Acura: Development and Technology News
#2001
Audi isn't a premium brand when it comes to supercars, sorry. R8 sales are not exactly beating 911 turbo sales to the ground.
May I suggest doing some research on the Ford GT. THey sold out the entire production run, reviews were glorious. You might want to go further back and see how the original GT40 did and why its legendary.....
The R8 is superb in V-8 or V-10 form but don't think a "Ford" is a lesser car. Its more that on par with it.
May I suggest doing some research on the Ford GT. THey sold out the entire production run, reviews were glorious. You might want to go further back and see how the original GT40 did and why its legendary.....
The R8 is superb in V-8 or V-10 form but don't think a "Ford" is a lesser car. Its more that on par with it.
let Ford Gt pull 1.2g first or have that kind of special lighting. Audi era is just begining. Audi is selling 5K per year and even more powerful versions are coming. unlimited R&D ability with largest profits and cash flow.
http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightlin...p-wrap-up.html
#2003
#2006
what is so surprizing about this statement. Audi has largest weight reduction program across its line up. It has the best turbo tech. (New RS3/TTS @340bhp). i would not be surpized for 3.0T RS4 ~450/500bhp. RS6 already at 580bhp. Combination of German engineering powerhouse with Italian design flavor will produce unmatched supercars. There is new V10 S7 expected.
Fiat/Ferrari or BMW/MB alone cant challenge it both financially and technically.
Fiat/Ferrari or BMW/MB alone cant challenge it both financially and technically.
#2008
#2009
http://www.sponkit.com/prince-willia...-audi-quattro/
Prince William Bought Sporty Audi Quattro
Prince William Bought Sporty Audi Quattro
#2011
In past German Chancellor had MB cars but now it is Audi armoured.
#2012
Burning Brakes
I still don't understand the fascination with this Tier-1 labeling. Even BMW has admitted that they recognize Audi as real competition along with MB and Lexus. You can say all you want about brand prestige, blah blah blah, but you have to admit that they're no longer what they were back in the 90's.
Oh, and Ferrari and Lambo owners will probably laugh at just about any other car. Does that make Aston Martin and Jaguar not up to Tier-1 standards? Obviously not.
Oh, and Ferrari and Lambo owners will probably laugh at just about any other car. Does that make Aston Martin and Jaguar not up to Tier-1 standards? Obviously not.
#2013
Tier 1 is still BMW, MB and Lexus
until the sales numbers of the A6 can even come close to the 5/E and the A8 can come close to the 7/S, then I don't think its so easy to throw around that labeling. Just because Audi sells the $100k+ R8 doesn't mean they're Tier 1. Hell, Acura had a $90,000 pseudo-supercar back in the 90's and nobody considered them even close to BMW/MB/Lexus in terms of prestige, did they?
until the sales numbers of the A6 can even come close to the 5/E and the A8 can come close to the 7/S, then I don't think its so easy to throw around that labeling. Just because Audi sells the $100k+ R8 doesn't mean they're Tier 1. Hell, Acura had a $90,000 pseudo-supercar back in the 90's and nobody considered them even close to BMW/MB/Lexus in terms of prestige, did they?
#2014
Burning Brakes
Fair enough, but I still believe that the product is more important. What Audi has right now is more than enough to elevate them to "Tier-1". I wouldn't give a crap whether the product had prestige or not; I care about how well the product is made.
Regarding your argument about the NSX: Acura never had a line up even close to its German competitors. MB had their C, E, and S-class, along with the ML, and their AMG models; BMW had the 3, 5, and 7 series and their M models; and Audi had the A4, A6, A8 and S/RS models. Lexus has a similar model line-up minus the performance cars. Do you see what I'm saying? All that's really needed are quality cars that appeal to everyone. The Germans and Lexus can sell all their cars for above 30k MSRP and customers don't go home complaining about how they overpaid for their car.
However, look at Acura back then. They had the Legend/RL, the Vigor/TL and the Integra/RSX. Canada even had an EL/CSX which was basically just a Civic with a better interior. While there's no doubt they made decent cars, none of their cars had anything that brought in higher-class customers. Not only do they lack typical "prestige" options like a V8, RWD/AWD, etc. but they had a limited line-up which consisted of fairly unimpressive cars aside from the NSX. They weren't and still aren't able to appeal to a broad range of customers.
