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True, but Canada gets many features added on our trims which are not available in US and sales wise they sell 1/10th compared to your market. Leaving it out makes no sense. Hoping t Type S gets all the goodies in one package
Being the USA and Canada trims are significantly different as is the case now, why not offer a la carte options. It can't be that much more to make considering colors and trims, split is already present. One thing they should cut is fwd version and just double down on sh-awd only. Doing so cuts versions in half.
Honda called out last December that they have too many regional models and too many options for the global models that eat up their profits and negatively impact quality. They're planning to reduce trim levels, and I would not be surprised if this same move was applied to Acura.
A senior engineer at a technical center north of Tokyo in Utsunomiya, where Honda does much of its development, said the root of the problem was the “crazy complexity” of its vehicle range and all the associated engineering processes.
“Quality is acting up,” the engineer said. “Honda has created too many regional models, in addition to an array of types, options and derivatives for its global models.”
“All that’s eating up our profit.”
In the United States, for example, Honda’s 2020 Accord sedan comes in 13 versions, including three hybrids. GM’s rival Malibu has five, though it doesn’t have hybrid models.
At the two-day meeting in Utsunomiya, Hachigo and his procurement managers told suppliers to help Honda slash its range of cars and dumb down model types and options.
Hachigo flagged some of the issues at a news conference in May, saying he wanted to eliminate two-thirds of derivative products on global models by 2025 and wean Honda off its tendency to go overboard by creating colors, model types and options specific to different regions.
Even adding a new trim level adds significant cost because that's an additional set of processes, tooling switchovers, and decision points that need to be implemented and adopted. A la carte becomes incredibly expensive unless it's port installed options because of all the different points where there's divergence in the assembly process. One of the reason why Toyota is able to have such low COGS is because they've streamlined the process to an incredible degree by reducing variation. The production line will spend a period of time making identical cars (same options, same color, same everything) before switching to a different variation (color, option set, etc.). With a la carte options, unless you have such high volumes of each combination that you can afford to batch things together, your assembly line will be constantly context switching, which greatly increases the amount of time and sophistication needed. This is all operations and manufacturing process management 101.
None of the a al cart parts are outliers. All are in one package or another or stand a lone for all cars. Just in time assembly lines bring the correct set of parts to the assembly line as the cars move through. Honda uses a batch system & all the Advance cars are painted red before a blue block of Advance cars moves through. Other manufactures don't use it & cars of all different colors & options come off intermixed. Same goes for the parts on them.
Have been to factories that use the random just in time system & it works well. Its especially useful when doing made to order cars rather then just a dealer lot standard model. Expect the difference in production philosophy is why people have to wait so long to get a custom ordered TLX rather then just take whats on the Acura dealers lot.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 06-04-2020 at 05:10 PM.
Just a quick observation. The heads up display on the RDX is controlled by the apps button on the steering wheel. If you look at the type S interior picture you will see a apps button on the steering wheel meaning the Type S may have a HUD. Or maybe I’m Just being too optimistic.
Just a quick observation. The heads up display on the RDX is controlled by the apps button on the steering wheel. If you look at the type S interior picture you will see a apps button on the steering wheel meaning the Type S may have a HUD. Or maybe I’m Just being too optimistic.
The apps button if you have HUD does indeed configure the apps there. However, even non HUD RDX’s have an apps button. Instead of the app config settings in the HUD, they are located in the MMI. I’m seeing a button blank on the Type-S where the HUD brightness setting is on the interior shots of the Advanced TLX, so I feel confident that it will NOT be included unfortunately. The car doesn’t launch for some time now so I suppose that could change or maybe be an option.
The apps button if you have HUD does indeed configure the apps there. However, even non HUD RDX’s have an apps button. Instead of the app config settings in the HUD, they are located in the MMI. I’m seeing a button blank on the Type-S where the HUD brightness setting is on the interior shots of the Advanced TLX, so I feel confident that it will NOT be included unfortunately. The car doesn’t launch for some time now so I suppose that could change or maybe be an option.
yeah true. It would be sad if you couldnt option that on a type s
There's a reason why Acura cars cost less. It's because they limit the amount of options throughout trims, less trims less to lower cost for production, less time, in turn higher money and higher efficiency. Which is why the Type S will most likely be a great bargain.
Expect the Type S to have features from the A-Spec, plus Adaptive Dampers. A-Spec is more than enough in terms of features required.
