Acura: Development and Technology News
06-15-2011, 11:15 AM
#3121
Senior Moderator
Heck, saw 2 earlier this morning on the way to work.
06-15-2011, 12:08 PM
#3122
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Well, when average house price is like CAD$800k to $900k, or 11.2 times median family income, a CAD$50k vehicle isn't that much relatively speaking......I feel so poor living here...lol...
06-15-2011, 12:23 PM
#3123
The sizzle in the Steak
SoCal is car country....trends are set here......that's why there are so many car mfg. design studios out here.
06-15-2011, 01:04 PM
#3124
Anyway, there's no argument that it's under performing sales wise. But I think it was expected given the economy it was launched into. Combine that with the change in corporate direction and it's a bit of a 'red headed stepchild'. Still, there are a number of things I'd like to see move from that to other cars in the lineup.
Mr Honda himself said "Success is 99% failure," and "What we learn through failure becomes a precious part of us, strengthening us in everything we do. So let the tough things make you tougher"
06-15-2011, 01:11 PM
#3125
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ Well then, if Mr. Honda's words hold true, Acura should be in the top three of lux makes in another decade or two....lot's of failure to propel them to the top. :wink:
06-15-2011, 07:14 PM
#3126
6G TLX-S
The majority of these $80/90K house owners bought their house decades back at 1/2 to 1/3 the current price. Only the handful of foreigners, who come to Vancouver with suitcases packed with cash, are able to buy these over-inflated houses, and possibly the $50K vehicles.
06-15-2011, 07:21 PM
#3127
6G TLX-S
If the wise, old Mr. Honda was still at the helm of Honda Motor Co. throughout the recent years, the Acura brand would have reborn from the ashes, and not going around in circles still seeking the luxury identity as of today.
06-15-2011, 09:46 PM
#3128
Senior Moderator
Acura MDX
2013 Acura MDX: Look for a full redesign of the MDX for the 2013 model year.
2013 Acura MDX: Look for a full redesign of the MDX for the 2013 model year.
06-16-2011, 06:20 AM
#3129
Race Director
06-16-2011, 05:47 PM
#3130
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Join Date: Jun 2005
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Not to be confused.
The majority of these $80/90K house owners bought their house decades back at 1/2 to 1/3 the current price. Only the handful of foreigners, who come to Vancouver with suitcases packed with cash, are able to buy these over-inflated houses, and possibly the $50K vehicles.
The majority of these $80/90K house owners bought their house decades back at 1/2 to 1/3 the current price. Only the handful of foreigners, who come to Vancouver with suitcases packed with cash, are able to buy these over-inflated houses, and possibly the $50K vehicles.
sigh....as a recent graduate, it's tough to get into the housing market these days......
06-16-2011, 07:31 PM
#3131
Senior Moderator
06-17-2011, 08:17 AM
#3133
06-17-2011, 02:47 PM
#3134
From Edmunds: http://www.insideline.com/acura/future-vehicles.html
THEN there's the RL to consider. If not in CY 2012, could it actually come before sub-TSX in the fall of this year? Seems unlikely, since you'd think we'd have heard something by now. Does this mean we'll see 4 introductions in CY 2012 or does this come in 2013? Regardless it's going to get really frantic in the next few years and it looks like product will be coming steadily for several years.
I should make a blog post out of this...
06-18-2011, 01:49 AM
#3135
6G TLX-S
Their timetable seems about right. However, the things that have been 'confirmed' to dealers seems to indicate that we'll see Sub-TSX in April (vs. March) and that the new RDX will follow that in CY 2012. In 2007, the MDX followed the RDX by 6 months but it's possible this might be tightened up a bit. I still have my doubts that we'll see three new car introductions in one CY. If this is the case, the MDX could come in the spring of 2013 and remember the 1G MDX went 6 model years too.
THEN there's the RL to consider. If not in CY 2012, could it actually come before sub-TSX in the fall of this year? Seems unlikely, since you'd think we'd have heard something by now. Does this mean we'll see 4 introductions in CY 2012 or does this come in 2013? Regardless it's going to get really frantic in the next few years and it looks like product will be coming steadily for several years. I should make a blog post out of this...
THEN there's the RL to consider. If not in CY 2012, could it actually come before sub-TSX in the fall of this year? Seems unlikely, since you'd think we'd have heard something by now. Does this mean we'll see 4 introductions in CY 2012 or does this come in 2013? Regardless it's going to get really frantic in the next few years and it looks like product will be coming steadily for several years.
