Acura: ILX News
05-24-2012, 12:16 PM
#801
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Even with the $50k budget, there's still the almighty Hyundai Genesis. It has RWD and V8, so it's a true tier 1 luxury car!
Joke aside, I think the 8g Civic Si was a worthy replacement for the RSX-S.
Yea, that's how I see it for the ILX too. For the price of the ILX, you can get a very well equipped Focus Titanium or Elantra Limited. You can also get a mid-size sedan like the Camry, Altima, Accord, etc. But there are some people who just don't want to drive a regular Focus, Accord, or Camry. They might prefer something a little different. One thing for sure is that for the money, you will get something that is rarer. Don't kid ourselves, Acura is no BMW, MB, or Lexus. However, I still think it's still above Honda, Hyundai, or Ford.
I did see this as their strategy, but that's sorta the problem. The market came to them, but they decided they didn't want that. I can understand that Acura wanted differentiation from Honda, but the disdain they've had for that segment of the population that actually wants them still befuddles me.
I don't think the ILX will do that bad though. It'll probably find a niche amongst older DINKS or retirees that want reliable (or illusion thereof), more upscale than other cars at that price point, and relatively cheap. They won't need a ton of space. It'll find its niche.
Not sure it'll be the demo that they are aiming at though....
I don't think the ILX will do that bad though. It'll probably find a niche amongst older DINKS or retirees that want reliable (or illusion thereof), more upscale than other cars at that price point, and relatively cheap. They won't need a ton of space. It'll find its niche.
Not sure it'll be the demo that they are aiming at though....
Yea, that's how I see it for the ILX too. For the price of the ILX, you can get a very well equipped Focus Titanium or Elantra Limited. You can also get a mid-size sedan like the Camry, Altima, Accord, etc. But there are some people who just don't want to drive a regular Focus, Accord, or Camry. They might prefer something a little different. One thing for sure is that for the money, you will get something that is rarer. Don't kid ourselves, Acura is no BMW, MB, or Lexus. However, I still think it's still above Honda, Hyundai, or Ford.
05-24-2012, 12:23 PM
#802
Moderator
Joke aside, I think the 8g Civic Si was a worthy replacement for the RSX-S.
Yea, that's how I see it for the ILX too. For the price of the ILX, you can get a very well equipped Focus Titanium or Elantra Limited. You can also get a mid-size sedan like the Camry, Altima, Accord, etc. But there are some people who just don't want to drive a regular Focus, Accord, or Camry. They might prefer something a little different. One thing for sure is that for the money, you will get something that is rarer. Don't kid ourselves, Acura is no BMW, MB, or Lexus. However, I still think it's still above Honda, Hyundai, or Ford.
Yea, that's how I see it for the ILX too. For the price of the ILX, you can get a very well equipped Focus Titanium or Elantra Limited. You can also get a mid-size sedan like the Camry, Altima, Accord, etc. But there are some people who just don't want to drive a regular Focus, Accord, or Camry. They might prefer something a little different. One thing for sure is that for the money, you will get something that is rarer. Don't kid ourselves, Acura is no BMW, MB, or Lexus. However, I still think it's still above Honda, Hyundai, or Ford.
05-24-2012, 12:33 PM
#803
Race Director
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05-24-2012, 12:38 PM
#804
Moderator
05-24-2012, 03:23 PM
#806
Honda Fanboy
05-24-2012, 04:59 PM
#807
You'll Never Walk Alone
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No way man Genesis is the best. 300C is only the old Mercedes E class which was a POS that can't be compared with the mighty Genesis. Forget the TL, it got no V8 and RWD. All it could to is keep up with a 330hp supercharged S6. It's just another FAIL by Honda.
05-24-2012, 05:29 PM
#808
Even today, 4G TL owners are mocked for having poor taste, while members here on AZ of all things buy a Genesis and their threads blow up with excitement 
The Genesis has a badge problem and a slight design problem (similarity to other makes) while the TL just has a design problem - it's ugly. The ILX also bears resemblance to a Civic, apparently. Not my belief mind you, just my observations of others.
