civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

Was just notified about this press release from our marketing contact...

Source: Acura News (acuranews.com)

Ken1997TL

Three powertrains?

Gas, hybrid and diesel?

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

I'm really hoping for diesel! I can't wait to see what's in store.

krio

Insideline

Acura ILX
Just the Facts:

The new Civic-based ILX sedan goes on sale next spring.
The 2013 ILX will feature Acura's first hybrid system.
Acura also will offer a choice of two four-cylinder gasoline engines in the new ILX.


LAS VEGAS — Acura will offer U.S. buyers its first hybrid system in the all-new 2013 Acura ILX sedan. The Civic-based compact makes its world debut in early January at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and goes on sale next spring, priced from "well below $30,000," according to Acura.

Acura, which last year marked its 25th year as Honda's premium brand, sees the 2013 ILX as the anchor in a new strategy to capture entry-luxury buyers and keep them in the fold.

Toward that goal, Acura is testing a new design vocabulary on the ILX that it calls "aero-fused dynamics." The full-year sales target for the car is 40,000 units.

The front-wheel-drive ILX will come with a choice of three powertrains, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a five-speed automatic transmission and a 2.4-liter four with a six-speed automatic.

Acura also will market the 2013 ILX with a hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain derived from the Civic Hybrid, which is based around a 93-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission.

The 2012 Civic Hybrid is rated by the EPA at 44 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway. Acura said its version of the hybrid system will be tuned more for performance and less for fuel economy.

The 2013 ILX will offer a variety of advanced features, including a rear camera, HDD and wireless access to Pandora (Web radio) and text messaging (SMS).

A concept version of the car will be shown in Detroit in January with huge cross-drilled brake rotors, aggressive 19-inch five-spoke rims and 235/35ZR19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires — none of which will be offered on the production ILX.

krio

Insideline

Just the Facts:

Acura at long last plans to unveil a prototype of its long-awaited next-generation NSX supercar in just four weeks at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
Unlike the earlier NSX, the new Acura performance flagship will feature a V6 hybrid powertrain.
The NSX prototype that will be shown in Detroit will be an exterior design "buck" only, with no interior.

LAS VEGAS — Let the speculation end now: Acura at long last plans to unveil a prototype of its long-awaited next-generation NSX supercar in just four weeks at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Some quick highlights on the 2013 NSX, shared with us by Acura executives:

It will be a midengine two-seater, like the original.
Unlike the earlier NSX, the new Acura performance flagship will feature a V6 hybrid powertrain.
The new NSX will be similar in proportion to the original car, but with more aggressive styling.

The next-generation NSX is expected to share Honda's new SH-AWD hybrid system with the 2013 successor to the Acura RL sedan. The system mates a high-output V6 engine with a pair of electric motors and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Honda says the V6 hybrid system, which drives all four wheels, will provide "acceleration equivalent to V8 engines," with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder.

The NSX prototype that will be shown in Detroit will be an exterior design "buck" only, with no interior. It will ride on five-spoke alloy rims shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires — 255/35ZR19 front and 275/30ZR20 rear.

The front end of the new car resembles that of the movie car Acura built for the new Avengers movie currently in production. The prototype features a low nose, low cowl and thin A-pillars, much like the original NSX, but is wider, with edgier styling.

Honda's ground-breaking, midengine NSX was built from 1990-2005 and sold in the U.S. under the Acura brand. In 2008, the company killed a proposed front-engine V10 four-wheel-drive supercoupe, ostensibly to rival Lexus' LFA, but a racing version with a 3.4-liter V8, carbon-fiber chassis and rear-wheel drive survived as the HSV-010, winning Japan's Super GT series championship in 2010.

Ken1997TL

Posted by Jeff @ Temple of VTEC

http://vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1020643

New Flagship (Legend?)- late 2012

At the top of the sedan lineup is an all-new flagship. Acura says it will define "smart luxury" because it will offer best in class rear legroom, but will be sized smaller on the outside to many of it's "flagship" competitors. Vicki Poponi, Assistant Vice President, Product Planning put it this way: "Think about 7-series cabin space, with the agility of a 5-series vehicle."

What we found notable was the fact that Acura referred to it as the "successor to the RL". We have heard for a few years that Acura might possibly be reviving the "Legend" nameplate with this model, but if that's what they are truly planning, there was no mention of it at this meeting.

Several images of this new flagship were projected on the screen during the meeting, and it bears a fairly strong resemblance to the current RL, but the styling is wrapped around what appears to be a scaled up package. It's a conservative and clean design, not offensive but not particularly striking, either. It looks a little more muscular than the current model, and the wheelbase appears to stretch a little longer within the length of the vehicle, which improves the overhangs somewhat, but there are still moderate overhangs at each end. The C-pillar is punctuated by a Hoffmeister kink, which may turn into a new family trait (see ILX below). One new design element that stood out was exhaust finishers that were integrated within the lower rear bumper.