I should make a blog post out of this...You once mentioned that the TL might shrink in size with respect with the RL sedan, to help distance the two products. Then the new RL is best to launch earliest in CY 2014 when the 5G TL will com out first.
06-18-2011, 03:07 PM
#3136
Unless the new RL is coming out in even bigger size than the TL, the two models will continue to overlap one another, except that the slow-selling RL is costing a lot more than the TL.
You once mentioned that the TL might shrink in size with respect with the RL sedan, to help distance the two products. Then the new RL is best to launch earliest in CY 2014 when the 5G TL will com out first.
You once mentioned that the TL might shrink in size with respect with the RL sedan, to help distance the two products. Then the new RL is best to launch earliest in CY 2014 when the 5G TL will com out first.
TSX = 185.6
TL = 194.0
RL = 195.8
The new Civic Sedan is 177.3 so assuming that the new car will be built on a version of this chassis, (IMO) there is sufficient separation if the RL grows a few inches in it's next iteration. But I guess it depends on your personal definition of what is 'enough'
06-18-2011, 06:27 PM
#3137
Race Director
The BMW 750 is 199.7" - I just don't the see the RL getting any bigger. I do see the TL getting smaller. The TL will always be the odd ball but usually volume leader - like the ES for Lexus.
06-18-2011, 09:24 PM
#3138
6G TLX-S
08-01-2011, 04:22 PM
#3139
An update? Posted by TurkMan71 on TOV. Thank You TurkMan71!
"Line up for Acura:
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...308019986/1280
Sales have begun to rebound for American Honda Motor Co.'s luxury brand, and a product renaissance in 2012 -- complete with a big entry into hybrid powertrains -- could provide a further boost.
Acura's two crossovers will be redesigned. And while the RL flagship won't have the rear-drive V-8 version -- those plans were killed in 2009 -- it will be significantly re-engineered. Subsequent model years will see other major redesigns and other lineup changes.
Acura also will take a step back from its polarizing "keen edge" design philosophy. An early hint of a more refined look can be seen in the 2012 TL midcycle change. The angular front "beak" was replaced by a more traditional grille.
RSX: An entry-luxury sedan will come in the spring of 2013, to compete with the Lexus CT 200h and BMW front-drive cars. The RSX is based on the Honda Civic platform and will be powered by a 210-hp version of the Civic Si's four-cylinder engine. After the failure of the Canadian-market CSX, Acura knows it can't just deliver a warmed-over Civic. This model will be larger and have more differentiated sheet metal.
RSX coupe: Plans call for a midcycle addition that arrives in the spring of 2015. Dealers have asked for a convertible hardtop.
TSX: There is talk within Acura that the TSX will go away after its cycle ends in 2013. Four low-volume sedans that are close in size may not be a healthy business plan.
TL: The Honda Accord-based mid-sized sedan got a major fascia change this year, meaning a redesign won't come until the fall of 2013. Because it is too close in size to the RL, expect a shorter wheelbase and less overall length.
At launch, Honda's large-car hybrid system will be available as an option on the base V-6. The V-6 will be lighter and will include a new cylinder deactivation system and stop-start ignition. The 3.7-liter V-6 may come down in displacement to 3.5 liters.
RL: Look for a re-engineering of the all-wheel-drive RL in late 2012 as a 2013 model. Pride will not let Acura get rid of its flagship -- which is on an expensive stand-alone architecture -- even though Honda is looking to kill the vehicle in Japan, where it is called the Legend.
RDX: After a six-year cycle, the small crossover will be redesigned for the summer of 2012. It will be offered in both front- and all-wheel drive. The twitchy turbo-four version goes away, replaced by a standard 2.5-liter inline-four engine on the base model, and a hybrid-four as an option. There won't be a V-6 because the Civic platform that underpins the RDX can't accommodate it. A midcycle addition of a seven-speed sequential transmission is possible.
ZDX: It was new for the 2010 model year, so no changes are planned for now.
MDX: A redesign is scheduled for the fall of 2012. A running change will include a hybrid version to augment the base V-6 engine. For fuel economy, the base 300-hp 3.7-liter engine may be replaced with a new 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. The MDX mostly missed out on the keen edge design era and will stay with more restrained luxury styling.
NSX: Honda Motor President Takanobu Ito says a new version of the Ferrari-fighter is in the works. He should know; he was an engineer on the original. But killing the sports car in 2009, after misfires on two concepts, means it will likely be 2014 before one hits the road. "
"Line up for Acura:
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...308019986/1280
Sales have begun to rebound for American Honda Motor Co.'s luxury brand, and a product renaissance in 2012 -- complete with a big entry into hybrid powertrains -- could provide a further boost.