There's a reason why Acura cars cost less. It's because they limit the amount of options throughout trims, less trims less to lower cost for production, less time, in turn higher money and higher efficiency. Which is why the Type S will most likely be a great bargain.
Expect the Type S to have features from the A-Spec, plus Adaptive Dampers. A-Spec is more than enough in terms of features required.
Must have the pneumatic bolsters from the Advance package as well for your high-performance sedan.
I wish the Aspec just came with all the goodies lol. It sucks having to choose a trim but not get what another trim has that i want. I get Acura does this to keep cost down, but what about those who would want an Acura with all the bells and whistles.
I wish the Aspec just came with all the goodies lol. It sucks having to choose a trim but not get what another trim has that i want. I get Acura does this to keep cost down, but what about those who would want an Acura with all the bells and whistles.
I agree with you, i want the advance package w the v6.
If It's between Acura having one trim that has all the features of the Advance, or Acura basing it off the A-spec to bring the cost down, I'll take the A-spec based trim and pocket the couple of thousand dollars. I'm here for the Brembo's, the ELS, and the V6. The only feature I'd be disappointed for the Type S to not have would be the Adaptive Dampers. Besides that, much else is superfluous imo.
Let me just put it out there. The 2.0T engine thats going in the TLX non type S is going to be just like the Accords not the RDX. Here is a dyno graph of the Accord. With a simple tune the turbo 4 will put down 275hp and 335tq to the tires. Thats not bad. And if the Type-S has 365 or 400 or whatever stock it wont matter because there will be a tune out for it very fast and a tune on that turbo V6 is going to make well over 400hp and 400tq. It could easily get 50 more hp and 100tq over stock.
The TLX will come in a FWD only version with the turbo 4 in it. Tune for tune the Accord and TLX will probably be VERY close in speed.
This is not true, the same engine as the RDX will be in the TLX. 2.0 turbo. It will not be the accord 2.0 turbo. I don't know where you got that information. K20C4 in the 2021 TLX will be tuned slightly differently than the one in the Accord. As well, you will be able to get it in FWD or SH All wheel drive.
If It's between Acura having one trim that has all the features of the Advance, or Acura basing it off the A-spec to bring the cost down, I'll take the A-spec based trim and pocket the couple of thousand dollars. I'm here for the Brembo's, the ELS, and the V6. The only feature I'd be disappointed for the Type S to not have would be the Adaptive Dampers. Besides that, much else is superfluous imo.
The v6 is also my highest priority but being in a colder climate up north, i would also enjoy the heated steering wheel and remote start, both of which i have on my current car as well.
I thought the Accord and RDX have the same K20C4 engine; it's just a difference in tuning that accounts for the power/torque difference.
Correct. BTW, Honda seems to underrate the turbo K20s...again, in Accord world, there are multiple reports of significantly more than than expected whp. Tuning on the 4-banger TLXs is gun be fun.....one guy just today reported 374 fwhp with tune, downpipe, and other supporting mods.
Correct. BTW, Honda seems to underrate the turbo K20s...again, in Accord world, there are multiple reports of significantly more than than expected whp. Tuning on the 4-banger TLXs is gun be fun.....one guy just today reported 374 fwhp with tune, downpipe, and other supporting mods.
If the 4 banger turbo makes that much power with a simple tune imagine what the turbo V6 can do! Look at the numbers the Infiniti VR30DDTT can produce with a tune. I want those numbers!
Correct. BTW, Honda seems to underrate the turbo K20s...again, in Accord world, there are multiple reports of significantly more than than expected whp. Tuning on the 4-banger TLXs is gun be fun.....one guy just today reported 374 fwhp with tune, downpipe, and other supporting mods.
As I have the feeling that the TLX-S may exceed the budget I have for a second car (and I really want the MDX Type S), I'm leaning towards a 2.0T w/SH-AWD. So I'm watching the Accord 2.0T camp closely for some performanmce ideas.
Correct. BTW, Honda seems to underrate the turbo K20s...again, in Accord world, there are multiple reports of significantly more than than expected whp. Tuning on the 4-banger TLXs is gun be fun.....one guy just today reported 374 fwhp with tune, downpipe, and other supporting mods.
I think one caveat is that if unchanged from the RDX, the SH-AWD system may be the limiting factor in how much power you can squeeze out of the 2.0T model. Acura already suggested that they had to limit torque in lower gears on the RDX to protect the driveline.
