While the TSX, RL, and TL have been redesigned for 2009, Honda’s vice president for corporate planning in North America, Dan Bonawitz, admits that none of these cars are up to 'tier' 1 standards. However, in a recent interview with Automotive News, Bonawitz boasted that the situation will change in 2010 when an "all-new vehicle about the same level as the TL" arrives.
The RL's poor sales performance has led to speculation that it will be replaced before 2012, speculation which has been fueled by Bonawitz, who revealed that Acura has a "sedan coming that will clearly put [them] in tier 1" before 2012.
The RL's possible replacement may become the Acura that can intimidate the Germans, with a possible 400hp (298kW) 4.5L V8 engine and a RWD layout rumored to be among its list of specs. There’s also the chance that this new sedan will be sold alongside the RL as no final decision on the future of either model has been confirmed. Pictured above is the Acura Advanced Sedan Concept from 2006's Los Angeles Auto Show, a striking design study for a flagship sedan.
Also rumored to be in the works is a new four-seater coupe as a possible replacement for the CL.
One model that is confirmed is the replacement for the NSX supercar. Seen testing recently at the Nurburgring, the new flagship model is expected to sport a 550hp (410kW) V10 engine with 420lb-ft (570Nm) of torque.
Finally, the RDX will come in for a redesign for the 2011 model year and could spawn a hybrid variant. This will be followed that same year by the next-generation MDX, which could be offered with a new V6 turbodiesel engine. A third SUV model could be added to Acura’s lineup as revealed by a new prototype caught testing recently in California’s Death Valley.
Original: Acura plans to add an all-new model to its lineup by 2010 to help expand its limited lineup and realign itself with 'tier 1' luxury brands such as its more established German rivals. This won’t be the NSX-replacement seen recently testing in prototype form as the new supercar isn’t due to hit showrooms until after 2010.
One of Acura’s key criticisms is its lack of a full model line and powerful RWD vehicles. Speaking with Automotive News, Acura’s vice-president for corporate planning and logistics, Dan Bonawitz, confirmed there would be an all-new model released in 2010.
The new car is likely to fit into the smaller segments in a nod to current fuel concerns, and according to Bonawitz “there is potential for a coupe like the previous CL (pictured)” - despite that model being discontinued after the 2003 model year.
The CL replaced the Acura Legend Coupe when it ceased production in 1995, but since its departure from the lineup Acura hasn’t had a mid-size coupe in its stable. Currently, Acura only has five vehicles but the addition of a supercar such as the NSX-replacement and a smaller, stylish coupe could have the potential to boost the brand’s image to compete with the likes of BMW, Lexus and Mercedes.
Sales for Acura last month dropped more than 14.8% on levels from a year ago, however this is in line with current market trends.
Reader Comments
Mon Aug 4 2008 9:35 AM
Kumonga says
They are definitely missing a coupe from their lineup - hopefully this one will more successful than the CL.
Mon Aug 4 2008 10:58 AM
Turkle says
Yeah, I agree... the CL was sporty, but it drove like a big sedan based coupe. The coupe should be on its own platform. Unless the new TSX plaform would lend itself to coupe like dynamics (which I doubt), than there should be an independant platform. Similar to the S2000 and how it was its own stand alone platform. I would love to see this as a RWD car, but knowing Acura (Honda), it would be too "edgy" for them to make this leap.
Mon Aug 4 2008 11:47 AM
Stewie says
I think the launch date is too soon for a RWD ... even tho they have been testing one I doubt that they woudl debut it here ... probably the next RL or NSX. I am sure that it will have SH-AWD @ least ...
Mon Aug 4 2008 11:49 AM
Dane says
Wow... How exciting.... More boring big front wheel drive cars....
Hey Honda, what happened to that four-wheel-steering that was going to change tha auto industry like Audi's Quattro system.....
Close the doors and move on.... There are enough Camerys and Accords out there....
Mon Aug 4 2008 8:30 PM
NoNameDenton says
They want to catch up to BMW and Mercedes they have a lot of work ahead of them.
Mon Aug 11 2008 11:51 AM
Andrew says
PUH-LEEZE. The TSX looks great. The RL looks like a proper luxury car. Then they came out with the TL, which looks busy and unorganized. Now this? I would not want to be seen in this, period.
Mon Aug 11 2008 4:52 PM
amac says
Great design! For a vacuum cleaner. Where's the hose?
Mon Aug 11 2008 5:32 PM
InkMaster says
Amac, stop being stupid, the image is the Advanced Sedan Concept from a few years back... I highly doubt the model in question, in this article, will look even remotely similar...
Mon Aug 11 2008 6:39 PM
HECTOR says
I hope Acura buids that car, cause, you know, they really need a bullet in the ass.
Tue Aug 12 2008 7:50 AM
Ebirah says
Acura's been doin a lot of talk lately ... I hope that they follow thru.
Tue Aug 12 2008 1:31 PM
Rick says
They need to build less ugly cars to compete with anyone, much less the Germans. They will never succeed design these hideous Anime over-done bling cars.
Tue Aug 12 2008 5:11 PM
Laz says
The above car is Sexy!
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