Acura: A New Benchmark for Luxury-sport Cars.
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Acura: A New Benchmark for Luxury-sport Cars.
Acura has come a long way. And in the next couple of years it will beat traditional German luxury-car manufacturers like Audi in virtually every aspect.
The new TSX, for instance, is a tough competitor for the BMW 3-series and Audi A4. I actually prefer the TSX myself. The Acura doesn't feel as rough as the Germans while it still handles very precisely. The TSX also boasts a more ample cabin than the
Teutonic rivals. I've never liked the fact the C-Class, the 3-series and the A4 from Mercedes, BMW and Audi, respectively, have cramped cockpits. When it comes to style, the Acura is also a winner, with its clean, sporty yet precious outside shape and welcoming interior. Any doubt? Just ask the Germans. I was in Düsseldorf, Germany, during the month of July and was amazed with the number of Acura TSX's I saw over there (where they are sold as Honda Accord and comes in Wagon version as well).
Now the all-new 2004 Acura TL: what a beauty! Honda Motor Co. has done a great job pulling it apart from the cousin Accord and giving it a soul of its own. There's no doubt it will sell like hotcakes over here. It will beat the Audi A6 in every aspect and probably leave the 5-series in the dust (by the way, that BMW new design school will probably sink its cars itself). Moreover, few car makers beat Honda/Acura's craftsmanship quality nowadays.
The tired current-gen Acura RL first introduced in '96 will be replaced in mid-2004 by an all-new RL. With the new TL being more upscale, added by the pressure that the Honda Legend is having in Europe from more up-to-date competitors, there's no doubt Acura will aim its new RL at the likes of the Audi A8. Rumors say it will be built with an all-aluminum body and be available in 4-wheel-drive option.
The Acura MDX SUV is a winner. I'm glad Acura will discontinue the CL coupe after this model year. It looks too much like its sibling Accord coupe.
HOWEVER, Acura needs to do two things in order to be a major player in the luxury car arena. First, it definitely needs to take the dull, cheap-looking, Honda Civic-based RSX out of its lineup. Don't get me wrong, the RSX is an excellent car, but would be better suited with a Honda Integra badge (as it actually is in Europe, Asia and Australia).
Also, it MUST create a V-8 engine to be available in the next-gen RL and NSX sports coupe. I've heard rumors that Honda might borrow an 8-cylinder engine from GM, which is not hard to believe since some Saturn Vue SUV's are already using a Honda powerplant. This could turn possible buyers away from Acura. Personally, I wouldn't by a luxury import with a cheap, low-tech GM engine.
For those who don't know it, Honda has built for almost two decades (and still builds it) excellent, state-of-the-art V-12 engines used in its racing cars. These engines made McLarens win several Formula 1 world championships. And today, they have proven to be as powerful and relible as the BMW, Mercedes and Ferrari powerplants that live in those superb Formula 1 cars.
Honda has the best technology in the world when it comes to engine manufacturing, where it's the world's largest. It is also the 7th largest automaker in the world in terms of output and among the most profitable ones.
Doesn't it make sence for Honda Motor Co. to finally develop its own V-8 powerplant?
Well, I'm sure they will soon develop it. Honda has created a legion of fans all over the world, who, just like me, live, eat and breath their cars and motorcycles. All it matters is that it's doing its homework right and headed in the right direction.
The new TSX, for instance, is a tough competitor for the BMW 3-series and Audi A4. I actually prefer the TSX myself. The Acura doesn't feel as rough as the Germans while it still handles very precisely. The TSX also boasts a more ample cabin than the
Teutonic rivals. I've never liked the fact the C-Class, the 3-series and the A4 from Mercedes, BMW and Audi, respectively, have cramped cockpits. When it comes to style, the Acura is also a winner, with its clean, sporty yet precious outside shape and welcoming interior. Any doubt? Just ask the Germans. I was in Düsseldorf, Germany, during the month of July and was amazed with the number of Acura TSX's I saw over there (where they are sold as Honda Accord and comes in Wagon version as well).