Excellent point. Of course, there are going to be pioneers on the TLX side...the 10AT, at least when mated to FWD, seems to be holding up by many accounts. Only time will tell what happens with SH-AWD.
I re-read my post above and should have been clearer in it—what I meant to say is that stock, the 2.0T engines are underrated in that folks are dyno-ing at significantly more than expected power before any mods. I know, dyno is for before after comparison, etc, but the stock results are genuinely surprising many tuners. And if the 3.0T is similar, again, tuning these engines will be fun.
Originally Posted by fiatlux
I think one caveat is that if unchanged from the RDX, the SH-AWD system may be the limiting factor in how much power you can squeeze out of the 2.0T model. Acura already suggested that they had to limit torque in lower gears on the RDX to protect the driveline.
FWIW, if you ever wanted to see Honda's internal design and relatively new 10AT taken apart and various components here's a pretty good (if boring) YouTube video.
Go to 53:10 to see the FOUR sequential planetary gears stacked up on one common shaft that's only 10" long.
It's truly amazing how small and compact the 10AT is, it's 30lb and 1" smaller than it's Honda's predecessor 6AT
Interesting to see Honda go extreme on their first planetary AT. After the 5AT debacle, Honda was pretty conservative with the next 6AT.
Then outsourced to ZF for the high end 9AT which was a bad choice with the shift problems due to it's unique dog clutch operation.
That video shows why it's been 30+ years since I've worked on the insides of a AT.
In 2013, when I presented the Honda 6-speed at Expo in Washington, D.C., I speculated that Honda was pushing their traditional helical gearset design to the max. Their 6-speed transmission weighs about 250 lbs without fluid, it’s about 15.5” long, and it has a whopping five shafts to deliver six speeds and reverse.
With the competition moving to eight and nine speeds, something had to give. Well, Honda engineers haven’t been resting on their laurels. In recent years, Honda has engineered new CVTs for their smaller vehicles and the 4-cylinder Accord, a dual clutch transmission (DCT) 7-speed for the Acura RLX hybrid, and an 8-speed DCT fitted into the Acura ILX and TLX models.
The DCT8 transmission is covered in the Oct/Nov 2017 and Jan/Feb 2018 issues of GEARS and you can also find it online. Even the Acura NSX has a new 9-speed DCT. This is all in addition to the ZF 9-speed transmission used in their Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, and Odyssey.
This is the first ever planetary design AT from Honda, How does Honda get 10 gears from four serial planetary gear sets?
Wish a MT option was available for the 2.0T TLX, still like to shift gears.
Also something interesting, the 10AT is built in Georgia, I didn't even know Honda had a facility there. Apparently a Honda gearbox factory.
I would think the SH-AWD system would not be a limiting or de-tuning factor for the 2.0T in the lower gears. Acura did it in the RDX to help with the transmission life and a simple tune from K-Tuner removes that. RDX being heavier than the Accord I think they programmed some torque limit in the first few gears. I dont think they will program the 2.0T in the TLX like they did in RDX more like the Accord. Its the same SH-AWD system in the 2.0T and 3.0T TLX. But one huge difference Acura said is the transmission in the 3.0T is all beefed up over the 2.0T transmission.
After reading all this I am so torn between Type-S or The Advance trim with sh-awd. To the Advance I can add the type -s spoiler and those kick but black wheels. I can through a tune on that 4 banger and some exhaust mods and it will scoot. I like having the fog lights the Advance has and all the extra tech and if so the nicer seats... If I go with the Advance my color will be Modern steel metallic with the black 19" option wheels and typs-s black rear spoiler. Heck I bet after a little while ATLP or RV6 will make a quad axle back. It would still look real sharp. I cant believe they wont let you add the V6 to the normal car with Advance trim or any trim. I would think that the V6 in any trim would sell more over the 4 cylinder.
I would think the SH-AWD system would not be a limiting or de-tuning factor for the 2.0T in the lower gears. Acura did it in the RDX to help with the transmission life and a simple tune from K-Tuner removes that. RDX being heavier than the Accord I think they programmed some torque limit in the first few gears. I dont think they will program the 2.0T in the TLX like they did in RDX more like the Accord. Its the same SH-AWD system in the 2.0T and 3.0T TLX. But one huge difference Acura said is the transmission in the 3.0T is all beefed up over the 2.0T transmission.
