Looks like we have to wait 6 years:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=136746

 

Screw the news of the V8...this certainly sounds more important if not eye-opening:

"The V8 is being readied for an all-new Acura flagship, an insider source says, adding that behind the scenes, Honda has secretly laid down the plans for a completely fresh range of cars — using all-new rear-wheel-drive architecture — specifically to target the BMW 3, 5 and 7 Series.

The program reportedly still is at the basic planning stage. But following Honda's current new-model development schedule, the V8 would make its debut in an Acura flagship sedan targeted at the 7 Series and coming out in 2015.
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..."all-new" vehicles....maybe acura is going to abandon everything and start fresh w/fresh names....honestly...could make sense, I also think they need it, everything in the Acura lineup is based off existing Honda vehicles....this could be the first departure into truley "new" vehicles for the brand....Ill welcome that, it would be nice to finally purchase a true Acura/tier 1 vehicle without being reminded by the materials, looks, parts,....every day that its still a Honda (not that thats a bad thing, but)

if they make a sedan that is RWD, has 300+HP, and is a solid 40k car, that is actually worth 40k and LOOKS like its 40k....ill be first in line..what would be better than buying Acura reliability & resale ALONG WITH lux & performance that could now rival or best BMW, BENZ....maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel!

 

8 years from now? Come on, we all know how fast things change in automobile planning.

 

Gas should be about $7/ gal, but with the V8 / electric....???

 

yep......at the end of the day, its all wishful thinking, you would think 8 yrs from now a V8 would not be on any manufacturers horizon in terms of a flagship powerplant, where are the engines of the future? where is the hybrid powerplant? batts? hydro's etc...Lexus has em in their flagships.....youd think from a company like Honda that statement ought to read new 40mpg powerplant for flagship in developemt (or somethin to that effect....) a V8 coming in 2015 like thats supposed to be some achievement...Honda needed to board that train 10, 15 years ago

 

and the NSX-replacement's V10 ???

 

God thats so far off who knows what those other mfgs might be offering by then.........

 

I think we all agree that Honda is late to the game but it is a step in the right direction i.e. V8's and RWD.

 

Exactly. Who cares. Talk to me in 2014.

 

Interesting, it shows the long term direction they are looking into which is good. As much as I love my 3G TL, I can only imagine what could be if the S2000 chassis team worked on a RWD TL.

And 6 years is not very far off in the auto world. Heck it takes over 3-5 years to bring a design from concept to the production line. Alot of things have to fall into place, so the time schedule is not that far off. None the less I'm really surprised they have not fielded a V8 RWD vehicle yet, considering they've been at the luxury auto business for 22 years.

 

Hmm, wonder if tese fugly new grills can hold Acura afloat that long...

 

I've been seeing this report recently and I am puzzled by it. When I look at the current product cycles, the timetables seem off. Does this mean we get another generation of the RL on the FWD chassis? Are we supposed to sell the current car for 8 more years? could it be possible this is a smokescreen?

 

VTEC used to have in their model matrix a replacement CL slotted between the RL and the NSX... now that's gone. Maybe that or a car above the RL in which case how can you have room for a TSX, TL, RL, and something above that? Honda is very secretive so I'm sure they are not showing their hand.

 

Maybe the new Crossover SUV will replace the RL? They just facelifted the RL so I expect it to continue unchanged for at least 2-3 years. We know the next car due is the Crossover SUV, supposedly followed by some type of coupe or hardtop convertible. Next up should be the NSX replacement, and finally the RL. That really seems like a new RL in 3 years.

 

A V8 engine from Acura/Honda is long overdue. Really don't understand why they didn't do it sooner. Your top-of-the-line model helps you sell your basic bread-and-butter models, but if your top model can't compete with your competitors' top models, it makes life a lot more difficult for the rest of your lineup. Having said that, however, the 3rd generation TL sold like hotcakes, so something is very much amiss with the Acura range.