The new flagship will feature the electric SH-AWD system that Honda announced a couple weeks ago, promising V8 performance and "better than inline-4 cylinder" fuel efficiency. Acura will be introducing this car at the 2012 New York Auto Show and it will hit showrooms later in 2012.


RDX - mid 2012

Acura also gave us a teaser of the next-generation RDX, showing several images of redesigned crossover, and also sharing some of the changes that are in store. Again, quoting Vicki Poponi: "The all-new RDX will have a V6 engine that delivers more hp than our current 4-cylinder turbo, yet, it's also much more fuel efficient, which addresses some of the factors that led customers really to pass on the RDX. We expect RDX to offer best-in-class fuel economy in this segment. The all-wheel-drive system is also new, replacing the SH-AWD with a lighter weight system that provides performance and the safety benefits that the customers really want, without really adding all the extra weight of that very heavy system, and also the cost which hit both the pocketbook of the customer and also the fuel economy."

From the photos we were shown, the RDX bears a much stronger resemblance to the MDX, which (in our humble opinion) is a good thing. The roofline now more closely matches the MDX, especially in the C-pillar area, and like the MDX, the greenhouse is rimmed with a thin strip of chrome. The front of the new RDX has a slightly bulkier look than the current RDX, and the "chinless" look is a thing of the past. Apart from the (toned down) power plenum grill, there is considerably less brightwork in the front of the RDX than the MDX - and the RDX's lower trapezoidal openings in the bumper also serve as the foglight openings. From the photos we saw, the rear of the vehicle has a bit more of a "flat" look, mostly due to the hatchback being pretty much flush with the rear bumper. Look for the new RDX in showrooms later this spring or early summer.

NSX (Concept)

Alongside the flagship, a new "super sports car" shares the role as the range topper for Acura. Acura didn't officially call it the NSX during their presentation, but everybody we spoke with following the presentation said it was indeed the NSX successor. I took that as good news. UPDATE: In their press release released this morning, Acura is calling it the "NSX Concept". Some text below is updated to reflect that.

Acura showed us the actual NSX Concept which will be revealed in Detroit next month. Unfortunately there was no photography allowed, but I can tell you that this will be one of the biggest reveals for Acura in recent history. Basically this is the car that was spied on the "Avengers" set late in the Summer, but it's clearly been further developed and it's also in hard-top form. Finished in a sliver paint, the concept is absolutely stunning, and carries on the NSX tradition of a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. The design is muscular, futuristic, and sharp, and vaguely similar to the Audi R8.

Compared to the "Avengers" car, the front end on this concept actually has working LED headlights - there are 5 "squircle" projectors embedded within each headlight housing. The rear bumper is also virtually identical to the "Avengers" car but with a real roof and backlight and more "production-looking" taillights, the overall visage is considerably different. Like the "flagship", the exhaust finishers are integrated into the bumper. A really cool (but not necessarily original) styling element is the "flying buttress" C-pillars. The C-pillars feature a "pass-through" which appears to be designed to channel air smoothly around the cockpit and over the rear of the vehicle. It's like an elongated version of the flying buttress seen on the Ferrari 599 - the NSX has a much faster angle on the backlight, which naturally lengthens the C-pillar. The gap between the C-pillar and the glass is fairly narrow, however. For the record, this concept wore Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 255/35ZR19 size up front, and 275/30ZR20s in the rear.

Acura wouldn't tell us anything about the engine or powertrain, but off the record they were quick to tell us that the announced Electric SH-AWD system with 3.5L DI V6 was clearly not potent enough for this car. It should be noted that THAT powertrain, with its 7-speed dual clutch gearbox and 3 electric motors, develops a peak output in the neighborhood of 400hp. Obviously with the MR layout, Honda has to engineer a very specific setup for this car, and we're assuming it will essentially be a reversed layout compared to the FF-oriented design which was revealed previously.

We are hopeful that it will receive a very special high output, high revving gasoline engine that is fitting of the NSX heritage, while leveraging the electric motors and onboard battery to deliver on the "smart luxury" promise of excellent fuel economy.

Acura ILX (long-rumored "Sub-TSX" model)

It feels like it's been an eternity since we first heard about it, but Acura finally revealed this long-rumored "Sub-TSX" model. First, Acura projected some photos of the ILX up on the screen and to be honest, it really didn't look that great in photos. It's a good thing they eventually showed us the car in the sheetmetal because it looks much better in person. The key design element that stood out to me was a pronounced crease starting in the doors and curving up over the rear wheelwell. I'm assuming it was intended to lend the car an image of strength, but I felt that it comes across as a little bit overdone. Also notable (and possibly a little overdone) is a Hoffmeister kink in the C-pillar. Otherwise, it's a good looking vehicle, with finishing details that give it a nice European (yeah, mostly Audi) look and feel. The ILX features a relatively long nose and a stubby rear deck and a high beltline. The front doors are fairly long - almost like a coupe, while the rear doors appear considerably shorter. The taillights are clearly Acura shapes, but for some reason when I was looking at the rear of the car I kept getting a little bit of an Audi A5 vibe. The general proportions probably reminded me most of the previous generation Mazda 3. The prototype had appropriately sized wheels which filled up the fenderwells very nicely. While our assumption is that this car is based upon the Civic platform, Acura never mentioned it, and from the styling and proportions there is essentially no hint that this car is related to the Civic. Acura announced the basic powertrain specs, confirming the rumors that it would be offered in hybrid form (1.5L IMA). Additionally, for those seeking an automatic transmission, the ILX will be offered in a 2.0L 4-cyl flavor (for now we're operating on the assumption that the engine will be an R20), and for the more sporting-minded, a 6-speed manual will be offered, paired with a 2.4L 4-cylinder. Beyond these basic specs, Acura would not comment on power levels or anything of that nature. We're expecting this car to hit showrooms in late spring or early summer of 2012.