Everyone can acknowledge the testicular fortitude of a once lowly Hyundai to make a V8 and 8AT in-house and attempt to move upmarket to compete with the heavy hitters. Nobody is impressed by Acura's attempt to move downmarket - this thread is telling enough. Frankly I'm not impressed by Audi, BMW or MB's moves in that direction either. Sure, that results in more choice and more competition, but
.
The Genesis has a badge problem and a slight design problem (similarity to other makes) while the TL just has a design problem - it's ugly. The ILX also bears resemblance to a Civic, apparently. Not my belief mind you, just my observations of others.
Everyone can acknowledge the testicular fortitude of a once lowly Hyundai to make a V8 and 8AT in-house and attempt to move upmarket to compete with the heavy hitters. Nobody is impressed by Acura's attempt to move downmarket - this thread is telling enough. Frankly I'm not impressed by Audi, BMW or MB's moves in that direction either. Sure, that results in more choice and more competition, but
.
05-24-2012, 05:35 PM
#809
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Even today, 4G TL owners are mocked for having poor taste, while members here on AZ of all things buy a Genesis and their threads blow up with excitement
The Genesis has a badge problem and a slight design problem (similarity to other makes) while the TL just has a design problem - it's ugly. The ILX also bears resemblance to a Civic, apparently. Not my belief mind you, just my observations of others.
Everyone can acknowledge the testicular fortitude of a once lowly Hyundai to make a V8 and 8AT in-house and attempt to move upmarket to compete with the heavy hitters. Nobody is impressed by Acura's attempt to move downmarket - this thread is telling enough. Frankly I'm not impressed by Audi, BMW or MB's moves in that direction either. Sure, that results in more choice and more competition, but.
The Genesis has a badge problem and a slight design problem (similarity to other makes) while the TL just has a design problem - it's ugly. The ILX also bears resemblance to a Civic, apparently. Not my belief mind you, just my observations of others.
Everyone can acknowledge the testicular fortitude of a once lowly Hyundai to make a V8 and 8AT in-house and attempt to move upmarket to compete with the heavy hitters. Nobody is impressed by Acura's attempt to move downmarket - this thread is telling enough. Frankly I'm not impressed by Audi, BMW or MB's moves in that direction either. Sure, that results in more choice and more competition, but
.
05-24-2012, 06:20 PM
#810
Moderator
05-24-2012, 06:42 PM
#811
The sizzle in the Steak
It's not sure what it is or what is should be.
The buying public is puzzled as well.
Creating "luxed" up Hondas in not the solution to Acura's problems.
In fact it's making their troubles worse.
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05-24-2012, 09:52 PM
#812
6G TLX-S
Come on, get real.
Let's say if a V8 RWD sedan is available from Acura, do you really think it will sell well if priced like the Audi's, BMW's, Lexus', and MB's V8 RWD premium sedans ?
Please remember that Acura is not a recognized true luxury brand, and thus it's vehicles cannot be priced as such, or otherwise go the same suicidal way as the current RL model.
Currently, the mid-sized TL is priced as the compact-sized A4, 3-class, IS, and C-class. The $50K V8 RWD sedan, if available, has to be a bargain initially in order to be recognized and to gain fame.
High power sedans are what Acura should introduce, not another sedan even lower and cheaper than the TSX.
Let's say if a V8 RWD sedan is available from Acura, do you really think it will sell well if priced like the Audi's, BMW's, Lexus', and MB's V8 RWD premium sedans ?
Please remember that Acura is not a recognized true luxury brand, and thus it's vehicles cannot be priced as such, or otherwise go the same suicidal way as the current RL model.
Currently, the mid-sized TL is priced as the compact-sized A4, 3-class, IS, and C-class. The $50K V8 RWD sedan, if available, has to be a bargain initially in order to be recognized and to gain fame.
High power sedans are what Acura should introduce, not another sedan even lower and cheaper than the TSX.
05-25-2012, 07:59 AM
#813
Come on, get real.
Let's say if a V8 RWD sedan is available from Acura, do you really think it will sell well if priced like the Audi's, BMW's, Lexus', and MB's V8 RWD premium sedans ?
Please remember that Acura is not a recognized true luxury brand, and thus it's vehicles cannot be priced as such, or otherwise go the same suicidal way as the current RL model.
Currently, the mid-sized TL is priced as the compact-sized A4, 3-class, IS, and C-class. The $50K V8 RWD sedan, if available, has to be a bargain initially in order to be recognized and to gain fame.