Now the all-new 2004 Acura TL: what a beauty! Honda Motor Co. has done a great job pulling it apart from the cousin Accord and giving it a soul of its own. There's no doubt it will sell like hotcakes over here. It will beat the Audi A6 in every aspect and probably leave the 5-series in the dust (by the way, that BMW new design school will probably sink its cars itself). Moreover, few car makers beat Honda/Acura's craftsmanship quality nowadays.
The tired current-gen Acura RL first introduced in '96 will be replaced in mid-2004 by an all-new RL. With the new TL being more upscale, added by the pressure that the Honda Legend is having in Europe from more up-to-date competitors, there's no doubt Acura will aim its new RL at the likes of the Audi A8. Rumors say it will be built with an all-aluminum body and be available in 4-wheel-drive option.
The Acura MDX SUV is a winner. I'm glad Acura will discontinue the CL coupe after this model year. It looks too much like its sibling Accord coupe.
HOWEVER, Acura needs to do two things in order to be a major player in the luxury car arena. First, it definitely needs to take the dull, cheap-looking, Honda Civic-based RSX out of its lineup. Don't get me wrong, the RSX is an excellent car, but would be better suited with a Honda Integra badge (as it actually is in Europe, Asia and Australia).
Also, it MUST create a V-8 engine to be available in the next-gen RL and NSX sports coupe. I've heard rumors that Honda might borrow an 8-cylinder engine from GM, which is not hard to believe since some Saturn Vue SUV's are already using a Honda powerplant. This could turn possible buyers away from Acura. Personally, I wouldn't by a luxury import with a cheap, low-tech GM engine.
For those who don't know it, Honda has built for almost two decades (and still builds it) excellent, state-of-the-art V-12 engines used in its racing cars. These engines made McLarens win several Formula 1 world championships. And today, they have proven to be as powerful and relible as the BMW, Mercedes and Ferrari powerplants that live in those superb Formula 1 cars.
Honda has the best technology in the world when it comes to engine manufacturing, where it's the world's largest. It is also the 7th largest automaker in the world in terms of output and among the most profitable ones.
Doesn't it make sence for Honda Motor Co. to finally develop its own V-8 powerplant?
Well, I'm sure they will soon develop it. Honda has created a legion of fans all over the world, who, just like me, live, eat and breath their cars and motorcycles. All it matters is that it's doing its homework right and headed in the right direction.
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Re: Acura: A New Benchmark for Luxury-sport Cars.
Originally posted by Accord Euro-R
Doesn't it make sence for Honda Motor Co. to finally develop its own V-8 powerplant?
Doesn't it make sence for Honda Motor Co. to finally develop its own V-8 powerplant?
Next, I really doubt the new TL is going to put the 5-series to shame. Let's face it, BMW is king at performance--critics are already hailing the new 5er as midsize king. So, while the new TL may be great, it probably won't handle as well as a Beamer. Don't get me wrong, the TL will be a performer, I'm sure.
Acura has a lot of potential and I think the TSX and new TL mark the beginning of a new era for Acura--a move up-market.
SPUDMTN
#4
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Re: Acura: A New Benchmark for Luxury-sport Cars.
Originally posted by Accord Euro-R
Doesn't it make sence for Honda Motor Co. to finally develop its own V-8 powerplant?
Doesn't it make sence for Honda Motor Co. to finally develop its own V-8 powerplant?
#5
Acura will not beat BMW and become the new benchmark. That has a very low change of happening. They will however bring their name brand up more closer then ever and compete with much more force. As even i (im the type who goes with brand name) is willing to pick the TSX over the 325i. (not over the 330i but thats in a new price range) Either ways Acura will soon compete hand in hand and maybe then beat out BMW. However becoming the new benchmark is being too optimistic.
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Re: Acura: A New Benchmark for Luxury-sport Cars.