Future of the TSX

There have been rumors that the TSX would be going away once the ILX is introduced. And depending upon how you look at it, those rumors could be considered true. Now that Acura has stated the "clearly defined" 3-sedan strategy, one of the 4 models has to go. While it wasn't directly confirmed that the TSX would be eliminated, we were told that something would obviously be slotted somewhere in-between the new ILX and "flagship" sedan. Will it be the TSX or the TL? It seems like it will come down to semantics, as whichever vehicle eventually fills that middle slot will be something different from both current TL and TSX models.

Acura has been getting beat up online (here, and elsewhere) for quite some time, and for now it seems like their response is measured and strong. If they follow through on their plans and deliver on their promises, the future of Acura appears much less cloudy than it did even a month ago.

krio

The new RL at the end of 2012...? wow...

New RDX, new ILX, new MDX, new RL... what a year will be..

speedemon90

Haven't read it all, but it looks like Acura wants to start getting more serious!

I hope they don't disappoint!!!!

krio

mmm.... I begin to believe they will kill the TL and not the TSX...

jwong77

If they do, that would mean that the Euro Accord that the TSX is based on will need to go upmarket too.

krio

next MDX in 2013 with the TL... Then the TSX seems will be axed... and the wagon one??..

from Autonews:
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...312129953/1115

In the works for Acura:

-- The ILX compact sedan will arrive in spring, using Honda's global Civic platform. It replaces the tired TSX that used the bones of the European Accord.

-- A redesigned RL flagship that is larger than the current version is due next fall.

-- A redesigned mid-sized TL sedan follows in the spring of 2013.

"Our sedans haven't been doing the job for the brand," said Vicki Poponi, American Honda assistant vice president for product planning, at a briefing here for dealers and the media.

Poponi said the TSX, TL and RL were cannibalizing sales because they were too close in footprint and interior size. The new models will create a bigger spread in the lineup.

Changes in the crossover categories also are coming, with a redesigned RDX compact arriving next spring and the next MDX in 2013.

phile

it makes sense to ax the TSX at this point. I think the ILX is what Acura originally wanted the TSX to be, but it was priced a bit higher than people who were used to the RSX's price range.

can't wait for the NSX!!!!

Legend2TL

this is good news, they've come to the same realization as AZ folks that the TSX/Tl/RL were too close in size and the RDX needed a proper V6. Looking forward to what the next RL will bring with the next gen SH-AWD electric hybrid powertrain. The only question is what will power the NSX?

krio

it was supposed to be a 400 hp elecrtic + 3.5L engines
but they said it is not powerful enough against the competition...
maybe turbo?

TSX69

Acura Retools Lineup to Put the Focus on MPG

Honda will overhaul and reposition its Acura lineup over the next 18 months and abandon its long pursuit of top-tier luxury-car status for the brand.

After years of trying to propel Acura into the front ranks with Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus, Honda says it will settle for offering mid-level premium vehicles that favor fuel economy over performance.

With 1 exception: At the Detroit auto show in January, Honda will bring back the Ferrari-fighting Acura NSX--a new version of the mid-engine supercar that disappeared in 2005 after a 15-year run. But instead of a monster engine, the NSX will have a compact, direct-injection V6 teamed with a lithium ion battery pack.

Another key to recalibrating Acura is the rollout of 3 new or redesigned sedans in the next 18 months, including a smaller compact and a bigger flagship.

"We are not satisfied with Acura's current positioning," Honda Motor Co. CEO Takanobu Ito said this month at the Tokyo Motor Show. "We want to showcase interesting and fun technologies and show excellent environmental performance."

In the works for Acura:

-- The ILX compact sedan will arrive in spring, using Honda's global Civic platform. It replaces the tired TSX that used the bones of the European Accord.

-- A redesigned RL flagship that is larger than the current version is due next fall.

-- A redesigned mid-sized TL sedan follows in the spring of 2013.

"Our sedans haven't been doing the job for the brand," said Vicki Poponi, American Honda assistant vice president for product planning, at a briefing here for dealers and the media.

Poponi said the TSX, TL and RL were cannibalizing sales because they were too close in footprint and interior size. The new models will create a bigger spread in the lineup.