Regarding your argument about the NSX: Acura never had a line up even close to its German competitors. MB had their C, E, and S-class, along with the ML, and their AMG models; BMW had the 3, 5, and 7 series and their M models; and Audi had the A4, A6, A8 and S/RS models. Lexus has a similar model line-up minus the performance cars. Do you see what I'm saying? All that's really needed are quality cars that appeal to everyone. The Germans and Lexus can sell all their cars for above 30k MSRP and customers don't go home complaining about how they overpaid for their car.
However, look at Acura back then. They had the Legend/RL, the Vigor/TL and the Integra/RSX. Canada even had an EL/CSX which was basically just a Civic with a better interior. While there's no doubt they made decent cars, none of their cars had anything that brought in higher-class customers. Not only do they lack typical "prestige" options like a V8, RWD/AWD, etc. but they had a limited line-up which consisted of fairly unimpressive cars aside from the NSX. They weren't and still aren't able to appeal to a broad range of customers.
#2015
Interestingly, I think it's the other way around. Acura offers products that appeal to a wide range of customers but exclude those looking for V8, RWD and 80K+ vehicles. This (relative) lack of exclusivity is a limiting factor when looking to enhance 'prestige'
#2016
Tier 1 is still BMW, MB and Lexus
until the sales numbers of the A6 can even come close to the 5/E and the A8 can come close to the 7/S, then I don't think its so easy to throw around that labeling. Just because Audi sells the $100k+ R8 doesn't mean they're Tier 1. Hell, Acura had a $90,000 pseudo-supercar back in the 90's and nobody considered them even close to BMW/MB/Lexus in terms of prestige, did they?
until the sales numbers of the A6 can even come close to the 5/E and the A8 can come close to the 7/S, then I don't think its so easy to throw around that labeling. Just because Audi sells the $100k+ R8 doesn't mean they're Tier 1. Hell, Acura had a $90,000 pseudo-supercar back in the 90's and nobody considered them even close to BMW/MB/Lexus in terms of prestige, did they?
these are totally different class of people.
#2017
Fair enough, but I still believe that the product is more important. What Audi has right now is more than enough to elevate them to "Tier-1". I wouldn't give a crap whether the product had prestige or not; I care about how well the product is made.
Regarding your argument about the NSX: Acura never had a line up even close to its German competitors. MB had their C, E, and S-class, along with the ML, and their AMG models; BMW had the 3, 5, and 7 series and their M models; and Audi had the A4, A6, A8 and S/RS models. Lexus has a similar model line-up minus the performance cars. Do you see what I'm saying? All that's really needed are quality cars that appeal to everyone. The Germans and Lexus can sell all their cars for above 30k MSRP and customers don't go home complaining about how they overpaid for their car.
However, look at Acura back then. They had the Legend/RL, the Vigor/TL and the Integra/RSX. Canada even had an EL/CSX which was basically just a Civic with a better interior. While there's no doubt they made decent cars, none of their cars had anything that brought in higher-class customers. Not only do they lack typical "prestige" options like a V8, RWD/AWD, etc. but they had a limited line-up which consisted of fairly unimpressive cars aside from the NSX. They weren't and still aren't able to appeal to a broad range of customers.
Regarding your argument about the NSX: Acura never had a line up even close to its German competitors. MB had their C, E, and S-class, along with the ML, and their AMG models; BMW had the 3, 5, and 7 series and their M models; and Audi had the A4, A6, A8 and S/RS models. Lexus has a similar model line-up minus the performance cars. Do you see what I'm saying? All that's really needed are quality cars that appeal to everyone. The Germans and Lexus can sell all their cars for above 30k MSRP and customers don't go home complaining about how they overpaid for their car.
