Acura: Development and Technology News
02-16-2011, 09:12 AM
#3001
My first Avatar....
^
It looks like something from a cartoon. Like a Batman villan mobile.
It looks like something from a cartoon. Like a Batman villan mobile.
02-16-2011, 09:25 AM
#3003
Senior Moderator
That could happen...this time around. But thats not at all what happened last time. The V10 monster was coming, it was no media creation. Remember the Ring video? Honda dug their own grave as far as high expectations went. If they don't want to raise expectations or get people worked up, then say nothing. Start hinting when production is a certainty, not now.
02-16-2011, 09:53 AM
#3004
Safety Car
2011
Acura told dealers it would boost production by 15,000 units during the 1st quarter from a year ago and aims for 150,000 sales for the year.
"That's music to my ears" said Douglass Fox, dealer principal of Ann Arbor Acura in Ann Arbor, Mich. The forecast is up from 133,000 sales in 2010. At last year's make meeting in Orlando, Acura told dealers it was aiming for 130,000 sales.
The additional 15,000 units of production "means more TL and MDX," key models for Acura dealers, said Theeanna Stevens, dealer principal at Fresno Acura in Fresno, Calif., and a member of the Acura Dealer Advisory Board.
Dealers say Acura has been listening to their concerns on some vehicle designs. Said Jim Smail, president of Smail Auto Group in Greensburg, Pa., and chairman of the Acura Dealer Advisory Board: "Some of the designs have been less than what we would like. The redesign of the TL that is coming in late March -- that should lead to an increase in sales."
But Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, said Acura remains committed to its "signature grille."
In 2010, 92% of Acura dealers were profitable, Conrad said. Sales rose 26% and market share rose from 1.0% to 1.2%.
Acura is continuing with its "Advance" national ad campaign, Conrad said.
Stevens said Acura showed dealers a full calendar of ad plans: "There was some strong focus and direction."
02-16-2011, 10:11 AM
#3005
02-16-2011, 10:13 AM
#3006
i would be happy to see a 2 seater MX-5 sized sports car with an RDX power plant and SH-AWD. that thing would fly. in fact, they should call it the Acura FLY.
if its a larger coupe then maybe the RDX motor could be the base model (like a GenCoupe 2.0t), and a 350hp J37 could be the Type S model (Gen 3.6track).
sound good Honda? kbye.
if its a larger coupe then maybe the RDX motor could be the base model (like a GenCoupe 2.0t), and a 350hp J37 could be the Type S model (Gen 3.6track).
sound good Honda? kbye.
I like the way you think. And don't forget to price it like the MX-5.
02-16-2011, 10:18 AM
#3007
Time to Climb
i'm really intereted in seeing what kind of product acura actually rolls out. but, if it's close to what the rumors, then i'll get into my second s2000 and modify the living crap out of it =).
in the market now, but am willing to wait up to a yr to see what happens ...
in the market now, but am willing to wait up to a yr to see what happens ...
02-16-2011, 10:18 AM
#3008
What's wrong with the folding hardtop. I love the EOS top. It has a glass sunroof that can open, or you can lower the entire top for convertible open feeling. Plus with the top up, and the sunroof closed, you still have the open feeling with the glass roof.
I'd love to see Acura OR Honda sell a convertible. And I'd like to see a four seater. Yes, all the Honda ricer boys would hate it because it isn't a hardcore S2000, but it sure works for BWM in the 3-series, Volvo, Lexus, Infiniti...
I'd love to see Acura OR Honda sell a convertible. And I'd like to see a four seater. Yes, all the Honda ricer boys would hate it because it isn't a hardcore S2000, but it sure works for BWM in the 3-series, Volvo, Lexus, Infiniti...
02-16-2011, 10:26 AM
#3009
Go Big Blue!
Acura told dealers it would boost production by 15,000 units during the 1st quarter from a year ago and aims for 150,000 sales for the year.
"That's music to my ears" said Douglass Fox, dealer principal of Ann Arbor Acura in Ann Arbor, Mich. The forecast is up from 133,000 sales in 2010. At last year's make meeting in Orlando, Acura told dealers it was aiming for 130,000 sales.
