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"Honda said it will recall all Fit and Vezel hybrid models because of a software flaw in the engine control system. The defect could lead to unintended acceleration, the Tokyo-based carmaker said in a statement. The carmaker has received 11 reports of accidents from December to April related to the flaw, with no injuries or deaths, said Akemi Ando, spokeswoman for the company."
Here is a quote I borrowed from another thread on this subject.
Jessica Fini, assistant manager of PR for Honda North America, told AutoblogGreen that this recall will not have any impact on US Honda vehicles. For 1 thing, the US Fit has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) instead of a DCT, so the upcoming launch of the new Fit here (the US doesn't get the Fit Hybrid) will not be delayed. Honda's upcoming small SUV in the US (based on the Vezel, but will arrive with a different name) isn't going to launch here until the end of the year, so there is time to fix any problems before launch. She also said that the Acura RLX, despite being a DCT, does not use the same transmission as the Fit Hybrid does, since the Fit transmission is specific to the 1-motor hybrid system and the RLX uses 3 electric motors.
Both transmissions have an electric motor built into it as part of the hybrid system, but they are very different transmissions. That said, the possibility that some of the software was shared would have been investigated by Honda/Acura. Considering the vast difference in torque and purpose of the two vehicles, I suspect the transmissions are very, very different.
I was looking at the Acura.Com RLX site and decided to look at the Sh AWD, they have a clip on it that is great, that what they should be showing on commercials about the RLX!!!!!
Honda Division sets new annual record with total sales of 1,373,029 vehicles
American Honda sets new light truck sales mark for calendar year and December
Acura Division has best annual sales since 2007, with best-ever month & year for trucks
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported record Honda Division sales of 1,373,029 vehicles for 2014 as overall vehicle sales reached 1,540,872 units, the 2nd-best result in company history and an increase of 1.0% for the year. AHM light truck sales reached new monthly and annual records with December sales of 67,479 units, an increase of 6.2%, and total 2014 sales of 702,351 vehicles, up 1.5%. Acura Division sales also gained strongly in December, posting a 13.1% gain on sales of 17,809 vehicles, helping push the division to its 2rd best year since 2007.
Honda
The record Honda Division sales of 1,373,029 vehicles in 2014 was an increase of 1.0% versus 2013, led by a 2.0% increase in total car sales of 781,224 units. The Honda Division once again displayed considerable sales strength across both car and truck categories in 2014.
The award-winning Accord and the all-new Fit led the brand on the car side, while the new Honda CR-V re-asserted its leadership in the hottest segment in the industry, compact SUVs. Accord alone accounted for 388,374 sales in 2014, while CR-V captured 335,019 for the year, a new all-time annual record, and Civic again surpassed the 300,000-unit mark. The sub-compact Fit enjoyed its best December ever.
CR-V shattered its previous December and annual milestones, rising 12.6% in December on sales of 32,369 units, and 10.2% YTD on sales of 335,019.
The new Fit continued its hot streak, with 6,450 vehicles sold in December for an increase of 39.7% as total Fit sales reached 59,340 units in 2014, an increase of 10.9%.
Accord posted an annual increase of 5.9% on sales of 388,374 vehicles in 2014 while over 325,000 Civics were sold in 2014. Adding CR-V's record haul of 335,019 vehicles pushed the total for these three vehicles comfortably over 1 million units.
The Honda Pilot surged 28.0 percent in December on sales of 11,479 units in a fast-paced truck market.
"Despite the price of gasoline dropping well below $3 a gallon in many markets, Honda's strong, balanced lineup of cars and trucks helped us achieve record sales in 2014," said Jeff Conrad, Honda division senior vice president and general manager. "The great news is that we will build on this momentum with some great new products coming in 2015."
Acura
The Acura Division reported total vehicle sales of 167,843 units in 2014, up 1.5% — the brand's best year since 2007 – and 3rd consecutive year of increased sales. Acura finished the year strongly with 17,809 new cars and truck sold in December for a total gain of 13.1% month-over-month.
The Acura MDX and RDX combined for new all-time annual and all-time monthly sales records on combined year-to-date sales of 110,546 units, up 12.6%, and December sales of 11,919, up 10.7%.
