Motor Authority - blog Category: Acura

  • Acura Sees Future Defined By Advanced Eco Technologies

    Acura Sees Future Defined By Advanced Eco Technologies November 2nd, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 2nd, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 3 Comments

    Acura Sees Future Defined By Advanced Eco Technologies

    Apart from Lexus, Japanese luxury brands still pale in comparison to their German rivals in terms of the number of models they produce and the prices they can command. Overall image in the marketplace and status on the street have likewise proven difficult to develop. So Acura has abandoned plans to push for "Tier 1" luxury status, and instead will focus on being the technologically advanced, sensible luxury carmaker.

    According to a new report, Acura is reversing its plans from previously wanting powerful V-8 models with rear-wheel drive layouts to a new focus on “advanced environmental technologies." This is nothing new to readers of Motor...

    Apart from Lexus, Japanese luxury brands still pale in comparison to their German rivals in terms of the number of models they produce and the prices they can command. Overall image in the marketplace and status on the street have likewise proven difficult to develop. So Acura has abandoned plans to push for "Tier 1" luxury status, and instead will focus on being the technologically advanced, sensible luxury carmaker. According to a new report, Acura is reversing its plans from previously wanting powerful V-8 models with rear-wheel drive layouts to a new focus on “advanced environmental technologies." This is nothing new to readers of Motor Authority, who've known about the cancellation of Acura's V-8 and rear-wheel-drive plans and the consequent effects on the product lineup for about two months now. The latest information was revealed by Honda CEO Takanobu Ito, who admitted that there is confusion about what Acura currently sits in the marketplace and where it is headed. Ito went on to explain that rather than “glamorous, gorgeous products”, Acura will be defined by high technology. This reversal of strategy has upset Acura dealers who have recently invested in upmarket, glitzy showrooms to compete against Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus. Some of the new models planned include the upcoming 2010 ZDX crossover, a wagon variant of the TSX due next fall, and possibly a compact car to rival the BMW 1-Series and a new hatchback planned by Lexus. [Automotive News, sub req'd] Read More

  • Acura Announces 2011 TSX Sport Wagon To Arrive In Fall 2010

    Acura Announces 2011 TSX Sport Wagon To Arrive In Fall 2010 October 28th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 28th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 4 Comments

    Acura Announces 2011 TSX Sport Wagon To Arrive In Fall 2010

    Back in August we brought you news that Acura was considering a TSX wagon for the U.S., and today, Acura has confirmed that it will indeed be bringing the car Stateside by late 2010.

    Known elsewhere in the world as the Accord Euro Touring wagon, the Acura version will be called the TSX Sport Wagon. The TSX Sport Wagon will join the slightly larger 2010 Acura ZDX crossover as a new form factor for the notoriously small brand.

    Adding a bit more utility to the already very good TSX sedan makes a lot of sense, especially as crossovers and their spiritual ancestors--wagons--worm they way back into the hearts of Americans.

    Though the TSX is a...

    Back in August we brought you news that Acura was considering a TSX wagon for the U.S., and today, Acura has confirmed that it will indeed be bringing the car Stateside by late 2010. Known elsewhere in the world as the Accord Euro Touring wagon, the Acura version will be called the TSX Sport Wagon. The TSX Sport Wagon will join the slightly larger 2010 Acura ZDX crossover as a new form factor for the notoriously small brand. Adding a bit more utility to the already very good TSX sedan makes a lot of sense, especially as crossovers and their spiritual ancestors--wagons--worm they way back into the hearts of Americans. Though the TSX is a notch down in size from cars like the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon and the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, it's premium positioning and slightly lower pricing might make it more attractive to younger buyers looking for an aspirational purchase. No details on the car have yet been revealed, but expect it to be a doppelganger for the TSX sedan, with similar or identical powertrain and options packages, including the available 201-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 280-horsepower V-6 engines. [Acura] Read More

  • 2010 Acura ZDX Makes Official Production Debut at Orange County Auto Show

    2010 Acura ZDX Makes Official Production Debut at Orange County Auto Show October 15th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 15th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 5 Comments

    2010 Acura ZDX Makes Official Production Debut at Orange County Auto Show

    The Orange County Auto Show may not be on your radar--it may not be on anyone's radar--but that's where Acura chose to officially release the production version of the 2010 ZDX coupe/sedan/crossover.