Originally posted by Accord Euro-R
Also, it MUST create a V-8 engine to be available in the next-gen RL and NSX sports coupe. I've heard rumors that Honda might borrow an 8-cylinder engine from GM, which is not hard to believe since some Saturn Vue SUV's are already using a Honda powerplant. This could turn possible buyers away from Acura. Personally, I wouldn't by a luxury import with a cheap, low-tech GM engine.
Also, it MUST create a V-8 engine to be available in the next-gen RL and NSX sports coupe. I've heard rumors that Honda might borrow an 8-cylinder engine from GM, which is not hard to believe since some Saturn Vue SUV's are already using a Honda powerplant. This could turn possible buyers away from Acura. Personally, I wouldn't by a luxury import with a cheap, low-tech GM engine.
GM offers a variety of 8 cylinder engines. Not all are exactly cheap or low-tech. However, what I don't know is to what standard the various GM V8's are built. Will they last the average 250,000 mileage of a 4-cylinder Accord engine? Or will the engines blow or require major overhauls every 75,000 miles? Honda needs to tread carefully if they source from GM. Furthermore, it would be curious to see what kind of refinements Honda would make from a GM sourced engine--if they take that route.
Regarding the overall gist of your message, there's certainly potential and opportunity for Honda. When I hear arguments to the contrary, I perceive--or wonder--how much of that is attributable to intangible marketing perceptions or "status" and how much of that is objective. At a given price point, who has whom beat for quality, reliability, and value? Extraordinarily high markups do not make a better car. Who is an efficient manufacturer? Who cranks out a higher percentage of glitchy or glitch-free cars? Clearly, on some grounds, Honda has can hold its head up higher than many vaunted European makes.
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Re: Re: Acura: A New Benchmark for Luxury-sport Cars.
Originally posted by Brad
Marketing pressures will dictate that Honda offer some products with a V8.
Marketing pressures will dictate that Honda offer some products with a V8.
The age of petroleum is coming to a close. We'll see Honda fuel cell vehicles in the future, not Honda V8's.
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Originally posted by Iceman
It will never happen. N E V E R. OK, they are gonna put some GM V8's in their high-end SUV's.
The age of petroleum is coming to a close. We'll see Honda fuel cell vehicles in the future, not Honda V8's.
It will never happen. N E V E R. OK, they are gonna put some GM V8's in their high-end SUV's.
The age of petroleum is coming to a close. We'll see Honda fuel cell vehicles in the future, not Honda V8's.
As for the GM V8s...BLAH I sure hope Honda modifies these things (IF...) Though (dreaming here) an MDX powered by that 6.0 liter V8 might be sweet
SPUDMTN
#11
You are an idiot! Not only do you not know what the hell you are talking about, you want Acura to get rid of the only car they have that made Car & Drivers 10 best list! The RSX.
Like most people on this board, you have decided to give Acura the title of "Best in Class" across the board for cars that have only been out for 3 months or not even out at all in most of your examples.
The TSX is a great car, it's not a BMW, it's not a MB, it's not an Audi, but it is a great car. It would be nice if it was a V6, it would be nice if it had a 4 wheel drive option, it would be nice if it came with standard fog lights since they threw everything else in there, etc. If it had all that, it would be comparable to the others, but it would also cost as much as all the others and then they wouldn't sell as many because they cannot compete with the prestige factor. They had to be cheaper and had to include more options for your money in order to create a new "class" of vehicle for themselves. This was a very smart move. If you cannot beat them at their own game, create a new game.
I think this was my favorite part...
Now the all-new 2004 Acura TL: what a beauty! Honda Motor Co. has done a great job pulling it apart from the cousin Accord and giving it a soul of its own. There's no doubt it will sell like hotcakes over here. It will beat the Audi A6 in every aspect and probably leave the 5-series in the dust (by the way, that BMW new design school will probably sink its cars itself). Moreover, few car makers beat Honda/Acura's craftsmanship quality nowadays.
The new TL just rolls over the 5-Series and the A6. Even though both cars have not been redesigned in a number of years, I am not sure the TL is going to be much of a match. In case you haven't heard, most of the rumors about the new TL are not true. It is basically a new body style with a few new options that will probably have nothing to do with performance. It will hopefully be a better value, but the 5-series, MB and even the A6 will drive circles around it.