If Acura does not do it anyone adding power with a JB4 can select lower boost the the first few gears. I used to lower boost at specific RPM's in first & second gears because my tires were breaking loose. It was a fill in the box exercise.
I would think the SH-AWD system would not be a limiting or de-tuning factor for the 2.0T in the lower gears. Acura did it in the RDX to help with the transmission life and a simple tune from K-Tuner removes that. RDX being heavier than the Accord I think they programmed some torque limit in the first few gears. I dont think they will program the 2.0T in the TLX like they did in RDX more like the Accord. Its the same SH-AWD system in the 2.0T and 3.0T TLX. But one huge difference Acura said is the transmission in the 3.0T is all beefed up over the 2.0T transmission.
After reading all this I am so torn between Type-S or The Advance trim with sh-awd. To the Advance I can add the type -s spoiler and those kick but black wheels. I can through a tune on that 4 banger and some exhaust mods and it will scoot. I like having the fog lights the Advance has and all the extra tech and if so the nicer seats... If I go with the Advance my color will be Modern steel metallic with the black 19" option wheels and typs-s black rear spoiler. Heck I bet after a little while ATLP or RV6 will make a quad axle back. It would still look real sharp. I cant believe they wont let you add the V6 to the normal car with Advance trim or any trim. I would think that the V6 in any trim would sell more over the 4 cylinder.
I did a quick calculation and for a RDX with 280ftlb of torque, 1st gear ration of 5.25, final drive of 4.17, tire size of 235/55-19, FWD weight distribution of 59/41, static tire friction coefficient of 0.9, and vehicle weight of 3983 FWD and 4219 AWD
Total effective longitudinal force from the drivetrain at the tire contact patch is 5042lbs of force
FWD only has capability of ~2350 lb of force before the static becomes dynamic and tire spin
AWD only has capability of ~4220 lb of force before the static becomes dynamic and tire spin
Either way without traction control and torque limiting the tire's will spin in 1st gear and max. torque
1st gear is a stump puller 5.25 in the 10AT, gotta wonder for small throttle applications it starts off in 2nd gear which is a big jump to 3.27
Then again Nelson Piquet said his Williams FW11 and 1000HP Honda V6 turbo could spin tires in gears 1-5 depending on gear ration setup
Only 6th gear could take all the torque
I did a quick calculation and for a RDX with 280ftlb of torque, 1st gear ration of 5.25, final drive of 4.17, tire size of 235/55-19, FWD weight distribution of 59/41, static tire friction coefficient of 0.9, and vehicle weight of 3983 FWD and 4219 AWD
Total effective longitudinal force from the drivetrain at the tire contact patch is 5042lbs of force
FWD only has capability of ~2350 lb of force before the static becomes dynamic and tire spin
AWD only has capability of ~4220 lb of force before the static becomes dynamic and tire spin
Either way without traction control and torque limiting the tire's will spin in 1st gear and max. torque
1st gear is a stump puller 5.25 in the 10AT, gotta wonder for small throttle applications it starts off in 2nd gear which is a big jump to 3.27
Then again Nelson Piquet said his Williams FW11 and 1000HP Honda V6 turbo could spin tires in gears 1-5 depending on gear ration setup [img]file:///C:/Users/kvmcl/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]
Only 6th gear could take all the torque [img]file:///C:/Users/kvmcl/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.gif[/img]
In addition to gearing its also weight transfer & its effect on tire grip with weight being a biggy. Have a 3:55 LSD rear with a TKO-600 1st 2.87; 2nd 1.90; 3rd 1.34; 4th 1.00; 5th 0.68. in a 2250lbs car 46/54 static weight distribution with 488WHP on the chassis dyno (540BHP estimated @10% loss). Sudden WOT in the first 4 gears will spin Nitto NT-01 315X17X35 100 treadwear barely DOT street legal tires.
Short wheelbase, light weight, lots of available power = extremely exciting ride.
Even without killer power the reason you should always buy SHAWD with the top power Acura’s is a FWD car unloads its weight off the front tires on acceleration. The weight is shifted to the rear tires where its zero help in maintaining traction. This is very easy to visualize in a TL or TLX V6 by watching the front of the car rise when you punch it. That’s your car waving goodbye to traction.
Just a quick note. Can't say it a 100% guaranteed but read yesterday that the RLX is history as of the 2020 MY. Current dealer cash & main discounts are worth $12,000 off MSRP.
