- Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Acura, First Drive
2010 Acura TSX V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Acura has a good thing going in the luxury segment. Unlike Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi - but like Lexus - Acura's best selling car is not its entry-level model: Acura moves more TLs than anything else in its line-up. And unlike those other brands, Lexus included, all of Acura's offerings carry five-star safety ratings from NHTSA, are rated as top safety picks by the IIHS, and the Automotive Lease Guide has declared that Acura offerings have the best resale value among luxury brands. Now, Honda's premium division has grown by one with the addition of the TSX V6, and Autoblog was invited to find out if the new, more powerful sedan could keep the brand's good thing going. Follow the jump to find out.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.
Shot with a Nikon D70 and Nikon 18-200 lensContinue reading First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more power, performance... more car
First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more power, performance... more car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Acura, Honda, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill
Rumor on two continents - Germany in Auto Motor und Sport and Japan in Holiday - has it that Acura is developing a sleek four-door to join the lexicologically questionable segment known as "four-door coupes." The various translations equate to a car built on the forthcoming ZDX crossover's architecture, with reports suggesting that the new model will slot in between the TSX and the TL. Longer than the TSX by a few inches, the coupe is expected to also be wider, lower, and have a longer wheelbase than the small sedan.
Although one of the outlets mentioned a V8 and a FR layout, the consensus on a proposed engine is the 3.7-liter V6 paired up with Acura's SH-AWD and Motion Adaptive EPS. When might one expect to see this latter-day CL, if such a thing really does exist? Next year's Detroit Auto Show, with U.S. sales perhaps at the end of 2010. Hat tip to Nick!
[Source: Temple of VTEC]
Rendered Speculation: Honda set to release Acura coupe in 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Acura, Honda, Earnings/Financials
2009 Acura TSX - Click above for a high-res image gallery
The late eighties is when it all happened for Japanese luxury vehicles in North America. But by the time Lexus and Infiniti launched in 1989, Acura was already on the market for three years. Since then, Acura customers in the U.S. looking to finance new cars went through the same American Honda Finance Corporation that bankrolls the purchases of new Honda cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, lawnmowers, outboard marine engines and everything else the Japanese industrial giant builds (to the possible exception of corporate jets and robots), not to mention the establishment of new dealerships and all that entails.
That's all about the change with American Honda Motor Co.'s announcement of the launch of Acura Financial Services, a new financing arm for the company's luxury division that will handle the purchases of new Acuras. The move is part of an effort to distance Acura from the more commonplace offerings of its parent company, and to give the division its own look and feel. A strange time to launch a new financial company, but we'll see how it works out. Details in the press release after the jump.Continue reading Honda gives Acura its own financial arm
Honda gives Acura its own financial arm originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Acura
Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery
After a few weeks of teasing, Acura has finally revealed the ZDX, its new four-door, luxury crossover "coupe" that is clearly aimed at the similarly proportioned BMW X6. The ZDX wears the now familiar shield grille and sharp styling that has spread across the entire Acura lineup. To further emphasize the crossover's coupiness, Acura designers have hid the rear door handles in the base of the C-pillar. The ZDX rides tall on 20-inch, 9-spoke wheels and also glints under the lights thanks to a number of chrome trim pieces including a pair of shiny dual exhausts out back. Inside you'll find typical Acura luxury with high quality materials arranged in a high-tech package that includes a new multi-view rear camera system with both a wide angle and top down view. The production ZDX will be V6-powered and kept in line by Acura's superb Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
Feel free to poke around the ZDX in our high-res gallery below. It's the best expression yet of Acura's new design language, which has taken some getting used to on its current lineup of sedans. This segment-busting crossover should arrive in dealerships by the fall of 2009, according to Acura.
Check out our high-res gallery of live and official shots below, as well as Acura's official press release after the jump.
Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, IncContinue reading New York: Acura ZDX aimed squarely at BMW X6
New York: Acura ZDX aimed squarely at BMW X6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Safety, Acura, Honda
Acura buyers can rest assured that their fancy Hondas have their backsides not only well cosseted, but well covered. No matter what direction you smash a current Acura, any of them, you're protected by a straight-A student. In front, side, and rear impacts, every car that Acura sells carries top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Acura's crediting its two crash test facilities -- one in Tochigi Japan, and the other in Raymond, Ohio -- with enabling the top scores. Paying attention to occupant and pedestrian safety has been a focus of Acura, and the brand is the first ever to earn top ratings for front, side, and rear crashes from both agencies. Maybe that shield grille on the TL really IS life imitating art. Press release after the jump. Continue reading Acura becomes first brand to achieve top marks from NHTSA and IIHS for whole lineup
Acura becomes first brand to achieve top marks from NHTSA and IIHS for whole lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Acura
Acrua ZDX Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery
After a series of spy shots and a handful of teasers, Acura has finally given a name to its BMW X6-fighting crossover: the ZDX. Due to arrive in concept form at next week's New York Auto Show, the all-new ZDX is described by Acura as a luxury four-door sports coupe "with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility." Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, says the "ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen from Acura." From Acura, yes. From BMW...