 

The Honda philosophy is against V8s which is why the Ridgeline has a V6. Honda is about doing more with less in a way. They are the largest builder of engines in the world and are very proud of their engines... I think they came to the same conclusion that Mercedes did with cupholders... 'mericans want what they want and if you don't give it to them they'll go elsewhere!

What they DON'T need is another friggin CUV/SUV.

 

yeah for real. how about we talk about the changes for next year instead.

 

This global financial crisis has virtually knocked every auto makers (luxury auto makers included) off their feet. The whole world is now calling for cars with gas-sipped small engines.

It has taken Acura so damn long to release it's big flagship V8 RWD sedan and V10 supercar that Acura has missed the boat completely. The opportunity window has slipped. Car buyers' objectives have changed. They no longer want big cars and big engines.

So I'm not surprise if Honda is forced to throw away the existing Acura product cycle plan, and lengthen the Acura model cycles (especially the RL) as it sees fit. Just remember how long the 3G Integra model cycle was - 8 years. There is no point to start building big V8 cars that are guaranteed not to sell well.

 

They need a v8 no question, just what do they expect to do with the RL? The only reason it sold was the awd, there is no need for it now. Not just for the sake of the RL, but it holds back the TL and that holds back the TSX. Then they could get back to the old ways of higher liter output, especially now. Who wouldnt want to see a 240hp 2.4 tsx and 350hp 3.7 TL type s models for mmc?, and that 6spd auto already. I think they are headed in the right direction, they just lost 3 years worth of progression on the RL experiment.

 

I agree.....

Dont be surprised to see the New NSX delayed again and even mothballed because of sales etc. Even though it is so close to being released it wouldnt surprise me to see Honda axe it....

 

Honda was very late introducing their own designs for a SUV (Pilot/SUV) and a real minivan (2G Odyssey) which went on to have very positive reviews and great sales for both. It's obvious the 2G RL did not hit the sales targets, not even close. Hopefully the same design lead's that designed those and their better products (S2000, 3G TL,...) will get a chance on whatever the V8 is destined for.

 

There will always be people with money and there will always be people who want a V8. People looking at supercars could care a less about gas prices. I've sold CL63s and CLS63s and people ask me what the gas mileage is and I say "terrible" and we laugh and move on.

Acura can sell a V8 powered luxury car if they design it right, market it right, and provide a great dealer experience. This "crisis" will not last forever and people are still buying V8 powered cars.

 

It's "COULDN'T" care less. Why do people always misuse this?

 

True. The wealthy's will continue to buy V8-powered cars, but from BMW, MB, Audi, and NOT FROM ACURA NOR FROM HYUNDAI. Even if the V8 Acura is selling a few hundred units a month (like the current RL), Acura is still in for a major money loss for this V8 model.

There used to be a whole lot more people buying expensive luxury cars. Ever since this economy downturn, a big chunk of the pretend-to-be-wealthy people, who can't afford or just can barely afford luxury cars, got kicked out of this expensive big-engined car arena. Thus, more news of Porsche, BMW, MB, Audi, Lexus, etc., reporting that they too are feeling the pinch, and cutting back on production numbers, and offering hefty incentive rebates.

Now I can't imagine how all these drastically reduced number of remaining true-wealthy people, who used to buy true luxury cars before, will suddenly turn on to start buying the V8 Acura sedan. Remember that money is no objective to them. They want everything to be the best ..... the best BRAND, the safest car, the fastest car, the most luxury car, etc.

Let's assume the US recession is over next year. Acura still has to fix it's brand image first.

The current V6 RL is a damn good car, but with a shoddy Acura brand image. That's why it can't sell, not even with the lower-priced, reduced-content trim version. This "brand name + car" package doesn't justify the $50K price tag.

What makes you think Acura can sell another $50K+ car with the current limping brand image ? Unless Acura is planning for another "do it my way" gamble against the mainstream by once against releasing something that the market isn't call for.