Acura's two crossovers will be redesigned. And while the RL flagship won't have the rear-drive V-8 version -- those plans were killed in 2009 -- it will be significantly re-engineered. Subsequent model years will see other major redesigns and other lineup changes.
Acura also will take a step back from its polarizing "keen edge" design philosophy. An early hint of a more refined look can be seen in the 2012 TL midcycle change. The angular front "beak" was replaced by a more traditional grille.
RSX: An entry-luxury sedan will come in the spring of 2013, to compete with the Lexus CT 200h and BMW front-drive cars. The RSX is based on the Honda Civic platform and will be powered by a 210-hp version of the Civic Si's four-cylinder engine. After the failure of the Canadian-market CSX, Acura knows it can't just deliver a warmed-over Civic. This model will be larger and have more differentiated sheet metal.
RSX coupe: Plans call for a midcycle addition that arrives in the spring of 2015. Dealers have asked for a convertible hardtop.
TSX: There is talk within Acura that the TSX will go away after its cycle ends in 2013. Four low-volume sedans that are close in size may not be a healthy business plan.
TL: The Honda Accord-based mid-sized sedan got a major fascia change this year, meaning a redesign won't come until the fall of 2013. Because it is too close in size to the RL, expect a shorter wheelbase and less overall length.
At launch, Honda's large-car hybrid system will be available as an option on the base V-6. The V-6 will be lighter and will include a new cylinder deactivation system and stop-start ignition. The 3.7-liter V-6 may come down in displacement to 3.5 liters.
RL: Look for a re-engineering of the all-wheel-drive RL in late 2012 as a 2013 model. Pride will not let Acura get rid of its flagship -- which is on an expensive stand-alone architecture -- even though Honda is looking to kill the vehicle in Japan, where it is called the Legend.
RDX: After a six-year cycle, the small crossover will be redesigned for the summer of 2012. It will be offered in both front- and all-wheel drive. The twitchy turbo-four version goes away, replaced by a standard 2.5-liter inline-four engine on the base model, and a hybrid-four as an option. There won't be a V-6 because the Civic platform that underpins the RDX can't accommodate it. A midcycle addition of a seven-speed sequential transmission is possible.
ZDX: It was new for the 2010 model year, so no changes are planned for now.
MDX: A redesign is scheduled for the fall of 2012. A running change will include a hybrid version to augment the base V-6 engine. For fuel economy, the base 300-hp 3.7-liter engine may be replaced with a new 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. The MDX mostly missed out on the keen edge design era and will stay with more restrained luxury styling.
NSX: Honda Motor President Takanobu Ito says a new version of the Ferrari-fighter is in the works. He should know; he was an engineer on the original. But killing the sports car in 2009, after misfires on two concepts, means it will likely be 2014 before one hits the road. "
08-01-2011, 04:32 PM
#3140
I'm not sure how much of that is actual information vs speculation, but it appears that they have chosen, heavily, to emphasize efficiency over performance.
I hope the new cars with smaller engines can at least match the performance of acuras vehicles today.
Also suddenly with all the smaller engines and hybrids, my mom will now be interested in more of them.due to the smaller engine choices and new hybrid models.
I hope the new cars with smaller engines can at least match the performance of acuras vehicles today.
Also suddenly with all the smaller engines and hybrids, my mom will now be interested in more of them.due to the smaller engine choices and new hybrid models.
08-01-2011, 04:39 PM
#3141
AZ Community Team
Interesting news.
08-01-2011, 05:18 PM
#3142
Moderator
Ugggh, still no V-8 RL. Note to Acura - you still need a real FLAGSHIP.
08-01-2011, 05:54 PM
#3143
Any updates on the RDX hybrid rumors? Haven't heard a peep since this article in 2008:
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-tier-1-status
"Finally, the RDX will come in for a redesign for the 2011 model year and could spawn a hybrid variant. This will be followed that same year by the next-generation MDX, which could be offered with a new V6 turbodiesel engine. A third SUVmodel could be added to Acura’s lineup as revealed by a new prototype caught testing recently in California’s Death Valley."
TSX
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-tier-1-status
"Finally, the RDX will come in for a redesign for the 2011 model year and could spawn a hybrid variant. This will be followed that same year by the next-generation MDX, which could be offered with a new V6 turbodiesel engine. A third SUVmodel could be added to Acura’s lineup as revealed by a new prototype caught testing recently in California’s Death Valley."