Changes in the crossover categories also are coming, with a redesigned RDX compact arriving next spring and the next MDX in 2013.

Civic clone?

In using the Civic as the basis for the ILX, Acura is traveling the same platform-sharing course it did with its Integra and RSX coupes in the 1980s and 1990s. But Poponi said the ILX will bear no resemblance to the Civic or the Canadian-market Acura CSX, which has been derided as a rebadged Civic.

"All the suspension settings will be tuned to be Acura," Poponi said. "Consider it as different as the TL is from the Accord or the MDX is from the Pilot."

The ILX will be available with a choice of a 2.0-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine with automatic transmission, a 2.4-liter engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain. Features will include push-button start, rearview camera, Pandora link and SMS with text-to-voice capability.

Acura hopes that sales of the ILX, to be priced "well below $30,000," will be about 40,000 units annually. The current-generation TSX peaked at 31,998 sales in 2008.

Next up is the flagship RL, which has had little success competing in the $50,000 sedan segment against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E class, BMW 5 series and Lexus GS. Critics have called it overweight and underpowered, and the interior is cramped.

Poponi said the redesigned version will have more cabin space, with rear legroom going from worst-in-class to the best-in-class.

"It will have [BMW] 7 series cabin space with the agility of a 5 series," Poponi said. "Our sedans need to instill passion and emotion. The new flagship establishes that, and sets the ceiling for premium pricing. Once we have set that, then our SUVs can come into the market and leverage that prestige."

The RL will debut in April at the New York auto show and go on sale next fall.

As for the RDX, the previous generation has been criticized for the jerkiness of its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The new RDX will have a V6 with "top-class fuel economy," Poponi said.

The RDX also will use the Honda CR-V's simpler electric power steering and all-wheel-drive systems, rather than the pricier Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system of the old RDX. Poponi says it will be "quieter, roomier and more comfortable."

Then there is the NSX that arrives in concept form next month in Detroit. The original V6-powered NSX was decked out with astonishing technology when it debuted in 1990. It was the first car without turbos to deliver 100 hp per liter of engine displacement. It also was the first major project for body engineer Takanobu Ito, now Honda's CEO.

Ito killed a previous NSX concept after the autumn 2008 Lehman Brothers meltdown destroyed Honda's desire to re-enter the segment. The project has been revived, but Ito has changed the concept.

"Our approach is efficiency and a strong power-to-weight ratio," said Acura sales boss Jeff Conrad. "The original NSX did this. But the proposed successor went into the classic world of a heavy vehicle, requiring a V10 engine and other technologies to be a performance car."

Conrad adds: "That is not Acura DNA. If we are thinking about being sporty, we need to do it with the machine's efficiency. That's the thing we can do. The way we achieve it will be unique to Acura."

In addition to the NSX's compact V6, the lithium ion battery-powered Sport Hybrid All-Wheel Drive system uses two integrated drive units at the rear wheels connected to a motor-generator that delivers power.

Regenerative brakes will capture electricity and deliver torque to the outside wheel--while absorbing negative torque from the inside wheel--as the car goes through a corner.

American Honda President Tetsuo Iwamura did not set a date for the NSX's launch, saying: "We hope within 3 years. ... As soon as possible."

Too much machine

Despite the NSX's go-fast ambitions, a major part of Acura's new philosophy will be dialing back on performance in exchange for fuel economy. Executives say that today's luxury cars have more power than they need, and that premium-vehicle buyers now care more about mpg than mph.

Conrad said Acura has returned to its original philosophy of elegant engineering and top-of-class fuel economy, and has stopped chasing the elite of the luxury segment. The new slogan: "Smart luxury."

Mike Accavitti, the former head of Dodge who became American Honda's vice president of marketing in August, describes the current luxury market as "too much machine and not enough humanity."

Said Accavitti: "Our overweight bodies require overweight engines and more safety systems to protect them. Some of these cars the average driver just can't control. We have been increasing performance beyond the ability of the driver, or we have complicated the driving process."

Poponi said of Acura's previous batch of products: "Our engineering ego was getting in the way."

Peaks and valleys

American Honda hopes this philosophy can stabilize Acura's sales, which have peaked twice--once in the early 1990s and again in setting a brand record in 2005, at 209,610 units. But each time things fell apart because of ill-conceived products and faulty marketing--not to mention the recent recession. This year, sales through November were down 7 percent to 110,170. Honda says short supplies caused by the March earthquake in Japan were a factor.

For a new crop of customers, Honda is looking at Generation Y. The leading edge of that generation is turning 30, and Honda says the generation's top priorities are exterior styling, price and environmental friendliness.

"A good sound system" finished 5th in its research, and less than 20% care about high performance, Honda says.

"Technology is only as good as the driver," said Gary Evert, division director for advanced automotive planning at Acura r&d. "The vehicle almost always has more capability than the driver can handle. Anything outside the customer's understanding is waste."