I have to run, MTV Cribs is on and I want to go see everyone rollin' in their new Acura's... Ha Ha!
Like most people on this board, you have decided to give Acura the title of "Best in Class" across the board for cars that have only been out for 3 months or not even out at all in most of your examples.
The TSX is a great car, it's not a BMW, it's not a MB, it's not an Audi, but it is a great car. It would be nice if it was a V6, it would be nice if it had a 4 wheel drive option, it would be nice if it came with standard fog lights since they threw everything else in there, etc. If it had all that, it would be comparable to the others, but it would also cost as much as all the others and then they wouldn't sell as many because they cannot compete with the prestige factor. They had to be cheaper and had to include more options for your money in order to create a new "class" of vehicle for themselves. This was a very smart move. If you cannot beat them at their own game, create a new game.
I think this was my favorite part...
Now the all-new 2004 Acura TL: what a beauty! Honda Motor Co. has done a great job pulling it apart from the cousin Accord and giving it a soul of its own. There's no doubt it will sell like hotcakes over here. It will beat the Audi A6 in every aspect and probably leave the 5-series in the dust (by the way, that BMW new design school will probably sink its cars itself). Moreover, few car makers beat Honda/Acura's craftsmanship quality nowadays.
The new TL just rolls over the 5-Series and the A6. Even though both cars have not been redesigned in a number of years, I am not sure the TL is going to be much of a match. In case you haven't heard, most of the rumors about the new TL are not true. It is basically a new body style with a few new options that will probably have nothing to do with performance. It will hopefully be a better value, but the 5-series, MB and even the A6 will drive circles around it.
I have to run, MTV Cribs is on and I want to go see everyone rollin' in their new Acura's... Ha Ha!
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Originally posted by Buff-Daddy
You are an idiot! Not only do you not know what the hell you are talking about, you want Acura to get rid of the only car they have that made Car & Drivers 10 best list! The RSX...
You are an idiot! Not only do you not know what the hell you are talking about, you want Acura to get rid of the only car they have that made Car & Drivers 10 best list! The RSX...
As for callin' him an idiot...that's maybe just a little strong. So that's his opinion...I don't really agree with the basic gist of the post, but it's interesting to read what others think.
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#14
Now the all-new 2004 Acura TL: what a beauty! Honda Motor Co. has done a great job pulling it apart from the cousin Accord and giving it a soul of its own. There's no doubt it will sell like hotcakes over here. It will beat the Audi A6 in every aspect and probably leave the 5-series in the dust (by the way, that BMW new design school will probably sink its cars itself). Moreover, few car makers beat Honda/Acura's craftsmanship quality nowadays
The TL is a great luxury/sport compromise. But no where near 50k cars league.
Rumors say it will be built with an all-aluminum body and be available in 4-wheel-drive option.
Honda makes Acuras to be a step above Hondas. They don't make them to tackle competition head on.
Jeez.
This reminds me of the idiots in IS 300s saying they spank every car in a straightline. It ain't happening.
#16
Originally posted by adam fiooz
Also to tell the truth the new honda accord v6 blows away the tsx and the audi A6.
Also to tell the truth the new honda accord v6 blows away the tsx and the audi A6.
#17
Go over to the temple of vtec and you will see that the tsx is the same in just about every way except the accord has a way better engine and the tsx has nicer leather and more gadgets.
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Originally posted by adam fiooz
Go over to the temple of vtec and you will see that the tsx is the same in just about every way except the accord has a way better engine and the tsx has nicer leather and more gadgets.
Go over to the temple of vtec and you will see that the tsx is the same in just about every way except the accord has a way better engine and the tsx has nicer leather and more gadgets.
What you are expressing is an opinion. Its validity depends completely on what you mean by "just about."
#25
Hey can any of you tell me a good place to find good aftermarket talk on new accords and were to find parts and maybe some movies on it?
