Acura: Development and Technology News
12-12-2011, 02:37 PM
#3481
They're still lost. Find a strategy and stick with it.
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.
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.
Could be by now, I haven't shopped Acura's since 2004. 
12-12-2011, 02:42 PM
#3483
Senior Moderator
We know the next RL is getting the new power train, but if we don't see the new DI egines in the ILX and RDX, does that mean we have to wait until the next full refresh to see them in these models since Honda rarely changes engines mid cycle?
12-12-2011, 02:44 PM
#3484
Senior Moderator
Never mind, I think Jeff at TOV, just answered my question.
Originally Posted by Jeff @ TOV
We were told that a lot of these engines wouldn't be ready for application immediately, but would be phased in over the next 3 years, and in fact we should expect some mid-cycle updates to various models. They're not necessarily going to time them with the release of new model FMCs. So the ILX will most likely get the R20 at first, especially since Honda didn't announce a 2.0L "earth dreams" engine spec besides the engine in the Plug-in hybrid vehicle.
12-12-2011, 02:50 PM
#3485
All but base TSX have a camera
All but base MDX have iPod/USB (but it can still stream A2DP)
12-12-2011, 02:56 PM
#3487
Senior Moderator
on a "done-right" NSX...
12-12-2011, 03:00 PM
#3488
Engineer
Personally I'll be upset to see the TSX get dropped for a lesser model in the ILX.
The TSX is the best looking of their current lineup. Probably the best bang for your buck as well...
The TSX is the best looking of their current lineup. Probably the best bang for your buck as well...
12-12-2011, 03:02 PM
#3489
Engineer
12-12-2011, 03:29 PM
#3490
....
12-12-2011, 03:52 PM
#3492
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Honestly, they shouldve been aiming mid-level this whole time. Im just disappointed that they want to go for fuel economy instead of performance. Acura used to be more performance minded. Leave the economy BS to Honda and let Acura offer exciting vehicles.
240hp/260tq wouldve been nice in an S2000 based Acura, but they missed the boat on that one.
240hp/260tq wouldve been nice in an S2000 based Acura, but they missed the boat on that one.
12-12-2011, 04:24 PM
#3493
I think you have a valid point that moving to the Civic chassis is a little disappointing because it means mac struts, but it's not as if other cars in this segment don't use them too. I am hopeful that moving production to North America will help the value ratio and if they can offer more content than the current TSX under $30K fully equipped, they could do really well and the 40K sales goals are probably reachable.
12-12-2011, 11:02 PM
#3494
via automobile mag:
Jeff from TOV says the dimensions are a bit off, but mostly faithful. Stays close to stark iron man concept with a cleaner rear, hard top, functional headlights, theres some flying buttresses and shit in there, dimensions are a bit off, its very reminiscent of an r8 person
Jeff from TOV says the dimensions are a bit off, but mostly faithful. Stays close to stark iron man concept with a cleaner rear, hard top, functional headlights, theres some flying buttresses and shit in there, dimensions are a bit off, its very reminiscent of an r8 person
12-13-2011, 08:29 AM
#3498
I spend 2 much time here
12-13-2011, 08:29 PM
#3499
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Fontana, California
Age: 47
Posts: 30,991
Received 582 Likes
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Will you be there?
If you can't make it to the NAIAS this year, don't worry. Acura has launched a program to put you in the front seat during the announcements of the new vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January by allowing you to catch all the announcements from your computer as they stream the announcements live.
To sign up to be informed of when this happens during the auto show, go here:
http://www.acura.com/FutureVehicles.aspx
To sign up to be informed of when this happens during the auto show, go here:
http://www.acura.com/FutureVehicles.aspx
12-13-2011, 09:16 PM
#3500
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
^Signed up. This is the first year in a long while that I won't be able to make it...picked a bad year to not go seeing as there seem to be quite a few interesting new vehicles this year. 
Hopefully Acura will use this as a chance to re-establish their image. Right now, they're kind of seen as a mockery amongst the car media. Which is too bad seeing as their cars are excellent.
Hopefully Acura will use this as a chance to re-establish their image. Right now, they're kind of seen as a mockery amongst the car media. Which is too bad seeing as their cars are excellent.