Acura in the wings

Spring 2012: New ILX, redesigned RDX

Fall 2012: Redesigned RL

2013: Redesigned TL, MDX

TSX69

http://www.motortrend.com/future/fut..._detroit_show/

1st things 1st: Acura would not allow us to take any photographs of the cars it's bringing to the 2012 Detroit auto show, so no, you will not know what the Acura NSX concept looks like -- yet. This article's associated images ARE NOT actual representations of what's described below. With that out of the way, here's what we learned about the upcoming Acura NSX concept, ILX compact car concept, and refresh of the RDX crossover for the Detroit show. Acura also shared some intel on the next-generation version of its Acura RL sedan, which is due to be revealed at next year's New York auto show.

Acura NSX Concept

Let's face it: You're here for any scrap of news we have on the Acura NSX concept, and we completely understand why.

Ever since Honda's now legendary halo sports car was mothballed after 2005, the stream of rumors, spy photos, design illustrations, media reports, and concept cars purportedly related to the NSX's eventual revival flowed like a stuck tap. In the end, we like to think each step we encountered over the past six years will have contributed in some measurable or immeasurable way to the inevitable product.

The gushing continues today. A new Acura NSX concept is scheduled to appear at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January and there's an anticipated 2014 on-sale date. The Japanese carmaker revealed what was in store for the future NSX during its recent dealer conference in Las Vegas. We're told the attending dealers and a small band of press/media representatives were the only ones who have seen the concept up close in an official capacity. We were also told it was the first time in a long time dealers stood up and delivered a rousing ovation upon seeing what will without a doubt be the brand's halo car. Of course, it certainly helps that Acura calls the concept "NSX."

Car lovers will soon be tantalized by NSX concept's striking sheetmetal. Back in September, an Acura-branded mystery roadster was spotted and photographed on the set of the upcoming superhero movie "The Avengers," leading to widespread speculation it would form the basis for the new NSX's design direction. Initially, Acura responded that "The Avengers" car was a fictional one-off produced just for the film. That may not be an untrue statement, but the NSX concept indeed takes several cues from Tony Stark's new ride, only it has a roof.

The NSX concept wears thin A-pillars, a small greenhouse, and a serious-looking rear diffuser. Its bodywork was shaped with design input from Honda and Acura teams around the globe. There is room in the back for a small trunk. The concept's tires measure 255/35-19 up front and 275/30-20 out back, and the wheels shield huge fixed calipers and brake rotors at all corners. The entire car is bodied in the toned-down yet distinctive Keen Edge design, with a cab-forward arrangement and a mid-engine layout (a la the last NSX). Acura fully acknowledges it might have reached too far with its current, provocative styling direction, but there's no doubt you'd expect to see the big A badge when looking at the front end beak -- perfect for Acura since this car is intended to dramatically boost the brand's appeal.

For a period of time, a front-mounted V-10 engine was pegged for the new NSX, until the unpleasant economic conditions of late 2008 got the better of Honda's product plans. When the V-10 sports car project was shelved (although a version of that car has been subsequently campaigned by Honda in motorsports events), it's said Honda wasn't exactly shedding tears, considering the sentiment that exerting brute force and an overreliance on performance-adding technologies was not the Honda way. Instead, Acura calls the NSX concept the "ultimate expression of man-machine synergy," where the driver and car work together in unison for an enjoyable driving experience, rather than having overly egregious machinery take the driver for a ride. In Acura's vision, an NSX is the definitive interpretation of a modern sports car, a performance halo that can be "drive[n] like a pro every day."

The belief in smart luxury without excess waste is Acura's way of differentiating itself from other luxury marques. Which explains the NSX concept's powertrain: a hybrid getup with a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 (likely displacing 3.5-to-3.7 liters) matched to a 7-speed twin-clutch automatic with a newly developed integrated motor. The car's hybrid system -- tentatively dubbed Sports Hybrid AWD -- uses a pair of electric motors (one for each of the front wheels) for torque vectoring and independent wheel control.

On paper, this type of engineering and integration should ensure a seamless driving experience where the car is not handicapped by the driver, and vice versa. From a sustainability standpoint, Acura expects V-8 performance with better-than-4-cylinder fuel economy. So hypothetically, it should be faster and more fuel-efficient than the original NSX. Motor Trend Technical director Frank Markus got firsthand experience with an early version of this next-generation SH-AWD in Japan, proclaiming his limited time with a prototype Accord "was enough to suggest the V-8-performance claims have merit and that the electrified rear axle does indeed enhance handling over a much wider set of driving circumstances." The future AWD system is being optimized for larger vehicles at the moment and is said to be very modular in its nature.

According to Markus' notations, the DCT will be a wet-clutch design. Since the IMA motor isn't hard-coupled to the engine but is affixed to an output shaft, the integrated motor enjoys a wider range of freedom than the current IMA setup. It's the increased IMA "hybridness" that should provide the NSX concept with even greener credentials.

The original NSX shocked the world and had little trouble establishing precedence in the sports car world when it debuted a little over 2 decades ago. It put the rest of the world on alert, and the new car should as well.

Acura ILX

In addition to the NSX concept, Acura presented its entry-level sedan concept, the ILX.

