Acura: Development and Technology News
10-14-2004 | 04:08 PM
#442
goldmemberererer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 0
From: West Hills, CA
Originally Posted by bkknight369
Why can no one understand my scarcasm...maybe im too subtle
When you say something sarcastic, make sure to follow it up with a smiley so that everyone can know you're not serious. Like this:
YOUR SARCASM SUCKS, BITCH!
10-22-2004 | 07:07 AM
#443
Supreme Underlord/Abyss
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 563
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
AWD for Acura
From today's Long Island Newsday, credited to Automotive News:
"Acura will use all-wheel drive on more of its cars, says Takeo Fukui, president of Honda Motor Co."
"The redesigned 2005 RL sedan is the first Acura car equipped with AWD; the MDX SUV has it."
"With AWD, "We'll distinguish Acura from Honda," Fukui said. He didn't say which Acura will get AWD or when."
"Acura's AWD would fit a V6 engine of 3.0 liters or more, says Yasuji Shibahata, Honda's senior chief engineer. The TL and NSX could be candidates."
"The key component of Acura's AWD system is the rear differential. It uses electromagnetic clutches to send up to 70 percent of the engine's torque to the front or rear wheels. The differential also can send up to 100 percent of the rear-wheel torque to either side."
"Acura will use all-wheel drive on more of its cars, says Takeo Fukui, president of Honda Motor Co."
"The redesigned 2005 RL sedan is the first Acura car equipped with AWD; the MDX SUV has it."
"With AWD, "We'll distinguish Acura from Honda," Fukui said. He didn't say which Acura will get AWD or when."
"Acura's AWD would fit a V6 engine of 3.0 liters or more, says Yasuji Shibahata, Honda's senior chief engineer. The TL and NSX could be candidates."
"The key component of Acura's AWD system is the rear differential. It uses electromagnetic clutches to send up to 70 percent of the engine's torque to the front or rear wheels. The differential also can send up to 100 percent of the rear-wheel torque to either side."
10-22-2004 | 08:02 AM
#445
2400 Watts in a TL...Why?
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,308
Likes: 1
From: Richmond Hill, Ontario
I was hoping to see the SH-AWD in the TSX....maybe they will have a smaller version to compete with subaru and Mistu.
It would be really cool to see an Acura logo in a european Ralley Race!!!
It would be really cool to see an Acura logo in a european Ralley Race!!!
10-26-2004 | 03:57 AM
#447
The Oracle of Acurazine!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,706
Likes: 44
From: Fresno, CA
10-26-2004 | 04:04 AM
#448
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 86
From: NYC/SF/Tokyo/HK
Originally Posted by AcuraTLjatt559
Right, you seem to be the earliest one discovering this news...
08-03-2005 | 08:43 PM
#449
2006 Acura Lineup Summary of Changes
this is a summary of what's new on the models.
Source: http://www.vtec.net
2006 Acura Lineup Summary of Changes
Date: August 01, 2005 00:00
Source: Acura PR
Credibility Rating: N/A
For the 2006 model year, all Acura horsepower and torque specifications have been updated to reflect revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations that went into effect in January of 2005. These new calculations reflect a number of significant changes in the way horsepower and torque are measured and may cause SAE net horsepower and torque totals published in 2006 media materials to differ from the figures published in previous years. To avoid confusion, all 2006 Acura press materials will specify “SAE net (Rev 8/04”) after all horsepower and torque figures to denote adherence to the new standards.
Acura’s 2006 model lineup highlights the division’s commitment to performance and leading-edge safety. The 2006 TSX sports sedan receives additional horsepower, sportier exterior styling and additional features to make it even more appealing to driving enthusiasts. In addition, Acura builds on its reputation for leading-edge technology features with an optional Technology Package for the 2006 RL luxury performance sedan that includes the innovative Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Michelin PAX Run-Flat Tires.
The TL performance luxury sedan, the top-selling luxury sedan in America, receives changes to enhance its steering and adds a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The MDX luxury SUV receives new interior trim and a new exterior color, Amazon Green Metallic.
TSX
The TSX has built a strong following among sports sedan buyers, won a plethora of awards (including being twice named to Car & Driver’s 10Best Cars list) and gained a reputation for being both stylish and fun to drive. For 2006, Acura made some dynamic changes to the TSX to enhance its performance, make the styling even sportier and increase interior comfort. The result is a sports sedan that is more luxurious, more aggressive-looking and even more fun to drive.