MDX rode a wave of popularity en route to best-ever sales of 65,603 units for 2014, up 23.7% versus 2013. December sales were up 3.4% on sales of 6,761 vehicles for a new all-time sales record for any month.
RDX also set annual and monthly records, with total 2014 sales of 44,865, up 0.3%, and December sales of 5,156, up 22.3% for the month.
Total 2014 TLX sales reached 19,127 since its mid-August market debut, with December sales limited only by tight supplies of key models.
ILX posted a strong December, with sales rising 10% on delivery of 1,730 units.
"The Acura MDX and RDX declared loud and clear why we call them the best 1-2 punch in the luxury SUV game, with record sales in the history of the Acura brand," said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. "With our passenger car lineup now strengthened by the successful launch of the all-new TLX, the upcoming introduction of the redesigned ILX, and the highly anticipated NSX supercar set for its global debut in Detroit, the Acura brand is poised for great things in 2015."
So 12% of RLX sales were of the hybrid last month. I'd call that still decent for a model with no marketing whatsoever. I can't imagine what it would do with marketing as there is no marketing.
Wow on 65k MDXs sold last year and 19k TLXs since release. No matter what we say about RLX support and lack of enthusiast cars from Honda as a whole, Honda is doing just fine without enthusiasts. I think they can afford not to care about the RLX.
So 12% of RLX sales were of the hybrid last month. I'd call that still decent for a model with no marketing whatsoever. I can't imagine what it would do with marketing as there is no marketing.
Wow on 65k MDXs sold last year and 19k TLXs since release. No matter what we say about RLX support and lack of enthusiast cars from Honda as a whole, Honda is doing just fine without enthusiasts. I think they can afford not to care about the RLX.
Agreed. Decent. Now imagine just a few ads, presence at CES, a few cover magazines, and linkage to NSX. That 12% could be 36%. Toyota just re-invigorated their designs and are talking about the Supra. Their Lexus line just went through a performance infusion. Honda needs to give Acura a clearer brand definition as well as technology that separates it from Honda. In addition, it needs to be competing for the minds of those going for A, B, and M German brands. Hey...if Kia and Hyundai can do it why not Acura.
So 12% of RLX sales were of the hybrid last month. I'd call that still decent for a model with no marketing whatsoever. I can't imagine what it would do with marketing as there is no marketing.
Wow on 65k MDXs sold last year and 19k TLXs since release. No matter what we say about RLX support and lack of enthusiast cars from Honda as a whole, Honda is doing just fine without enthusiasts. I think they can afford not to care about the RLX.
While I agree with Bob about the marketing, notice that total Dec. RLX sales were down 62% for the month and 32% for the year.....not a high bar. Also, imagine what might happen if they had more supply of the Sports Hybrid available. They have already sold over 50% of the 250 car production run in three months. If more Hybrids were available the dealers would be able to offer test drives and color choices/trim level selection it would be better. Also if they made some available to the auto press for tests/reviews, the car sales would increase nicely, with only very limited marketing [assuming positive reviews from the auto press which I think would be a likely result]. The halo effect would probably also improve the RLX sales, which without the incentives offered for the 2014 model year cars will continue to be bad. The PAWS RLX is obviously a dud at the current price levels. It needs a MMC ASAP. The Sports Hybrid seems like a winner but needs to be produced and supported by Acura. I predict that will happen with the 2016 model, whenever that makes its debut.
In the mean time, I am enjoying my Sports Hybrid and am glad I pulled the trigger to be an early adapter, despite some things that need improvement.
Though I keep reading about how great the SH is selling, technically when you look at the numbers from a percentage basis the RLX PAWS has sold better for the year than the RLX SH AWD. Obliviously from looking at Acura adds and marketing which lack both version of the RLX, I am not sure that they are worry or interested about pushing either car, the RLX PAWS or SH AWD. Not an isssue to me because I like the car but I don't expect to see many RLXs on the road in the near or fore seeable future. IMHO
I'd be curious to know what percentage of the Sport Hybrid's sold were the Advance trim level and how many of the "left overs" are the Tech version. This may be yet another instance of too many options for such a low-volume seller.