#26
GEEZER
NOOBS
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Originally posted by 1killercls
NOOBS
NOOBS
It's just so funny to see how people get so wrapped up with their cars and think it's the best out there...
#28
Originally posted by adam fiooz
Yes i test drove the tsx.rsx.g35coupe.and for the money i liked the accord coupe the best.
Yes i test drove the tsx.rsx.g35coupe.and for the money i liked the accord coupe the best.
#30
Originally posted by donutchow
if you compare or would rather have a TL than the current 5 series (E39) you are a fucking moron. obviously you've never been in or driven a 530i.
if you compare or would rather have a TL than the current 5 series (E39) you are a fucking moron. obviously you've never been in or driven a 530i.
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Originally posted by crisco
....and no one's driven a new TL yet, so the jury's still out..
....and no one's driven a new TL yet, so the jury's still out..
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Originally posted by donutchow
if you compare or would rather have a TL than the current 5 series (E39) you are a fucking moron.....
if you compare or would rather have a TL than the current 5 series (E39) you are a fucking moron.....
But I still say he's all right.
#34
"if you compare or would rather have a TL than the current 5 series (E39) you are a fucking moron"
You're funny. But at least with people like you out there our economy should recover in the long run (willing to spend money on something expensive just because it's the most expensive and therefore MUST be the best and everybody else MUST also think it's the best or you wasted money - do you do the same thing with wine? vacations? restaraunts? women?). So... thanks!
Btw - many people who can afford BMW's would rather drive something else. Oh, crap. BMW BLASPHEMY!
You're funny. But at least with people like you out there our economy should recover in the long run (willing to spend money on something expensive just because it's the most expensive and therefore MUST be the best and everybody else MUST also think it's the best or you wasted money - do you do the same thing with wine? vacations? restaraunts? women?). So... thanks!
Btw - many people who can afford BMW's would rather drive something else. Oh, crap. BMW BLASPHEMY!
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Originally posted by vitocorleone
Btw - many people who can afford BMW's would rather drive something else. Oh, crap. BMW BLASPHEMY!
Btw - many people who can afford BMW's would rather drive something else. Oh, crap. BMW BLASPHEMY!
Furthermore, I am not considering a BMW anymore than a Daewoo--both are zero on my list and are totally immaterial.
With all respect, for some people it's an all-important status issue who grope to be perceived as "top dog". We need only look at their emotionally charged irrational responses to see the substance behind their word...and lack of it.
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Originally posted by Brad
......With all respect, for some people it's an all-important status issue who grope to be perceived as "top dog". We need only look at their emotionally charged irrational responses to see the substance behind their word...and lack of it.
......With all respect, for some people it's an all-important status issue who grope to be perceived as "top dog". We need only look at their emotionally charged irrational responses to see the substance behind their word...and lack of it.
Having a BMW or Mercedes, that's nothing big, anyone can do that if they have money.
But with an Acura, it makes people think, and wonder.
Of course they were wondering about me anyway.
#39
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quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey can any of you tell me a good place to find good aftermarket talk on new accords and were to find parts and maybe some movies on it?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.v6accord.com/forums/index.php?s=
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Any other sites guys? that one really sucks and nobody post anything.
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Registered: Jul 2003
Location: New York City
Posts: 74
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey can any of you tell me a good place to find good aftermarket talk on new accords and were to find parts and maybe some movies on it?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.v6accord.com/forums/index.php?s=
__________________
current: '01 CL-S Auto, spoiler, 30% tint
Next: '04 9-3 Aero
Any other sites guys? that one really sucks and nobody post anything.
#40
Sorry about that dude. The place used to be jumpin' a couple of months ago when I was considering a Accord EX V6.
Here are some more:
http://honda-acura.go.cc/
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/f740/
www.honda-acura.net - used to be pretty good, but it looks like the site is down.
Here are some more:
http://honda-acura.go.cc/
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/f740/
www.honda-acura.net - used to be pretty good, but it looks like the site is down.