However, look at Acura back then. They had the Legend/RL, the Vigor/TL and the Integra/RSX. Canada even had an EL/CSX which was basically just a Civic with a better interior. While there's no doubt they made decent cars, none of their cars had anything that brought in higher-class customers. Not only do they lack typical "prestige" options like a V8, RWD/AWD, etc. but they had a limited line-up which consisted of fairly unimpressive cars aside from the NSX. They weren't and still aren't able to appeal to a broad range of customers.
A lot of people my age always talk about "upgrading to a Bimmer or a Benzo". Rarely do they end up going from a BMW or MB to an Acura or even an Audi. Its usually the other way around. and as Colin said, they do have a range of products to appeal to most customers in every niche, nook and cranny especially now that they're coming out with the ZDX, I guess for the middle-aged empty nester or up-and-coming young professional that wants a sedan with an elevated driving position or whatever. They just don't appeal to the luxury-high-performance segment (a la AMG, M as mentioned) quite yet, and while Audi does have those models now, Lexus never has, until the IS-F... and even then Lexus has always been mentioned as Tier 1 for as long as I've ever heard that term used.
I too could care less about prestige or brands but from my experience, the reality is people don't consider Audi in the same league as the big 3 yet, and they sure as hell don't consider Acura there yet either. If anything I'm the last one to care about brands, hell I went from an Acura to a Chevy and I'm very happy with my decision. Audi is close, but not quite there yet. Maybe another new generation of cars as good or better than the line-up they have now, and they'll be considered up there.
I show as little bias as possible when I cross shop for people like my mom... I try to show her models from the popular brands like say, the RL (pre-beak), 5-series, A6, E-Class, GS, CTS, Genesis, etc. since she wants a mid-size luxury sedan. She says the RL is too big but the A6, E-Class and 5-series are nice She didn't know about the A6 before I showed her, and she liked it, but she was worried about the reliability.... and now every time she brings up a new car prospect, its ALWAYS either the 5-series or the E-Class.
Its just the perception of the everyday car buyer and in part what the media says. The general populace thinks the German brands are high quality but unreliable. The difference is that with BMW and MB, you'll still see people come in droves to buy up their models like hotcakes... meanwhile Audi struggles with the mid-level and upper-end models compared to BMW/MB, just like Acura always has.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=325
#2018
Sales numbers are not tied to Tier-1 status. NSX was never bought by people of status who are buying R8 around the world. It does not matter how many are sold but rather who are buying it. why do u thing BMW have more losses than Audi? because most of it is sold through leases and there is not enough high end to subsidize.
these are totally different class of people.
these are totally different class of people.
It just goes with well, what I define as Tier 1 status. It seems that Tier 1 represents desirability among ordinary car buyers. People are leasing BMWs even though they're out of their budget.... what does that tell you? Not to mention sometimes leasing is a better option than buying for those in the market.
Why would it even matter who buys it? I don't care about car sales numbers in general, but it doesn't matter every oil sheik and his eldest son next in line to inherit the empire and Bill Gates, Michael Jordan and Jerry Seinfeld owns one. If the A8 sells 100 a month next to the S-Class which sells 1,000 a month.... something is off.
#2019
What in the world are you talking about? I'm pretty sure the "Tier 1" branding is used exclusively here in the US market. As you'll read in many articles, the big 3 of MB, BMW and Lexus are regarded as Tier 1.... and I don't know as a matter of fact but I doubt Lexus has much of a foothold in Germany especially compared to the German brands.
It just goes with well, what I define as Tier 1 status. It seems that Tier 1 represents desirability among ordinary car buyers. People are leasing BMWs even though they're out of their budget.... what does that tell you? Not to mention sometimes leasing is a better option than buying for those in the market.
Why would it even matter who buys it? I don't care about car sales numbers in general, but it doesn't matter every oil sheik and his eldest son next in line to inherit the empire and Bill Gates, Michael Jordan and Jerry Seinfeld owns one. If the A8 sells 100 a month next to the S-Class which sells 1,000 a month.... something is off.