The 2005 RL came in one trim level only and sold close to 20,000 units - I can't help but wonder if the RLX came ONLY in the Sport Hybrid Advance trim level and was priced at $59000, how many they could have sold. Of course this is purely conjecture and speculation since the delays in the Sport Hybrid technology all but forced Acura into releasing only the PAWS version and it is doubtful Acura could even have built very many due to the battery issues etc.
I'd be curious to know what percentage of the Sport Hybrid's sold were the Advance trim level and how many of the "left overs" are the Tech version. This may be yet another instance of too many options for such a low-volume seller.
The 2005 RL came in one trim level only and sold close to 20,000 units - I can't help but wonder if the RLX came ONLY in the Sport Hybrid Advance trim level and was priced at $59000, how many they could have sold. Of course this is purely conjecture and speculation since the delays in the Sport Hybrid technology all but forced Acura into releasing only the PAWS version and it is doubtful Acura could even have built very many due to the battery issues etc.
I wonder if the SH AWD was nothing more than a test market to see how it would sell. When I brought my RLX PAWS advance in Sept there were very few available that were 2015 and they could not even locate a 2014. With regard to the SH AWD, I was told that they did not even know when they would be available or if they would be available. I had to order mine through the local dealer and have it deliver from another dealer over 300 miles away when it got off the dock. So I wonder if they ever really considered producing many RLX PAWS or SH AWD to start with, especially with the Advance trim or was it just a test market. It obvious from the TV ads where they show all the other Acura without the RLX PAWS or SH AWD that it not big on their advertising list.
Last edited by woropallo; Jan 5, 2015 at 05:08 PM.
Acura should have pay a lot more attention in bringing the AWD option to its flagship sedan, especially that the torque-vectoring SH-AWD technology has given Acura lots of positive exposures, and that rival BMW/MB are offering AWD options in most trim levels of its 5-series/E-class luxury sedans.
Without SH-AWD and SH-SH-AWD, the FWD RLX doesn't have a clear edge when pitched against the rivals.
So 12% of RLX sales were of the hybrid last month. I'd call that still decent for a model with no marketing whatsoever. I can't imagine what it would do with marketing as there is no marketing.
Wow on 65k MDXs sold last year and 19k TLXs since release. No matter what we say about RLX support and lack of enthusiast cars from Honda as a whole, Honda is doing just fine without enthusiasts. I think they can afford not to care about the RLX.
Have to agree, the RDX/MDX are amazing at how many they are selling. Considering the RDX is in it's 3rd year of this cycle it is very impressive.
I'd be curious to know what percentage of the Sport Hybrid's sold were the Advance trim level and how many of the "left overs" are the Tech version. This may be yet another instance of too many options for such a low-volume seller.
They did not know how it would go over. There might have been a chance that people were interested in the power and the power delivery technology, but not so interested in Krell Audio, Automatic Cruise Control and so on.
As it turns out, it looks like most people wanted the Advance Package, and almost all of the units left are Technology Package.
That does not, however, provide a definitive marketing answer for future production.
Much of where things go wrong involves marketing research. Witness the 2009 Acura TL. From all marketing indications, that was supposed to be a big hit.
I can't help but wonder if the RLX came ONLY in the Sport Hybrid Advance trim level and was priced at $59000....
If the Sport Hybrid Advance were a hit at $59,000 then the company wouldn't be around for long. :-) They'd be losing money on each sale. At $66,500 MSRP it is not have the normal, conventional profit markup and most testers who've delved into the car deeply come away feeling that it presents a value when compared with other cars costing as much.
IF (and that's a big if) they had the units to sell, then they could market support the car to about $63,000 to get the ball rolling and then yank the rug out from under purchasers when the cars started flying off the lots.
They've lost money on cars before, but there has to be a clear reason.
There was a time that they were losing money on every single DC2 ITR that they were selling. The dealers might have made money, but Honda did not. Those cars were very troublesome to put together in the beginning. An individual car would be moved by trailer twice in order for components to be installed, and the motors involved quite a bit of hand work on the heads.