12-14-2011, 09:23 PM
#3501
12-15-2011, 08:46 AM
#3502
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Fontana, California
Age: 47
Posts: 30,991
Received 582 Likes
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346 Posts
Acura Earns Three IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK Ratings
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Acura Earns Three IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK Ratings</td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="font-size: 16px;">Best selling Acura TSX, TL and MDX receive IIHS accolades</td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="font-size: 13px;">TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 15, 2011– Acura today announced that three of its best selling models received the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) under its more-stringent testing guidelines implemented last year.
The Acura TSX sedan and wagon, TL and MDX earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the more rigorous roof-strength test. According to the IIHS, vehicles rated good for rollover protection have roofs more than twice as strong as the current federal standard requires. The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute's evaluations.
All 2012 Acura models utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE™ is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.
Standard safety equipment on all Acura models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seats with integrated active head restraints, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).
About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV, the MDX luxury SUV and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.
The Acura TSX sedan and wagon, TL and MDX earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the more rigorous roof-strength test. According to the IIHS, vehicles rated good for rollover protection have roofs more than twice as strong as the current federal standard requires. The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute's evaluations.
All 2012 Acura models utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE™ is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.
Standard safety equipment on all Acura models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seats with integrated active head restraints, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).
About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV, the MDX luxury SUV and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.
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12-15-2011, 09:26 AM
#3503
My first Avatar....
I've known a few people who have had bad crashes in their 3G TLs, and the car litterally saved their lives. 
12-15-2011, 09:30 AM
#3504
[QUOTE=pttl;13423729]I've known a few people who have had bad crashes in their 3G TLs, and the car litterally saved their lives.
yeah, I remember! it was 4-5 years ago...
yeah, I remember! it was 4-5 years ago...
12-15-2011, 11:18 AM
#3505
Safety Car
Canada
It would be a stretch to suggest Honda's Acura premium brand is broken, though no 1 would argue it's in a bad way and needs some serious rehabilitation.
Jerry Chenkin, Honda/Acura Canada executive vice-president, is willing to admit as much, as is Honda Motor Co. CEO Takanobu Ito.
"Sales started sliding in 2007 and they have been hard to stabilize," said Chenkin, adding the company had "great expectations" for the redesigned TL midsize car and those expectations were dashed by long-time Acura owners who completely rejected the radically restyled sedan.
Chenkin said Acura will likely sell 16,000 vehicles in Canada this year, but 20,000 is what's needed to keep Acura and its dealers happy and profitable.
Ito was far blunter in his assessment of Acura a few days ago at the Tokyo Motor Show: "We are not satisfied with Acura's current positioning," Ito told Automotive News. "We want to showcase interesting and fun technologies and show excellent environmental performance."
That, in a nutshell, is the plan for Acura and the proof -- such as it is in the car business -- will be in upcoming new models and concepts. There is a long list of them. The most exciting news of all has to do with the NSX concept super car that will be unveiled in January at the Detroit auto show.
The car is stunning -- low-slung, dangerous looking but not over-the-top-edgy and fast. Performance will come from the latest version of Acura's hybrid technology combined with a new take on Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive or SH-AWD in Acura-speak.
Power? A direct-injection V-6 teamed with a lithium ion battery pack. For extra boost, the car will have an electric motor tied to the drivetrain positioned amidships and an electric motor at each rear wheel to deliver AWD and just a little more oomph.
Acura also plans to launch a new compact sedan called the ILX in the spring. It rides on Honda's global Civic platform, though the 2 cars look completely different. The ILX will replace 2 cars in Acura's Canadian lineup: the CSX, which was a barely-gussied-up Civic, and the TSX, a rebadged version of the Honda Accord sold in Europe.
A redesigned RDX small crossover is coming in the spring, too. Unlike the current car, which has a jiggly ride and a jumpy turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the next RDX will have a V-6 and a suspension tuned more for comfort, less for performance. Next fall a new flagship sedan will replace the current RL, likely with a new name.
And then in the spring of 2013 a redesigned TL will be joined by a reinvented MDX large crossover. The smart money is betting that the ZDX large crossover, a stunning sales disaster, will go away very soon, even though it is Chenkin's company car right now.
The painful truth about Acura is that it has evolved into a heavily discounted SUV brand. That is, 58% of Acura sales in Canada are SUVs. The big seller, the $62,690 MDX, is a solid SUV that competes pretty successfully with the BMW X5s of the world -- but only because it drives off dealer lots with the help of an $8,000 cash incentive.