In addition to gearing its also weight transfer & its effect on tire grip with weight being a biggy. Have a 3:55 LSD rear with a TKO-600 1st 2.87; 2nd 1.90; 3rd 1.34; 4th 1.00; 5th 0.68. in a 2250lbs car 46/54 static weight distribution with 488WHP on the chassis dyno (540BHP estimated @10% loss). Sudden WOT in the first 4 gears will spin Nitto NT-01 315X17X35 100 treadwear barely DOT street legal tires.
Short wheelbase, light weight, lots of available power = extremely exciting ride.
Even without killer power the reason you should always buy SHAWD with the top power Acura’s is a FWD car unloads its weight off the front tires on acceleration. The weight is shifted to the rear tires where its zero help in maintaining traction. This is very easy to visualize in a TL or TLX V6 by watching the front of the car rise when you punch it. That’s your car waving goodbye to traction.
Just a quick note. Can't say it a 100% guaranteed but read yesterday that the RLX is history as of the 2020 MY. Current dealer cash & main discounts are worth $12,000 off MSRP.
Ah true, I forgot the torque moment or the driven wheels to the relative radius to the vehicle's Cg. So the FWD in my quick example is obviously less.
Electronics and nanny S/W alike keep all these current exotics on the road for the pretty rich boys.
Real cars just have throttles, driver's quick reflex's, seat of the pants feel, and balls to keep them on the road.
Ah true, I forgot the torque moment or the driven wheels to the relative radius to the vehicle's Cg. So the FWD in my quick example is obviously less.
Electronics and nanny S/W alike keep all these current exotics on the road for the pretty rich boys.
Real cars just have throttles, driver's quick reflex's, seat of the pants feel, and balls to keep them on the road.
Posted this in the dark distant past but its still a fun read:
This was posted back in 2011 by to me an unknown author more true now with 750BHP versions getting more common.
"Disrespect me and I will kill you".
Add up the following:
Roads are cold but dry
Tires are cold
500+BHP on tap
Short wheelbase
Occasional puddle/run-off/wet on the road
I'll save you the trouble... it equals "spirited straight acceleration turning into a 1/2-lock powerskid don't snap the throttle shut or overcorrect keep your goddam foot off the brakes holy **** that retaining wall is close damn I saved it and need to shake the turds out of my pants" in less time than you took to read that.
(and I wasn't even on it "hard")
PART 1 A reminder to all owners & a good read for soon to be's
Driving a Cobra Replica
"If you want to just gas and go, and never have to worry about replacing an alternator, or snuggling down the header bolts, or getting a wet leg driving in a rainstorm, or learning how to set your carb float level, or driving in traffic on a warm winter day
with "winter gas" in the tank, get a Corvette. "
With a Cobra Replica you have to remind yourself that you
are driving a hand made race car on the street. There is no compromise for anything other than pure speed. These cars are brutal and unforgiving, with all the refinement of a medieval battle ax. Like being in a relationship with an exotic dancer, you can never take anything for granted. These cars don't have millions of miles of testing refinement before you get yours.
For any trip longer than an hour, you need earplugs, and goggles, and carry Advil and eye drops. You will need to learn to "read" the clouds for rain in your path, and have experience in un-wrapping your frozen fingers from the MotoLita. You will experience lady passengers "wetting" the passenger seat when you merge into traffic from an on ramp, and then nearly burn their calf getting out of the car.
You will have all the invisibility of a burning Hindenburg, and flee from underground parking lots when uncountable car alarms are screaming your departure. When you shop, you will remind yourself that these cars get more attention than a dead body in a parking lot.
With a power to weight ratio better than almost every supercar, you will find your 1/4 mile times traction rather than power limited. On the other hand, when you stage, out of the corner of your helmet's visor you will see almost the entire audience lining up at the fence, most with cameras up. If you track on a road course with a Porsche club, owners of expensive German machines will come to the fence to watch you power out in smoking oversteer. You won't even try to start your engine in the garage, but push it out onto the driveway, else your loyal watch dog will croak from the exhaust fumes.
If you idle next to other "sports" cars at a traffic light, by the green, their girlfriend will be coughing green phlegm into her hanky, yelling at her date to just go! When you refuel, you might as well prop the "bonnet" open, because you are going to have to show your motor to just about every other guy there. When you order your wings at Hooters, your waitress will whisper in your ear "take me for a ride." When you stop at the red light, the girl in the convertible next to you will invite you to "take my top off too."