In that case, they just decided that they wanted to win the championship...and to do it they needed to homologate a car as a production vehicle, and that was how they did it.
In the case of the Sport Hybrid, there was no clear over riding corporate mission that would require losing money on each unit, but I assure you that at 66,500 it is not as profitable as you think. The whole project was just very expensive and troublesome research for upcoming platforms including the Spring 2015 rollout of the New Legend in Japan.
They thought that this would be the price point that got some of us into the car, and clearly they were correct for about eight of us, or however many of us there are in here now.
It's an awesome power delivery system in what is basically an awesome car. Slightly out of sync with aesthetics like the 2009 TL was, but it's still an awesome car.
I don't think lowering the price is the answer.
I think when all's said and done, the future Sport Hybrids are going to cost more than the 2014 RLX Sport Hybrids are costing us.
My love/hate relationship for Honda/Acura continues. I love their rebel hearts and always doing whatever they want in left field but sometimes their illogicalness frustrates me. I always suspected that they were not that committed to the RLX & it is painfully obvious now. For instance, in their recent holiday sales commercial, the RLX was no where to be seen, not even in the title card shot where they could not be bothered to include it - keep in mind that they only have 5 vehicles right now:
Inventory is ~900 for the beginning of the year, suggesting to me that they do not plan on selling that many and are content with a ~2-300/month. If Acura was going to go thru the effort to make the vehicle, I wish that they would have put some continued commitment (not just incentives) into it & not just let it die on the vine like the last 2 generations. It is a shame that the car is currently in last place (except for maybe Jaguar whose sales figures I cannot find) as I had always thought that this would @ least outsell the Infiniti Q70.
On a related note, a nearby dealer got a Pomegranate Pearl Advance hybrid that I went to see. Love the exterior color but the seacoast would have been way too hard to keep clean. They were offering ~$9k off but my parent ultimately got another car bc it had the color combination they were looking for: white on black, which the RLX does not offer in the Advance.
On a related note, a nearby dealer got a Pomegranate Pearl Advance hybrid that I went to see. Love the exterior color but the seacoast would have been way too hard to keep clean. They were offering ~$9k off but my parent ultimately got another car bc it had the color combination they were looking for: white on black, which the RLX does not offer in the Advance.
What the what? $9k off? Someone better snap that up, Pomegranate or no (which is a great color IMHO)!
Yes, Crown Acura is the 1 that offered ~$9k off altho keep in mind that may have been an end-of-the-year blowout for 2014 & may not be valid for 2015. However, I would like to think that they would still want to get rid of it.
I am toying with the idea of trading in for it but the seacoast looks so hard to keep clean. Everytime I see it, there are fingerprints & smudge marks everywhere.
I may still hold out for the MMC if I do anything.
I like my 2014 RLX PAWS and am content to wait for possibly two or three years. In the meantime, my 2006 RL is not getting much driving time and so it will likely be getting sold to Carmax in the near future (we have two other AWD vehicles). While the ride is a bit more staccato with abrupt road surface changes than my 2006, I have not had the suspension noise issue mentioned on this forum by other RLX owners. In terms of gas mileage, my RLX is consistently 30 - 32 mpg during Interstate trips.
Yes, Crown Acura is the 1 that offered ~$9k off altho keep in mind that may have been an end-of-the-year blowout for 2014 & may not be valid for 2015. However, I would like to think that they would still want to get rid of it.
I am toying with the idea of trading in for it but the seacoast looks so hard to keep clean. Everytime I see it, there are fingerprints & smudge marks everywhere.
I may still hold out for the MMC if I do anything.
Pricing and affordability aside...you can always apply a material like Chemical Guys Sprayable Leather to minimize fingerprints and smudges. My better half has seacoast like leather and not a single smudge or fingerprint on vinyl or leather=a 8 yr old hybrid. I actually use Chemical Guys and 3 M products for car care and it works (at least for me) really really well to keep it clean and from embedding prints and other stains.