Look at who is buying Audis. In society where any thing other than MB/RollsRoyce was not recognized since British Raj. and where what Bollywood rides. rest of India follows. thats the reason next Q5 factory is in India. It is the prestige that is driving the sales not Value
http://www.bollycurry.com/news/talk-...te-audi-q7.htm
Ajay Devgan gifts his wife a white Audi Q7
Ajay Devgan gifts his wife a white Audi Q7
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2...6-35584185_ITM
In the middle of it, veiled from onlookers by moving vehicles and densely tinted glass, rides Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader, in a custom-made black Audi with the license plate 007.
In the middle of it, veiled from onlookers by moving vehicles and densely tinted glass, rides Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader, in a custom-made black Audi with the license plate 007.
#2020
show me where it is written only those three are Tier-1?. The picture of Audi was not from Germany. but from Middleast.
Ordinary buyers are tight fisted. how can they afford gas for AWD platforms? or buy overpriced 4cylinder cars. it is not that leasing is better. it degrades the brand.
U know. dollar has deprecaiated compared to Euro by alot. So it is logical that dollar billionairs will be more in Middleast/EU/Asia where wealth is concentrated among few.
Look at who is buying Audis. In society where any thing other than MB/RollsRoyce was not recognized since British Raj. and where what Bollywood rides. rest of India follows. thats the reason next Q5 factory is in India. It is the prestige that is driving the sales not Value
here is another one.
Ordinary buyers are tight fisted. how can they afford gas for AWD platforms? or buy overpriced 4cylinder cars. it is not that leasing is better. it degrades the brand.
U know. dollar has deprecaiated compared to Euro by alot. So it is logical that dollar billionairs will be more in Middleast/EU/Asia where wealth is concentrated among few.
Look at who is buying Audis. In society where any thing other than MB/RollsRoyce was not recognized since British Raj. and where what Bollywood rides. rest of India follows. thats the reason next Q5 factory is in India. It is the prestige that is driving the sales not Value
here is another one.
It doesn't mean jackshit if some oil sheik from the al-Qadrashimalihajihadibaden region just bought himself an R8, TT and S8. If those are the ONLY cars Audi sells the whole month..... you get where I'm going with this?
When you google: "Audi Tier 1" without the quotation marks, it posts a bunch of articles and threads talking about how Audi is becoming closer and closer to Tier 1 and/or that they're not quite there yet. If you go on other forums you'll also generally see that BMW, MB and Lexus are the top 3 most common picks for Tier 1 brands. And no, nobody cares that the nephew of the owner of the first Veyron Pur Sang owns an Audi.
Back on the ignore list where you belonged. Hopefully the next time someone quotes you and I have to see it anyway, its something useful. And besides.... despite this rock-hard-on for Audi that you're proud to show EVERYONE in every thread.... you have a TSX. If I ever do refer to you in the future, it will be by the name msl82 #2.
#2021
Burning Brakes
But Lexus has only recently come up with one car that costs over 80k (LS600h) and yet the brand has had prestige for a pretty long time. RWD/AWD and V8 and larger engines (reliability is not likely to be much of a factor - just look at MB/BMW's record) probably have more to do with it. Also, I'd argue that Acura doesn't really appeal to most people. Their top selling cars were the TL and the TSX now that the RSX is gone, and with their current line-up they're probably selling mostly SUVs, save for some people who like the new designs on their other offerings. The RL was never really that popular, and it doesn't truly feel like a flagship car considering its underwhelming V6 and FF-based AWD, at least compared to other luxury flagship cars, although it is fairly expensive. I mean, the RL seems more appropriate as competition to the 5-series, E-class, A6 and GS in terms of size and performance, which aren't even flagship cars. That doesn't exactly help Acura's brand image.
#2022
Burning Brakes
That's what I was thinking as well. Except msl82 at least gives credit where its due, instead of claiming that Audi is even comparable to Ferrari or Lamborghini. Hell, I don't think any of the cars from any of the tier-1 brands can compare except for perhaps the highest powered cars (M5, SL/CL/McLaren AMGs, RS6) because they're incredibly exclusive and perform on a much higher level. I say the same for Aston Martin, since they sell cars to only the wealthiest customers.