    Not much new info accompanies the car's production debut, though the photography gives us an incredibly detailed look at all its nooks and crannies as they'll be when the ZDX hits showroom floors this winter. The ZDX was initially unveiled at the New York Auto Show back in March, but the design wasn't officially production-ready at that point.

    The ZDX will be positioned between the MDX SUV and RL sedan according to Acura, putting it's likely...

    The Orange County Auto Show may not be on your radar--it may not be on anyone's radar--but that's where Acura chose to officially release the production version of the 2010 ZDX coupe/sedan/crossover. Not much new info accompanies the car's production debut, though the photography gives us an incredibly detailed look at all its nooks and crannies as they'll be when the ZDX hits showroom floors this winter. The ZDX was initially unveiled at the New York Auto Show back in March, but the design wasn't officially production-ready at that point. The ZDX will be positioned between the MDX SUV and RL sedan according to Acura, putting it's likely retail price somewhere between $40,000 and $46,000 to start. EPA estimated fuel economy is tipped to hit 16/22 mpg. For the full run-down on the all-wheel drive, 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower segment-bender, check out our preview of the 2010 ZDX here. And if you're in the area, you can head over to the Orange County Auto Show to see the car in person today through October 18. [Acura] Read More

  • 2010 Acura TL Preview

    2010 Acura TL Preview September 23rd, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, September 23rd, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 3 Comments

    2010 Acura TL Preview

    Acura first announced plans to add a manual transmission to its 2010 Acura TL exactly one year ago, and now customers can finally take home their TL’s equipped with the optional six-speed self-shifter. Complimenting the existing Sequential Sportshift five-speed automatic from the 2009 model, the new manual gearbox is available on the TL SH-AWD and is priced from $42,385.

    The manual gearbox is an all-new unit that is substantially stronger than previous generation designs. In addition to using a more rigid aluminum case and heavy-duty internals, the gearbox also features special gear synchronizers for improved smoothness. Another...

    Acura first announced plans to add a manual transmission to its 2010 Acura TL exactly one year ago, and now customers can finally take home their TL’s equipped with the optional six-speed self-shifter. Complimenting the existing Sequential Sportshift five-speed automatic from the 2009 model, the new manual gearbox is available on the TL SH-AWD and is priced from $42,385. The manual gearbox is an all-new unit that is substantially stronger than previous generation designs. In addition to using a more rigid aluminum case and heavy-duty internals, the gearbox also features special gear synchronizers for improved smoothness. Another special design feature is the clutch, which has been designed specifically to suit the torquey nature of the TL’s available 3.7-liter V-6 engine. Output for the 3.7-liter unit remains at 305 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5-liter unit produces 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. Other features include a Hill-Start Assist program, new suspension tuning with stiffer springs and dampers. The manual model also employs firmer engine and transmission bushings that better resist engine and transmission movement during spirited driving. Finally, the manual model also improves weight distribution by 1% compared to the automatic, generating a 58/42 ratio versus the auto’s 59/41 ratio. Part of the reason for this is that the addition of the manual benefits TL drivers by saving approximately 110 pounds from the car’s curb weight when compared to the five-speed auto. Fuel conscious buyers will be happy to know that the six-speed manual equipped TL SH-AWD powered by a 3.7-liter engine matches the standard 3.5-liter TL for fuel economy, rating in at 18/26 mpg for city/highway. Every model is available with a technology package that adds navigation, extensive electronics and a 10-speaker premium audio system. Furthermore, in addition to the powertrain and technology choices, TL buyers can further customize their cars with tire and wheel upgrades. For 2010, the standard TL is now available with 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, while the TL SH-AWD picks up a 19-inch wheel option with summer spec high performance tires. Pricing for the 2010 Acura TL range kicks off at $35,105 for the standard 3.5-liter model equipped with a fice-speed automatic and tops out at $43,385 for the TL SH-AWD with the optional 19-inch wheel package and either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Read More

  • Preview: 2010 Acura ZDX

    Preview: 2010 Acura ZDX August 17th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, August 17th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 14 Comments

    Preview: 2010 Acura ZDX

    Acura and its parent company Honda may not be concerned with adding RWD or V8 engines to its lineup, but it is adding another new vehicle to its small lineup, bringing the total to six models. Today Acura has announced that the latest, the four-door coupe 2010 Acura ZDX, will hit the sales floor this winter packed with a bevy of luxury features new.