When you slowly pass a troop of Harley riders, they will look over and give you thumbs up. When you want to ease out into traffic, other cars will immediately pause to let you go ahead of them. When your engine has its hot, crackling, intimidating exhaust side-pipe aimed right at the flank of the GTO, or the Z28, your exhaust pulsation's slowly unscrewing his lug nuts, the other car will remain motionless, as if the slightest quiver of his car will cause your car to stomp it dead. When you leave it open in a parking lot, and come back to find your sunglasses and cell phone still sitting on the tunnel, it is because your car has sullenly warned those who came over to admire it "touch me and I will rise up here and kill you dead."
When you put that tiny silver key into the ignition, and begin your start countdown, your car will whisper "take me for granted, and I will kill you."
When other drivers just hop in and snap up their belts while backing out of their parking space, you will still have two more minutes before you even get all the Simpson's properly on and snugged down. Pulling up in a Cobra Replica is like landing an F4U at an ultra-lite convention.
In summary, very, very few drivers want this kind of attention, or can tolerate all that a formidable Cobra Replica demands. These cars are intolerant mistresses.
But remember, there will come a day when you have to hang up your car keys for the last time. And perhaps you want to say then "I did it."
PART 2 A reminder to all owners & a good read for soon to be's
Ten Cobra Driving Safety Tips
1. The two most dangerous words in aviation are, “Watch this.” The same goes for driving a Cobra. Humility is a wonderful personal trait to have for driving a Cobra safely. If you’re not humble now try thinking you’re a hotshot driver in a Cobra for awhile – you will get humbled, as they say down south, “…right quick.”
2. “You don’t even know what you don’t know”. Huh? Well think about it – if you’re not a professional race car driver, you’re kind of out of your element in a Cobra. I saw a video of a Cobra going out of control and rolling because the driver missed a downshift at speed in a sweeping turn. This caused the rear wheels to momentarily lock up and the rear end to slide out and thus the rollover. I didn’t even consider that as a possibility when I’ve been downshifting all this time, did you? That’s my point; I didn’t even know what I didn’t know. That short wheel base Cobra you’re driving can introduce you to all kinds of nasty things you never thought possible. Be careful out there and learn from others. The problem with learning from the school of hard knocks is that the tuition is too high.
3. “Know Thyself”, was said by the Greek philosopher Socrates. How true it is when it comes to driving a Cobra safely. I know that for myself I’m unqualified to be driving my Cobra anywhere near its performance limits. I have virtually no racing experience, very little training and I’m in my 50’s so my reactions are not what they used to be. Instead I have the advantage (I hope) of wisdom. It is said, “The superior driver uses his superior judgment so as to not have to use his superior skill.” The most important thing here is recognizing limitations, do you?
4. I saw a video of a Cobra going out of control when the passenger door was not closed properly and the driver tried to close it while underway. The lean of the body when reaching for the door caused the throttle foot to press on the pedal. Probably not a problem in a regular car but in a Cobra that does 0 to 60 in less than four seconds it’s a recipe for disaster – especially when you only have one hand on the steering wheel! What’s the lesson here? If something falls on the floor or to the side of the passenger seat from g-forces or whatever, wait until you’re stopped (in neutral) before reaching to pick it up.
5. Beware of the club ride. It could be that you will be surrounded by some guys driving bullets (it’s been said you don’t shift a Cobra – you just chamber another round) who are in denial or unaware of their limitations and driving experience. These guys and I’m including myself, have good intentions but are young at heart so the “two teenagers in a car” phenomena is in effect.
You know how it goes; they say “This is so cool, let’s do something crazy!” Two teenagers in a car will do things one teenager in a car would never do. This effect can take hold in a club ride. Use caution and don’t get caught up in it. Be a defensive driver knowing someone, because of the above, may do something totally unexpected right in front of you.
6. Street racing kills. Its stupid and only the completely self-centered do it. It can kill you, or worse yet it can kill innocent bystanders. So just say “no” and go to a track. When that Viper pulls up next to you at the stoplight and revs his engine, then if you must, yell “Ace Raceway [or whatever your local track is called], this Friday, 6 PM.” You’ve just saved face and saved lives -- and I bet he never shows.
7. Take command of your Cobra. You can’t be afraid of it or else timidity will prevent you from taking the decisive action necessary to stay out of trouble. Now you must respect your Cobra, but not be afraid of it. Analyze yourself privately deep down and determine if you’re kind of afraid of the car. If you are, then its time for some professional training or time to sell the car. This is supposed to be fun and if you’re afraid of the car why deal with it, it will only cause trouble. A Cobra isn’t for everyone and there’s no shame in that.