The next best thing Acura should do right now is to rid of all rumors that the V8 would be delayed, and to release official news of the 2010 V8 RL and the V10 NSX replacement to be on schedule (provided this is really the case). Now this should definitely put the confidence back to V8 car buyers and more trust into the Acura brand.

 

yea, nice post above. I was going to say too, who the hell is buying a V8 RL, they cant even sell the current one, and then, the person looking at V8 lux cars, are you seriously cross shopping acura with BENZ, BMW...my guess is a solid NO. its just 2 entirely different consumer segments.

and yea another great point, my friend owns so many cars that if i posted them or all of them and what they are thered be a 99.9% chance no one would believe me on here so, in that regard....the people who have money, it doesnt matter about the gas, doesnt matter about the engine type...what matters is the BRAND, and what matters is drop dead performance or options....Acura, in that respect, does not have a shot in hell of entering into the competition with a V8 in any of their sedans, even if the car on paper could compete with lets say an M5 or something, its not going to be purchsed by the guy who wants the M5. We all know the RL is one hell of a car, but honestly, what does the person buying the 5 serires or S class care? the RL could run circles around it, but it still wont matter, and the V8 is not going to change a thing..what Acura lacks isnt the powerplants, its the recognition in social circles, bizness, etc that keeps it down and from being a major player & reaping big $$

 

To offer a counterpoint. Prior to the last few months, the MDX was selling quite well and top trim levels approach 50K. Acura has (in the past) sold the NSX at well over 50K. I don't see the price/brand image as a problem if the car is the right one for the marketplace.

Now, the debate will rage as to the 'rightness' of the future product, but it is important not to forget how successful the brand has been at times.

 

along your travel of thought, since the MDX came out its basically been regarded as THE suv to own & drive. Its basically the only vehicle in Acura's line up that professional and consumer opinions tend to come to the same conclusion, that regardless of brand, it is probably the best suv out there @ that price point, however, that is suv land....

what Acura sedan has ever trumped its respective segment? (not talking NSX here)They have always been considered the "good value" or the good "option" but its never been THE option as the MDX has basically become.

I think the MDX has saved Acura's ass in recent years since it was redesigned, by that i mean it added formidability to the brand, especially in how it stacked up against BMW, BENZ, LEXUS...outside of the MDX, all Acura has, in a nutshell, are good car alternatives to tier 1 companies, imo. V8 isnt going to change that, but without question at least they are moving in the right direction 15 yrs late.

 

This is another very good point. The base MDX starts off at $40K with a list of options to top out at $49K. This gives buyers choices. This appeals to a wider range of buyers with a difference in budget close to $10K.

However, when the 2G RL first came out. It was available either fully loaded at $50K or no car. It's like you either want it or forget it. But luxury car buyers have been spoiled. Spoiled by the true luxury auto makers who always offer custom option lists several pages long. Give the buyers choices !

The following years Acura released a reduced-content RL with an ~$4K cheaper price tag. Now the buyers can have a total of TWO versions to choice from. But it was too little, too late to save the car's unpopularity.

Like I have said many time before. Acura is doing extremely well as a wanna-be luxury brand selling (IN VOLUME) sub-$50K cars, but fall short at moving anything above $50K in profitable volume. But this is not Honda wants Acura to be, Honda desperately wants Acura to be a true-luxury brand selling high-profit-margin $50K+ cars in volume just like BMW, MB, Audi, Lexus, etc.

 

yep, and they have SO FAR to go.

 

Yes they do. But I don't think we should question their desire and drive to get there. Remember, Honda is all of 50ish years old and Acura is all of 22. For all the "Audi Love" that is happening in another thread, remember that they are over 100 years old and are still behind Acura in sales, and at the bottom of the German brands. Acura has come a long way in 22 years.

 

But still not long enough. Remember it's not about volume, it's about price. The higher the selling price of a car, the more profit an auto company can make from each of these sales. A true-luxury auto brand can sell a lot less high-priced cars and make the same amount of profits as a non-true-luxury auto brand selling a lot more cheaper (in comparison) cars. This is the dream of all auto companies ..... making more profits and by selling fewer cars.