#2023
Tier 1 is still BMW, MB and Lexus
until the sales numbers of the A6 can even come close to the 5/E and the A8 can come close to the 7/S, then I don't think its so easy to throw around that labeling. Just because Audi sells the $100k+ R8 doesn't mean they're Tier 1. Hell, Acura had a $90,000 pseudo-supercar back in the 90's and nobody considered them even close to BMW/MB/Lexus in terms of prestige, did they?
until the sales numbers of the A6 can even come close to the 5/E and the A8 can come close to the 7/S, then I don't think its so easy to throw around that labeling. Just because Audi sells the $100k+ R8 doesn't mean they're Tier 1. Hell, Acura had a $90,000 pseudo-supercar back in the 90's and nobody considered them even close to BMW/MB/Lexus in terms of prestige, did they?
#2024
Oderint dum metuant.
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Funny, I work with several people who were thrilled to get rid of their MB/BMW and get a Lexus. I agree that Acura isn't cross-shopped by people looking at the Germans, but I would say Lexus definitely is.
#2025
Sigh.... why did I even show your post to begin with
It doesn't mean jackshit if some oil sheik from the al-Qadrashimalihajihadibaden region just bought himself an R8, TT and S8. If those are the ONLY cars Audi sells the whole month..... you get where I'm going with this?
It doesn't mean jackshit if some oil sheik from the al-Qadrashimalihajihadibaden region just bought himself an R8, TT and S8. If those are the ONLY cars Audi sells the whole month..... you get where I'm going with this?
When you google: "Audi Tier 1" without the quotation marks, it posts a bunch of articles and threads talking about how Audi is becoming closer and closer to Tier 1 and/or that they're not quite there yet. If you go on other forums you'll also generally see that BMW, MB and Lexus are the top 3 most common picks for Tier 1 brands. And no, nobody cares that the nephew of the owner of the first Veyron Pur Sang owns an Audi.
Back on the ignore list where you belonged. Hopefully the next time someone quotes you and I have to see it anyway, its something useful. And besides.... despite this rock-hard-on for Audi that you're proud to show EVERYONE in every thread.... you have a TSX. If I ever do refer to you in the future, it will be by the name msl82 #2.
#2026
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And besides, who gives a fuck what movie stars and athletes drive? Yes, a lot of stupid people think those people and what they do/think matters, but anyone with a brain (granted, a slim portion of the world's population) doesn't care. The fact that you keep bringing it up makes me think you're quite enamored with those rich and famous types...how truly sad.
#2027
Honda Fanboy
IMO, Lexus still hasn't reached the same level as BMW and MB in the US. They are the closest ones, but they are not at eye level. Worldwide though, I tend to agree that BMW and MB are still tier one but Audi is very close behind and closing the gap quickly. I don't even consider Lexus in the worldwide equation.
Edit: I just realized this thread title was about Acura news, WTH happened?
Edit: I just realized this thread title was about Acura news, WTH happened?
Last edited by VTEC Racer; 09-10-2009 at 12:47 PM.
#2028
#2029
Oderint dum metuant.
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No kidding. After I posted my last comment, I went to the main off topic page where I noticed I was the most recent poster in the Acura thread. Knowing I had just read a good deal about and posted about Audi, I was momentarily confused...thought I had somehow accidentally posted in the wrong thread.
#2030
This is exactly who Acura targets. Back in 2005 they had the 5, A6 and E320 on hand for us to test drive and compare. They have never stated that the RL was to compete with S Class, 7's and A8s. This is why I said that the product is designed to hit the wider 80% that are V6 powered and not the 20% with larger drivetrains.
#2031
Since this is about Acura strategy it is CLEAR who they think is Tier 1 and who are the big dogs, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus. If you talk to most people or if we look at any survey the last decade, its the same, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus......
Seems Acura thinks Tier 1 is BMW, Benz, Lexus.....to a lesser extend Audi...Audi has the product, not the image or desirability
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/a...ld-be-revived/
Acura wants to assure dealers that its plan to become a Tier 1 luxury brand – able to hang with Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus – is still underway. But according to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., the key to playing with the big boys isn't limited to what's on showroom floors. Colliver told Automotive News, "Being a premium luxury brand is not just about product. It's the way dealers handle customers. You've got to earn your way into the segment. You don't necessarily have to have a $90,000 sedan to get there."
http://www.egmcartech.com/2008/02/18...only-vehicles/
“We’re not up there with Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but a big shift is coming,” Voyles said. “You’ll see more separation of the brands (Acura and Honda), with more Acura-only product.”
http://www.autonews.com/article/2009...NA05/901260301
This was to be the year Acura began wholeheartedly pursuing Tier 1 luxury status — joining the ranks of Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.