TSX
08-01-2011, 06:15 PM
#3144
Race Director
TSX: There is talk within Acura that the TSX will go away after its cycle ends in 2013. Four low-volume sedans that are close in size may not be a healthy business plan.
08-01-2011, 06:21 PM
#3145
Well from the article, it looks like the "RSX" will be larger than the civic, and the TL will be smaller than the current TL. So now you have a large compact and a small midsize car. That doesn't leave any room for the TSX apparently.
08-01-2011, 06:32 PM
#3146
Race Director
The thing is that the Euro Accord has to be made anyway - it's not as if it takes a lot of money to develop the TSX - heck it's cheaper to develop that this new RSX since it's just a rebadged Euro Accord. Lexus has 4 sedans in its lineup -though granted, they are more different in size. It's probably not the number of sedans that's the problem, it's the cost to make them. With current exchange rates they just can't make money on the TSX.
08-01-2011, 06:36 PM
#3147
I don't know, I'm frustrated with honda/acura's offerings lately.
When I was young and broke, they had a huge extensive lineup. Now that I work and can afford cars, their lineup goes to the crapper. Don't know what to say about them and their decisions anymore. If it continues to go down this road (disappointment after disappointment, random "company direction" changes), I may very well leave the honda/acura brand when purchasing my next vehicle.
When I was young and broke, they had a huge extensive lineup. Now that I work and can afford cars, their lineup goes to the crapper. Don't know what to say about them and their decisions anymore. If it continues to go down this road (disappointment after disappointment, random "company direction" changes), I may very well leave the honda/acura brand when purchasing my next vehicle.
08-01-2011, 07:03 PM
#3148
RDX Hybrid
Nevermind
An update? Posted by TurkMan71 on TOV. Thank You TurkMan71!
RDX: After a six-year cycle, the small crossover will be redesigned for the summer of 2012. It will be offered in both front- and all-wheel drive. The twitchy turbo-four version goes away, replaced by a standard 2.5-liter inline-four engine on the base model, and a hybrid-four as an option. There won't be a V-6 because the Civic platform that underpins the RDX can't accommodate it. A midcycle addition of a seven-speed sequential transmission is possible.
"
RDX: After a six-year cycle, the small crossover will be redesigned for the summer of 2012. It will be offered in both front- and all-wheel drive. The twitchy turbo-four version goes away, replaced by a standard 2.5-liter inline-four engine on the base model, and a hybrid-four as an option. There won't be a V-6 because the Civic platform that underpins the RDX can't accommodate it. A midcycle addition of a seven-speed sequential transmission is possible.
"
Last edited by Mr Marco; 08-01-2011 at 07:08 PM.
08-01-2011, 07:48 PM
#3149
Instructor
08-01-2011, 07:50 PM
#3150
Instructor
08-01-2011, 08:42 PM
#3151
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
I swear I've seen just two ZDXs on the road for the past 2 years.
Fail is Fail.
Fail is Fail.
08-01-2011, 10:12 PM
#3152
6G TLX-S
However, if the TSX goes RWD (using the S2000 chassis) and the TL remains FWD/AWD, like the Lexus IS/ES duo; then both can stay because they can be marketed in two vastly different class segments.
08-01-2011, 11:19 PM
#3153
08-02-2011, 12:25 AM
#3155
Instructor
So the genius behind Acura believes that creating a smaller compact vehicle in the already overly-obese United States market and deading a decent selling near mid-size sedan is going to help its cause????
I doubt that man can be THAT dumb...i smell a lot of bullshit speculation here from edmund's end..but then again how reliable can sources be if they are just "hearing" stuff?
I doubt that man can be THAT dumb...i smell a lot of bullshit speculation here from edmund's end..but then again how reliable can sources be if they are just "hearing" stuff?
08-02-2011, 12:34 AM
#3156
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
So the genius behind Acura believes that creating a smaller compact vehicle in the already overly-obese United States market and deading a decent selling near mid-size sedan is going to help its cause????
I doubt that man can be THAT dumb...i smell a lot of bullshit speculation here from edmund's end..but then again how reliable can sources be if they are just "hearing" stuff?
I doubt that man can be THAT dumb...i smell a lot of bullshit speculation here from edmund's end..but then again how reliable can sources be if they are just "hearing" stuff?
A lot of speculation with that tidbit from Edmund's.
08-02-2011, 12:43 AM
#3157
I dont think TSX is going anywhere. EuroAccord is pretty famous across the world and only Honda vehicle with so much options and engines. from 2.0L to 3.5. even two diesels.