The additional 15,000 units of production "means more TL and MDX," key models for Acura dealers, said Theeanna Stevens, dealer principal at Fresno Acura in Fresno, Calif., and a member of the Acura Dealer Advisory Board.
Dealers say Acura has been listening to their concerns on some vehicle designs. Said Jim Smail, president of Smail Auto Group in Greensburg, Pa., and chairman of the Acura Dealer Advisory Board: "Some of the designs have been less than what we would like. The redesign of the TL that is coming in late March -- that should lead to an increase in sales."
But Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, said Acura remains committed to its "signature grille."
In 2010, 92% of Acura dealers were profitable, Conrad said. Sales rose 26% and market share rose from 1.0% to 1.2%.
Acura is continuing with its "Advance" national ad campaign, Conrad said.
Stevens said Acura showed dealers a full calendar of ad plans: "There was some strong focus and direction."
02-16-2011, 10:33 AM
#3010
Safety Car
Inventory
Wonder if they are going to boost inventory for the RL in 2011. If someone is interested in that model then pickings are slim. Some dealerships have one or two on the floor. I know the argument that says Acura gives dealers what they can sell and the RL is a dog. But you can't sell what you don't have, and with little choices and no advertising, I'm sure they are selling less then they could.
02-16-2011, 12:02 PM
#3013
You'll Never Walk Alone
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I guess we will know when it comes out. Just no more 2g CL crap.
Yes, I was very disappointed by then too.
That could happen...this time around. But thats not at all what happened last time. The V10 monster was coming, it was no media creation. Remember the Ring video? Honda dug their own grave as far as high expectations went. If they don't want to raise expectations or get people worked up, then say nothing. Start hinting when production is a certainty, not now.
02-16-2011, 12:49 PM
#3014
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
I still think that most people are missing the gist of IMA. I blame Toyota for making it 'seem' like a 'true' hybrid must be able to run electric only. Viewed as a small lightweight 'energy recovery system' that captures wasted energy under braking to re-use it under acceleration. It's simple and efficient and runs the auto-stop seamlessly. I really hate turbos, and hope that they don't go that route. However, if they were add IMA to beef up the bottom end, and run the turbo on the top, you might have a unique and flexible system.
02-16-2011, 01:13 PM
#3015
I don't think they started building any ZDXs for now, probably waiting for 2010 inventory to drop a bit. We have 2011 RLs because that line started 2 months ago. The increased production means that sales will go up compared to last year. I just hope gas prices stay stable through the summer.
02-16-2011, 01:42 PM
#3016
It's really funny that you say that, but after driving it for a while, I think that any car that doesn't regenerate energy under braking doesn't make sense. IMO, the 'original' system has a very small premium these days, and I could see a time where there is no premium at all for it. It's not as if we pay a premium for VTEC.
02-16-2011, 04:21 PM
#3017
What's wrong with the folding hardtop. I love the EOS top. It has a glass sunroof that can open, or you can lower the entire top for convertible open feeling. Plus with the top up, and the sunroof closed, you still have the open feeling with the glass roof.
I'd love to see Acura OR Honda sell a convertible. And I'd like to see a four seater. Yes, all the Honda ricer boys would hate it because it isn't a hardcore S2000, but it sure works for BWM in the 3-series, Volvo, Lexus, Infiniti...
I'd love to see Acura OR Honda sell a convertible. And I'd like to see a four seater. Yes, all the Honda ricer boys would hate it because it isn't a hardcore S2000, but it sure works for BWM in the 3-series, Volvo, Lexus, Infiniti...
02-16-2011, 04:28 PM
#3018
"...the vehicle was confirmed when Honda president Takanobu Ito spoke of the project to a local Japanese newspaper, which was later confirmed by Car and Driver, whom received confirmation from an American Acura executive."
Who knows this guy who talked to this other dude...
Nana-nana-nana-nana - BATMAN!
Who knows this guy who talked to this other dude...
Nana-nana-nana-nana - BATMAN!
02-16-2011, 05:47 PM
#3019
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
The concept from 2007 looks like a Chrysler.