High power sedans are what Acura should introduce, not another sedan even lower and cheaper than the TSX.
Let's say if a V8 RWD sedan is available from Acura, do you really think it will sell well if priced like the Audi's, BMW's, Lexus', and MB's V8 RWD premium sedans ?
Please remember that Acura is not a recognized true luxury brand, and thus it's vehicles cannot be priced as such, or otherwise go the same suicidal way as the current RL model.
Currently, the mid-sized TL is priced as the compact-sized A4, 3-class, IS, and C-class. The $50K V8 RWD sedan, if available, has to be a bargain initially in order to be recognized and to gain fame.
High power sedans are what Acura should introduce, not another sedan even lower and cheaper than the TSX.
Did you even bother to read the whole of page #20, lol?
05-25-2012, 12:02 PM
#814
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Come on, get real.
Let's say if a V8 RWD sedan is available from Acura, do you really think it will sell well if priced like the Audi's, BMW's, Lexus', and MB's V8 RWD premium sedans ?
Please remember that Acura is not a recognized true luxury brand, and thus it's vehicles cannot be priced as such, or otherwise go the same suicidal way as the current RL model.
Currently, the mid-sized TL is priced as the compact-sized A4, 3-class, IS, and C-class. The $50K V8 RWD sedan, if available, has to be a bargain initially in order to be recognized and to gain fame.
High power sedans are what Acura should introduce, not another sedan even lower and cheaper than the TSX.
Let's say if a V8 RWD sedan is available from Acura, do you really think it will sell well if priced like the Audi's, BMW's, Lexus', and MB's V8 RWD premium sedans ?
Please remember that Acura is not a recognized true luxury brand, and thus it's vehicles cannot be priced as such, or otherwise go the same suicidal way as the current RL model.
Currently, the mid-sized TL is priced as the compact-sized A4, 3-class, IS, and C-class. The $50K V8 RWD sedan, if available, has to be a bargain initially in order to be recognized and to gain fame.
High power sedans are what Acura should introduce, not another sedan even lower and cheaper than the TSX.
05-25-2012, 12:28 PM
#815
אני עומד עם ישראל
A 50K RWD Acura sedan, I'm listening. It would at least spark some interest back into this boring brand.
05-25-2012, 06:25 PM
#817
Moderator
05-25-2012, 06:32 PM
#818
Honda Fanboy
Come on, get real.
Let's say if a V8 RWD sedan is available from Acura, do you really think it will sell well if priced like the Audi's, BMW's, Lexus', and MB's V8 RWD premium sedans ?
Please remember that Acura is not a recognized true luxury brand, and thus it's vehicles cannot be priced as such, or otherwise go the same suicidal way as the current RL model.
Currently, the mid-sized TL is priced as the compact-sized A4, 3-class, IS, and C-class. The $50K V8 RWD sedan, if available, has to be a bargain initially in order to be recognized and to gain fame.
High power sedans are what Acura should introduce, not another sedan even lower and cheaper than the TSX.
Let's say if a V8 RWD sedan is available from Acura, do you really think it will sell well if priced like the Audi's, BMW's, Lexus', and MB's V8 RWD premium sedans ?
Please remember that Acura is not a recognized true luxury brand, and thus it's vehicles cannot be priced as such, or otherwise go the same suicidal way as the current RL model.
Currently, the mid-sized TL is priced as the compact-sized A4, 3-class, IS, and C-class. The $50K V8 RWD sedan, if available, has to be a bargain initially in order to be recognized and to gain fame.
High power sedans are what Acura should introduce, not another sedan even lower and cheaper than the TSX.
Acura isn't going to build a car only to lose money on it at this stage in the game, and if you're expecting a $50k RWD V8 sedan from Acura, it will be a money loser unless they make everything from tires to the steering wheel optional. The whole notion of RWD and V8 being a necessity for a luxury brand is honestly, silly to continue to mention. Look at Infiniti's continued depressed sales and Audi's rapid rise as a perfect example.
I'm curious, how did you end up buying a 4G TL when it has an engine that you lambasted for being worst in class, and a RWD 5.0 R Spec Genesis could be had for a mere $2,500 more?
