- Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Podcasts, Plants/Manufacturing, Acura, GM, Honda
Here it is in all its glory, Episode #100 of the Autoblog Podcast. We've finally made it. There's a new graphic, a big group of five people all talking on top of each other, and new music. Stay tuned, as we've got an excellent giveaway coming up soon (i.e. when fearless leader Neff gets back from his nuptials). We'd thought that #100 might go 100 minutes, but for your sake, that's not the case and we occupy only 50 minutes of your time this week. Thanks for listening and keep the feedback, commentary, and questions rolling in to podcast at autoblog daught com. See you next week!
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Videos, Supercars, Acura, Honda
Click above to view video after the jump
At this rate, by the time Honda actually releases the production version of the successor to the NSX, we may well have seen more video and photos of the prototypes running at the 'Ring than we ever saw of the original. Thankfully, for those of us into really fast cars, the Nürburgring is a public place with a variety of roadside vantage points where people can view the latest and greatest supercars in action. The crew at Germany's Auto Motor und Sport seem to have staged videographers at all the available viewing locations to capture three minutes of footage that they have posted on YouTube for the rest of us to enjoy. There's some good stuff here, including the last few seconds where the driver is clearly pushing the new Honda as the back end slips a little wide before coming back. We're all waiting anxiously to see how this one matches up against the GT-R, ZR1, and LF-A. Check out the video after the jump.
[Source: Temple of VTEC]Continue reading VIDEO: Three minutes of NSX goodness
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Acura, Honda, Rendered Speculation
AutoExpress is just as interested in the styling of the next NSX as the rest of us are, so they pressed a digital artist into action to 'chop the shots of the car running on the Nurburgring. What they've come away with isn't nearly as bad as we thought it might be on our last podcast. It still looks like a hotted-up Accord Coupe in some ways, though the lines and proportions are rather classic, and the anti-flamboyance creates a car that wouldn't look ridiculous next to an F430, except for the quad stacked exhaust tips. Of course, all the renderings really do is muddy the waters until we see the actual car, but at least if these images ring true, the NSX won't suck. It won't stand out, either, but who ever bought an Acura to stand out?
[Source: Auto Express, Photo: Larson]
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Acura
Click image above for additional pics of the 2009 Acura TL
We just showed you some spy pics of the 2009 Acura TL yesterday, but when one automotive photog saw the lo-res cellphone pics we ran, he knew he could do better. Our buddy Rich Truesdell of Automotive Traveler sent over a small patch of pics that he shot of the new mid-level Acura in action out in the Mojave. Just as with the new TSX and RL, the '09 TL seems to be adopting the corporate blocky metal triangle look. To paraphrase Fletch, "It's all about blocky metal triangles these days." Besides that signature fascia treatment, however, the rest of the car could easily be mistaken for a G37 sedan. Not bad, mind you, but not very distinctive either and surprising given the aggressively styled nose and tail. We'd say the best view is the rear-3/4 shot showing how the C-pillars continue out past the rear glass at their trailing edge and become the top edge of the rear deck. Pretty nifty. Check out our gallery below and Automotive Traveler to read about their encounter with the new TL.
[Source: Automotive Traveler]
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Acura
Acura is in the midst of a major restyling of its entire range of sedans. While we've already seen the new TSX and RL (though an even newer RL has been spied), it's the TL that is the bread-and-butter model of the line. From what has been seen already, we're expecting a version of the blocky metal triangle at the front of the model, though the latest spy photos reveal that the angular theme will be carried over to the rear of the vehicle as well. It's always risky to make major changes to the high-volume model, but it appears as if Acura is not content to just play it safe with its line of uber-Hondas. While the stylists attempt to set new trends, we're pretty sure that the TL will continue to use a front wheel drive architecture and V6 engines, though a form of the automaker's SH AWD seems a distinct possibility.