02-17-2011, 12:42 PM
#3020
You'll Never Walk Alone
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It's really funny that you say that, but after driving it for a while, I think that any car that doesn't regenerate energy under braking doesn't make sense. IMO, the 'original' system has a very small premium these days, and I could see a time where there is no premium at all for it. It's not as if we pay a premium for VTEC.
02-17-2011, 01:35 PM
#3021
6G TLX-S
02-17-2011, 01:40 PM
#3022
6G TLX-S
The IMA can also be used to improve performance, just like what Lexus does to the RX450h, GS450h, and LS600h.
02-17-2011, 01:59 PM
#3023
Lazy Idiot
Join Date: Oct 2007
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I don't know what these dealers smoke when they trumpet "volume increases". The TL sold nearly 77k a year a few years back, they now do about 35k. This is pathetic and a clear indication of the lack of enthusiasm for anything they make. Oh, Honda was always known for making unoffensive, relevant and well built cars but now, the RDX and (mostly) MDX keep Acura alive to fight another day, like a pre 2007 mini GM.
A few years ago, when this was my forum of choice and a 3G was my choice of car, people here had 3G TL's but we can see now that it has been transformed into people with mostly old 3G's (and other old Acura) or visitors who already brought into another brand and come back for a laugh.
I wont compare Acura to Hyundai or something silly but Honda needs to leave the ego outside and change the styling direction. I don't wish for 8 Speed Autos, DCT, DI, FI or V8's like BMW and Audi are doing but if they change the hideous way the cars look, they will sell more and help rekindle some of the old days.
Rant over.
A few years ago, when this was my forum of choice and a 3G was my choice of car, people here had 3G TL's but we can see now that it has been transformed into people with mostly old 3G's (and other old Acura) or visitors who already brought into another brand and come back for a laugh.
I wont compare Acura to Hyundai or something silly but Honda needs to leave the ego outside and change the styling direction. I don't wish for 8 Speed Autos, DCT, DI, FI or V8's like BMW and Audi are doing but if they change the hideous way the cars look, they will sell more and help rekindle some of the old days.
Rant over.
02-17-2011, 02:07 PM
#3024
6G TLX-S
Wonder if they are going to boost inventory for the RL in 2011. If someone is interested in that model then pickings are slim. Some dealerships have one or two on the floor. I know the argument that says Acura gives dealers what they can sell and the RL is a dog. But you can't sell what you don't have, and with little choices and no advertising, I'm sure they are selling less then they could.
02-17-2011, 02:27 PM
#3025
02-17-2011, 02:33 PM
#3026
LOL, at least you finally admit to posting things with a "blank mind", it explains a lot. 
They can do any number of things using the bits in the corporate parts bin and come out with something unique and sporty. BUT, it's probably safe to say, that no matter what they do, someone will find something to complain about.
They can do any number of things using the bits in the corporate parts bin and come out with something unique and sporty. BUT, it's probably safe to say, that no matter what they do, someone will find something to complain about.
02-17-2011, 02:38 PM
#3028
IMO, IMA in it's current guise isn't powerful enough to make a big performance impact. Yes, adding 58 lbs of torque at (essentially) 1 rpm is useful, but I think that it would need to be boosted to ~50 hp and ~150 lbs of torque to happily mate to a next gen V-6 in a sports car AND make an impact beyond regenerating braking energy and auto stop/start.
02-17-2011, 02:51 PM
#3029
6G TLX-S
LOL, at least you finally admit to posting things with a "blank mind", it explains a lot.
They can do any number of things using the bits in the corporate parts bin and come out with something unique and sporty. BUT, it's probably safe to say, that no matter what they do, someone will find something to complain about.
They can do any number of things using the bits in the corporate parts bin and come out with something unique and sporty. BUT, it's probably safe to say, that no matter what they do, someone will find something to complain about.
But if Acura is to have a dedicated coupe, V8 or high power V6, and RWD hardware in the corporate parts bin, for Acura to mix and match it's upcoming products, it will sure cut down most, if not all, of people's complains.
02-17-2011, 02:59 PM
#3030
Three Wheelin'
This is a great thread...thanks TSX69 for the great articles (as usual).
