mightl

I thought Acura should always get those advance technology earlier than the Honda. But it seems not the case...

The VCM is still missing on 2012 lineup...

potmilkz

VCM? care to elaborate?

slick316

VCM is Variable Cylinder Management. I think I've only seen it on Honda models with V6 engines. Basically its cylinder deactivation, where the engine can run on half the cylinders to reduce gas consumption.

potmilkz

oh. now let me ask you, does any luxury model cars have this? or is this just a honda thing.. from what i know, its mostly for fuel saving cars..

VtectiveTL

Having come from an Accord V-6 Coupe with VCM... we should be thankful that the TL doesn't have VCM. It ruins the driving experience and often feels like the car is struggling to pull its weight.

slick316

I think I remember the S-Class Mercedes having this feature on its V8 and the technology was eventually trickled down into Chrysler cars.

And as VtectiveTL stated, its not a great feature and probably wouldn't be appreciated by anyone buying a $40k+ car. Until they can improve the way it works, keep it in Honda models that need it (like the Odyssey or Pilot).

VtectiveTL

Agreed. Unfortunately it is going to be included in the news RDX. Let's hope it is improved over the version included in the Accord.

mightl

I think once before the TL was ranking as a 'high tech' viehcle... As long as its sellable, Acura can be a leader to put feature on the viehcle and not necessary follow others. Although there are already other cars offering this several years back.

I heard from a friend who owns Accord V6, and he told me he doesn't feel the cylinder on-and-off. If this is like what VtectiveTL said, then as easy as a 'eco mode' button to enable this feature could be the implementation. I believe as the gas price like this today, it would add value to TL, on top of the extra gear on 2012.
I'm sure a big chuck of your time in the TL are not about how fast you can get.

Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®)
The Accord Sedan's V-6 features the latest generation of Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology. This system can activate and deactivate the engine's cylinders as needed to meet the demands of both acceleration and fuel savings. When maximum torque is required, all six cylinders are firing. During steady cruising speeds, VCM shuts down one bank of cylinders. In this mode, the audio system's Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) function generates out-of-phase sound waves to cancel out any undesirable noise that may be due to the harmonics of 3-cylinder operation. As cruising speed increases the engine moves to a 4-cylinder mode for extra cruising power. To help keep engine vibration from reaching the cabin in every mode, active engine mounts automatically adjust their firmness to help absorb energy. The transition between the three operating modes is nearly seamless and goes unnoticed by the Accord's passengers.

VtectiveTL

You can't really feel the cylinders shutting off, but you can feel the car initially struggling in acceleration especially up hill and sometimes even in a straight line. Having the ability to turn it off would make it an attractive feature- especially if it is paired to a 6spd auto. As the transmissions stand now, I've actually noticed an improvement in fuel economy- though the requirement of premium fuel kinda hampers any gains.

BTW...here is my old car: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2951726/2008-honda-accord

potmilkz

your really going to take a v6 model car and really turn it into a v4? your better off with that accord than a TL then if you really think of considering this..

VtectiveTL

I think it's a plus NOT having VCM in the TL, especially in the iteration it appears in the current Accord. I could see why some audiences might appreciate it though. As long as you could turn it off and have it not adversely impact performance, it wouldn't bother me.

potmilkz

it will when the price of the car significally increases due to the extra feature.. i mean come on.. who wouldnt want a gas saver v6.. but is it something i need? should i pay extra for it?

would you really need a VCM SH-AWD v6?

i mean asking you that question makes me sound retarded already.

Eli

Accord and TL are for different markets. VCM can hurt performance numbers so they don't use it in Acuras where the performance of the car is a big part of the marketing.

Edward'TLS

VCM is one "advance" technology Acura should never ever put onto the 2012 and future TL's.

AEmedic

iTrader: (1)

This was something I made sure was NOT included on the TL when I was shopping! Performance and 3 cylinder operation is counter intuitive...

Teddybear

I have a TL and an odyssey that has VCM.
You CAN feel it kick in, but u have to be really listening and feeling, the engine vibration changes slightly. It turns off pretty quick when u mash the gas in though... it doesn't really hesitate that much...

Only good thing about VCM is for long hwy road trips, i can get KILLER gas mileage out of the van. I can get 800km out of a single fill of premium (under 750 if i use regular).

If given the choice though, i'd rather NOT have it, as it's just one more thing that could go.