Modifications to the intake and exhaust systems were made to the TSX’s 2.4-liter i-VTEC™ four cylinder engine to boost horsepower to 205 hp SAE net (Rev 8/04). Interior enhancements include an upgraded navigation system, the HandsFreeLink™ wireless telephone interface, and a digital media auxiliary jack located in the center console for iPod® and MP3 players to name a few.
Outside, the TSX gets sporty, redesigned front and rear fascias, new sidesills, redesigned alloy wheels and standard integrated fog lamps.
Powertrain
* Horsepower increased to 205 SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 7000 rpm
* Torque increased to 164 lbs-ft. SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 4500 rpm
* Larger intake valves
* Increased valve timing and lift
* Increased intake and exhaust flow
* Reduced engine pumping losses
Chassis
* Electronic Brake Assist
* Increased rigidity of upper A-arm reduces NVH
Exterior Styling
* Restyled hood and grille
* Redesigned headlights and combination taillights
* Redesigned front and rear bumpers
* Fog lamps are integrated into the lower bumper
* More pronounced side sills
* New nine-spoke alloy wheels
* Flat wiper blades increase visibility and reduce wind noise
* Four new exterior colors: Alabaster Silver Metallic replaces Satin Silver, Glacier Blue Metallic replaces Meteor Silver Metallic, and Deep Green Pearl, and Royal Blue Pearl are added
Interior
* 2-position memory for driver’s seat
* Auxiliary audio jack in center console for digital music players
* HandsFreeLink™ wireless telephone interface
* Sports steering wheel
* Multi-info display
* New meter face
* New wood-patterned trim for models with Parchment interior
* Metallic garnish added to shift knob.
* Smart Maintenance system
* Enhanced Acura Navigation System (optional)
o Larger buttons and fonts
o Faster processing speed
o Points of Interest (POI) database increased to 7 million
o HandsFreeLink calling to POI
o More voice recognition commands (653)
o Zagat restaurant guide
o Exit ramp services feature
* Enhanced in-glass antennae for improved radio reception
RL
The dramatically redesigned RL went on sale last year as an all-new model featuring a 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine and the groundbreaking Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system. The increased performance, exciting new styling and an assortment of exciting interior features have pushed the RL to record sales in 2005. For 2006, Acura introduces an optional Technology Package for the RL, which adds three advanced new features:
* Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) - uses a grille-mounted radar unit, motorized seatbelt E-pretentioners on the driver’s and front passenger’s seats and an automatic braking system to monitor potential frontal collisions and help reduce the impact on occupants by alerting the driver, tensioning the seatbelts and slowing the vehicle.
* Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – To compensate for changing traffic flow, ACC adjusts vehicle speed automatically by applying throttle and/or brake to maintain a consistent following distance.
* Michelin PAX Run-Flat tires - helps provide enhanced safety and security with continuous mobility of up to 125 miles at up to 50 mph following a tire puncture.
New horsepower/torque ratings: 290 horsepower SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 6200 rpm, 256 lbs-ft torque SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 5000 rpm
TL
Since its groundbreaking redesign in 2004, the Acura TL has solidified its place as both the top selling Acura and best-selling luxury sedan in the country. The TL comes equipped with a 3.2-liter, VTEC V-6 engine, a drive-by-wire throttle system, and an available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with limited slip differential. For 2006, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System is added to the TL’s already long list of standard safety features as are two new exterior colors.
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
* Revised engine management system and steering angle sensor logic help reduce torque steer
* New Colors:
o Royal Blue Pearl replaces Abyss Blue Pearl
o Alabaster Silver Metallic replaces Satin Silver Metallic
o Deep Green Pearl discontinued
New horsepower/torque ratings: 258 horsepower SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 6200 rpm, 233 lbs-ft. of torque SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 5000 rpm
MDX
The MDX continues to set the standard in the increasingly competitive luxury SUV segment. To maintain its leadership position, the 2006 MDX receives further refinements including stylish additions to the interior. Touring Package-equipped models now feature high quality ebony-colored Zebra wood pattern on the center console and door switches and refined satin chrome accents. 2006 enhancements include:
* Ebony-colored Zebra wood-patterned trim on center console and door switch replaces Burl Wood-patterned trim on models equipped with Touring Package
* Satin chrome replaces bright chrome interior accents on models equipped with Touring Package
* New color: Amazon Green Metallic
New horsepower/torque ratings: 253 horsepower SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 5800 rpm, 250 lbs-ft. of torque SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 3500 rpm
RSX
The RSX continues to set the trend in driving excitement and refinement. With its thrilling combination of performance, aggressive styling and luxury appointments, the RSX has won over performance enthusiasts, automotive critics and sport compact fanatics year after year. For 2006, the RSX maintains its dominance in the sports coupe segment with two distinct models, the race-inspired RSX and high performance RSX Type-S models.
