fussion101

Is there a possibility that Acura will give us a 6 speed automatic for the sh-awd? Are there any talks or news out there?

I'm going to be in the market for a new car in a year or two so I definately hope this might happen....

chaiwala

If they want to stay competitive and fuel efficient they better have it by then. I can assume that 99% they will have the 6 speed automatic by then if not by 2011.

ieh

The ZDX already using a 6 speed auto, if the new transmission don't have any problem on the ZDX for sure Acura will put them on their others vehicle.

PetesTL

The new MDX's and ZDX's already have the 6-sp AT. My local dealer already has confirmed that it will show up on the 2011 TL's.

sgmotoring

Why need a 6 speed auto when they are only making use of 4?

Ken1997TL

And just which gear isn't being used?

Every five speed auto I've owned used all of them..

sgmotoring

I should have said they geared the 4th gear too tall. The 4th and 5th felt like overdrive. Why need a 6? 1200 rpm at 65mph?

Ken1997TL

4th and 5th are overdrive in Honda's 5AT, you're correct.

Here are the gear ratios for example on a 5AT ('09 MDX) and 6AT ('10 MDX)

1st gear: 12.225 vs 14.277
2nd gear: 7.279 vs 8.903
3rd gear: 4.854 vs 6.311
4th gear: 3.472 vs 4.527
5th gear: 2.438 vs 3.207
6th gear: none vs 2.361

As you can see, big acceleration help and a very slight improvement in gas mileage.

Krashdoc

In order for Acura to be market competitive, they need to look into dual clutch system rather than simply adding a gear to their automatic. As noted on previous post, no significant MPG will be seen by adding an additional gear. I doubt a significant performance improvement either. However by upgrading to the dual clutch system, Acura can remain market competitive and capture the performance oriented shoppers and tech savy shoppers. Main stream shoppers will appreciate the latest tech as well.

PetesTL

I would love to see a dual-clutch system on the TL.......however, it's highly unlikely at this stage due to the $$$ factor. (Besides, Acura isn't the first to come out with anything anymore......they're usually the last).

YetiTL

then why not introducing a triple clutch tranny?

rhn75

That's not necessarily the case. Weren't they the first to introduce a torque vectoring rear differential in 2004 which a lot of manufacturers are only introducing now on a limited number of their models? the naming (sh-AWD) is not the most attractive, I'll give you that

KeithL

I'd liek to hope so, but I'm thinking maybe if they offer a Type-S that may be one of the Type-S features, if they do I hope they offer a Type-S in AWD and FWD flavors.