[Source: Temple of VTEC]
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- Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Safety, Acura
Click on the image above for pics of our uncrashed 2009 Acura TSX
The all-new 2009 Acura TSX was recently crashed into a barrier at 40 mph, and smacked with a side sled at 31 mph, by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). While the last model (2005-2008 with side airbags) scored "good" in frontal, and "acceptable" in side impact testing, the 2009 model received the highest scores ("good") in both tests. When combined with the improved rear crash test results (seat and head restraint design), the new TSX earned the Institutes's "Top Safety Pick" rating.
While our caps are off to Acura, we think it is time to revise all crash test standards (IIHS and NHTSA). Each time the results are released, we can't help but think that the automakers have learned how to ace the tests over the years. Let's bump up the speed in the barrier and sled tests (maybe throw a random angle in there to make things challenging?), and focus more on dynamic safety. As always, this team prefers to avoid the accidents in the first place.
[Source: IIHS]
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- Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Supercars, Acura, Honda
Who needs Blade Runner technology to get the details in a photo when you've got Photoshop? The folks over at Temple of VTEC have gleaned the dimensions of the Acura NSX mule by starting with the widths of a German license plate and the Honda S2000 door. The mule appears to be shorter, but taller and wider than the previous NSX, with a longer wheelbase. VTEC also has a chart comparing the estimated dimensions with those of the Nissan GT-R, Porsche GT2, and Corvette Z06. While the exact measurements could be slightly off, they should fit together in relation to each other. We expect that in design and dimension the mule's bodywork has little to do with the final NSX -- but we probably have a year and change before we find out... Thanks for the tip, Eugene!
[Source: Temple of VTEC]
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Videos, Supercars, Acura
Click above to view video after the jump
By now we've all seen the myriad number of spy shots showing Acura's prototype for the 2010 NSX running around the Nurburgring in Germany. We've also heard the news that Honda CEO Fukui-san wants his NSX to beat any lap times at the 'Ring set by the Nissan GT-R and Lexus LF-A. Thanks to our friends at BridgetoGantry.com, we now have video of the NSX prototype on a short stretch of the 'Ring, and fortunately the audio quality is good enough that you can hear the wail of whatever's underneath the car's hood. As we've mentioned before, what will power the NSX is at this point speculation, but most reports say it will be a 5.5L V10 with iVTEC producing prodigious amounts of horsepower, somewhere in the neighborhood of 500+. Check out the video after the jump and view our collection of NSX spy shots in the gallery below.
[Source: BridgetoGantry.com]Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Acura NSX, the 'Ring, enough said
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Supercars, Acura
Click above for gallery of high-res Acura NSX prototype spy shots
The next generation Acura NSX is still two years away. But the cars with which it will compete are currently moving the goal posts further and further toward the horizon. By the time the NSX arrives, it could need rocket boosters and a hyperdrive. Or maybe it already has them?
The NSX prototype that we recently showed you lapping the 'Ring has recently been clocked unofficially by KGP spy photographers doing a 7:37 lap around the 'Ring in traffic. It's no secret what kind of cars live in that 7:30 bracket. Seeing as how Honda CEO Takeo Fukui wants the NSX to lap the 'Ring faster than the GT-R, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that Nissan's supercar has done it officially in 7 minutes, 29 seconds.
Remember, though, when the Nissan GT-R was casually timed by trackside reporters, they clocked it doing a 7:38, and well know now what GT-R can really do when pressed by a professional. If the NSX mule and it's rumored 550-hp 5.5L V10 are really that good already, then the car looks in good shape to deliver on Honda CEO Fukui-san's command to beat the GT-R and LF-A.
As a bonus, KGP also managed to snap the interior of the NSX prototype. While not revealing much, we can see its gauges and the paddle shifters for its rumored 8-speed transmission. Also note that these new pics of the NSX prototype were taken while it ran that 7:37 lap.