* New Color: Global Silver Metallic replaces Satin Silver Metallic
New horsepower/torque ratings:
RSX: 155 horsepower SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 6500 rpm, 139 lbs-ft. of torque SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 4000 rpm
RSX Type-S: 201 horsepower SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 7800 rpm, 140 lbs-ft of torque SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 7000 rpm
UPDATE: 2006 RSX Pricing and Availability
The following is an excerpt of a memo sent to Acura dealers today: The release of the 2006 RSX will be on August 2, 2005. Prices will increase by $50 on all cloth interior RSX models, $125 on leather interior base models, and $175 on the RSX Type-S. This amounts to a sales-weighted average price increase of 0.55%. D & H charges will remain the same for all 50 states at $570.
Date: August 01, 2005 00:00
Source: Acura PR
Credibility Rating: N/A
For the 2006 model year, all Acura horsepower and torque specifications have been updated to reflect revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations that went into effect in January of 2005. These new calculations reflect a number of significant changes in the way horsepower and torque are measured and may cause SAE net horsepower and torque totals published in 2006 media materials to differ from the figures published in previous years. To avoid confusion, all 2006 Acura press materials will specify “SAE net (Rev 8/04”) after all horsepower and torque figures to denote adherence to the new standards.
Acura’s 2006 model lineup highlights the division’s commitment to performance and leading-edge safety. The 2006 TSX sports sedan receives additional horsepower, sportier exterior styling and additional features to make it even more appealing to driving enthusiasts. In addition, Acura builds on its reputation for leading-edge technology features with an optional Technology Package for the 2006 RL luxury performance sedan that includes the innovative Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Michelin PAX Run-Flat Tires.
The TL performance luxury sedan, the top-selling luxury sedan in America, receives changes to enhance its steering and adds a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The MDX luxury SUV receives new interior trim and a new exterior color, Amazon Green Metallic.
TSX
The TSX has built a strong following among sports sedan buyers, won a plethora of awards (including being twice named to Car & Driver’s 10Best Cars list) and gained a reputation for being both stylish and fun to drive. For 2006, Acura made some dynamic changes to the TSX to enhance its performance, make the styling even sportier and increase interior comfort. The result is a sports sedan that is more luxurious, more aggressive-looking and even more fun to drive.
Modifications to the intake and exhaust systems were made to the TSX’s 2.4-liter i-VTEC™ four cylinder engine to boost horsepower to 205 hp SAE net (Rev 8/04). Interior enhancements include an upgraded navigation system, the HandsFreeLink™ wireless telephone interface, and a digital media auxiliary jack located in the center console for iPod® and MP3 players to name a few.
Outside, the TSX gets sporty, redesigned front and rear fascias, new sidesills, redesigned alloy wheels and standard integrated fog lamps.
Powertrain
* Horsepower increased to 205 SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 7000 rpm
* Torque increased to 164 lbs-ft. SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 4500 rpm
* Larger intake valves
* Increased valve timing and lift
* Increased intake and exhaust flow
* Reduced engine pumping losses
Chassis
* Electronic Brake Assist
* Increased rigidity of upper A-arm reduces NVH
Exterior Styling
* Restyled hood and grille
* Redesigned headlights and combination taillights
* Redesigned front and rear bumpers
* Fog lamps are integrated into the lower bumper
* More pronounced side sills
* New nine-spoke alloy wheels
* Flat wiper blades increase visibility and reduce wind noise
* Four new exterior colors: Alabaster Silver Metallic replaces Satin Silver, Glacier Blue Metallic replaces Meteor Silver Metallic, and Deep Green Pearl, and Royal Blue Pearl are added
Interior
* 2-position memory for driver’s seat
* Auxiliary audio jack in center console for digital music players
* HandsFreeLink™ wireless telephone interface
* Sports steering wheel
* Multi-info display
* New meter face
* New wood-patterned trim for models with Parchment interior
* Metallic garnish added to shift knob.
