Acura: TLX News
07-24-2014, 11:06 AM
#9761
AZ Community Team
Because Lexus was willing to take risk and they have set a target (European) since day 1 and they stick to the plan.
Acura could have offered the same thing as Lexus, an Euro fighter with proven reliability and offered something that Lexus did not have at the time, handling and fun factor.
So on paper Lexus was going after Mercedes and Acura could have gone head to head with BMW.
Could have.....
Acura could have offered the same thing as Lexus, an Euro fighter with proven reliability and offered something that Lexus did not have at the time, handling and fun factor.
So on paper Lexus was going after Mercedes and Acura could have gone head to head with BMW.
Could have.....
Also Toyota/Lexus was going after the world (including Volvo, Jaguar, as well as MB, BMW, Audi). It was not just a German cars, but more importantly were also forging their own path. They would define their own ideal of a luxury car with the F1 project which became the LS400.
One thing that people forget is that Lexus started with two cars (LS400 and ES250) like Acura (Legend and Integra), smart move to use the letter/number nomencalture something Acura finally came around to. But most forget the smaller Lexus was upscale Camry which was a sales disaster. However the LS was a superb car which outclassed and undercut the price of anything in it's class.
Started reading this, pretty good book about Lexus.
http://books.google.com/books?id=Ke4...page&q&f=false
Yep
From the very beginning, the goal for Acura was to sell more expensive, glorified Honda's. It's true that Honda was not that ambitious to become the Japanese BMW. Kudos gotta be given to Toyota for taking the risk. Though Toyota was a much larger company, and it was already full of RWD large cars before Lexus was launched. Honda might have the engineering capabilities to pull off a Japanese BMW, but I'm not sure if it had the financial capacity to absorb the risk. For instance, Nissan failed with Infiniti despite also having RWD and V8. Mazda also failed with Eunos and Xedos. Nissan was forced to merge with Renault, and Mazda was absorbed by Ford. The rest was history.
Anyway, getting back on topic, not sure why they decided to use the base TLX with the 17" rims as the display model. That's like BMW using a 320i with 17" or an Audi A4 using 17" rims as display cars. Marketing fail.
Anyway, getting back on topic, not sure why they decided to use the base TLX with the 17" rims as the display model. That's like BMW using a 320i with 17" or an Audi A4 using 17" rims as display cars. Marketing fail.
07-24-2014, 11:08 AM
#9762
AZ Community Team
07-24-2014, 11:11 AM
#9763
I drive a Subata.
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So, what you are saying is that Honda was incapable of developing V8 RWD luxury sedans?
If they were truly technologically inferior to Toyota, that's just
.
I'm just so very skeptical on whatever Honda is doing for the past several years.
It must be their terrible design and marketing campaigns.
If they were truly technologically inferior to Toyota, that's just
.I'm just so very skeptical on whatever Honda is doing for the past several years.
It must be their terrible design and marketing campaigns.
07-24-2014, 11:39 AM
#9764
AZ Community Team
So, what you are saying is that Honda was incapable of developing V8 RWD luxury sedans?
If they were truly technologically inferior to Toyota, that's just.
I'm just so very skeptical on whatever Honda is doing for the past several years.
It must be their terrible design and marketing campaigns.
If they were truly technologically inferior to Toyota, that's just
.I'm just so very skeptical on whatever Honda is doing for the past several years.
It must be their terrible design and marketing campaigns.
But technology? Honda F1 engines winning 6 straight F1 constructor titles and 5 straight F1 driver titles show they know how to design engines.
Past few years have been interesting at Honda and Toyota both, but both survived on their own with no bailouts or bankruptcy.
07-24-2014, 11:51 AM
#9765
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Nope, just Honda lacked relevant experience at that time. It's more than just technology it's business aspects as well.
But technology? Honda F1 engines winning 6 straight F1 constructor titles and 5 straight F1 driver titles show they know how to design engines.
Past few years have been interesting at Honda and Toyota both, but both survived on their own with no bailouts or bankruptcy.
But technology? Honda F1 engines winning 6 straight F1 constructor titles and 5 straight F1 driver titles show they know how to design engines.
Past few years have been interesting at Honda and Toyota both, but both survived on their own with no bailouts or bankruptcy.
If only Acura spend some more effort and dollar on the design department, they would have made much better positive impact on their business. Oh well!
07-24-2014, 11:58 AM
#9766
AZ Community Team
but there's alot of car makers that don't get it too.In terms of Acura, their SUV's designs are making it but current sedans are not. Time will tell if he TLX is the turn around.
Last edited by Legend2TL; 07-24-2014 at 12:01 PM.
07-24-2014, 12:06 PM
#9768
You'll Never Walk Alone
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I don't think I'm following you here...lol...