[Source: KGP Photography]
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- Filed under: Japan, Supercars, Acura, Honda
By now we've all seen the spy shots showing Acura's NSX revival bombing around the Nürburgring in Germany. There's a reason those drivers are pushing their prototype hard enough to get air through the turns. Inside Line is reporting the Honda CEO Takeo Fukui wants his NSX to toast both the Nissan GT-R and the Lexus LF-A around the Green Hell. Considering that the GT-R has posted lap times on the 'Ring that utterly defy what it should be able to do on paper, and that the LF-A is still a moving target that's trying to best the GT-R too, Honda engineers have some serious work to do developing the NSX over the next two years. IL suspects the next NSX will get a 5.5L V10 producing 550 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque that's derived from a V8 that's slated for the next-gen, rear-wheel-drive Acura RL. They also surmise that it will use an 8-speed auto with paddle shifters, feature an advanced version of Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system and use lots of aluminum in its construction to keep weight down. Unfortunately, by the time the NSX arrives, the GT-R V-Spec will have moved the bar again.
[Source: Inside Line]
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Supercars, Acura
click above to high-res gallery of Acura NSX spy shots
The spy shots we showed you earlier of an Acura NSX prototype on the street were taken in Germany near the famed Nurburgring test track. Of course, any prototype driving around the 'Ring will eventually be driving on the 'Ring, and so it was today for Acura's future supercar. KGP photographers snapped the NSX prototype being driven hard around the Green Hell, so much so that the car's left-front wheel catches air at one point during hard cornering. There are many more angles and views of the next NSX in our gallery below that should allow you to see the car's form through its heavy camo paint even better.
[Source: KGP Photography]Continue reading Spy Shots: Acura NSX prototype lifts wheel at the 'Ring
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Acura
Click above for a high-res gallery of new Acura NSX spy shots
var eration_NSX_spied'; The spies at KGP Photography have captured the first shots of the next Acura NSX in its prototype form. Gone is the makeshift S2000 bodywork the car has been photographed in before, replaced by what appears to be its true form: a classic, long-hooded sports car profile that is significantly more muscular and aggressive-looking than the Advanced Sports Car Concept. The camo effectively hides most of the juicy details, particularly up front,. Still, you can make out the three well-defined intake openings there, as well as headlamps that are larger than the slitlike units shown on last year's concept car. In back, stacked square dual exhausts suggest plenty of underhood muscle, which makes sense since a V10 is expected to be nestled under the car's lengthy bonnet. The mule depicted above also suggests a BMW 6-series-like decklid aft of the rear glass, though there's no way of knowing if it incorporates taillamps that run the width of the rear, as we saw on the concept. No matter. It all adds up to something we want to see a lot more of, and soon.
[Source: KGP Photography]
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Acura
Acura may finally be getting serious about entering the large-car luxury game with a new version of its range-topping sedan, the RL. The latest spy shots of what is likely the 2011 RL appear to corroborate recent rumors suggesting that Honda will ditch the long-running front-wheel-drive layout in a bid to compete with its peer class, which includes the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Though much is hidden by the stretched-out TSX bodywork, a close look at the profile shows a longer hood with the front wheels moved farther forward, which not only improves the vehicle's looks with less front overhang but also indicates that the engine may be longitudinally mounted.
Considering the fact that a rear-wheel-drive architecture seems increasingly likely for the next RL, we can also hold out hope that the rumored V8 engine may be underhood. Previous reports peg its output at 420 horsepower, which should be matched with cylinder deactivation in an effort to keep fuel economy respectable. With gas prices as they are, we also wouldn't be surprised to see Acura stick with a V6 engine as standard, leaving the eight-cylinder as an option. Would it be too much to request leaving off the massive metal triangle on the grille that has infected the rest of Acura's recent cars? Click the source below for more pics.
[Source: Temple of VTEC]
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- Filed under: Acura, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche
The Luxury Institute surveyed 1,642 affluent Americans to see which brands stood out among the crowd of luxury automakers, and Porsche made out as the overall winner. The survey participants make an average of $349,000 per year and have a net worth of $3.7 million, and they're surveyed on customer service, quality, exclusivity, and that overall warm and fuzzy feeling one gets about a given brand. Porsche received high marks for its uniqueness in the marketplace, as well as for the company's strong focus and attention to detail.