My love/hate relationship for Honda/Acura continues. I love their rebel hearts and always doing whatever they want in left field but sometimes their illogicalness frustrates me. I always suspected that they were not that committed to the RLX & it is painfully obvious now. For instance, in their recent holiday sales commercial, the RLX was no where to be seen, not even in the title card shot where they could not be bothered to include it - keep in mind that they only have 5 vehicles right now:
My sentiments exactly. When I saw the holiday adverts with NO reference, not even included in the fleet pic it became obvious to me Acura is not behind this car in its current form.
Comparing sales of a purposefully controlled volume car is somewhat irrelevant. The percent sold vs produced would be a more realistic metric. Suppose the demand was tremendous? You cannot sell what is not available. And why spend marketing dollars on a black sheep you choose to keep under the porch? Although keeping up with demand is a better pickle than the awkward pickle the RLX is and has been fermenting.
I firmly believe Acura is purposefully keeping the PAWS and SH RLX off the radar. Companies who put shame as a motivation can (and should fail). Instead, I think the RLX launch, release and current pipeline was a 'toe in the water'. I hear data is being gathered and a rumored rushed MMC. Why not keep that a low volume topic until they get it right. Further the delay of the LEGEND may be in result to gripes aired hear. The car has further complexities as it is a global car and some components (i.e. infotainment head unit) must support features for JDM that North American cars do not utilize. We have seen this before with the RL global configs. It is likely why the RLX is not just a TLX+ on electronics. The RLX was a stop gap replacement to the RL when the circa 2008 RWD V8 replacement was shelved. To me, IMHO the recipe for the RLX has been 'throw spaghetti to the wall and see what sticks'. Should it just be a SH RLX (as the LEGEND?), or maybe introduce a PAWS? And lets throw in more trim combinations then we will ever produce. The plan for this car is all over the place. Acura needs to Focus, Consolidate and Refine the RLX. If Acura cannot figure out what the RLX is supposed to be, how will the marketplace know how to respond to it. That is what we have now.
I will continue to wait to see if a 2016 SH RLX is indeed to be launched in 2015. And if it is, and if it addressed the shortcomings valuable to me I will pursue one. Until then, my loyalty and admiration to Acura is on a tightrope.
Last edited by TampaRLX-SH; Jan 8, 2015 at 08:59 AM.
I highly doubt an MMC would address most of the issues or wants brought forth on this forum with the current RLX. The MMC for the RL in 2010 still retained the old DVD based Navigation and a back-up camera without gridlines that the TL already had. However, they added the USB port and I think Bluetooth Audio as well. I might me wrong but I wouldn’t get my hopes up for major technology changes or upgrades in the MMC. The current vehicle already has too many electronic glitches.
I highly doubt an MMC would address most of the issues or wants brought forth on this forum with the current RLX. The MMC for the RL in 2010 still retained the old DVD based Navigation and a back-up camera without gridlines that the TL already had. However, they added the USB port and I think Bluetooth Audio as well. I might me wrong but I wouldn’t get my hopes up for major technology changes or upgrades in the MMC. The current vehicle already has too many electronic glitches.
I guess I have a different take on this issue.
First, it depends on how you define "major technology changes". In my opinion Acura doesn't need to add too much in the way of new technology but rather make the technology they already have work better. Yes, Honda has developed some new bells and whistles that have made there way into other Honda products [sensors/software for identifying pedestrians for example] but the real issue is not that the infotainment system doesn't have the correct features but rather that the implementation of the technology is poorly done. This is probably a combination of both hardware [better resolution of the screen, faster chips and a larger hard drive] and software. They need a much better user interface. They to make the technology they already have simpler to use. I like to reference the way Apple products work. They are always the bleeding edge of technology but they are simple to use and understand. You don't need to have a degree in computer science to figure out how to make the system work.
That poor implementation of technology is what has given Acura a black eye with the RLX - both the PAWS and Sport Hybrid. The other mistake Acura made was not having a real AWD system on the PAWS version of the RLX. I predict that the next "major" change they will offer on the non-hybrid RLX will be a mechanical AWD system.....as they have with the TLX.
Acura clearly has the talent to make the RLX the superb car it can be. The Hybrid system in the Sport Hybrid is terrific. It seamlessly switches between the electric and gas motors, shuts the gas engine down and restarts it at will without the driver even knowing whether it is on or off. The torque-vectoring makes the car handle more like a two door sports car than a large 4 door lux sedan. It has all made me tolerate the infotainment system since the Sport Hybrid is such a pleasure to drive.