05-26-2012, 08:56 PM
#820
6G TLX-S
I would have continue to wait for a better RL (after the announced V8 RWD RL was axed), but the crappy tranny on my 2G was about to fail back then. So I had to settle for the best Acura available at the time, which was the 4G TL-Elite.
The reason why I "lambasted" is because I want Acura to release better and more powerful engines, I want the Acura brand to flourish, and I want Acura to become class leaders.
Three words : "I love Acura". I want Acura to build better and high-desirable products.
It's like father/son or teacher/student relationship, with me being the father or teacher, and Acura being the son or student.
I'll never give up on Acura. I'll continue to buy Acura products. But I'll also continue to feedback to Acura which areas it need to improve on (V6 engine output is at the topmost on my list), in order to fight it's way going upscale.
The NSX replacement was originally canceled by Honda ex-president Takeo Fukui. But after Takanobu Ito becomes new president, he turns all Fukui's plans upside down. Ito even brings back out the NSX program for possible production.
So who knows. Maybe the next Honda president will start back up whatever programs Ito has canceled. The V8 and RWD programs may, some time in the future, come back alive for a top-end Acura sedan too.
I have the patience, and I'll continue to feedback to Acura what's not up to par and what's lagging behind.
By the way, you've been here for long, but you never disclose what you drive. Any reason why ?
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05-26-2012, 10:17 PM
#821
The reason why I "lambasted" is because I want Acura to release better and more powerful engines, I want the Acura brand to flourish, and I want Acura to become class leaders.
Three words : "I love Acura". I want Acura to build better and high-desirable products.
I'll never give up on Acura. I'll continue to buy Acura products. But I'll also continue to feedback to Acura which areas it need to improve on (V6 engine output is at the topmost on my list), in order to fight it's way going upscale.
The NSX replacement was originally canceled by Honda ex-president Takeo Fukui. But after Takanobu Ito becomes new president, he turns all Fukui's plans upside down. Ito even brings back out the NSX program for possible production.
I have the patience, and I'll continue to feedback to Acura what's not up to par and what's lagging behind.
Three words : "I love Acura". I want Acura to build better and high-desirable products.
I'll never give up on Acura. I'll continue to buy Acura products. But I'll also continue to feedback to Acura which areas it need to improve on (V6 engine output is at the topmost on my list), in order to fight it's way going upscale.
The NSX replacement was originally canceled by Honda ex-president Takeo Fukui. But after Takanobu Ito becomes new president, he turns all Fukui's plans upside down. Ito even brings back out the NSX program for possible production.
I have the patience, and I'll continue to feedback to Acura what's not up to par and what's lagging behind.
this is the difference between this site and TOV with posters like VTEC Racer and that Invisible character who banned himself because he didn't have the willpower to control his emotions. We are fans, but we're not blindly loyal fans.
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Costco (05-27-2012)
05-27-2012, 09:14 PM
#822
Honda Fanboy
I told you before I'm a diehard Honda/Acura fan. There has to be at least one Honda/Acura in my house.
I would have continue to wait for a better RL (after the announced V8 RWD RL was axed), but the crappy tranny on my 2G was about to fail back then. So I had to settle for the best Acura available at the time, which was the 4G TL-Elite.
The reason why I "lambasted" is because I want Acura to release better and more powerful engines, I want the Acura brand to flourish, and I want Acura to become class leaders.
Three words : "I love Acura". I want Acura to build better and high-desirable products.
It's like father/son or teacher/student relationship, with me being the father or teacher, and Acura being the son or student.
I'll never give up on Acura. I'll continue to buy Acura products. But I'll also continue to feedback to Acura which areas it need to improve on (V6 engine output is at the topmost on my list), in order to fight it's way going upscale.
The NSX replacement was originally canceled by Honda ex-president Takeo Fukui. But after Takanobu Ito becomes new president, he turns all Fukui's plans upside down. Ito even brings back out the NSX program for possible production.
So who knows. Maybe the next Honda president will start back up whatever programs Ito has canceled. The V8 and RWD programs may, some time in the future, come back alive for a top-end Acura sedan too.
I have the patience, and I'll continue to feedback to Acura what's not up to par and what's lagging behind.
By the way, you've been here for long, but you never disclose what you drive. Any reason why ?