    Unveiled at this year's New York Auto Show, the ZDX joins a growing list of in-between sedan/hatch/coupe profile vehicles like the BMW 5-series Gran Turismo and the Toyota Venza. And it certainly is unique in the limited Acura lineup, which otherwise consists of the TSX, RL and TL sedans, and the...

    Acura and its parent company Honda may not be concerned with adding RWD or V8 engines to its lineup, but it is adding another new vehicle to its small lineup, bringing the total to six models. Today Acura has announced that the latest, the four-door coupe 2010 Acura ZDX, will hit the sales floor this winter packed with a bevy of luxury features new. Unveiled at this year's New York Auto Show, the ZDX joins a growing list of in-between sedan/hatch/coupe profile vehicles like the BMW 5-series Gran Turismo and the Toyota Venza. And it certainly is unique in the limited Acura lineup, which otherwise consists of the TSX, RL and TL sedans, and the RDX and MDX SUVs. Core features of the production ZDX include a 3.7-liter 300 horsepower SOHC V-6 engine, a 6-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission and Acura's SH-AWD system. Standard wheels are 19-inch, 7-spoke alloys, the largest standard wheel of any Acura. Inside, the ZDX gets a number of premium treatments, including hand-stitched leather dash elements, 5-passenger seating, and the ability to accommodate a wide range of cargo, including the segment-defining golf bags. There are 26.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row seats and a total of 55.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat. As an added bonus, there is an integrated under-floor storage area which provides 2.2 cubic-feet of secure space. The cabin is also well lit thanks to extensive use of LED lighting along with the light from the vehicle’s moonroof. This panoramic glass roof has dual automatic sunshades that open and closes at the touch of a button. Three trim levels of the ZDX will be available: the standard ZDX, the mid-range ZDX with Technology Package and the 'ultra-premium' ZDX with Advance Package. Standard features across the ZDX lineup include Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, power tailgate, panoramic glass roof and XM satellite radio with iPod integration. The Technology Package adds several key features including a navigation system with voice recognition, a premium audio system and a reversing camera. The Advance Package, meanwhile, boasts additional goodies such as a blind spot information system, a collision mitigating braking system, and adaptive cruise control. As for the dynamic capabilities of the ZDX, the new model comes with an Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), which tailors the fully independent suspension's Active Damper System and speed-sensitive steering together to suit either ‘Comfort’ or ‘Sport’ settings. The ZDX will go on sale this winter, positioned between the MDX SUV and RL sedan, leaving it a rather narrow $40,000-$46,000 window. Mileage is EPA estimated at 16/22mpg for the city/highway cycles and the ZDX can hold up to 21 gallons of fuel. Read More

  • Acura Considering TSX Wagon For U.S.

    Acura Considering TSX Wagon For U.S. August 11th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, August 11th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 4 Comments

    Acura Considering TSX Wagon For U.S.

    Honda is on the verge of launching a new Accord-based crossover but its more upmarket Acura division may also be getting its own versatile model in the form of the Accord Euro Touring wagon. The Accord Euro is essentially a rebadged version of the Acura TSX and overseas is available in both sedan and wagon bodystyles.

    Acura is reportedly considering selling a TSX wagon in local showrooms, which could provide it with a worthy rival to the upcoming 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon and even the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate.

    The information comes from senior manager of Acura product planning John Watts. “We’re closely, closely looking at it,”...

    Honda is on the verge of launching a new Accord-based crossover but its more upmarket Acura division may also be getting its own versatile model in the form of the Accord Euro Touring wagon. The Accord Euro is essentially a rebadged version of the Acura TSX and overseas is available in both sedan and wagon bodystyles. Acura is reportedly considering selling a TSX wagon in local showrooms, which could provide it with a worthy rival to the upcoming 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon and even the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. The information comes from senior manager of Acura product planning John Watts. “We’re closely, closely looking at it,” he said during a recent interview where he also suggested that younger Gen Y buyers are the target consumers. “Boomers, and [the older among] Gen X, who had wagons as kids don’t want one, but the new kids do.” With many buyers, especially in the luxury segment, downsizing from big SUVs to smaller crossovers and wagons, now may be the perfect time for Acura to launch a new TSX wagon. [Car and Driver] Read More

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