Lexus and Mercedes rounded out the top three, with Lexus achieving the highest overall purchase consideration and Mercedes receiving demerits for its past ownership of Chrysler. Ouch. BMW finished in fourth place, due in part to Bimmer fans' displeasure over the brand's styling and overly complicated tech like iDrive. Japanese automakers scored highest with regards to customer satisfaction, with Lexus, Acura, and Infinity landing in the top three overall. Cadillac, which was ranked first in customer satisfaction last year, fell into a tie for fourth place in this year's survey. Lincoln was deemed to have the least desirable brand status in the survey, as Ford's luxury arm finished dead last in the field of 12. Maybe the new MKS sedan will drive Lincoln out of the basement in next year's survey.
[Source: Marketing Daily via Motor Authority]
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- Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Acura, First Drive
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TSX.
2008 is shaping up to be a very busy year for Honda's up-market Acura division. With the unveiling of a new diesel engine and the revamp of their entire sedan lineup, Acura is attempting to reinvent itself as a credible player in the premium sedan segment. But ever since Acura's birth in 1986 as the very first premium Japanese brand, the automaker has suffered from an identity crisis. Acura has always been a mixed bag, as if Honda wasn't sure what it wanted it to be, and with a lineup that spanned the enthusiast-friendly Integra/RSX, the rebadged Isuzu-built SLX and the competent but anonymous RL, consumers were equally confounded.
After complaints that the previous generation of Acura sedans were utterly devoid of style, the automaker decided to give all of its vehicles a bold, new face for the 2009 model year. However, as anyone who has ever followed the follies of cosmetic surgery knows, it's far from a sure bet. Although surgeons claim to be able to take years off a patient's face, the result is often just some weird mutation that looks like a bad photoshop job. Case-in-point: the 2009 Acura RL that debuted at this year's Chicago Auto Show. The new shielded fascia Acura applied to its "flagship" was greeted with howls of pain from virtually all who laid eyes upon it. The RL was followed a month later by an all-new TSX, and on the smaller sedan, the overall look was better received, but many of Acura's aesthetically astute critics remained. Now that we've had a chance to spend some serious time living with the 2009 TSX, we were prepared to move beyond its controversial exterior and see how it faired in the real world. Hit the jump to see how it did.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TSX
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Archive for the 'ACURA' Category
Wednesday, June 20th, 2007
The return of the NSX to Acura’s lineup has been an off-and-on again affair, but the latest intel has a new NSX with a 500-horsepower V10 on schedule for an arrival sometime in late 2008 or 2009. While our only indication of what the new NSX may look like up to this point has been the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept, we do know work is well under way on the car’s mechanicals. Thus, we submit these spy photos as Exhibit A, evidence that Acura is currently testing its new NSX. They were taken at the Nurburgring in Germany and show a heavily modified Honda S2000 with quad tailpipes located in the middle of the rear bumper and what appears to be a heavy-duty double wishbone suspension below. The test car also features big wheels and a hardtop of sorts. The S2000 body on this NSX mule suggests that Acura is still far from finalizing a design for the car, but that doesn’t appear to have stopped engineers from working on the brand’s follow up to the world renowned “everyday supercar” that was the original NSX.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, ACURA | No Comments »
Sunday, February 18th, 2007
The show-stopping Acura “Advanced Sports Car Concept” made its world debut today at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The dynamically styled concept provides a preview of the design direction for the successor to the Acura NSX.
Created to take exotic sports car styling to a new level, the concept is designed to incorporate a powerful front-mounted, V-10 engine and a new high-performance, rear-wheel-drive based version of Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)).
“The Acura brand will always be a home for people who love to drive,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “As we advance toward building a car like this, I can tell you it will feature advanced technology matching our passion for performance.”
The concept’s exterior demonstrates a dynamic fusion of advanced technology and emotion. The long, pronounced hood features deeply sculpted lines and embossed air vents, both of which hint at the powerful engine beneath. The exterior lines run the length of the body, creating a ribbon-like effect from the front headlights to the rear wheel arches, evoking a feeling of movement and power.