Visualize the Canadian-market CSX, but with more thought put into the car's execution. Rather than simply grafting the familial front end onto a Honda Civic sedan, the ILX concept we saw has a unique presence. The front beak isn't as pronounced as we've come to expect from the Keen Edge design; in fact, Acura calls the ILX's styling Arrow Fuse dynamics. Although the ILX is Civic based, its lines are more distinct and rounded than the current crop of Acuras, retaining a premium appearance absent on the Civic.

1 of Acura's presentation slides showed a projection of 17.3% growth through 2016 for the entry luxury four-door segment (one of only a few segments that showed a double-digit increase), and the ILX is the car Acura has designated to get in on that action. Generation Y buyers - the first generation in history on course to earn less than the preceding generation - are the target, and Acura expects to pair their diminished earning power with an entry price point well below $30,000. For comparison, the 2012 Buick Verano starts at $23,470 and the 2012 TSX at $30,695. Acura foresees moving about 40,000 units per year, and is striving to retain these younger customers who may opt to move up within the Acura family several years later. Categorically, it may poach some TSX sales, too.

To satisfy the Gen Y crowd, ILX features and options include all the technological bits and pieces like a hard drive to store music files, Pandora Internet radio connectivity, and text-to-voice SMS capability. A rearview camera and keyless entry are sure to be offered. Based on speculation, we'd bet the interior won't be anything like a CSX but be mocked up similarly to the rest of the Acura lineup.

There will be three powertrains. The volume 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and accompanying automatic transmission will be new, while the familiar 1.5-liter IMA system will make the ILX the brand's 1st hybrid offering. The 2.4-liter inline-4with the 6-speed manual out of the Civic Si is in place to satiate enthusiast driving.

The ILX concept will also be at the Detroit show next month and hit showrooms a few months later.

Acura RDX

The brand's entry luxury SUV will also be on the NAIAS floor next month, attired in subtly refreshed sheetmetal to update its circa-2007 looks (albeit with a circa-2010 Keen Edge beak). The RDX will be fitted with a lightened SH-AWD system and Acura expects best-in-class fuel economy (not that the RDX was handicapped enormously in the 1st place). The current RDX is rated 19/24 and 17/22 mpg city/highway with front- and all-wheel drive, respectively.

A V-6 will finagle its way into the engine bay, contributing more power than the current 2.3-liter turbo four's 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. At this point, it's hard to imagine the turbo four-cylinder is long for this world, at least in its current guise.

The third Acura to bow in Detroit next month, the RDX, will go on sale a few months later. An 11.1-percent projected growth through 2016 for the small luxury SUV segment makes the RDX more important than ever before.

Acura RL successor

It's billed as a "true Acura flagship," but we can't ascertain much, as we've only seen a handful of conceptual photos of the upcoming full-size sedan. Based on the photos alone, don't expect a dramatic departure from the current, stagnating model in terms of sheetmetal. BMW is apparently the benchmark -- specifically, Acura is pitching the next RL as having 7 Series room with 5 Series dynamics. We'll see about that, but aim high, right?

The improved packaging proposal that pushes the RL successor's backseat legroom to best-in-class is a sound one, as the relatively invisible flagship needs any and all the help it can get (1046 sold through November, down 45% year-to-date). We should see the fruits of Acura's labor on this project at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

krio

First things first: Acura would not allow us to take any photographs of the cars it's bringing to the 2012 Detroit auto show, so no, you will not know what the Acura NSX concept looks like -- yet. This article's associated images ARE NOT actual representations of what's described below. With that out of the way, here's what we learned about the upcoming Acura NSX concept, ILX compact car concept, and refresh of the RDX crossover for the Detroit show. Acura also shared some intel on the next-generation version of its Acura RL sedan, which is due to be revealed at next year's New York auto show.

Acura NSX Concept

Let's face it: You're here for any scrap of news we have on the Acura NSX concept, and we completely understand why.
Ever since Honda's now legendary halo sports car was mothballed after 2005, the stream of rumors, spy photos, design illustrations, media reports, and concept cars purportedly related to the NSX's eventual revival flowed like a stuck tap. In the end, we like to think each step we encountered over the past six years will have contributed in some measurable or immeasurable way to the inevitable product.

The gushing continues today. A new Acura NSX concept is scheduled to appear at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January and there's an anticipated 2014 on-sale date. The Japanese carmaker revealed what was in store for the future NSX during its recent dealer conference in Las Vegas. We're told the attending dealers and a small band of press/media representatives were the only ones who have seen the concept up close in an official capacity. We were also told it was the first time in a long time dealers stood up and delivered a rousing ovation upon seeing what will without a doubt be the brand's halo car. Of course, it certainly helps that Acura calls the concept "NSX."

Car lovers will soon be tantalized by NSX concept's striking sheetmetal. Back in September, an Acura-branded mystery roadster was spotted and photographed on the set of the upcoming superhero movie "The Avengers," leading to widespread speculation it would form the basis for the new NSX's design direction. Initially, Acura responded that "The Avengers" car was a fictional one-off produced just for the film. That may not be an untrue statement, but the NSX concept indeed takes several cues from Tony Stark's new ride, only it has a roof.

