Acura: Development and Technology News
 

1. There is a good chance we will see an AWD version of the TSX. If true, it better have a larger and more powerful engine...



2. Acura is working on an Infiniti FX competitor as we speak. I hope it's true.

number 1 would be way way way better then number 2 for me :)

number one please!

gab ...the TSX is built to accept IMA

Yeah, I've heard IMA as the future for the TSX. And there've been concepts for funky looking suv crossovers for a while now. Wasn't the current rumor that Acura is developing a weird looking SUV based on the Accord platform?

Number 2 please! A cheap small SUV from Honda would interest me more than a slow awd car.

awd TSX type S with a v-6 :wish:

The FX competitor maybe the Acura version of the CR-V. Whoo Whoo.

The FX compeititoe was comfirmed way back like 1 year ago.. it is the DNX... or the baby MDX cost no more than $30k.

No. 1 please....add the accords V6 and AWD....WOW!!

Whats IMA?

I believe it stands for Integrated Motor Assist. Its bascially hybrid technology where the gas engine drives the front wheels and two smaller electric engines drive the rears. This can act, therefore, as an AWD and/or stability control system.

and add 100 hp and 100 lb.ft instantly with little more weight added....who still wants the v6?

I'll take the v6 and the IMA!

I thought the DNX was possible the next replacement for the NSX not an SUV...

Wasn't that the dualnote, or were they the same thing. Im confusled

where is this rumor based?

like all other awd "nearly" confirmed rumors, I wont believe it untill I see it

the dualnote is the DNX. In the Japanese or European car shows it was the Honda Dualnote and in America's auto shows it was shown as an Acura DNX

On auto spies.

Me too. Though it sounds very much possible. It makes sense too.

"But They'er Mine"

2004 Acura Changes
 

For the 2004 model year, the excitement at Acura is centered around the introduction of two all-new sport sedans, the TSX and TL. The 200hp TSX was launched in the spring, along with the mildly revised 2004 RL. The MDX gets a 5hp bump in power and "new styling". 2004 marks the 14th birthday of the NSX in the US market, and it's (finally) getting a standard CD player and keyless entry.


MDX
The 2004 MDX receives additional horsepower, new styling and added interior features designed to insure its place as the benchmark in its segment. Enhancements to the 2004 MDX include:

Powertrain:


Output increased to 265 horsepower at 5,800 rpm (from 260hp@5,750 rpm)
Torque increased to 253 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm (from 250lb-ft@3,500-5,000 rpm)


Body


Redesigned front fascia
Integrated chin spoiler
Dual exhaust
Satin chrome finish front and rear trim
Redesigned taillights
Rear wing spoiler
New projector-type headlights
Acoustic windshield glass
New colors: Aspen Pearl White, Burnished Bronze Metallic


Chassis


New wheel design (Touring Package)


Interior


Power lumbar suppoort on driver's seat (Touring Package)
Brushed metal-look center stack trim
Enhanced Acura/Bose® Music system (Touring Package)
Leather armrests
Auto-on/off headlights
Ambient foot lights and welcome illumination
Enhanced functionality of second row seat


Safety


Side curtain airbags with roll over sensor
Tire Pressure Monitoring System

NSX


2003 Model Shown
As an icon in the supercar category, the NSX's unique mid-engine design, aluminum construction and high performance powertrain continue to make it a favorite of discriminating sports car enthusiasts. The NSX adds several new features as standard equipment for 2004 including:

Trunk-mounted 6-Disc CD changer
Keyless entry system
Redesigned shifter knob
Redesigned instrument panel surround

RL


2004 Acura RL
When it went on sale in March, the 2004 3.5 RL luxury sedan became the first car in its class to feature XM® Satellite Radio as standard equipment. In addition, the RL received numerous interior changes including:
Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition
Upgraded Acura/Bose® Music system
Driver's seat power lumbar support
Redesigned center console, instrument panel and steering wheel
Chrome interior accents
Wood-pattern shifter knob

RSX

In its third year, the RSX sports coupe continues to build a following among youthful performance enthusiasts. It comes in two versions, the 160 horsepower RSX and the 200 horsepower RSX Type-S. Both provide powerful, DOHC engines featuring Acura's innovative i-VTEC technology, sport tuned chassis and suspension systems and a long list of standard features. For 2004, the RSX receives heated sideview mirrors and a new exterior color, with Milano Red replacing Redondo Red Pearl.
TL


2004 Acura TL
The dramatically redesigned all-new 2004 TL features increased performance, even sportier handling and an assortment of class-leading technology. A new 3.2-liter engine delivers 270 horsepower and 238 lb-ft. of torque while lowering emissions and maintaining impressive fuel economy. The TL is now available with two transmissions, a 5-speed Sequential SportShift™ automatic and a new close-ratio 6-speed manual. Inside, an assortment of cutting edge electronics has been added to the TL's already impressive list of standard amenities. These include the first automotive application of DVD Audio 5.1 surround sound, HandsFreeLink™ wireless phone capability and XM® Satellite Radio, making the 2004 TL one of the most comprehensively equipped performance luxury sedans available.