Seems Acura thinks Tier 1 is BMW, Benz, Lexus.....to a lesser extend Audi...Audi has the product, not the image or desirability
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/a...ld-be-revived/
Acura wants to assure dealers that its plan to become a Tier 1 luxury brand – able to hang with Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus – is still underway. But according to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., the key to playing with the big boys isn't limited to what's on showroom floors. Colliver told Automotive News, "Being a premium luxury brand is not just about product. It's the way dealers handle customers. You've got to earn your way into the segment. You don't necessarily have to have a $90,000 sedan to get there."
http://www.egmcartech.com/2008/02/18...only-vehicles/
“We’re not up there with Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but a big shift is coming,” Voyles said. “You’ll see more separation of the brands (Acura and Honda), with more Acura-only product.”
http://www.autonews.com/article/2009...NA05/901260301
This was to be the year Acura began wholeheartedly pursuing Tier 1 luxury status — joining the ranks of Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.
#2032
You have to remember though that Tier 1 really has no definition so basically anyone can interpret it anyway they like.
As i posted earlier, the A8 has been outselling BMW and MB flagship in other parts of the world for several years now and Audi is outselling BMW and MB in Europe this year. So i guess BMW and MB are only tier 1 in NA and not anywhere else in the world
We could also look at Halo vehicles as they represent the elite for a manufacture. Audi and MB are the only ones that have them as BMW and Lexus are developing theirs so i guess BMW and Lexus aren't Tier 1 in NA either ........starting to see how you can manipulate this.
I can see as enthusiasts how we may look at sales numbers and play into how a manufacture is perceived, but when you look globally and even listen to executives from BMW etc that openly admit to Audi being on par with them you can see where they stand.
The general public also looks at it differently and here is an interesting link on a very small survey of people to show that.
http://autoheadlines.blogspot.com/20...ous-brand.html
I asked the same question at work the other day and generally got the same responses with the exception of Jaguar and Lexus varying on status location. (and some not even knowing what Maybach was)
#2033
Senior Moderator
^ Most places outside of North America dont think of BMW, Audi, or MB as highly as we do. They are like Chevys to them.
Hell in Germany they use Audi as a taxi for the most part. There are tons all over the place.
Hell in Germany they use Audi as a taxi for the most part. There are tons all over the place.
#2034
AZ Community Team
Never saw a Audi taxi, but when I was in Munich rode in a 5 series taxi, and saw some E-class taxi's.
#2035
most of vehicles delivered to governments of Germany/Russia/China and whole host of others are special armoured plated. Government vehicles are much more roughly used and alot heavier. It is tremendous reliability of Audi over other prestige manufacture that give it this position. Guess who were the Vehicle provider for NATO summit in Prague?
And besides, who gives a fuck what movie stars and athletes drive? Yes, a lot of stupid people think those people and what they do/think matters, but anyone with a brain (granted, a slim portion of the world's population) doesn't care. The fact that you keep bringing it up makes me think you're quite enamored with those rich and famous types...how truly sad.
Queen of England will ride in car essentialy built with Audi platform and soon Audi diesel. Audi is the influence on other Tier 1 manufacturers like Lambo/Bentley/Prosche. Honda can only dream for this status in heavens.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/r...-turbo-diesel/
#2036
Honda Fanboy
#2037
#2039
AZ Community Team
#2040
'Audiot'....very funny Colin.
Even more funny that we all know who you are talking about. Mods should note that the 'Audiot' was doing the same sort of thing in the TSX forums.
He's on my ignore list.
Even more funny that we all know who you are talking about. Mods should note that the 'Audiot' was doing the same sort of thing in the TSX forums.
He's on my ignore list.