The NSX concept wears thin A-pillars, a small greenhouse, and a serious-looking rear diffuser. Its bodywork was shaped with design input from Honda and Acura teams around the globe. There is room in the back for a small trunk. The concept's tires measure 255/35-19 up front and 275/30-20 out back, and the wheels shield huge fixed calipers and brake rotors at all corners. The entire car is bodied in the toned-down yet distinctive Keen Edge design, with a cab-forward arrangement and a mid-engine layout (a la the last NSX). Acura fully acknowledges it might have reached too far with its current, provocative styling direction, but there's no doubt you'd expect to see the big A badge when looking at the front end beak -- perfect for Acura since this car is intended to dramatically boost the brand's appeal.

For a period of time, a front-mounted V-10 engine was pegged for the new NSX, until the unpleasant economic conditions of late 2008 got the better of Honda's product plans. When the V-10 sports car project was shelved (although a version of that car has been subsequently campaigned by Honda in motorsports events), it's said Honda wasn't exactly shedding tears, considering the sentiment that exerting brute force and an overreliance on performance-adding technologies was not the Honda way. Instead, Acura calls the NSX concept the "ultimate expression of man-machine synergy," where the driver and car work together in unison for an enjoyable driving experience, rather than having overly egregious machinery take the driver for a ride. In Acura's vision, an NSX is the definitive interpretation of a modern sports car, a performance halo that can be "drive[n] like a pro every day."

The belief in smart luxury without excess waste is Acura's way of differentiating itself from other luxury marques. Which explains the NSX concept's powertrain: a hybrid getup with a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 (likely displacing 3.5-to-3.7 liters) matched to a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic with a newly developed integrated motor. The car's hybrid system -- tentatively dubbed Sports Hybrid AWD -- uses a pair of electric motors (one for each of the front wheels) for torque vectoring and independent wheel control.

On paper, this type of engineering and integration should ensure a seamless driving experience where the car is not handicapped by the driver, and vice versa. From a sustainability standpoint, Acura expects V-8 performance with better-than-four-cylinder fuel economy. So hypothetically, it should be faster and more fuel-efficient than the original NSX. Motor Trend Technical director Frank Markus got firsthand experience with an early version of this next-generation SH-AWD in Japan, proclaiming his limited time with a prototype Accord "was enough to suggest the V-8-performance claims have merit and that the electrified rear axle does indeed enhance handling over a much wider set of driving circumstances." The future AWD system is being optimized for larger vehicles at the moment and is said to be very modular in its nature.

According to Markus' notations, the DCT will be a wet-clutch design. Since the IMA motor isn't hard-coupled to the engine but is affixed to an output shaft, the integrated motor enjoys a wider range of freedom than the current IMA setup. It's the increased IMA "hybridness" that should provide the NSX concept with even greener credentials.

The original NSX shocked the world and had little trouble establishing precedence in the sports car world when it debuted a little over two decades ago. It put the rest of the world on alert, and the new car should as well.

Acura ILX

In addition to the NSX concept, Acura presented its entry-level sedan concept, the ILX.
Visualize the Canadian-market CSX, but with more thought put into the car's execution. Rather than simply grafting the familial front end onto a Honda Civic sedan, the ILX concept we saw has a unique presence. The front beak isn't as pronounced as we've come to expect from the Keen Edge design; in fact, Acura calls the ILX's styling Arrow Fuse dynamics. Although the ILX is Civic based, its lines are more distinct and rounded than the current crop of Acuras, retaining a premium appearance absent on the Civic.

One of Acura's presentation slides showed a projection of 17.3-percent growth through 2016 for the entry luxury four-door segment (one of only a few segments that showed a double-digit increase), and the ILX is the car Acura has designated to get in on that action. Generation Y buyers - the first generation in history on course to earn less than the preceding generation - are the target, and Acura expects to pair their diminished earning power with an entry price point well below $30,000. For comparison, the 2012 Buick Verano starts at $23,470 and the 2012 TSX at $30,695. Acura foresees moving about 40,000 units per year, and is striving to retain these younger customers who may opt to move up within the Acura family several years later. Categorically, it may poach some TSX sales, too.
To satisfy the Gen Y crowd, ILX features and options include all the technological bits and pieces like a hard drive to store music files, Pandora Internet radio connectivity, and text-to-voice SMS capability. A rearview camera and keyless entry are sure to be offered. Based on speculation, we'd bet the interior won't be anything like a CSX but be mocked up similarly to the rest of the Acura lineup.

There will be three powertrains. The volume 2.0-liter four-cylinder and accompanying automatic transmission will be new, while the familiar 1.5-liter IMA system will make the ILX the brand's first hybrid offering. The 2.4-liter inline-four with the six-speed manual out of the Civic Si is in place to satiate enthusiast driving.