Ultimately, Honda really wants to price the TSX as about the same as the IS, 3-series, C-class, and A4; the TL as about the GS, 5-series, E-class, and A6; and the RL as about the LS, 7-series, S-class, and the A8. Before this can happen, the "luxury" Acura brand still has a long, long way to go.

This is why Honda is so desperate to push the Acura brand to go upmarket, to gain brand image, and to sell hugh-profit-generating $50K+ cars.

 

And this is true. My point is that I don't see them as "desperate" but rather a deliberate plan to move the brand. This has been going on for a while and let's face it, this company NEVER does anything fast. We cannot complain that they aren't moving fast enough while at the same time lamenting new directions in the price/value equation.

 

Actually it's about both volume and price, anyone who's been to the Sloan school of business knows this. VW learned this painful lesson on the Phaeton and Acura too on the NSX. Both never achieved their sales targets and both resulted in losses for both companies. Although both helped improve their respective companies images.

Accurately predicting sales was one of key points that Sloan made when he was CEO at GM in the 50's (yes in the 1950's GM rocked the auto world). Knowing that one can make proper allocation of resources. Supplying all the components and assemblies for a car is simply staggering, if one over produces then that waste cuts into any profits. Also the ammortization of the NRE comes into play with all the units sold.

Read the story of Aston Martin in the 1980's and learn how you can loss 10% on every car sold desite $100K+ prices. It's not just about high prices, if that was the case Rolls and many others would still be independent!

Acura push into new territory is long ovedue, but it's about alot of other factors besides just price and prestige.

 

300hp in 7 years? by that time a civic will have about 250+hp w/ a 4 cylinder..lol..it's going to have to be more like 500+ hp v8 imo

 

Just realized another expensive car that according to industry rumor is losing money (Wall Street Journal) is the MB MayBach. It has all the prestige, media attention, and review one could want. But it's sales have been way below expectations from rumor de jour.

 

This is about manufacturing efficiency more than anything else. Virtually all traditionally independent British auto makers (Aston Martin, Jaguar, Rolls, Rover, etc.) were losing money because of inefficient manufacturing methods and high labour cost (does it ring the bell, Big3).

Handcrafted workmanship is no place in today's high labour-cost developed countries. That's how, in the old days, these British auto makers still managed to lose money on premium priced cars. It may cost $99K, rather than $30K, to build a $100K car.

Unfavourable exchange rate also cut a huge dent in their profits, if any. That's how these British auto makers reached the end of the road and got bought out. High price and poor manufacturing efficiency don't give good results in this case.

But with the modern day manufacturing methods, domestically-located factories, and high manufacturing efficiency, high price will work very well here. This enables BMW, MB (not including the loss from the Chrysler arm), Lexus, Porsche, Audi, etc. to enjoy huge profits annually for their premium-priced vehicles, right up to this economy downturn.

So high price works very work in generating huge profits for modern day recognized premium brands that aren't burdened by high manufacturing costs.

 

Whats the point of having a big v-8 if u can turbocharge or twinturbo charge a 3.0L, acura is 1 of the dumbest companys as of now. Look at the dam GT-R 460hp v6 turbo faster then v-10,v-12.

 

They have to have a V8 if they ever want to even be considered as Tier 1.

 

It is not faster than all V10s and V12s. It is a fast car though. A V8 option on an Acura is needed for sure even if only 20% of their customer pick it. Honda bucked the trend of not offering a V6 on the Ridgeline but that's not a real truck anyway.

 

Base engine doesn't have to be V8, but an V8 option is a must-have to boost image, even if it means losing money on the V8 option. When you view this loss as money being spend on marketing to boost the limping Acura image, this is money well lose.

Big powerful engines and fast cars are in essence marketing tools by themselves, and are solid ways to boost car image and brand image. This works much better than the current pure-talk-but-lame-product form of marketing.