I've always felt 2004 - 2008 were the golden years for Acura; with a product portfolio that absolutely nailed my tastes and expectations.
When I went in to potentially lease a 2009 MDX (coming from our 2006), I was willing to go up about $120 on my monthly 2006 lease. It ended up being about $170 more (same down) and I just couldn't afford the jump.
The sales manager came out and actually said, "we're sorry, we can't meet your numbers. We're moving into a new market and unfortunately you're not in it. We're looking to capture current Mercedes ML and BMW X5 owners who have sticker shock from the new models." I was stunned because I had already leased 3 Acuras from these guys, have a good income, own a house, and am in my mid-30s with a wife (and now kid). Sales-wise, I'm exactly the kind of guy you want to keep as a customer.
So when Smail says, "They are getting back to their core values in terms of value, in terms of pricing, and adding a lot of content in these vehicles", it makes me feel better as a future Acura consumer.
I've always felt 2004 - 2008 were the golden years for Acura; with a product portfolio that absolutely nailed my tastes and expectations.
When I went in to potentially lease a 2009 MDX (coming from our 2006), I was willing to go up about $120 on my monthly 2006 lease. It ended up being about $170 more (same down) and I just couldn't afford the jump.
The sales manager came out and actually said, "we're sorry, we can't meet your numbers. We're moving into a new market and unfortunately you're not in it. We're looking to capture current Mercedes ML and BMW X5 owners who have sticker shock from the new models." I was stunned because I had already leased 3 Acuras from these guys, have a good income, own a house, and am in my mid-30s with a wife (and now kid). Sales-wise, I'm exactly the kind of guy you want to keep as a customer.
So when Smail says, "They are getting back to their core values in terms of value, in terms of pricing, and adding a lot of content in these vehicles", it makes me feel better as a future Acura consumer.
02-19-2011, 02:28 AM
#3031
S E L L
This is a great thread...thanks TSX69 for the great articles (as usual).
I've always felt 2004 - 2008 were the golden years for Acura; with a product portfolio that absolutely nailed my tastes and expectations.
When I went in to potentially lease a 2009 MDX (coming from our 2006), I was willing to go up about $120 on my monthly 2006 lease. It ended up being about $170 more (same down) and I just couldn't afford the jump.
The sales manager came out and actually said, "we're sorry, we can't meet your numbers. We're moving into a new market and unfortunately you're not in it. We're looking to capture current Mercedes ML and BMW X5 owners who have sticker shock from the new models." I was stunned because I had already leased 3 Acuras from these guys, have a good income, own a house, and am in my mid-30s with a wife (and now kid). Sales-wise, I'm exactly the kind of guy you want to keep as a customer.
So when Smail says, "They are getting back to their core values in terms of value, in terms of pricing, and adding a lot of content in these vehicles", it makes me feel better as a future Acura consumer.
I've always felt 2004 - 2008 were the golden years for Acura; with a product portfolio that absolutely nailed my tastes and expectations.
When I went in to potentially lease a 2009 MDX (coming from our 2006), I was willing to go up about $120 on my monthly 2006 lease. It ended up being about $170 more (same down) and I just couldn't afford the jump.
The sales manager came out and actually said, "we're sorry, we can't meet your numbers. We're moving into a new market and unfortunately you're not in it. We're looking to capture current Mercedes ML and BMW X5 owners who have sticker shock from the new models." I was stunned because I had already leased 3 Acuras from these guys, have a good income, own a house, and am in my mid-30s with a wife (and now kid). Sales-wise, I'm exactly the kind of guy you want to keep as a customer.
So when Smail says, "They are getting back to their core values in terms of value, in terms of pricing, and adding a lot of content in these vehicles", it makes me feel better as a future Acura consumer.
I'd make it a point to NEVER set foot in that dealership again! They treat a loyal 3 time customer like this?!? Fuck that.
02-19-2011, 06:56 AM
#3032
EXACTLY why I think loyalty with automobiles is absolutely ridiculous. Come back because the cars LOOK competitive, and buy them if they're what you like, but don't include "they treated me good in the past" in that equation.... ever. Nothing is ever guaranteed, reliability/quality control can go to crap at the drop of a hat. I've seen it bite people in the ass, the typical "I've bought 2-3 cars from x, they've all treated me well" and then people let their guard down when it comes to research.
