Acura: Development and Technology News
05-25-2011, 03:18 PM
#3082
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
They don't put ads on that magazine, do no mention whatsoever.
05-26-2011, 02:35 PM
#3083
Team Owner
why is gavriil banned?
06-09-2011, 06:51 AM
#3084
rumors about new entry level Acura...
vtec
This is something that lapped over the transom some time last week. We're not sure how much validity there is to it (hence the "1" CR for now), but we really haven't heard much else concerning the upcoming entry-level Acura model in a while. Note that by this point, the entry-Acura should be FAR beyond the "clay model" stage though it wouldn't surprise us if that's all that they're showing to dealers presently. Expect this vehicle to launch in early '12 as a 2013 model. Also, we're expecting it to be offered in a hybrid form as well.
email from anonymous submitter:
Talked to the GM of an Acura dealership today in Canada and he said that he saw a clay model of the new beast two weeks ago at some summit....
Notes: It's big and Ugly - No where near the size of a civic, using a slightly upscale tuned 2.4 (they were told around 210hp)
The execs were claiming that it had to be bigger to differentiate itself in the american market... however it's only going to be available (on this platform) as a sedan
Their focus was on interior finish since its something that the new gen of civics is getting picked on. They really feel that they need to have the quality of materials surpass those of the tiny lexus (ct 200h) and the audi's to stay competative.
This guy is usually bang on about stuff; however, since the model hasn't even passed internal testing he's pretty certain that the car will have a significant change. Also he noted that the front grille was without the huge acura bar in the renderings...
This is something that lapped over the transom some time last week. We're not sure how much validity there is to it (hence the "1" CR for now), but we really haven't heard much else concerning the upcoming entry-level Acura model in a while. Note that by this point, the entry-Acura should be FAR beyond the "clay model" stage though it wouldn't surprise us if that's all that they're showing to dealers presently. Expect this vehicle to launch in early '12 as a 2013 model. Also, we're expecting it to be offered in a hybrid form as well.
email from anonymous submitter:
Talked to the GM of an Acura dealership today in Canada and he said that he saw a clay model of the new beast two weeks ago at some summit....
Notes: It's big and Ugly - No where near the size of a civic, using a slightly upscale tuned 2.4 (they were told around 210hp)
The execs were claiming that it had to be bigger to differentiate itself in the american market... however it's only going to be available (on this platform) as a sedan
Their focus was on interior finish since its something that the new gen of civics is getting picked on. They really feel that they need to have the quality of materials surpass those of the tiny lexus (ct 200h) and the audi's to stay competative.
This guy is usually bang on about stuff; however, since the model hasn't even passed internal testing he's pretty certain that the car will have a significant change. Also he noted that the front grille was without the huge acura bar in the renderings...
06-09-2011, 08:41 AM
#3086
Go Big Blue!
Having said all that, I agree there's not a lot of room like there is in length between the TL and TSX. TL=195+" I believe. Don't quote me on that last one. I didn't look that up and am going by memory
06-09-2011, 09:44 AM
#3087
If Honda were to FOLLOW the mainstream using urea injection to control emission, it would have no problem passing the stringent US emission regulations. But it has to do it differently than everyone else by using it's inhouse developed exotic metal catalytic conversion method.
06-09-2011, 11:58 AM
#3090
Senior Moderator
None of that makes any sense. The car sounds like it will stepping all over the TSX's toes...
Which is why I also believe the rumor is 100% accurate.
Acura hasn't exactly made the best decisions over the last few years. This just might be another.
But lets take it with a grain a salt, its from a dealer.....
Which is why I also believe the rumor is 100% accurate.
Acura hasn't exactly made the best decisions over the last few years. This just might be another. But lets take it with a grain a salt, its from a dealer.....
06-09-2011, 01:22 PM
#3092
The sizzle in the Steak
they really feel that they need to have the quality of materials surpass those of the tiny lexus (ct 200h)
The 200h has been criticized for a low-rent interior.Well, at least Acura should not have a hard time getting their new model above the low-rent 200h interior quality.