2004 TL Highlights:


Powertrain

Engine
Horsepower increased to 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm
Torque increased to 238 lb-ft. at 5,000 rpm
Dual-stage intake manifold
Available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission
Limited slip differential (w/6-speed manual transmission)
Drive-by-wire throttle
Maintenance Minder system
ULEV-2 emissions
High flow exhaust system
Cold air intake system


Chassis

4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension with multi-link rear
4-channel VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist)
4-piston Brembo brakes (w/6-speed manual transmission)
17-inch wheels and tires
Available 17-inch high performance tires (w/6-speed manual transmission)
Refined steering system for enhanced feel and reduced kickback
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
Brake Assist system
Available A-spec model with 18" wheels and 235/40ZR 18 Yokohama AVS ES100 tires, upgraded suspension (lowered 1.2"), aero kit, rear spoiler, special steering wheel with distinctive shape and stitching, performance brake pads (for 5AT models), A-spec badging


Interior

Acura HandsFreeLink™ wireless phone capability
Acura/ELS® Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS™ and CD 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby® Cassette
Optional New Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ featuring 8-inch Multi-Info display screen
Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Steering-wheel mounted audio, cruise control and voice recognition controls
Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
Enhanced keyless entry system with seven customizable memory functions
10-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support
Power moonroof
Perforated leather seating trim
Additional master light switch on overhead console
Brushed aluminum accent trim


Body/Styling


Dramatic new styling
Wider, more aggressive stance
Acoustic windshield glass
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights. Low and high beams
Enhanced torsional rigidity.


Safety


Front dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags
Driver's and front passenger's side airbag
Passenger's side airbag occupant size and position sensor system
Standard side curtain airbags
Pedestrian Impact Protection

TSX


2004 Acura TSX
The addition of the TSX makes Acura's 2004 model lineup the strongest ever. Designed to compete head on with world class sports sedans like the Audi A4, Lexus IS300 and BMW 328i, the TSX delivers sports car-like performance coupled with the comprehensive list of standard amenities that performance enthusiasts have come to expect from Acura.

2004 Acura TSX Highlights:


Powertrain


2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC aluminum alloy 4-cylinder engine
200 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm
Drive-by-wire throttle system
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Choice of 6-speed manual transmission with magnesium housing or 5-speed automatic transmission iwth Sequential SportShift™
LEV-2 emissions
110,000-mile tune-up interval


Chassis


4-wheel-independent double-wishbone suspension with multi-link rear
Torque-sensing, variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system
17-inch alloy wheels with V-rated all-season performance tires
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)


Interior/Exterior Features


Perforated leather seating
Power moonroof
Dual-zone automatic climate control system
Heated front seats
8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support
360-watt 8-speaker Acura Premium Sound System
Steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches
Tilt and telescopic steering column
Keyless entry system with window controls and panic button
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
Optional Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition


Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!

I remember a while back about some people asking if there HIDs were going to be both low and high, well, if you read under the Interior/Exterior features, it says that they will be both low and high beam. Just thought I would point that out.

Not like we get to drive around with our high-beams on anyway. That and we never really get to see how they look from other car's perspectives.

Not the point. I was just simply stating a piece of information that a while back seemed to interest a lot of people.

I think the point is to provide the driver w/ better illumination :P Yeah, xenons look cool--but aren't lights there to, well, light the way?


SPUDMTN :toocool:

All Acura 2004 changes
 

http://a298.g.akamai.net/7/298/5382/...%20Summary.doc


Hmmm...I had no idea the MDX gets 5 more HP and a little more torque. Cool.

NSX changes with pics here:

http://a298.g.akamai.net/7/298/5382/...2004%20NSX.doc

I still cant believe the CL is dead. How sad!

new tailights on the mdx dont look so good in the pics

I agree. I hate the new MDX tail lights

I don't think the tail lights on the MDX are that bad...but I've always thought the front looks a little too busy...grills and vents everywhere. :dunno:

Funny, I just realized, the RSX is the only one left with a Type S. I wonder if they're going to phase that out as well (atleast for the time being)

Supposedly, that is the rumor going around. I wish it were confirmed, then I wouldnt be sitting waiting to see if they make racier versions of the TSX and TL :)

I think Acura is dumping all the Type Ss to gear up for something big (IMA or something). I think Acura would be kidding themselves if they think they'd be competing with the big boys (Audi, BMW, MB, etc) without engine options. All the competition has alteast one performance upgrade.

IMO

I agree and hope its IMA, we'll have to see, im impatient cause i want to see it happen now, yet it doesnt matter cause im in no postition to buy a new car:D

the NSX is basically unchanged, no surprise there....maybe next year.

Acura not the only maker to provide integrated Bluetooth system with Navi
 

Acura is not the only maker providing an integrated Bluetooth Cell phone link, Lexus will do this on 3 of there models in thier revised DVD based Nav system. See link below:

http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e...e000186618.cfm

Also, it will do more than Acura's by letting you access the phone book from the phone (per mini TL site, you can not doe this) and allows you to store up to 500 numbers (Acura is 50).

It is also voice controlled (not sure all functions though)

Note, the Lexus system deactivates some of the bluetooth functions when car is in gear to limit phone/driving activity.

Also reported for 2004:

Lincoln Goes Hands-Free

Ford's new hands-free cell phone system will be available across its 2004 Lincoln lineup, the company said on Thursday. The "Mobile-Ease" setup uses Bluetooth wireless technology to link Bluetooth-equipped phones to the car's audio system, enabling users to receive mobile calls through the car rather than through the handset. The dealer-installed system will retail for $399; installation will cost less than $100.



Anyway, for your info only.

BlueTooth.com lists DaimlerChrysler, Audi, BMW, and Saab..

http://www.bluetooth.com/tech/using/....asp?D=device7

Audi is only in Europe and Asia on the A8 and BMW is only in South Africa per the sites (this can not be correct).

Anyway, the Lexus is the first (other than Acura) that I saw integrated into the Nav. The Lincoln and Chrysler is an add on by the dealer.