Sorry to hear about your experiences though. If anything, dealers are even less worthy of any loyalty. Not all of em are bad, but case in point, things can go rotten real quick. Rapport will help you in the short term, but once you're out of warranty that's a different story.
Sorry to hear about your experiences though. If anything, dealers are even less worthy of any loyalty. Not all of em are bad, but case in point, things can go rotten real quick. Rapport will help you in the short term, but once you're out of warranty that's a different story.
02-19-2011, 11:14 AM
#3033
My first Avatar....
thrown in for good measure!
02-19-2011, 12:24 PM
#3034
I'm the Firestarter
02-19-2011, 01:04 PM
#3036
Three Wheelin'
So they were trying to be respectful about it, but they were basically saying that the MDX was now out of my league. Granted this was 2009 when the market was terrible and lease rates were high, but it was eye-opening to say the least.
02-19-2011, 03:09 PM
#3037
They spent about 20 minutes explaining how the market for the MDX has changed and the price differences between our 2006 model and the new (at the time) 2009...yada yada yada.
So they were trying to be respectful about it, but they were basically saying that the MDX was now out of my league. Granted this was 2009 when the market was terrible and lease rates were high, but it was eye-opening to say the least.
So they were trying to be respectful about it, but they were basically saying that the MDX was now out of my league. Granted this was 2009 when the market was terrible and lease rates were high, but it was eye-opening to say the least.
02-20-2011, 01:39 AM
#3038
Three Wheelin'
Keep in mind this was in 2009 in Orange County, CA ...
We had a killer lease on our 2006 Touring Navi model for $453 (including tax)with $1500 down (3yr/36K). I understood this was a low model-phase-out lease and factored $120 more for the 2009 MDX Tech. So I could afford ~$575/mo (including tax) with $1800 down (willing to put down $300 more than before).
If I remember correctly, they came back at $615/mo (excluding tax) with the $1800 down. We're top tier, so credit wasn't an issue.
That may or may not have been the market price, that wasn't the shock. The surprise to me was the explanation/admission that I was no longer Acura's target market for the MDX. I was in 2006, but no longer in 2009.
We love our 2006 and are so glad we kept it, so this is not sour grapes...just informing what I experienced a few years back.
We had a killer lease on our 2006 Touring Navi model for $453 (including tax)with $1500 down (3yr/36K). I understood this was a low model-phase-out lease and factored $120 more for the 2009 MDX Tech. So I could afford ~$575/mo (including tax) with $1800 down (willing to put down $300 more than before).
If I remember correctly, they came back at $615/mo (excluding tax) with the $1800 down. We're top tier, so credit wasn't an issue.
That may or may not have been the market price, that wasn't the shock. The surprise to me was the explanation/admission that I was no longer Acura's target market for the MDX. I was in 2006, but no longer in 2009.
We love our 2006 and are so glad we kept it, so this is not sour grapes...just informing what I experienced a few years back.
02-20-2011, 08:53 AM
#3039
My first Avatar....
Was it the fact that you wanted to stay within a particular budget? Was it your annual gross income? I wonder if the pompous asses at the dealership ever considered that those two things are completely unrelated. The balls on those a**holes, especially considering you've owned Acuras from them before.
I hope you've since put them in your rearview mirror.
02-20-2011, 09:02 AM
#3040
Fahrvergnügen'd
What led them to make that assumption?
Was it the fact that you wanted to stay within a particular budget? Was it your annual gross income? I wonder if the pompous asses at the dealership ever considered that those two things are completely unrelated. The balls on those a**holes, especially considering you've owned Acuras from them before.
I hope you've since put them in your rearview mirror.
Was it the fact that you wanted to stay within a particular budget? Was it your annual gross income? I wonder if the pompous asses at the dealership ever considered that those two things are completely unrelated. The balls on those a**holes, especially considering you've owned Acuras from them before.
I hope you've since put them in your rearview mirror.
It's not like they tried to pull on over on him.
I don't like the dealership experience any more than the next guy but the intensity of the outrage puzzles me.