Chas2

Talk about mixed messages...let's hope there is a chance for the FMC RL in 2010 or 2011.

http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/a...luxury-brands/

The article cites the RL MMC and the TSX as the beginnning...

This article is more promising in that it talks about Acura only models, not rebadged Hondas...hmmm....let's hope so. A global mid sized FWD platform is not going to do it.

http://www.egmcartech.com/2008/02/18...only-vehicles/

TampaRLX-SH

It starts with the RL & TSX???

"The first of these new models include the recently revealed RL and TSX sedans, reports Automotive News."

Thats statement contradicts itself. The RL and the TSX ARE the rebadged Hondas in the Acura model lineup.

How does that make an effort to differentiate Acura from Honda? (Other than slapping on Acura Ugly Grilles? (aka AUG)).

SpicyMikey

So true. Do they think they are talking to idiots? I understand the general public would swallow that kind of marketing bs, but these statements aren't directed at the general public. How can they be so insulting to everyone's intelligence by making these ridiculous statements.

CL6

I wonder... the Lexus ES and the Toyota Camry... there's some badge engineering but it doesn't appear to hurt Lexus. Or the Lexus SC and the Toyota Solara. Or the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX.

I don't think the issue is with 'badge engineering' per se and I'd bet few people know the TSX is a Euro Accord or the RL is a Honda Legend the way people didn't know the TL was the Honda Inspyre.

I think your truth is to be found elsewhere.

SpicyMikey

I think what Tampa was getting at are these sentences

According to Voyles, the shift will come about by the launch of several new models including cars that are unique to the Acura brand instead of just being rebadged Honda models.

The first of these new models include the recently revealed RL and TSX sedans, reports Automotive News

The RL and TSX are not unique Acura products. It's a ridiculous statement to make (unless he was misquoted somehow).

EDIT: Now that I reread the article. it was the writer who added that sentence. It wasn't in quotes. OK, I owe Voyles an apology. He may have never said that second sentence.

CL6

I understand the distinction. But again, what percentage of people know that there is any badge engineering going on?

Does it degrade the Ford GT that the same engine is stuck into a Mustang GT500?

SpicyMikey

That was really my only point. Voyles was making these statements to the auto industry and enthusiasts who DO know the difference. But, like I said, I think it was Automative News who kind of messed up the quote a bit. Moot point now.

bearcat2000

[QUOTE=CL6]I wonder... the Lexus ES and the Toyota Camry... there's some badge engineering but it doesn't appear to hurt Lexus. Or the Lexus SC and the Toyota Solara. Or the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX.

It is true about the ES and Camry, LC and LX, but the SC and Solara have nothing in common. They are worlds apart.

CL6

I believe the Solara/SC are on the same frame. Their wheelbase/length are within an inch of one another. Somebody had told me that. Maybe they were in error...

TampaRLX-SH

Perhaps somewhere in between.

The Solara is simply a Camry platform. It shares no components with the SC.

However, the 1st gen Solara was actually designed to be a Lexus model, a coupe sistership to the ES (still in Camryland). However, the Solara was too similar to the then larger SC300 and SC400 Lexus coupes (which were gorgeous). Toyota decided to downmarket the Solara to the Toyota brand instead. The 1st gen Solara was popular. The current one is due to be exterminated.

Perhaps that is how you got the Solara and SC associated? The current Solara is odd looking to me, the current SC is simply a UFO (Unidentified Fugly Object).

GoHawks

Also, the Solara is a FWD platform where the SC is RWD. Can a platform support both?

TampaRLX-SH

If they get the engineers who shoehorned that grille onto the 09 RL, they just might.

GoHawks

True, anything can be done with a sledgehammer and a chainsaw.

SPUDMTN

The '09 RL is proof of this