I would have continue to wait for a better RL (after the announced V8 RWD RL was axed), but the crappy tranny on my 2G was about to fail back then. So I had to settle for the best Acura available at the time, which was the 4G TL-Elite.
The reason why I "lambasted" is because I want Acura to release better and more powerful engines, I want the Acura brand to flourish, and I want Acura to become class leaders.
Three words : "I love Acura". I want Acura to build better and high-desirable products.
It's like father/son or teacher/student relationship, with me being the father or teacher, and Acura being the son or student.
I'll never give up on Acura. I'll continue to buy Acura products. But I'll also continue to feedback to Acura which areas it need to improve on (V6 engine output is at the topmost on my list), in order to fight it's way going upscale.
The NSX replacement was originally canceled by Honda ex-president Takeo Fukui. But after Takanobu Ito becomes new president, he turns all Fukui's plans upside down. Ito even brings back out the NSX program for possible production.
So who knows. Maybe the next Honda president will start back up whatever programs Ito has canceled. The V8 and RWD programs may, some time in the future, come back alive for a top-end Acura sedan too.
I have the patience, and I'll continue to feedback to Acura what's not up to par and what's lagging behind.
By the way, you've been here for long, but you never disclose what you drive. Any reason why ?
I can see where your complaints about the J series come from when in comparison to the rough, inefficient, and loud VQ, but when the max power output of the J series is within a few horsepower among 90% of the other cars in it's class, it just seems like you're spitting in the wind. Honestly, aside for the 2nd gen TL-S, and only for a limited time, when was Acura EVER the leader in the HP wars? It's confusing as hell when people want the brand to be something it has never been.
I don't disclose my cars because 1.) most people here probably wouldn't believe me 2.) what's the point? It would probably make people here more confused than anything. I'll tell you what though, the last Honda I owned was back in 2005 and it was an S2000.
05-27-2012, 09:17 PM
#823
Honda Fanboy
05-27-2012, 09:25 PM
#824
My guess? VTEC Racer actually drives a Sonata for his commute and has an LS460 in the garage.
That's why nobody will believe him.
That's why nobody will believe him.
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05-27-2012, 09:39 PM
#825
Honda Fanboy
You've got the right idea.
05-28-2012, 09:08 AM
#826
05-28-2012, 11:21 AM
#827
You'll Never Walk Alone
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I can see where Edward is coming from.....kinda reminds me of my dad when I was still in school...where getting 90% is not good enough....and I'd still get grounded for not getting 100%.
Edward, what color is your TL? I wonder if I've seen your car on the road before.
Edward, what color is your TL? I wonder if I've seen your car on the road before.
05-28-2012, 11:28 AM
#828
Senior Moderator
It's nice that you are such a Honda fan but at the same time it's confusing. You're such a huge fan but you continually criticize the brand for not offering things that go completely against the Honda philosophy. I just don't understand which prior Honda product(s) has created such a "large demand" for V8 and RWD from the brand. How does one go from worshiping FWD Honda's with mostly 4 cylinders (which is what most of the people here drove when they first got their taste of the brand) to all of a sudden demanding V8's and RWD from a car company that has never had such a combination?
I can see where your complaints about the J series come from when in comparison to the rough, inefficient, and loud VQ, but when the max power output of the J series is within a few horsepower among 90% of the other cars in it's class, it just seems like you're spitting in the wind. Honestly, aside for the 2nd gen TL-S, and only for a limited time, when was Acura EVER the leader in the HP wars? It's confusing as hell when people want the brand to be something it has never been.
I can see where your complaints about the J series come from when in comparison to the rough, inefficient, and loud VQ, but when the max power output of the J series is within a few horsepower among 90% of the other cars in it's class, it just seems like you're spitting in the wind. Honestly, aside for the 2nd gen TL-S, and only for a limited time, when was Acura EVER the leader in the HP wars? It's confusing as hell when people want the brand to be something it has never been.
And granted Honda will shortly be addressing most of the other complaints with ED, RL NSX etc.... But it took awhile didn't it. And there are still a bunch of holes in the lineup and vehicles that nobody asked for so I still see a bunch of problems with the brands.