07-24-2014, 12:09 PM
#9769
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
07-24-2014, 12:10 PM
#9770
AZ Community Team
07-24-2014, 01:13 PM
#9771
Senior Moderator
07-24-2014, 01:51 PM
#9772
AZ Community Team
07-25-2014, 07:04 AM
#9773
Senior Moderator
07-25-2014, 08:45 PM
#9774
AZ Community Team
07-31-2014, 10:16 PM
#9775
▒JDM ¥ KING▒
08-01-2014, 01:46 AM
#9776
Team Owner
08-01-2014, 08:19 AM
#9778
Senior Moderator
08-01-2014, 08:20 AM
#9779
Senior Moderator
08-01-2014, 10:35 AM
#9781
So the car made it around the track without going up in flames? 
08-01-2014, 11:15 AM
#9782
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
08-01-2014, 07:05 PM
#9783
▒JDM ¥ KING▒
08-02-2014, 11:27 PM
#9784
2G TLX-S
More than a decade ago, it was only the RealTime-Racing turbo NSX that could successfully compete in that similar "GT" vehicle class, with the Porsche/Ferrari/Corvette.
Fast forward to now, the TLX has improved. But so have the Porsche/Ferrari/Corvette/Lamborghini/McLaren/R8/etc.
As of today, the TLX is still no NSX.
Just don't know what makes RealTime Racing to believe that a mere AWD turbo-TLX is able to challenge the Porsche/Ferrari/Corvette/Lamborghini/McLaren/R8 in the GT class.
Fast forward to now, the TLX has improved. But so have the Porsche/Ferrari/Corvette/Lamborghini/McLaren/R8/etc.
As of today, the TLX is still no NSX.
Just don't know what makes RealTime Racing to believe that a mere AWD turbo-TLX is able to challenge the Porsche/Ferrari/Corvette/Lamborghini/McLaren/R8 in the GT class.
08-03-2014, 09:55 AM
#9785
Liquid Ice
Reposting here for those that don't read the AZ TLX forums:
Autoweek First Drive Review of the TLX: https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=199
Autoweek must have accidently broken the embargo, so it was taken down off their website but not before it was captured by an AZ member (also cached by google here: http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&client=safari )
Most interesting piece of the review imho:
Autoweek First Drive Review of the TLX: https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=199
Autoweek must have accidently broken the embargo, so it was taken down off their website but not before it was captured by an AZ member (also cached by google here: http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&client=safari )
Most interesting piece of the review imho:
In a straight line the TLX returned good – if not great – preliminary numbers to 60 mph. The quickest model we tried in impromptu launches on mostly flat country roads was the front wheel-drive V6, which used all of its 290 hp getting there in 6.1 seconds. The SH-AWD V6 got 6.5 seconds and the front wheel-drive 206-hp four-cylinder got to 60 mph in 7.2. While more thorough tests will surely lower those figures, in our runs we found all the cars were hampered by a pause at launch. This ate up as much as a second of time. Once the TLX decided to get going, it went, roaring ahead with only slight wheelspin with traction control off.
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08-04-2014, 01:09 AM
#9786
Team Owner
Reposting here for those that don't read the AZ TLX forums:
Autoweek First Drive Review of the TLX: https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=199
Autoweek must have accidently broken the embargo, so it was taken down off their website but not before it was captured by an AZ member (also cached by google here: http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&client=safari )
Most interesting piece of the review imho:
Autoweek First Drive Review of the TLX: https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=199
Autoweek must have accidently broken the embargo, so it was taken down off their website but not before it was captured by an AZ member (also cached by google here: http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&client=safari )
Most interesting piece of the review imho:
the #s are not much different from current TL and TSX.
08-04-2014, 01:47 AM
#9787
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http://www.forbes.com/sites/kbrauer/...as-sedan-woes/
Good review. The author even used Sport+ mode.
Good review. The author even used Sport+ mode.
08-04-2014, 03:41 AM
#9788
A-TSX Oldie
Pics from the Forbes review look good; and I especially like the rear end. Too bad about the hidden tailpipes.
Still holding out hope for a 6MT SH-AWD model down the road, and I might seriously consider a return to the Acura family...
08-04-2014, 09:37 AM
#9789
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Car and Driver Review:
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...t-drive-review
With clever engineering and right-size packaging, the fun-to-drive TLX just might signal a revival at Acura.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...t-drive-review
With clever engineering and right-size packaging, the fun-to-drive TLX just might signal a revival at Acura.
08-04-2014, 09:44 AM
#9790
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08-04-2014, 09:56 AM
#9791
Azine Jabroni
In before everyone discredits Motor Trend and Car and Driver.
Pretty strong showing.
Pretty strong showing.
08-04-2014, 10:00 AM
#9792
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08-04-2014, 10:01 AM
#9793
Moderator
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kbrauer/...as-sedan-woes/
Good review. The author even used Sport+ mode.
Good review. The author even used Sport+ mode.
Car and Driver Review:
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...t-drive-review
With clever engineering and right-size packaging, the fun-to-drive TLX just might signal a revival at Acura.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...t-drive-review
With clever engineering and right-size packaging, the fun-to-drive TLX just might signal a revival at Acura.