So I guess it's fair to say that Acura is shooting for "average at best" in terms of interior quality
06-09-2011, 06:28 PM
#3093
Honda Fanboy
Talk about aiming low The 200h has been criticized for a low-rent interior.
Well, at least Acura should not have a hard time getting their new model above the low-rent 200h interior quality.
So I guess it's fair to say that Acura is shooting for "average at best" in terms of interior quality
The 200h has been criticized for a low-rent interior.Well, at least Acura should not have a hard time getting their new model above the low-rent 200h interior quality.
So I guess it's fair to say that Acura is shooting for "average at best" in terms of interior quality
They really feel that they need to have the quality of materials surpass those of the tiny lexus (ct 200h) and the audi's to stay competative.
06-09-2011, 06:36 PM
#3094
The sizzle in the Steak
You miss the point.There are Hyundai/Kia products with better interior quality than the CT200h.
Why Acura would use the CT200h as the benchmark to surpass is nuts!!!
...but then again Acura rarely ever tries to be a leader.....they are content to be "barely" lux. make.
06-09-2011, 09:18 PM
#3095
Senior Moderator
None of that makes any sense. The car sounds like it will stepping all over the TSX's toes...
Which is why I also believe the rumor is 100% accurate. Acura hasn't exactly made the best decisions over the last few years. This just might be another.
But lets take it with a grain a salt, its from a dealer.....
Which is why I also believe the rumor is 100% accurate.
Acura hasn't exactly made the best decisions over the last few years. This just might be another. But lets take it with a grain a salt, its from a dealer.....
1G TSX = New Mystry car
2G TSX = 3G TL
4GTL = 2G RL
and the new RL will grow a bit more to compete with the LS/S/7/A8...
That way it won't be stepping on any toes and it'll bring back that market share that made up the 1G TSX. A car larger than a civic but smaller than an accord with great MPG and a good amount of power.
06-10-2011, 01:37 AM
#3096
6G TLX-S
06-10-2011, 07:42 AM
#3098
My first Avatar....
cool. another fwd sedan with a beak.
06-10-2011, 11:21 AM
#3099
The sizzle in the Steak
Acura needs a coupe like a they need a hole in the head.
Coupe sales are always low....so there is no "need".
However, what Acura needs is to begin to keep up with the competition at the bare minimum, and perhaps lead the competition.
Acura is doing neither at this point.
It's the same old same old of what we have been talking about for years:
Limited powertrains, outdated powertrains, old transmission technology, lack of transmission options, FWD, no RWD.....etc and so on.
If Acura remedied these items, then it really would not matter what type of vehicle they produced...because they would now be in the thick of the hunt with their competitors.
Once this is achieved then they can produce coupes, convertibles, flagship sedans (that are class leading), CUV's, SUV's.....etc and so on.
Acura has been a company without a true long term vision for many years now. It's quite sad.
06-10-2011, 12:20 PM
#3100
Honda Fanboy
You miss the point.There are Hyundai/Kia products with better interior quality than the CT200h.
Why Acura would use the CT200h as the benchmark to surpass is nuts!!!
...but then again Acura rarely ever tries to be a leader.....they are content to be "barely" lux. make.
06-10-2011, 12:44 PM
#3101
The sizzle in the Steak
And you're missing the point that Audi and CT200h were grouped together (i.e. same). So again, what you are saying about the CT, you are also saying the same about Audi. Unless, wait a minute, Audi actually has decent interior quality and the fact that Acura is aiming to surpass it with their entry level car means that it will have more than just an "average" interior? Could that be so?
It's an odd "bar" at best.
It would be like saying "let's try to be on par/better than a Nissan Versa, and a Mercedes E class.
I mean come on now, Acura.....be honest which interior quality are you going after?......My guess is the lower rather than the higher....because why would you even mention the "low rent" quality of the CT200h as your standard.
Let's put it this way....my bet is that it won't be on par with an A4.
06-10-2011, 02:46 PM
#3102
Senior Moderator
06-10-2011, 09:40 PM
#3103
Pro
I'll beleive it when I'll see it but I can't beleive Honda isn't trying to fix the problems at Acura...so much potential yet so few acheivements...