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05-28-2012, 11:56 AM
#829
For better or worse, one of the things about honda that people love is that the total package is above the sum of its parts... Honda has never been about the gimmickry of winning the 'spec battles'
You drive a honda and you realize its well put together, smartly engineered, efficient, and achieves its purpose extrodinarily well. I'm not an engineer, but I've always understood it to be a passion of finding the simplest best solutions to difficult questions.
I think people have conflicting expectations of what they want a car to be. There are tradeoffs to power vs economy, handling vs comfort.
FWD delivers 90% of power to the wheels, RWD/AWD is 80% or less... Better power from a dig vs better efficiency...once again, tradeoffs...
Its all about what attributes you want the car to have. Winning a spec battle doesn't mean its a better car. For example: Peak HP in an automatic car is less useful than in a manual you can ride out. For the VAST majority of people that drive as life requires them between 0-80 mph, i think arguing over tenths of seconds in 1/4 mile times for 3700+ lbs sedans laughable... They trade ride comfort for the rare occasion to punch it too fast through a steep curve. To each their own.
You drive a honda and you realize its well put together, smartly engineered, efficient, and achieves its purpose extrodinarily well. I'm not an engineer, but I've always understood it to be a passion of finding the simplest best solutions to difficult questions.
I think people have conflicting expectations of what they want a car to be. There are tradeoffs to power vs economy, handling vs comfort.
FWD delivers 90% of power to the wheels, RWD/AWD is 80% or less... Better power from a dig vs better efficiency...once again, tradeoffs...
Its all about what attributes you want the car to have. Winning a spec battle doesn't mean its a better car. For example: Peak HP in an automatic car is less useful than in a manual you can ride out. For the VAST majority of people that drive as life requires them between 0-80 mph, i think arguing over tenths of seconds in 1/4 mile times for 3700+ lbs sedans laughable... They trade ride comfort for the rare occasion to punch it too fast through a steep curve. To each their own.
05-28-2012, 02:55 PM
#830
I have mentioned before. Honda cannot afford V8 sedan unless it make full size global V8 SUV like Nissan Patrol/Toyota Landcruiser so several thousand V8 can be assembled per month.
Just Infiniti QX56 V8 sales are avging 1000 per month. so it can afford V8 in M56.
Just look at wheel travel for 6000lbs SUV. Alot of investment and experiance behind such capability.
Just Infiniti QX56 V8 sales are avging 1000 per month. so it can afford V8 in M56.
Just look at wheel travel for 6000lbs SUV. Alot of investment and experiance behind such capability.
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MTEAZY (05-31-2012)
05-31-2012, 02:33 PM
#832
05-31-2012, 04:04 PM
#834
The sizzle in the Steak
The Split Screen Commercial......so basically it means that one side of you thinks the car is an Acura "near-lux" vehicle while the other side of you thinks it's just a Honda Civic?
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civicdrivr (05-31-2012)
06-03-2012, 03:02 AM
#836
6G TLX-S
It's nice that you are such a Honda fan but at the same time it's confusing. You're such a huge fan but you continually criticize the brand for not offering things that go completely against the Honda philosophy. I just don't understand which prior Honda product(s) has created such a "large demand" for V8 and RWD from the brand. How does one go from worshiping FWD Honda's with mostly 4 cylinders (which is what most of the people here drove when they first got their taste of the brand) to all of a sudden demanding V8's and RWD from a car company that has never had such a combination?
I can see where your complaints about the J series come from when in comparison to the rough, inefficient, and loud VQ, but when the max power output of the J series is within a few horsepower among 90% of the other cars in it's class, it just seems like you're spitting in the wind. Honestly, aside for the 2nd gen TL-S, and only for a limited time, when was Acura EVER the leader in the HP wars? It's confusing as hell when people want the brand to be something it has never been.
.....
I can see where your complaints about the J series come from when in comparison to the rough, inefficient, and loud VQ, but when the max power output of the J series is within a few horsepower among 90% of the other cars in it's class, it just seems like you're spitting in the wind. Honestly, aside for the 2nd gen TL-S, and only for a limited time, when was Acura EVER the leader in the HP wars? It's confusing as hell when people want the brand to be something it has never been.
.....
V8 and RWD may be against the Honda (economy brand) philosophy, but they are in no way against the Acura (premium brand) philosophy. These are crucial elements that set apart economy brands and successful premium brands, namely Toyota/Lexus, VW/Audi, etc.