I can tell you from my personal experience, Acura is well aware of the problems and are working on fixes. I just don't know how difficult it is to make the upgrades needed and how much in the way of resources they have to commit to it. I think it is a mission critical for them to have their flagship auto not be an embarrassment but then I don't purport to know a lot about what drives Acura. They seem to be doing fine with the sales of the TLX and MDX and are about to do a MMC on the ILX to fix its problems.
Bottom line, is I expect to see a MMC change on the RLX in either 2016 or 2017 at the latest.
You're right it is in the implementation of some of this technology where Acura failed miserably on the RLX. Some of which isn't even cutting edge at this point as it has been present in other manufacturers vehicles for some time. An integrated remote start system is just one example.
I also failed to mention Acura didn't even invest in a push button start for the 2010 RL MMC. I hope for our sake and there's their approach is much less measured this go around.
I think the upcoming 2016 ILX MMC is indication that they have the ability to make somewhat "major" changes to an existing model if they really want to. The engine/drive-train changes, headlight changes, slight body modifications and completely revamped NAV system (upgraded to the uniform dual-screen system) are good examples of what they can do in an MMC to correct both real and customer perception issues with a given model. And the ILX was by no means a major seller up until recently as numbers are starting to increase, so I don't think it's a factor of whether they can "afford" the investment into the changes unless the car is selling well or not to recoup costs.
IMO I believe what others have said, Acura knows about the RLX issues, and simply aren't spending any time or money in advertising to avoid anymore attention to an already botched product release. I believe that after having had a taste of renewed success with the TLX, and learning from it's success, they are waiting till they address the issues in the upcoming MMC to then pour on the marketing/advertising heat and step up the game with the RLX. I believe the TLX success gave certain visionaries in the company the proof needed to show what consumers are really looking for today and further justify the new directions they need to take. It just wouldn't make sense to try and put any of that renewed energy into the 2014/2015 models. Save it for 2016 and come out strong with a new message riding the crest and momentum generated by the TLX and what will hopefully be another successful release with the NSX early this year.
I think 2015 will be a big year for Acura, where they are finally able to execute completely across the board on an all new lineup, messaging and direction behind the brand. I think 2013-2014 will be tossed up as the "transition years" for them after having made some wrong turns along the way.
I believe the TLX success gave certain visionaries in the company....
I think those visionaries are all in the North American teams. :-)
Really looking forward to how the Sport Hybrid system is implemented in the NSX.
About the TLX: I just spent three days in one because the dealer kept my car to do some things to it. For whatever one dumb old man's opinion is worth, I would not be happy holding onto the TLX as a daily driver after experiencing both a P-AWS and Sport Hybrid RLX.
The RLX in all its forms is ahead of the TLX in general livability and quality of materials.
....and this was the argument for the RL vs. the TL as well. Better materials, etc. I happen to like the TLX, but that back seat is too small for me to do mother-in-law chauffeur duty. She like the rear seats of the RLX nicely.....and I love my MIL dearly, so I look after her comfort.
I agree George, the NA team is what will bring Acura back to the game.
I also agree on the TLX vs RLX. As much as I enjoyed the TLX loaner I had, and really liked many of its aspects, particularly those that exceed the RLX, the RLX is still the overall "better" vehicle for me. Mainly due to the interior quality and design. And i am too at a point in my life where I enjoy a larger car.
That's why I really hope they nail it with the MMC so I can stay in the brand. Cause otherwise there are no other options for me other than to move to an E series, GS, or A6 to get what I want in a car of this class. And I really dont want to move to any of those.
I'll tell you what I'm really hoping for is for a high-end 2-door coupe that sits between the TLX and RLX. Give it the sportiness and gusto of the TLX and Hyrbid drive-trains, but give it all the luxury and class of the RLX. Basically an E-class Coupe killer.
