Wall Street Journal Review
#81
Tiny portion of population is interested in a car that is slow, plushy, and devoid of soul. Also, older people tend to keep their cars for very long time. So once Acura does sell that RLX, it will be a few decades (if ever) before their customer returns.
You have to look back and see what made Acura a great brand. Integra, Legend, and later TL were all sporty cars that offered a great value to the customer. Integras got people in the showrooms, they were fun and still hold a huge niche among the tuner crowd. When Integra and Legend were being produced they were at the forefront of the performance wars. 1.8 liter GSR was making 170HP and was a superb handler, and this was 20 years ago.
Right now Acura is not producing anything that is even remotely exciting. ILX is a joke, no other word for it. Acura SUVs, are meh. Until NSX gets here, the most exciting car that Acura currently makes is the 6 speed TL SHAWD. And TL is still missing an extra 100-150 HP to make it trully a "WOW, that is amazing" car.
Today's Integra is built by Toyota, it is called FRS. Today's Legend is being built by Nissan, it is called G37.
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RDXinNETX (04-10-2013)
#82
There was another article that reported that five years ago when the ATS was being discussed, it was planned to be a FWD model based on the Chevrolet Cruze platform (sound familiar?). They even built a mule and tested it in Europe..
Do you think the ATS would be getting the same love if it was basically a warmed over and luxo'd up Chevy Cruze?
Do you think the ATS would be getting the same love if it was basically a warmed over and luxo'd up Chevy Cruze?
At least Infiniti gave it a more reasonable try with the G37.
#83
Right now Acura is not producing anything that is even remotely exciting. ILX is a joke, no other word for it. Acura SUVs, are meh. Until NSX gets here, the most exciting car that Acura currently makes is the 6 speed TL SHAWD. And TL is still missing an extra 100-150 HP to make it trully a "WOW, that is amazing" car.
Today's Integra is built by Toyota, it is called FRS. Today's Legend is being built by Nissan, it is called G37.
Today's Integra is built by Toyota, it is called FRS. Today's Legend is being built by Nissan, it is called G37.
They need to balance what the masses want to sell enough volume. In the sport luxury segment, I think they are off the mark on what the masses want as it it more excitement and refinement and less practical
The FRS and BRZ are killer cars in their class. Amazing Toyota made it!
#84
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
The problem with the RDX was trying to produce a driver's car for a segment of the market that cares more about room, comfort, and ease of use/maintenance. They should have worked out a way to place the RDX drive train into a proper car body instead of trying to launch it with an SUV.
#85
Cajun Gumbo Man
Well, I saw it and drove it, and I felt the exact same way. It seems like the RLX was design for the old Buick crowd. There is just no flare in the design in the design of the RLX. No body Kit or optional wheels. Not even a wood grain steering wheel. I suspect that Acura will have to heavily discount the RLX like the 2 gen RL to sale this car. There is no way, I would be the first to buy this car. I got 10K off my 2006 when they Acura could not sell it.
And yes it was intended for OLD Men and Ladies......The yuppies didn't buy the 2005+++ RL that looked like an Accord on Steroids!!!!!!!!!!!
#86
Senior Moderator
The problem with the RDX was trying to produce a driver's car for a segment of the market that cares more about room, comfort, and ease of use/maintenance. They should have worked out a way to place the RDX drive train into a proper car body instead of trying to launch it with an SUV.
#88
The problem with the RDX was trying to produce a driver's car for a segment of the market that cares more about room, comfort, and ease of use/maintenance. They should have worked out a way to place the RDX drive train into a proper car body instead of trying to launch it with an SUV.
I think the market viewed it as an upscale Honda CRV or Rav4, which clearly it was not. The new one fits the role very well.
In a way I give Acura props for pushing the envelope, but building a misunderstood vehicle, or should I say not marketing it properly.
Then again, not sure BMW X1 buyers would have seriously considered the RDX, just like 5 series may not seriously consider the RLX.
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GoHawks (04-10-2013)
#89
Burning Brakes
Acura is a mess. The MDX and revised RDX are the only thing decent in its line up. The RLX is a $50k FWD sedan tha is dead on arrival. It's bland looking and has nothing to offer that the competition doesn't already have. The Germans will eat its lunch. Caddy will sell more.
Japanese brands are just lurching from one thing to the next. The new GS is plain ugly. The Infniti is odd looking and the RLX is a FWD car! What a mess.
Japanese brands are just lurching from one thing to the next. The new GS is plain ugly. The Infniti is odd looking and the RLX is a FWD car! What a mess.
#90
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Fortunately, luxury SUVs are quite profitable, especially with platform sharing. Also, Americans seem to prefer SUVs. Finally, Lexus must not be failing too much, if they are maintaining their #3 position in the USA.
#91
I believe that Porsche sells more SUV than cars. This should tell you about US buying habits and what 'really sells'. We need to face facts that those of us who like coupes, small sedans and manuals are a dying breed. Oh, we can whine endlessly but if someone like Porsche sells more SUVs and hatchback Panameras the writing is on the wall.
#92
Instructor
A Nod of Agreement
Colin is spot on here as IIRC correctly Porsche sold 15K of Cayennes in 2012, which was close to 2 or 3X more than their next model. jhr3uva90 also nailed it as SUV's are over the top margin wise.
Last edited by RDXinNETX; 04-11-2013 at 11:03 PM. Reason: memory correction
#93
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Acura is a mess. The MDX and revised RDX are the only thing decent in its line up. The RLX is a $50k FWD sedan tha is dead on arrival. It's bland looking and has nothing to offer that the competition doesn't already have. The Germans will eat its lunch. Caddy will sell more.
Japanese brands are just lurching from one thing to the next. The new GS is plain ugly. The Infniti is odd looking and the RLX is a FWD car! What a mess.
Japanese brands are just lurching from one thing to the next. The new GS is plain ugly. The Infniti is odd looking and the RLX is a FWD car! What a mess.
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