Although modern in its appearance, the Advanced Sports Car Concept retains the subtle cues associated with its predecessor, the NSX. The concept’s slim, LED headlights are pushed wide and designed to mimic the pop-up headlights found on the first generation NSX. Other styling hints include a modern take on wraparound rear taillights and the all black cockpit.
“Our intention was to design an exotic sports car that gracefully combines advanced technology and strong emotion,” said Jon Ikeda, principal designer, Acura Design Center. “The technical, machined surfaces and keen-edge design are balanced with sweeping curves and dramatic lines, all of which results in the ultimate exotic sports car.”
Wide and low to the ground with a 108.8 inch wheelbase, the concept is anchored by grippy 19 inch front and 20 inch rear performance tires which are mounted to custom billet-machined, polished aluminum wheels. Powerful, ventilated carbon ceramic brake discs and eight-piston calipers accent the wheels. Bold wheel arches and flares add to the concept’s aggressive appearance.
The low slung cabin is constructed entirely of tinted glass and sits flush against the body. Door handles are also flush mounted, allowing the sports car to retain a clean and aerodynamic appearance. The Advanced Sports Car Concept features a carbon fiber underbody and the rear is finished with aggressive quad exhaust pipes and integrated rear diffusers, further communicating its high performance potential.
The Advanced Sports Car Concept was designed by the Acura’s Los Angeles-based design team that will be based at the new Acura Design Center, opening this summer.
Advanced Sports Car Concept dimensions:
Width: 78.6 in
Length: 181.5 in
Height: 48.1 in
Wheelbase: 108.8 in
Tires: .
Front:
255/40R19
Rear:
295/35R20
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, ACURA | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 31st, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Civic Si (Honda - United States of America)
Acura EL
Made by Honda (Canada)
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.4 16v
1.4 16v aut.
1.6 16v
1.6 16v aut.
1.7 CTDi
2.0 16v
2.0 16v Type-R
Previous version:
Honda (United Kingdom)
Variation:
Description:
Honda’s engineers restricted the rearward movement of the front seats, but managed to expand the amount of space in the rear of the new model, which was introduced two years ago, to create a compact car with limousine-like comfort for back seat occupants. The three-door shape was introduced in 2001 and features the startlingly rapid Type-R model at its pinnacle.
Donors:
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Tuesday, October 31st, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.4 16v
1.4 16v aut.
1.5 16v aut.
1.5 16v Awd aut.
1.5 16v CVT
1.6 16v
1.6 16v aut.
1.7 16v Awd aut.
1.7 16v CVT
1.7 16v CVT 7 speed mode
1.7 CTDi
2.0 VSA
Previous version:
Honda (United Kingdom)
Variation:
Info:
Description:
The five-door version of this car came first and set a standard in the market for space utilisation that has not, as yet, been beaten. It is a practical car for the family.
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Tuesday, October 31st, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Acura EL (Acura - United States of America)
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.4 16v aut.
1.4 Hybrid
1.4 Hybrid CVT
1.5 16v 81kW
1.5 16v 77kW
1.5 16v aut. 77kW
1.5 16v Awd 85kW
1.5 16v Awd 77kW
1.5 16v Awd aut. 77kW
1.5 16v Awd aut. 85kW
1.6 16v 96kW
1.6 16v aut. 96kW
1.6 16v 81kW
1.6 16v aut. 81kW
1.7 16v 96kW
1.7 16v aut. 85kW
1.7 16v aut. 96kW
1.7 16v 85kW
1.7 16v CVT GX / LPG
1.7 16v CVT 96kW
2.0 16v aut.
Previous version:
Honda (Turkey)
Honda (United States of America)
Honda (Venezuela)
Variation:
Info:
Assembly Plans:
Acura (United States of America)
Honda (Brazil)
Honda (Canada)
Honda (Indonesia)
Honda (Pakistan)
Honda (Philippines)
Honda (Thailand)
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