THAT would be just perfect to proactively head-off any mid-life crisis issues for me
Let's face it---to those that can afford to purchase in this segment, they will tend to go towards the perceived manufacturers that will help them to stand out in terms of brand recognition and ownership prestige. For years, Audi, Mercedes, Cadillac, and BMW have monopolized this segment in the media and I do not see companies like Acura, Infiniti, or Lincoln ever being able to compete with them on the same level because of that.
The level of brand recognition and perception takes decades to develop and it's just so much easier for the casual consumer looking to buy to start from the top and work their way to the bottom of the totem pole. Despite Acura's brilliant efforts to do what they do, they'll never be able to compete right now until they can break that image and get those luxury buyers seriously talking.
I agree George, the NA team is what will bring Acura back to the game.
I also agree on the TLX vs RLX. As much as I enjoyed the TLX loaner I had, and really liked many of its aspects, particularly those that exceed the RLX, the RLX is still the overall "better" vehicle for me. Mainly due to the interior quality and design. And i am too at a point in my life where I enjoy a larger car.
That's why I really hope they nail it with the MMC so I can stay in the brand. Cause otherwise there are no other options for me other than to move to an E series, GS, or A6 to get what I want in a car of this class. And I really dont want to move to any of those.
I'll tell you what I'm really hoping for is for a high-end 2-door coupe that sits between the TLX and RLX. Give it the sportiness and gusto of the TLX and Hyrbid drive-trains, but give it all the luxury and class of the RLX. Basically an E-class Coupe killer.
THAT would be just perfect to proactively head-off any mid-life crisis issues for me
Couldn't have said it better "holografique"! I too am at that stage where, as an Acura\Honda loyalist, I'm on the verge of loosing interest and patience with Acura. Now, revelations of the new Audi "Prologue" concept http://www.blogcdn.com/slideshows/im...ncept-03-1.jpg didn't help matters because that car's styling completely captured my attention & fancy.
Perhaps tomorrow's NSX reveal with "details" and the promise of an early RLX MMC might temper my Audi lust and keep me in the Acura camp a little longer. But needless to say, once again, I'm running out of time (literally) to enjoy a nice performance sedan and won't wait much longer on Acura to get their act together...
Well clearly Cadalliac is having issues even with new CTS forcing them to drop the price $3K. Breaking into the top tiers is not easy and has to be earned not just putting an expensive car with lots of goodies up for sale.
I wouldn't put too much faith in the North American Team. Aren't they the brain trust that brought us the Power Plenum and the ZDX? I think that was totally a North American concept. I owned one and really enjoyed it but I think it sold even less than the RL/RLX.
Well clearly Cadalliac is having issues even with new CTS forcing them to drop the price $3K.
The Cadillac CEO said there was no price drop, that was just a rumor. The only issues with the new CTS are they priced it too high in order to force former (read: cheeep) CTS owners into an ATS, and the milquetoast rear end. Much can be forgiven with the appearance of the new CTS-V....though I'm still waiting on that 'ring time.
The Cadillac CEO said there was no price drop, that was just a rumor. The only issues with the new CTS are they priced it too high in order to force former (read: cheeep) CTS owners into an ATS, and the milquetoast rear end. Much can be forgiven with the appearance of the new CTS-V....though I'm still waiting on that 'ring time.
The local Cadillac dealer was offering $10,000 off a few weeks ago on any new 2014 CTS to current owners, a clear indication, Bob, that you are right on with your analysis.
Well clearly Cadalliac is having issues even with new CTS forcing them to drop the price $3K. Breaking into the top tiers is not easy and has to be earned not just putting an expensive car with lots of goodies up for sale.
SPOT ON! Brand, perception, and exclusivity is key. If you go to Europe you will see that the brands we all hold in high regard such as the German cars are fairly routine and common (except for Porsches). Cabs are mostly E Class. It is what we are conditioned to think. High cost is not always equal to high quality or high tech.
The Cadillac CEO said there was no price drop, that was just a rumor. The only issues with the new CTS are they priced it too high in order to force former (read: cheeep) CTS owners into an ATS, and the milquetoast rear end. Much can be forgiven with the appearance of the new CTS-V....though I'm still waiting on that 'ring time.
Dec: 233; 29 Hybrids
Sigh
Crown