It's the same story for other Acura models. The outgoing RDX ($40,490) has a $4,000 cash incentive on it. The $24,290 CSX, if you find 1 now that the car is no longer in production, has a $2,500 sales sweetener in play. The RL sedan ($64,690)? How about $5,000 in cash incentives, plus whatever you can squeeze out of the dealer. Acura seems to have given up on the ZDX ($64,690) altogether; the only offer is cut-rate financing. And it's the same story for the TL -- no juicy deals are officially in play on another shockingly unsuccessful Acura model.
For now, Acura is counting on the MDX to keep the cash flowing until the new products come to the rescue. Chenkin says Acura must and will reestablish itself as a legitimate luxury brand, though Acura's vision of luxury or of premium vehicles will be different than the big German brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, as well as those from Japan -- Lexus and Infiniti.
Chenkin and other Acura officials, however, deny reports out of the United States that an overhauled Acura will abandon top-tier luxury-car status. They also say that the line between top tier luxury vehicles and mainstream ones is at least blurring and they have a point.
Mercedes, for instance, sells a $30,000-something minivan with hinged doors called the B-Class and has been very successful with it. Audi in Canada has the $34,100 A3 and Lexus sells a $30,950 front-wheel-drive hatchback called the CT 200h.
The Acura types argue that the move downmarket by the heavy hitters in luxury cars -- BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and so on -- puts Acura in position to compete with all the top tier brands on price, features, design and functionality.
Acura's hope is to stir some much-needed emotion in potential buyers with sharp designs and nifty technologies that best take advantage of the driver's abilities. The sales hook will be rational, though -- offer more car for less money than the competition.
The RL replacement is a perfect example. "It will have (BMW) 7-Series cabin space with the agility of a 5-Series," said Chenkin. "Our sedans need to instill passion and emotion."
The new Acura flagship, this mysterious RL successor, will be the priciest Acura in the lineup, too -- until the new NSX comes perhaps a year from now.
The NSX news is the most tangible indication of just how important Honda views the future of Acura. The original NSX was launched in 1991 when Honda and Acura were brimming with creativity and confidence. By the time the car went away in 2004, Honda had surely begun heading down the road to complacency and that spilled into Acura.
Honda CEO Ito seems to understand the difficult spot he and his company find themselves. Ito is the 1 who killed a previous NSX concept after the autumn 2008 Lehman Brothers meltdown and the financial catastrophe that ensued. The idea was to marshal resources and ride out the storm.
That bunker mentality might have allowed Honda to remain viable and profitable in the short term, but it seems also to have made the company overly conservative and incapable or unwilling to recognize how this narrow focus was undermining Honda and Acura products -- and leading the company to underestimate the fierce competition emerging in the form of the Hyundai-Kia alliance of South Korea.
Indeed, as The New York Times reported, Ito and other Honda executives at the Tokyo Motor Show conceded that they took their eyes off the competition and the customer.
"We now understand that customers expect a lot from Honda. Customers want more innovation," Yoshiharu Yamamoto, president of Honda R&D Co., the automaker's development arm, said. "That's something we've learned this time."
Chenkin added that Honda has the will and the resources to reinvent its products and how they supported by dealers and the factory. For Acura, that means nothing less than an entirely new lineup and a thoroughly new approach to customer service.
Word has it that all this Acura news had some dealers literally weeping for joy as they viewed the prototypes of the new vehicles -- especially the mid-engine NSX. That's a switch for Acura dealers and their customers who for year have been crying the blues.
12-15-2011, 10:34 PM
#3506
It would be a stretch to suggest Honda's Acura premium brand is broken, though no 1 would argue it's in a bad way and needs some serious rehabilitation.
12-16-2011, 12:56 AM
#3507
You cannot compare domestic brand like Acura with import brand Audi/Infiniti.
You have to consider A3/G25 have very little contribution to Audi/Infiniti sales. and that G series is pretty old dog.
By selling over 1000 V8 SUVs a month Infiniti can afford to offer V8 sedan.
Infinit JX is pretty impressive SUV in technology.(3D navigaiton, safety connect, around view monitor, memory key even forn navigation, climate)
First time Infiniti has done it right the mid size SUV.