The Acura ZDX evolve from a lightly-veiled "concept" into a production model slated to go on sale this fall. Powertrains haven't been revealed yet, but we'd suspect either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged V6 to be available at launch. Acura's press release is posted below the fold.
Continue reading Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX
Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossovers/CUVs, Acura
Click above to see Acura's Wall Art commercial and the making of
Perhaps along with the daring it has shown in its styling as of late, Acura has decided to flirt with bold commercial production, albeit arguably with more appealing results.
Not content with another dark, slick, lifestyle-rich spot for its RDX turbo, Acura has gone all Honda on us and created a spot that took 240 hours of shooting alone for thirty seconds of finished product. The Wall Art spot required seventeen painters using 456 gallons of paint to illustrate and re-illustrate a 60-foot by 40-foot canvas around a car that didn't move. The creative results can be seen after the jump.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Acura RDX "Wall Art" commercial and how it was made
VIDEO: Acura RDX "Wall Art" commercial and how it was made originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Acura
Tuesday's first official day of testing for the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race saw the new Audi R15 dominate its long-time foes from Peugeot and two new entries from Acura in the fastest LMP1 class. Peugeot bounced back in Wednesday's testing session, however, with the quickest lap times of the day. We fully expected today's official qualifying session to be a knock down, drag out battle between the Europeans for pole position. No one saw this coming.
Scott Dixon of De Ferran Motorsports driving one of the new Acura ARX-02a cars set the fastest lap time in qualifying and has earned a spot ahead of the big boys on the starting grid. Dixon managed a 1:45.278 lap time that just barely edged out legendary Le Mans racer Tom Kristensen in a brand spanking new Audi R15 by 0.082 seconds. Following the Acura and Audi will be the #7 Peugeot 908 HDi, which qualified 0.184 seconds behind the fastest Acura with Christian Klein at the wheel. Our kudos go to Acura and the De Ferran Motorsports team for achieving such a big victory before the 12 Hours of Sebring even begins. Of course, the hard part starts on Saturday and lasts a lot longer than just one lap.
[Source: Planet LeMans]Acura steals pole position from Audi, Peugeot at 12 Hours of Sebring qualifying! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Acura, Audi, Peugeot
LMP1 testing at 12 Hours of Sebring - Click above for high-res image gallery
See that blurry race car behind the Peugeot 908HDi in the above image? That's the new Audi R15, and when the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race gets underway this weekend, don't expect these two cars to be in this order very often. After Monday's first full day of official testing at Sebring, Audi's third-generation Le Mans racer, the R15, proved that it was the car to beat. Audi is fielding two R15s this year, and the No. 2 car driven by dream team Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capello scorched the field yesterday with a fast lap of 1:43.596. That was a full half second quicker than the other Audi R15 driven by Marco Werner, Lucas Luhr and Mike Rockenfeller, and 1.406 seconds quicker than the fastest Peugeot. Acura is also joining Audi and Peugeot in the top LMP1 class this year, though its cars fielded by two private teams were another 0.1 and 0.8 seconds slower than the Peugeots.
Coverage of the 12 Hours of Sebring will begin this Saturday at 10:00 AM EST on SPEED, so let your spouse know now that you need a half day of no chores, family visits or slacks shopping. Also don't forget to set the mood by watching the premier of Truth in 24 on ESPN this Friday.
[Source: americanlemans.com, Autosport]Audi R15 dominates first day of Sebring testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Acura
Acura Crossover Concept - Click above for high-res gallery
The crew at Acura have released a single teaser of a new concept due to arrive at next month's New York Auto Show. The darkened overhead image doesn't show much, but the angular front and rear fenders, single set of door handles and sloping roofline gives us a glimpse of the BMW X6-fighting crossover spied in the past. Acura has confirmed plans to add an all new niche model into its line-up for 2010 as it continues to strive for Tier 1 status. If it's a four-door coupe-like CUV, some might question the logic, but with two crossover architectures already available, it might be a low-cost way of matching BMW model-for-model.
UPDATE: Four more images added to the gallery thanks to AcuraZine.
Acura crossover concept teased ahead of New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Government/Legal, Acura, Honda
In what appears to be a classic case of sweating the small stuff, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board have refused to grant Honda a trademark for the term, "Acura RL," which, as we're sure you are aware, is the name of the luxury firm's flagship model. From what we can tell, this means that the Japanese automaker does not hold a trademark for the car's complete name.