The ILX concept will also be at the Detroit show next month and hit showrooms a few months later.

Acura RDX

The brand's entry luxury SUV will also be on the NAIAS floor next month, attired in subtly refreshed sheetmetal to update its circa-2007 looks (albeit with a circa-2010 Keen Edge beak). The RDX will be fitted with a lightened SH-AWD system and Acura expects best-in-class fuel economy (not that the RDX was handicapped enormously in the first place). The current RDX is rated 19/24 and 17/22 mpg city/highway with front- and all-wheel drive, respectively.
A V-6 will finagle its way into the engine bay, contributing more power than the current 2.3-liter turbo four's 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. At this point, it's hard to imagine the turbo four-cylinder is long for this world, at least in its current guise.

The third Acura to bow in Detroit next month, the RDX, will go on sale a few months later. An 11.1-percent projected growth through 2016 for the small luxury SUV segment makes the RDX more important than ever before.

Acura RL successor

It's billed as a "true Acura flagship," but we can't ascertain much, as we've only seen a handful of conceptual photos of the upcoming full-size sedan. Based on the photos alone, don't expect a dramatic departure from the current, stagnating model in terms of sheetmetal. BMW is apparently the benchmark -- specifically, Acura is pitching the next RL as having 7 Series room with 5 Series dynamics. We'll see about that, but aim high, right?

The improved packaging proposal that pushes the RL successor's backseat legroom to best-in-class is a sound one, as the relatively invisible flagship needs any and all the help it can get (1046 sold through November, down 45 percent year-to-date). We should see the fruits of Acura's labor on this project at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

krio

krio

http://blog.caranddriver.com/acura-n...-detroit-show/

......When the car (NSX) is unveiled at the Detroit show, Acura’s spokespeople are going to say this is a concept only. They may even say a decision is still yet to be made. But we hear it’s already received a green light for production, and will arrive sometime in 2012 or early 2013. It won’t be cheap, but Acura has no intention of approaching Lexus LFA pricing, either. We’d guess on a sticker in the $90,000-to-$130,000 range.

Legend2TL

All this is good news with the small exception of the TSX. I know a couple owners of 1G TSX's and they really like them especially the slightly smaller body. Both live in cities.

dom

2.4 from the Si in the ILX? Everything else sounds great but those new power trains can't get here fast enough.

Sounds like they've got it right with new NSX. Mid engined and more than 400HP. Lets hope the styling is good. RDX sounds nice as well. And I think they're doing the right thing in going away from SH-AWD. Not enough people care or know about its advantages in a vehicle like that.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Acura, you have my attention...

EL19

iTrader: (4)

from 6 to midnight...

ttribe

+1

charliemike

On what, exactly?

Replacing a good car with an inferior one (TSX for ILX) or that Audi R8 ripoff?

No wonder I thought Tony Stark's car in The Avengers was an R8 mule. They basically redesigned the R8.

Ken1997TL

I'm thinking the ILX will be built in North America too to reduce costs.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Im interested to see what V6 they stuff into the RDX. I also want to see what tech the new NSX will have as well as the RL. The ILX does nothing for me. Its probably just coming out to compete with the Lexus CT200H.

dom

Apparently Honda has already announced it will be built in Indiana alongside the Civic.

I'm not hearing anything to get excited about when it comes to the ILX either. Unless there's something interesting with the power trains but the 2.4 from the Si won't cut it IMO nor will the old IMA technology in the Hybrid. I hope we see some of the Earth Dreams engines in this thing.

oonowindoo

i can tell you right now about RDX's V6. 3.5L SOHC maybe with DI... 260-270hp.

dom

Since the 'Earth Dreams' all new 3.5L SOHC with DI was just announced last week (ie; not ready yet) and is rated at, at least 310HP I'd bet my left testicle the RDX is getting a version of the old venerable J35.

Moog-Type-S

Get it right, Honda/Acura.

Don't mess this up like you have done in the past.

Please get it right

Colin

I'm excited about US production. It should significantly improve the 'content to price' ratio over the Japan made TSX.

biker

TSX

dom

Only you could get excited about production announcements.

Sounds as though the ILX will start where the Si stops, so about 25K US for the 2.0L version? I wonder how if at all, the Civic's and CR-V's MiD will carry over to Acura?

Colin

I believe that Andrew at TOV has said that they'll have "cutting edge tech" in all new Acuras going forward. Cutting through the hyperbole, I'd have to say that some iteration of that will find it's way into all of the product. I've also heard through the grapevine that things like smart keys are working their way through the lineup as cars get refreshed.

dom

Personally. What I would like to see standard are

- back up camera (peace of mind when you have kids),
- key less entry, start
- bluetooth
- iPod integration/USB

Don't care at all about things like Hard drives, Pandora, Weather etc.

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

I thought bluetooth is standard on all Acura's?

biker

They could just detune the new mill for the RDX - though you are right that it would be cheaper to stick an old engine in there.

NwTSXmt

Hopefully Acura will keep the NSX below 100K...yeah right....