Oswald Vater

+!. We have VCM on our 09 Ody and am glad we do. We get close to 27 MPG on the highway which I consider great for a vehicle that size and weight. However, I wouldn't want it on my TL. I didn't buy it for the economy.

cloud7

IMO, Honda engineers should work on how to squeeze another 20-30 hp out of the TL 3.7L engine instead. Don't really clear for VCM in a TL.

mightl

Like I said earlier, an 'Eco Mode' button would take care of the performance concern everyone has here. And it serves the purpose of putting a heavy battery in the car to make TL becomes a 'TL-h', like Infiniti and Lexus currently offering. I believe most people would appreciate this when you stuck in the stop-n-go, since the extra horses has no where to run. When back on the open road or hwy, just press the button to get back to 'Regular Mode'.

This 'advanced feature' is marketable and sellable imho. And I don't think this going to be too much of a cost adder consider Honda already has it.

3rdGenHybrid

I think by just the small response of negativity, Acura made the right choice in leaving out vcm, it definitely doesnt have a smooth engagement , and the newer vcm offers a 3 cyl mode which is pretty smooth but still .... I don't care too much for an extra 5mpg when I rather have more power.....

Edward'TLS

It's coming out. Honda claims that the EarthDream 3.5L-V6 will have 300+hp.

The only problem is that, given Honda's track record, we can only believe after we see it.

Edward'TLS

I don't want NO button to push on my TL for instant power.

Besides, the Infiniti's and Lexus's hybrid vehicles are tuned for performance, not tuned for good fuel economy, and also won't limp along with only half the engine power like the Honda VCM's.

Ken1997TL

The Accord has VCM so you can enjoy the extra REAL power in your TL.

It's called Corporate Average Fuel Economy, a silly political game that unfortunately means car companies have to use gimmicks or shuffle around technology to 'play the game'.

And fortunately Honda gives Accord coupe 6MT owners the full use of their engines.

mightl

Old news that I just found...

TL: The Honda Accord-based mid-sized sedan got a major fascia change this year, meaning a redesign won't come until the fall of 2013. Because it is too close in size to the RL, expect a shorter wheelbase and less overall length.
At launch, Honda's large-car hybrid system will be available as an option on the base V-6. The V-6 will be lighter and will include a new cylinder deactivation system and stop-start ignition. The 3.7-liter V-6 may come down in displacement to 3.5 liters.

Read more...

DannyZRC

Hey dingbats, VCM and VTEC are the same technology.

In VTEC implementation, you switch between 2 cam profiles, one for tuned for lower RPM and efficiency at those RPM, and the other for high rpm torque and power.

In VCM implementation, you switch between 2 cam profiles (on the affected cylinders), one tuned for the engines entire operating range and appropriately compromised, and the other profile for turning off the valves to accomplish cylinder deactivation.

The new earth dreams tech suite honda demonstrated included the new 3.5 DI v6 which contains a refined VTEC system that contains 3 cam profiles, so they can accomplish off/low/high switching to give you both VTEC and VCM, but they did not leave anything off of the acura engine, it is an either/or implementation.

Ken1997TL

Same GENERAL technology, but there are serious performance differences between a VCM equipped J series engine and a more 'conventional' J series.

n-spring

If Honda puts VCM in the TL, I am done with Acura. Plain and simple. I drove an Accord V6 for four months and I can tell you from experience that the slightest change in engine load will make VCM cycle on and off and I could definitely feel the transitions. Drove me nuts.

Eli

It's just speculation though. Honda never announced specifically what vehicles would use which engine and drivetrain. There's even rumors going around that the TL pr TSX could be axed. Acura says they'll still have only 3 sedans in their lineup, and with the addition of the ILX, someone is going to be on the chopping block. And a redesigned RL is coming out later this year.

Edward'TLS

You'll also find old news such as

- V10 NSX replacement to be debuted in 2010.
- V8 3G RL to be released as a 2010 MY.
- RWD chassis to be developed exclusively for Acura vehicles.

But none of the above came true.

slick316

There really is no need if the rumors are true that Honda is bringing direct injection, 7 speed transmissions, and electronic motor assistance.

Buffa

My thoughts exactly! Our other car is an Odyssey as well. Same conclusions.

Teddybear

If u have the 05-10 generation ody, when large rear hydraulic engine mount goes, u'll feel the vcm kick in even more One of the idiot techs at honda forgot to put in 1 of my tranny mount bolts, and didnt tighten up the other one, so now my rear mount is pretty worn. Im just waiting for it to either leak and replace it, or i might just sell off the ody all together and pickup a RDX or CRV.