8. Don’t let anyone tailgate you – ever. Folks behind you might want to get an “up close and personal” look at a Cobra and end up tailgating you. If you have to brake hard for some reason your car will stop much faster than theirs. You have no head restraints, virtually no crush zone and you’re basically sitting on top of a gas tank. Get the picture? Pull over to the slow lane and slow down if you have to in order to get them off your tail. Attention comes with the territory when driving a Cobra and the distractions can be dangerous.
9. Do “what if” scenarios in your head. Quickly now, what would you do if you were going down the freeway and your throttle return spring bracket let loose and you went to full throttle with no throttle control. Too late, you’ve already crashed. My answer is instantaneous and simultaneous controlled braking, clutch in, neutral gear then ignition off and coast to side of the road watching out for traffic and then and only then think about what happened. The key word here is “instantaneous”. You can’t do this quickly if you haven’t considered it beforehand. Be graphic and realistic in your scenarios.
What would it sound like and feel like if you went to full throttle unexpectedly going down the freeway? How much time would you have? My engine has an electronic RPM limiter so I’m not going to worry about blowing my engine by depressing the clutch at full throttle. And so what if I did blow my engine – my life is at stake here. “What if” scenarios are wonderful because they’re free, they can save your life, and as my dad used to say, they “tickle your brain.”
10. Don’t go for a drive in your Cobra to clear your head. Clear your head then drive your Cobra. This ain’t the car to be driving when you’re distracted.
11. A bonus tip: Have fun – safely.
12. Leave the alcohol for the end of the day. Maybe, a single beer with a meal, but no more. These cars can go from fun to "OH S*^T!!" faster then just about anything I've driven.
“There's nothing nice about a Cobra, it's stripped down to the essentials – a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires trying to keep the whole business on the pavement. It's loud, smells like gasoline, and shakes, shudders, and bucks. It makes your arms tired and your feet hot. You nearly crash about once every ten minutes. It's so damn wonderful you can’t believe it
Cobra heard whispering to the owner: circa 1963
REMEMBER "When you put that tiny silver key into the ignition, and begin your start countdown, your car will whisper "take me for granted, and I will kill you."
I wonder if your cobra is the same cobra i've ridden in about 20 years ago. A guy named Dave Hollister in Durham used to own it. Car scared the shit out of me when he took for me for a drive.
I wonder if your cobra is the same cobra i've ridden in about 20 years ago. A guy named Dave Hollister in Durham used to own it. Car scared the shit out of me when he took for me for a drive.
No, I built this one. originals don't see much driving anymore with crappy examples selling for over $1,000,000. Mine is 5 years on the road with about 12,000 miles. They are very primitive & an acquired taste. That said compared to the 1965 Shelby versions these are state of the art. Modern Space Frame, Composite body 125lbs, Coil over double wishbones front & coil over 3 link in the rear. DOHC 4.0L 32 valve V8, TKO-600 5MT, No stability control, launch control or traction control. Manual 4 wheel, dual master cylinder, dual circuit disc brakes without anti-lock feature, manual steering 2.25 turns lock to lock with 275X40X17 & 315X35X17 100 traction compound tires.
Very good launch = sub 3 seconds to 60MPH or easy to repeat launches 3.2 seconds to 60MPH. Car is traction limited at low speeds. Maximum speed without aero aids & before its starts to get stupid regardless of horsepower just under 160MPH. Versions with aero aids will do 200mph+. Most cars typical horsepower around 400-450 at the wheels. Turbo & supercharger versions 750WHP to 1000WHP+. Cars weight 2000lbs to 2500lbs depending on how they were built.
There is a lot of truth in the driving a Cobra narrative but anyone who drives one scared or fearful should not be driving it. AutoCross & track days are you friends to learn the cars limits. You need to do your own through annual inspections (NC does not require any inspection after the initial VIN # application checkout) to be sure the car is safe. I have every bolt & nut in the car marked so I can see if its gotten lose.
Yeah, saw the release. I'm sorry but the car is 7 years old and pretty much the same crap. Not even in the same league as the new TLX now. Wow, never thought Acura would leave Lexus behind. If you ever peak at Lexus forums they think IS is on par with 3 series. Not even close now.
06-03-2020, 09:23 PM