* Smart Maintenance system
* Enhanced Acura Navigation System (optional)
o Larger buttons and fonts
o Faster processing speed
o Points of Interest (POI) database increased to 7 million
o HandsFreeLink calling to POI
o More voice recognition commands (653)
o Zagat restaurant guide
o Exit ramp services feature
* Enhanced in-glass antennae for improved radio reception
RL
The dramatically redesigned RL went on sale last year as an all-new model featuring a 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine and the groundbreaking Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system. The increased performance, exciting new styling and an assortment of exciting interior features have pushed the RL to record sales in 2005. For 2006, Acura introduces an optional Technology Package for the RL, which adds three advanced new features:
* Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) - uses a grille-mounted radar unit, motorized seatbelt E-pretentioners on the driver’s and front passenger’s seats and an automatic braking system to monitor potential frontal collisions and help reduce the impact on occupants by alerting the driver, tensioning the seatbelts and slowing the vehicle.
* Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – To compensate for changing traffic flow, ACC adjusts vehicle speed automatically by applying throttle and/or brake to maintain a consistent following distance.
* Michelin PAX Run-Flat tires - helps provide enhanced safety and security with continuous mobility of up to 125 miles at up to 50 mph following a tire puncture.
New horsepower/torque ratings: 290 horsepower SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 6200 rpm, 256 lbs-ft torque SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 5000 rpm
TL
Since its groundbreaking redesign in 2004, the Acura TL has solidified its place as both the top selling Acura and best-selling luxury sedan in the country. The TL comes equipped with a 3.2-liter, VTEC V-6 engine, a drive-by-wire throttle system, and an available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with limited slip differential. For 2006, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System is added to the TL’s already long list of standard safety features as are two new exterior colors.
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
* Revised engine management system and steering angle sensor logic help reduce torque steer
* New Colors:
o Royal Blue Pearl replaces Abyss Blue Pearl
o Alabaster Silver Metallic replaces Satin Silver Metallic
o Deep Green Pearl discontinued
New horsepower/torque ratings: 258 horsepower SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 6200 rpm, 233 lbs-ft. of torque SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 5000 rpm
MDX
The MDX continues to set the standard in the increasingly competitive luxury SUV segment. To maintain its leadership position, the 2006 MDX receives further refinements including stylish additions to the interior. Touring Package-equipped models now feature high quality ebony-colored Zebra wood pattern on the center console and door switches and refined satin chrome accents. 2006 enhancements include:
* Ebony-colored Zebra wood-patterned trim on center console and door switch replaces Burl Wood-patterned trim on models equipped with Touring Package
* Satin chrome replaces bright chrome interior accents on models equipped with Touring Package
* New color: Amazon Green Metallic
New horsepower/torque ratings: 253 horsepower SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 5800 rpm, 250 lbs-ft. of torque SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 3500 rpm
RSX
The RSX continues to set the trend in driving excitement and refinement. With its thrilling combination of performance, aggressive styling and luxury appointments, the RSX has won over performance enthusiasts, automotive critics and sport compact fanatics year after year. For 2006, the RSX maintains its dominance in the sports coupe segment with two distinct models, the race-inspired RSX and high performance RSX Type-S models.
* New Color: Global Silver Metallic replaces Satin Silver Metallic
New horsepower/torque ratings:
RSX: 155 horsepower SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 6500 rpm, 139 lbs-ft. of torque SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 4000 rpm
RSX Type-S: 201 horsepower SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 7800 rpm, 140 lbs-ft of torque SAE net (Rev 8/04) @ 7000 rpm
UPDATE: 2006 RSX Pricing and Availability
The following is an excerpt of a memo sent to Acura dealers today: The release of the 2006 RSX will be on August 2, 2005. Prices will increase by $50 on all cloth interior RSX models, $125 on leather interior base models, and $175 on the RSX Type-S. This amounts to a sales-weighted average price increase of 0.55%. D & H charges will remain the same for all 50 states at $570.
08-03-2005 | 09:37 PM
#450
Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: California
The changes sound good except i dont think it was a good idea to change the horsepower ratings. I know they just measured it different, but marketing wise, it doesnt sound so great. Rather than having the RL at 300hp it is now 290 when honda was supposed to be the one who broke the gentlemens agreement by having 300 hp in the rl. 
08-03-2005 | 10:28 PM
#451
Originally Posted by SG81
this is a summary of what's new on the models.
TSX
... and a digital media auxiliary jack located in the center console for iPod® and MP3 players to name a few.
