest car on display at the 2007 L.A. Auto show just might be Acura's LMP2 American LeMans Series sports racer. Not a concept version, this is the Acura-powered Courage LC75 that has been testing all month and will pound the pavement next year, going up against Porsche's RS Spyder, among others, in the P2 class...
Showing off the talents of their new Los Angeles-based design center, Acura showed their Advanced Sedan Concept. It's so far off from reality they didn't bother to give it a proper name. Or an engine.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2007 Top Safety Picks have been announced. Thirteen cars and trucks from foreign brands won "Top Safety Pick" honors for 2007 models from the IIHS, including seven varieties of SUVs. More info can be found here.
Honda showed its Sports 4 concept at the Australian International Motor Show. This car is rumored to strongly hint as to what the next Euro-Accord will look like. For Americans that means this car strongly hints as to what the next Acura TSX will look like.
Probably even more important is that this will be the next SH-AWD-equipped Acura...
I stopped by an Acura dealer today, and while there noticed a very nicely executed detail on the new RDX. Look closely at both these images, specifically the rear cargo floor.
What appears to be the rear cargo floor on the top photo is actually the rear cargo cover, that when not used, lays perfectly flush with the floor. It fits so well that it could easily be mistaken for the cargo floor itself...
Acura has just introduced two new crossover SUVs, the all-new RDX, and now the (also) all-new MDX. Of the two, only the MDX has sparked any real interest on my part. Unlike the sports car wannabe RDX, the also-sporty MDX offer some real utility—or at least utility as per my definition of the word, in which towing capability is a key component. The RDX offers a meager 1500 pounds towing, whereas the MDX's towing has been upped to 5000 this year...
There have been a whole bunch of '07 CRV spy images showing up on the Net recently. The two pictured above are among the best. The biggest change is there is no longer a door-mounted spare tire, and the vehicle's proportions appear to be more rounded, and perhaps a bit lower and longer.
Not a whole lot has been released in terms of specs, but it is assumed that the running gear won't be a whole lot different from the current model...
We saw it first as a lightly veiled concept at the New York auto show, now our latest spy photos reveal exactly how the 2007 Acura MDX will look when it goes on sale later this year. There are no big surprises on the outside as the MDX appears faithful to the concept with its chevron-shaped grille and sloping roofline. Although our interior shot is the first glimpse of the cabin, we wouldn't call it shocking either. The MDX looks as though it will borrow the RL sedan's navigation system along with its penchant for big chunks of wood throughout the interior. Everything else looks like standard Japanese luxury vehicle, with plenty of storage, cupholders and power points.
There have been several rumors about new diesels coming from Honda recently, one being a V6 diesel for their larger vehicles. Now we get word that the Odyssey and MDX will get this engine by 2009. Not mentioned in this link, but has been rumored elsewhere on the Net is that the Ridgeline could also get this engine. I see these as very smart moves on Honda's part...
Last Saturday, the Grand American Road Racing series brought it cars and stars to Phoenix International Raceway. With the first of the three headline races starting at 1:00 pm, and the last ending at 9:45 pm, our intrepid SoCal team of Jay and Silent Dan decided to streak across the desert and back in one day. So was it worth the sleep depravation? You bet!
Rumor has it that the Honda CRV and Fit will soon be getting hybrid options. The Fit reportedly will get the hybrid unit found on the Honda Insight, while the CRV will get the hybrid unit found on the Civic. It's also rumored that the Acura RDX will get a hybrid version at some point.
Snippet: Hybridcars.com reports that this model, to feature the same powertrain as the recently-launched Civic Hybrid, will go on sale in the US towards the end of this year...
It's official. According to Inside Line, the long-rumored axing of the lovely Acura RSX coupe is a done deal. After MY 2006, it will be no more. That's a shame, as I always thought the RSX was one of the nicest sport coupes ever to be sold on these shores in recent years...
RDX I thought it had pretty good legroom, both front and rear, but I sure wouldn't want to sit three-across in the back. In typical Acura fashion, the ergonomics are excellent.
One thing I was surprised about was that there was a lot of scuffing (plastic) on the top of dashboard and around the lower edges of the doors (from feet). It could be that it was just because it was an abused show vehicle, but it also suggests that over time this is what an owner might expect...
The American Le Mans Series should get just a bit more interesting, as Acura will field an official team for 2007.
Snippet: "The American Le Mans Series has always featured factory involvement from the most prestigious collection of auto manufacturers in the world. Today, it is with great pride that we welcome Acura," said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series. "Our platform features world-class manufacturers showcasing their products in o ne of the most extreme, but relevant forms of motorsports - endurance sports car racing...
But the RDX is probably the most interesting because it's an Acura's first entry luxury SUV. Slotted below the MDX (top image), the RDX (bottom image) has a lot going for it. It's Acura's first turbo powerplant and it incorporates the company's Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) which works really well on the RL...
Honda and Acura have used the NY show in the past to (sort of) debut new models. They showed a pickup a couple of years ago that was very close to the final Ridgeline, and Acura showed a close to production-ready RL before it was introduced; there were others too. Well, now it's the MDX's turn. Expect to see a nearly production-ready version of the '07 model...
If you listen to the dealers, they sure want one. The new RL comes fully loaded, and it's at a price point where the vehicles it competes with offer more—more as in the way of a V8 engine, something the RL sorely lacks.
So I guess we can expect to see a de-contented RL in the near future.
Watch out BMW, there's a new luxury SUV ready to hit the streets. Acura brought a beauty to the show - the Acura RDX. The turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter, four-cylinder i-VTEC mill makes 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The variable-flow turbo reduces lag and maintains flow over the engine's entire rev range to produce consistent torque and significant power. It also uses a top-mounted intercooler to decrease intake charge temperatures.
Gary Evert, Chief Engineer of the RDX spoke about the smoothness of this SUV. A true luxury to drive "...with the paddle shifters which allow you to keep the engine in its sweet spot."
The RDX isn't plain by any standards with loads of extras - Acura's voice recognition navigation system, AcuraLink satellite communication with real-time traffic and HandFreeLink and more.
The
three major Japanese automakers, Toyota, Honda and Nissan have been
selling premium cars here in North America for some time under separate
banners from the mainstream brethren.
This link
specifically refers to Acura's plans for Japan, but the both Lexus and
Infiniti are also mentioned. Lexus is already being in Europe and
other markets, and Infinities are sold in the Middle East. I bet it
won't be long before all the Japanese premium brands are sold worldwide...
For those who are disappointed in the all-new Honda Civic—and who would much prefer an Acura version—the solution is awaiting you just north of the border, as Acura of Canada has just introduced the CSX. The CSX is based on the new Civic but has been sprinkled with Acura fairy dust.
It has the same 2.0L engine found in the RSX coupe, a sporting suspension and the usual Acura interior upgrades. Too bad this little beauty isn't available here in the States...