Nissan is already pretty close to Honda sales without new Sentra.Once Infiniti start offering more sedans/SUVs. they can pass Acura
You have to consider A3/G25 have very little contribution to Audi/Infiniti sales. and that G series is pretty old dog.
By selling over 1000 V8 SUVs a month Infiniti can afford to offer V8 sedan.
Infinit JX is pretty impressive SUV in technology.(3D navigaiton, safety connect, around view monitor, memory key even forn navigation, climate)
First time Infiniti has done it right the mid size SUV.
Nissan is already pretty close to Honda sales without new Sentra.Once Infiniti start offering more sedans/SUVs. they can pass Acura
12-16-2011, 08:42 AM
#3509
Moderator
You cannot compare domestic brand like Acura with import brand Audi/Infiniti.
You have to consider A3/G25 have very little contribution to Audi/Infiniti sales. and that G series is pretty old dog.
By selling over 1000 V8 SUVs a month Infiniti can afford to offer V8 sedan.
Infinit JX is pretty impressive SUV in technology.(3D navigaiton, safety connect, around view monitor, memory key even forn navigation, climate)
First time Infiniti has done it right the mid size SUV.
Nissan is already pretty close to Honda sales without new Sentra.Once Infiniti start offering more sedans/SUVs. they can pass Acura
You have to consider A3/G25 have very little contribution to Audi/Infiniti sales. and that G series is pretty old dog.
By selling over 1000 V8 SUVs a month Infiniti can afford to offer V8 sedan.
Infinit JX is pretty impressive SUV in technology.(3D navigaiton, safety connect, around view monitor, memory key even forn navigation, climate)
First time Infiniti has done it right the mid size SUV.
Nissan is already pretty close to Honda sales without new Sentra.Once Infiniti start offering more sedans/SUVs. they can pass Acura
Acura = Domestic Infiniti = Import WHAT!!!!!????
12-16-2011, 10:43 AM
#3510
The sizzle in the Steak
12-17-2011, 02:46 AM
#3512
6G TLX-S
But when you start looking at the total revenue figures (i.e., # of sales x vehicle selling price), it sure won't be pretty for Acura with a lineup consists of comparatively much-lower-priced vehicles.
12-17-2011, 11:48 AM
#3513
This picture tell every thing from rest of the world why Nissan/Infintie can afford to built several thousand V8 engines per month from Japan but not Honda. Honda/Acura simply dont have product that can sell in numbers to justify V8.
Similarly is Nissan Maxima for rest of the world/US. Nissan is now best brand among Toyota/Honda in selling V6 sedan under Nissan badge.
Honda is targeting 4 cylinder market. and that stupid thinking is coming into Acura in producing more low end products aka ILX. They are simply lucky that Nissan hasnt invested so much into Altima/Sentra/Versa.
Similarly is Nissan Maxima for rest of the world/US. Nissan is now best brand among Toyota/Honda in selling V6 sedan under Nissan badge.
Honda is targeting 4 cylinder market. and that stupid thinking is coming into Acura in producing more low end products aka ILX. They are simply lucky that Nissan hasnt invested so much into Altima/Sentra/Versa.
12-20-2011, 12:32 PM
#3514
Team Owner
I am confused..
I understand what he is saying but i don't understand at the same time...
you traded in your TSX for a Nissan/Infiniti recently??
I understand what he is saying but i don't understand at the same time...
you traded in your TSX for a Nissan/Infiniti recently??
12-20-2011, 01:07 PM
#3515
The sizzle in the Steak
WOW! Nissan/Infiniti make some horribly ugly vehicles. Those pics are 
12-20-2011, 07:55 PM
#3516
Race Director
12-20-2011, 10:18 PM
#3517
12-20-2011, 10:44 PM
#3518
see: plenum
12-20-2011, 10:55 PM
#3519
Those gaints SUV help Nissan to remain to remain in game of V8 and large size diesel vehicles. and is extremely profitable. Nissan is bright star of Japanese automotive industry.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...660647298.html
Nissan Gears Up to Outrun Honda
Nissan Gears Up to Outrun Honda
12-21-2011, 06:45 AM
#3520
i hate you all, i clicked 'view post' from him just to see what all the hoopla was about. 