TSX
... and a digital media auxiliary jack located in the center console for iPod® and MP3 players to name a few.
08-04-2005 | 08:10 AM
#454
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,078
Likes: 5
From: The City of Syrup Screwston, Texas
Originally Posted by 03TL-S
The changes sound good except i dont think it was a good idea to change the horsepower ratings. I know they just measured it different, but marketing wise, it doesnt sound so great. Rather than having the RL at 300hp it is now 290 when honda was supposed to be the one who broke the gentlemens agreement by having 300 hp in the rl.
08-04-2005 | 08:16 AM
#455
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 14,391
Likes: 634
From: Alexandria, VA
Originally Posted by gocubsgo55
can somebody explain why power went down??
nevermind, i got it. are other manufacturors doing this as well?
nevermind, i got it. are other manufacturors doing this as well?
08-04-2005 | 08:28 AM
#458
Photography Nerd
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21,489
Likes: 11
From: Toronto
If they really wanted to change the way they measure horsepower, they should have changed it to SAE corrected wheel horsepower. That would actually be useful info to have and would get manufacturers to focus on reducing driveline losses.
i wish my CL could do that
08-04-2005 | 12:58 PM
#465
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 8
From: Washington DC (NOVA)
New horsepower/torque ratings: 290 horsepower SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 6200 rpm, 256 lbs-ft torque SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 5000 rpm
08-04-2005 | 01:02 PM
#466
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 8
From: Washington DC (NOVA)
Originally Posted by 03TL-S
The changes sound good except i dont think it was a good idea to change the horsepower ratings. I know they just measured it different, but marketing wise, it doesnt sound so great. Rather than having the RL at 300hp it is now 290 when honda was supposed to be the one who broke the gentlemens agreement by having 300 hp in the rl.
I dont know if they have a choice on that. I am guessing this is mandatory and all manufacturers will have to follow it.
08-04-2005 | 02:03 PM
#468
Registered Abuser of VTEC
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,542
Likes: 115
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally Posted by Dan Martin
If they really wanted to change the way they measure horsepower, they should have changed it to SAE corrected wheel horsepower. That would actually be useful info to have and would get manufacturers to focus on reducing driveline losses.
08-04-2005 | 02:11 PM
#469
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 14,391
Likes: 634
From: Alexandria, VA
Originally Posted by youngTL
I agree with you on that! Wheel horsepower would be the most useful. Also, it should be mandatory to follow the new conventions. Or there should be a requirement for both crank and wheel hp, so that we can calculate and compare the drivetrain losses between cars.
As long as everyone measures things the same way people will be bale to make an apples to apples comparison.
While 290HP might not be a nice round number to please the marketeers, the car is not any slower.
08-04-2005 | 03:47 PM
#470
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 8
From: Washington DC (NOVA)
Originally Posted by biker
The problem is that the ratings would be different depending on tranny. So a BMW 330 could have 3 ratings (AT, MT, SMG). That would lead to even more confusion.
As long as everyone measures things the same way people will be bale to make an apples to apples comparison.
While 290HP might not be a nice round number to please the marketeers, the car is not any slower.
As long as everyone measures things the same way people will be bale to make an apples to apples comparison.
While 290HP might not be a nice round number to please the marketeers, the car is not any slower.
08-04-2005 | 04:30 PM
#472
Registered Abuser of VTEC
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,542
Likes: 115
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally Posted by gavriil
Dont forget wheels and tire size and wheel and tire weight and WHERE that weight is at. It's not practical to talk about wheel HP. It's just that everyone should remember that HP ratings apply to an engine. Not the vehicle itself.
08-04-2005 | 10:46 PM
#474
I'm the Firestarter
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,072
Likes: 753
From: Ottawa
Originally Posted by gavriil
Dont forget wheels and tire size and wheel and tire weight and WHERE that weight is at. It's not practical to talk about wheel HP. It's just that everyone should remember that HP ratings apply to an engine. Not the vehicle itself.
08-05-2005 | 10:46 PM
#478
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 761
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, CA
Originally Posted by helloha
Looks like Acura feels lots of pressure to compete with Lexus IS350 head to head.
IS350 has AWD and push start button.. I hope TSX comes with at least AWD as an option.
IS350 has AWD and push start button.. I hope TSX comes with at least AWD as an option.
And how does Acura (TSX) feel pressure to complete with the IS350? The IS250 is closer to the TSX.
Last edited by JeffS; 08-05-2005 at 10:50 PM.