06-11-2011, 03:49 PM
#3105
Honda Fanboy
beats head against wall.....Audi has nothing to do with the fact that they mentioned the low rent interior of the CT200h has "the bar".
It's an odd "bar" at best.
It would be like saying "let's try to be on par/better than a Nissan Versa, and a Mercedes E class.
I mean come on now, Acura.....be honest which interior quality are you going after?......My guess is the lower rather than the higher....because why would you even mention the "low rent" quality of the CT200h as your standard.
Let's put it this way....my bet is that it won't be on par with an A4.
It's an odd "bar" at best.
It would be like saying "let's try to be on par/better than a Nissan Versa, and a Mercedes E class.
I mean come on now, Acura.....be honest which interior quality are you going after?......My guess is the lower rather than the higher....because why would you even mention the "low rent" quality of the CT200h as your standard.
Let's put it this way....my bet is that it won't be on par with an A4.
Do you know what the word 'AND' means? When you say CT200h AND Audi, it means inclusive of both. In this case, Acura is aiming to have better interior quality in their cheapest model than the CT200h and Audi. This won't be hard to accomplish as Acura already has good quality interiors for its respective class. As much as I dislike Lexus, the CT200h interior quality isn't bad, especially when compared to the rubbery interior of its Audi counterpart.
06-11-2011, 07:28 PM
#3106
My first Avatar....
06-11-2011, 08:23 PM
#3107
Indycar sets the spec for the engine, the manufacturers either adapt to that or you don't race. FYI, the next Indycar engine spec will be for 2.4 liter V-6 engines. In the future, they might allow for different configurations.
“We will continue to evaluate rules that will keep a level playing field across the board with the various engines that could enter our sport,” said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations. “For example, we could see a V-6 competing against an Inline 4 at all IZOD IndyCar Series events in the future. We will require reference engines as a benchmark in performance while looking at sonic air restrictors, fuel flow restrictions and more as key criteria for competition.”
06-11-2011, 08:48 PM
#3108
My first Avatar....
HYPERBOLE:
extravagant exaggeration (as “mile-high ice-cream cones”) or ("Ack makes V8s for Indy Cars")
btw:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6cxNR9ML8k
06-12-2011, 01:07 AM
#3109
6G TLX-S
The complete redesign of the RL sedan has yet been postponed and postponed.
Just build a damn RL right now that can compete with the GS/E/5/A6 first, then start working up to compete with the LS/S/7/A8 in the far future.
06-12-2011, 01:52 AM
#3110
have you looked at Japanese built Civic Hybrid. It has LED tail lamps and there is blueshness in rear light and Grill. Acura can certainly improve it. and this perfect car for Acura to built on it.
06-12-2011, 03:55 PM
#3111
אני עומד עם ישראל
The blue grille equals luxury? How would this board ever function without you?
06-13-2011, 04:59 PM
#3112
The sizzle in the Steak
I think banging your head on the wall is the root of all your problems...
Do you know what the word 'AND' means? When you say CT200h AND Audi, it means inclusive of both. In this case, Acura is aiming to have better interior quality in their cheapest model than the CT200h and Audi. This won't be hard to accomplish as Acura already has good quality interiors for its respective class. As much as I dislike Lexus, the CT200h interior quality isn't bad, especially when compared to the rubbery interior of its Audi counterpart.
Do you know what the word 'AND' means? When you say CT200h AND Audi, it means inclusive of both. In this case, Acura is aiming to have better interior quality in their cheapest model than the CT200h and Audi. This won't be hard to accomplish as Acura already has good quality interiors for its respective class. As much as I dislike Lexus, the CT200h interior quality isn't bad, especially when compared to the rubbery interior of its Audi counterpart.
That makes zero sense.
06-14-2011, 04:28 PM
#3114
Senior Moderator
2012-2013 Forecasts
From Edmunds: http://www.insideline.com/acura/future-vehicles.html
Acura MDX
2013 Acura MDX: Look for a full redesign of the MDX for the 2013 model year.
Acura RDX
2013 Acura RDX: The compact RDX crossover received a minor face-lift for the 2010 model year. When the RDX gets a full redesign for 2013, Acura will get rid of the current turbocharged four-cylinder. Tougher fuel-economy rules could force Acura to offer a normally aspirated four-cylinder base model along with a premium RDX powered by the 3.5-liter V6 used in the TSX sedan.