If TL does not become globalized. what will happen that Honda will called next Euro Accord TL and put TSX name on some reborn Civic under Acura.
If TL does not become globalized. what will happen that Honda will called next Euro Accord TL and put TSX name on some reborn Civic under Acura.
08-02-2011, 03:24 AM
#3158
In Honda's defense regarding the push for efficiency vs. performance - EVERY manufacturer is doing this. That's why you see Ford and GM pushing out their "SFE" and "XFE" models with higher fuel economy. This is all in an effort to meet the EPA guidelines for average fuel economy over the coming years.
Why bother showing loyalty or waiting on getting what you want?
No matter who makes it... if it's great all-around and it's what you want, why not get it? Brand recognition is silly IMO. You can have a company like Honda or Toyota with a relatively bulletproof reputation regarding reliability throughout the 90s, then have it go down the train at the turn of the century or shortly after.
I don't know, I'm frustrated with honda/acura's offerings lately.
When I was young and broke, they had a huge extensive lineup. Now that I work and can afford cars, their lineup goes to the crapper. Don't know what to say about them and their decisions anymore. If it continues to go down this road (disappointment after disappointment, random "company direction" changes), I may very well leave the honda/acura brand when purchasing my next vehicle.
When I was young and broke, they had a huge extensive lineup. Now that I work and can afford cars, their lineup goes to the crapper. Don't know what to say about them and their decisions anymore. If it continues to go down this road (disappointment after disappointment, random "company direction" changes), I may very well leave the honda/acura brand when purchasing my next vehicle.
No matter who makes it... if it's great all-around and it's what you want, why not get it? Brand recognition is silly IMO. You can have a company like Honda or Toyota with a relatively bulletproof reputation regarding reliability throughout the 90s, then have it go down the train at the turn of the century or shortly after.
08-02-2011, 04:43 AM
#3159
Rebadge the Si again for the RSX
Give TSX AWD and 6MT (still same engine choices)
Give TL some type of distinguishing features and keep it as the midsize in the lineup
Rename RL as the Legend...and well, for lack of better words make it legendary (RWD or V8)
RDX (as much as i love turbos) with its terribad gas mileage, I don't know how this will survive in the US. It may have to go hybrid in order to stay in the lineup.
MDX - 22 mpg hwy just wont cut it when the rest of your fleet is thirsty on gas (as opposed to toyota having so many hybrids to raise fleet wide gas mileage in compliance with future US regulations). They need to do something to save the MDX, otherwise night night nugget.
ZDX is nice but is very expensive and terrible mileage. I've seen quite a few in SC, I considered one for a while. I just don't know what they could do to make it better.
Overall, Acura (and Honda) need to move on from what has been working. We need 6 speed autos (at least) in everything from right now till the end of time. How about smaller motors with FI assistance (think cruze and so many other euro based vehicles). Where is direct injection (hell direct injection turbo, MZR 2.3 from maz-duh). Finally I do enjoy the jump in quality of interior from Honda to Acura, but having driven a few mercedes and jaguars (pre-ford taurus based), Acura has a long way to go, Acura needs to step it up if you want me to shell out 50k+ for a TL (or ZDX, or Pilot).
just my .02
Give TSX AWD and 6MT (still same engine choices)
Give TL some type of distinguishing features and keep it as the midsize in the lineup
Rename RL as the Legend...and well, for lack of better words make it legendary (RWD or V8)
RDX (as much as i love turbos) with its terribad gas mileage, I don't know how this will survive in the US. It may have to go hybrid in order to stay in the lineup.
MDX - 22 mpg hwy just wont cut it when the rest of your fleet is thirsty on gas (as opposed to toyota having so many hybrids to raise fleet wide gas mileage in compliance with future US regulations). They need to do something to save the MDX, otherwise night night nugget.
ZDX is nice but is very expensive and terrible mileage. I've seen quite a few in SC, I considered one for a while. I just don't know what they could do to make it better.
Overall, Acura (and Honda) need to move on from what has been working. We need 6 speed autos (at least) in everything from right now till the end of time. How about smaller motors with FI assistance (think cruze and so many other euro based vehicles). Where is direct injection (hell direct injection turbo, MZR 2.3 from maz-duh). Finally I do enjoy the jump in quality of interior from Honda to Acura, but having driven a few mercedes and jaguars (pre-ford taurus based), Acura has a long way to go, Acura needs to step it up if you want me to shell out 50k+ for a TL (or ZDX, or Pilot).
just my .02