The reasons given make sense from a technical standpoint, as the TTAB's response to Honda's appeal states that "we find that the likely impression here is that ACURA is the trademark for a line (or "make") of cars, while RL is a trademark for a particular "model" of that line."
Well, yeah. Acura is the make and RL is the model -- we're in agreement on that one. The differing viewpoints stem from the fact that Honda was unwilling or unable to provide proper evidence to the board that the words "Acura" and "RL" appear close enough together on the car, its manuals or its marketing materials to warrant its own trademark. Nitpick much? Thanks for the tip, Kevin!
[Source: TTAB (PDF link) via The TTABlog]Strange But True: Honda Motor Co. reportedly denied trademark for "Acura RL" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, Acura
The last time that we saw this vehicle, it was caught circulating the Nürburgring wearing a lot more camo than this example, and it's widely believed to be a new crossover from Acura. So far, Acura hasn't actually given any public indication that this machine even exists or is planned. Nonetheless, it's wearing all the contemporary Acura styling cues and the Nürburgring pics clearly showed the shield grille through the camo.
This particular example was snapped by an alert AB reader while it was evidently conducting cold weather testing in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada. Judging by the reduced amount of camouflage on this unit, it's probably getting close to a public launch, and we're guessing that with its pronounced slope-back, it will have BMW's controversial X6 and Infiniti's FX softroader squarely in its sights. Thanks to Jeff for the awesome tip!Spy Shots: Acura's new BMW X6 fighter spotted again! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Acura
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Acura TSX V6
Acura fans have something to rejoice about today as the Japanese automaker just released a new model here at the Chicago Auto Show. Before you get too excited, know that it's not rear-wheel-drive or powered by a V8 engine, but it's still a nice addition to the line-up. For the 2010 model year, the front-wheel-drive TSX sedan will be available with a 280-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine (most likely a version of the same engine offered in the Honda Accord, though Acura didn't confirm). The package also includes a slightly revised front fascia, retuned suspension system and new 18-inch wheels that are a full inch larger than the ones that come standard on the four-cyliner model. Acura says this new TSX model is a harbinger of good things to come, as the automaker plans to heavily revise all of its models for the upcoming model year. While we wait for that to take place, sales of the new V6 TSX should begin later this summer.
Live photos copyright (C)2009 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010
Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Supercars, Acura, Honda
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TL
Acura wants to assure dealers that its plan to become a Tier 1 luxury brand - able to hang with Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus - is still underway. But according to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., the key to playing with the big boys isn't limited to what's on showroom floors. Colliver told Automotive News, "Being a premium luxury brand is not just about product. It's the way dealers handle customers. You've got to earn your way into the segment. You don't necessarily have to have a $90,000 sedan to get there."
Even though that formula seems to have worked for Lexus, Acura has different plans. The recently released TSX, RL and TL have set the tone for the next few years, and another crossover, designed to slot in between the RDX and MDX, is currently under development.
Colliver also mentioned that work on the NSX replacement is "mostly done," so even though Honda shelved the V10 supercar to cut costs and keep an even keel during the economic downturn, the NSX could be pulled out of the corporate garage, dusted off and brought to market once conditions improve.
Acura's entry-level image could help the automaker weather the economic downturn better than its rivals from Germany and Japan, but when the market firms up, Acura will need products (with high-output engines and RWD) at the ready to compete with the stalwarts of the luxury set.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Acura continues to push for Tier-1 status, NSX could be revived originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Acura, BMW
Click above for image gallery of the Acura LMP1 ALMS cars
Despite losing Audi for the 2009 season, the American Le Mans Series still has a lot to celebrate. For one, as we told you yesterday, Acura is on hand this week at the Winter Test event for the 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring with its new LMP1 racer. The good news is that midway through the second day of on-track testing, one of the two Acura racers has the fastest lap time so far of 1:44:814 (126.723 mph) around Sebring's 3.7-mile circuit. Despite the good first showing of these ARX-02a prototype LMP1 race cars, the ARX-01b cars that raced last year in the LMP2 class were still turning in lap times that were often just as fast as their bigger brothers.
Click above for image gallery of the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team M3 GT2 car
Also of worthy of celebration during the first two days of winter testing is the emergence of the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team and its M3 GT2 car. This is the first track outing for the M3 GT2 since it was announced less than a year ago at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. The 12 Hours of Sebring, which also kicks off the 2009 ALMS season, will be its first contest against the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, Viper, Aston Martin, Panoz and even a Ford GT in the GT2 class.
The 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring takes place March 18-21 and, along with the above new competitors, will be the only time that Audi races on North American soil this year with its brand new R15 TDI.
[Source: American Le Mans Series]Acura LMP1 and BMW GT2 cars take Sebring testing by storm originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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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:
Posted in ACURA | No Comments »
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.
Posted in ACURA | No Comments »
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)
Posted in ACURA | No Comments »
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