Acura RL
2012 Acura RL: Although plans for a rear-wheel-drive V8 model have been shelved, Acura is still planning to overhaul its flagship model in 2011. Given that the current TL already offers all the power, performance and size of the RL, look for Acura to take a few additional steps to differentiate its flagship sedan. One particular area where the RL could take the lead is hybrid power. Acura officials have gone on record saying that the brand will introduce more than one hybrid vehicle into its lineup and the RL could use such technology to give it additional horsepower without sacrificing fuel economy.
Acura Small Car
2013 Acura Small Car: Since the TSX has grown in size, there is room in the lineup for a new entry-level vehicle. Acura officials have said they are considering a model below the TSX as it will help the brand with its fuel-economy average as well as give it a direct competitor to the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.
Acura TL
2012 Acura TL: Fully redesigned in 2009, the Acura TL received a midcycle refresh for the 2012 model year.
Acura TSX
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon: The wagon version of the TSX sedan is being offered with a four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission only.
2013 Acura TSX: Acura is looking to add several hybrid models to its lineup and a gas-electric TSX is expected to be the first model to offer such technology. This model should arrive sometime in 2012.
Acura ZDX
2013 Acura ZDX: An all-new vehicle during the 2010 model year, the Acura ZDX will likely get a midcycle refresh around model year 2013.
2013 Acura MDX: Look for a full redesign of the MDX for the 2013 model year.
Acura RDX
2013 Acura RDX: The compact RDX crossover received a minor face-lift for the 2010 model year. When the RDX gets a full redesign for 2013, Acura will get rid of the current turbocharged four-cylinder. Tougher fuel-economy rules could force Acura to offer a normally aspirated four-cylinder base model along with a premium RDX powered by the 3.5-liter V6 used in the TSX sedan.
Acura RL
2012 Acura RL: Although plans for a rear-wheel-drive V8 model have been shelved, Acura is still planning to overhaul its flagship model in 2011. Given that the current TL already offers all the power, performance and size of the RL, look for Acura to take a few additional steps to differentiate its flagship sedan. One particular area where the RL could take the lead is hybrid power. Acura officials have gone on record saying that the brand will introduce more than one hybrid vehicle into its lineup and the RL could use such technology to give it additional horsepower without sacrificing fuel economy.
Acura Small Car
2013 Acura Small Car: Since the TSX has grown in size, there is room in the lineup for a new entry-level vehicle. Acura officials have said they are considering a model below the TSX as it will help the brand with its fuel-economy average as well as give it a direct competitor to the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.
Acura TL
2012 Acura TL: Fully redesigned in 2009, the Acura TL received a midcycle refresh for the 2012 model year.
Acura TSX
2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon: The wagon version of the TSX sedan is being offered with a four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission only.
2013 Acura TSX: Acura is looking to add several hybrid models to its lineup and a gas-electric TSX is expected to be the first model to offer such technology. This model should arrive sometime in 2012.
Acura ZDX
2013 Acura ZDX: An all-new vehicle during the 2010 model year, the Acura ZDX will likely get a midcycle refresh around model year 2013.
06-14-2011, 04:51 PM
#3115
The sizzle in the Steak
Tick-tock on the death of the ZDX clock.
06-14-2011, 06:50 PM
#3117
Senior Moderator
06-14-2011, 06:52 PM
#3118
The sizzle in the Steak
IIRC the sales numbers are not great.
There is no way this niche car will continue on.
If it does, I really want some of the drugs that the peeps at Acura
take on a daily basis......that's gotta be some good stuff! :wink:
06-15-2011, 06:24 AM
#3119
Race Director
^ The ZDX is selling at roughly RL volume levels - they haven't dropped the RL so the ZDX could continue. Each dealer probably sells about one a month - I saw 3 used ones at my local dealer. 
06-15-2011, 10:28 AM
#3120
The sizzle in the Steak
I guess when it comes to RL and ZDX sales....misery loves company.