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08-04-2014, 10:33 AM
#9794
Azine Jabroni
This and turbos. It appears the consensus is the 2.4L is a better car to drive, but we know it's not as fast. I wonder if a turbo with the transmission from the 2.4L would create a happy medium.
Last edited by kurtatx; 08-04-2014 at 10:36 AM.
08-04-2014, 10:48 AM
#9795
Moderator
Hi-res pics available here: http://www.netcarshow.com/acura/2015-tlx/
08-04-2014, 11:15 AM
#9796
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Good reviews so far!
The acceleration estimation looks pretty meh. The car should be a little faster than that, no? Just curious.
The acceleration estimation looks pretty meh. The car should be a little faster than that, no? Just curious.
08-04-2014, 11:24 AM
#9797
Racer
Car and Driver Review:
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...t-drive-review
With clever engineering and right-size packaging, the fun-to-drive TLX just might signal a revival at Acura.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...t-drive-review
With clever engineering and right-size packaging, the fun-to-drive TLX just might signal a revival at Acura.
"But this all plays second fiddle to the driving. Cycle the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) button on the center console to its Sport or Sport+ settings, and the car’s inner first-gen TSX comes out—it positively begs to be ridden hard and put away wet."
"Overall, the TLX is a satisfying and overdue return to the engineering and dynamic greatness long associated with Honda’s luxury brand. "
08-04-2014, 11:32 AM
#9798
I'm curious to see what the numbers are once everyone can do formal testing on the cars.
Edit: Overall though, the reviews seem to be very positive. Shockingly the 4 banger seems to be a hit amongst the reviewers. I really though the SH-AWD V6 would be the star.
08-04-2014, 11:39 AM
#9799
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Autoblog:
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/08/04/2...-drive-review/
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/08/04/2...-drive-review/
After six-plus hours of effortless seat time in the Acura TLX, the sedan had won me over – but not for the expected reasons.
I'm a sport sedan guy, and given that primary motive, I'd likely choose the BMW 328i as this segment's most engaging, sportiest and fun-to-drive model – but option-for-option, it's significantly costlier to purchase and own, especially once BMW's free maintenance program expires. And besides, in the real world, people rarely drive above six-tenths. The reality is that most buyers in the segment are actually seeking an attractive vehicle with an accommodating cabin, comfortable ride, sporty-feeling yet predictable handling, a long equipment list, strong crash test scores, impeccable reliability, fuel economy and a price that doesn't break the bank.
By honing in on what people really need and excelling in each of those categories, Acura has engineered a much better sedan than its TSX and TL ever were – and it's finally in a position to offer a much better, more properly focused luxury sedan than most others in the segment. The TLX's biggest hurdle to success, then, is likely to be something a bit nebulous and beyond its control – Acura's image. Will enough buyers look beyond this car's crisp yet evolutionary styling to choose it over offerings from more prestigious brands? The TLX might be up to the challenge, but the real question is whether consumers are willing to give a deserving new Acura a chance.
I'm a sport sedan guy, and given that primary motive, I'd likely choose the BMW 328i as this segment's most engaging, sportiest and fun-to-drive model – but option-for-option, it's significantly costlier to purchase and own, especially once BMW's free maintenance program expires. And besides, in the real world, people rarely drive above six-tenths. The reality is that most buyers in the segment are actually seeking an attractive vehicle with an accommodating cabin, comfortable ride, sporty-feeling yet predictable handling, a long equipment list, strong crash test scores, impeccable reliability, fuel economy and a price that doesn't break the bank.
By honing in on what people really need and excelling in each of those categories, Acura has engineered a much better sedan than its TSX and TL ever were – and it's finally in a position to offer a much better, more properly focused luxury sedan than most others in the segment. The TLX's biggest hurdle to success, then, is likely to be something a bit nebulous and beyond its control – Acura's image. Will enough buyers look beyond this car's crisp yet evolutionary styling to choose it over offerings from more prestigious brands? The TLX might be up to the challenge, but the real question is whether consumers are willing to give a deserving new Acura a chance.
08-04-2014, 11:46 AM
#9800
2G TLX-S
When given the exact same output V6 engine, the FWD version will always be faster and have better throttle response than the AWD version, because :
- the AWD version is heavier in weight, due to the extra AWD mechanics.
- the AWD version has less usable hp, due to the parasitic hp loss to the extra AWD gears.
- the AWD version has more traction drag and rotational mass, due to the need to spin up the extra two wheels and tires.
However, the AWD version will have better cornering performance than the FWD version, under all weather conditions.
Many years back, there was a comparison test done between a FWD A4 and an AWD A4, both with the exact same engine. The FWD A4 was significantly faster off the line in the dry only, but the AWD A4 had better cornering capabilities in all weather conditions.
It ended up that, in the dry, both the FWD and the AWD A4 clocked almost identical lap time through a race course, since the FWD accelerated better but the AWD cornered faster.
However, in the wet, the AWD A4 simply ran away from the FWD A4.