A couple years back when Takeo Fukui was still president of Honda, he started both the V8 and the RWD programs to be used on future Acura vehicles (and not Honda vehicles). So which Acura philosophy is against the use of V8 and RWD ? It was the global meltdown and not the Acura philosophy that eventually killed the V8 and the RWD programs.
Please remember that when the Acura brand was launched 25 years ago, Honda Motor Co. wanted Acura to challenge the European luxury brands. I just don't see why Acura can't have V8 and RWD to challenge, when all European luxury brands already have them for long.
It's true that I started off as a 4-cylinder FWD worshiper. I grow up, and I aim higher. I make more money, I want better Acura products. Now I want V8 and RWD. What's the problem ? Acura said it would offer V8/RWD sedans, did it not ?
The Acura 2G TL-S was once hp leader of it's class, and so had been the Acura Integra-Type-R and RSX-Type-S. But even if never been the hp leader doesn't mean Acura should never be one. One thing for sure, Acura had been one, it had been there before, and it sure can do it again.
It isn't confusing as hell when people want the brand to be something it has never been. Auto technologies never stop improving. Auto technologies never stop advancing.
Only if customers demand the Acura brand to be something it has never been, and to offer something it has never made before; will the Acura brand be successful, be desirable, be famous, and become better and more upscale.
However, it is people like you who resist changes (for the good), who want the brand as is, and who don't desire some class leader products (e.g., hp output); that seal the fate of the Acura brand to what it is now, which is stagnant and is stuck in the same class recognition as 25 years ago when the brand was initially launched.
Acura needs changes. Acura needs breakthroughs.
Currently the Acura brand has no upgrade path for customers who want to upgrade to a more premium sedan ($50+K) above the TL level. The RL just doesn't cut it for Acura, without the V8 engine option that all other $50+K luxury European sedans have.
The 4G TL is a very good sport sedan. All it needs is another 30 or so more hp. Then it would have been perfect. The V6 output is Acura's weakest department, when compared to the industry's best V6's. What's the problem asking Acura to build more powerful V6 engines ? What's the problem wanting Acura to become a better Acura brand ? What's the problem telling Acura the areas it need to improve on ?
Umm, I just don't see why I have to explain and justify my auto purchase and my views to someone who keeps challenging my purchase decision and who refuses to even disclose his cars, let alone to justify his purchases.
The following 5 users liked this post by Edward'TLS:
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06-03-2012, 04:26 AM
#837
'07 TL Type-S
Might be kinda harsh....
It's a pretty good looking car. Better than the TL. But it sorta looks like a cross between a Corolla and a Civic. The look just looks uninspired and I feel like it would just blend with other cars. Not for me. It just seems like it's in an odd place in between luxury..... and not luxury. But that's the market they're going after. I think it will pull decent sales but will most likely go downhill after a while. I know there is a market for the ILX, but I just don't know if people will choose it over it's competitors. I'm not buying the whole entry level luxury spin they are trying to put on it either. I feel like the people who will like this car will also like cars like the Cruze/Civic/Corolla, and I don't see much that would make a person choose this over one of those. Not to mention an entry level Acura is a Honda... lol.
Like I said, it may appeal to people at first, but I imagine it will slowly fade away in terms of sales and appeal.
It's a pretty good looking car. Better than the TL. But it sorta looks like a cross between a Corolla and a Civic. The look just looks uninspired and I feel like it would just blend with other cars. Not for me. It just seems like it's in an odd place in between luxury..... and not luxury. But that's the market they're going after. I think it will pull decent sales but will most likely go downhill after a while. I know there is a market for the ILX, but I just don't know if people will choose it over it's competitors. I'm not buying the whole entry level luxury spin they are trying to put on it either. I feel like the people who will like this car will also like cars like the Cruze/Civic/Corolla, and I don't see much that would make a person choose this over one of those. Not to mention an entry level Acura is a Honda... lol.
Like I said, it may appeal to people at first, but I imagine it will slowly fade away in terms of sales and appeal.
Last edited by Healingduck; 06-03-2012 at 04:33 AM.
06-03-2012, 12:16 PM
#838
6G TLX-S
My TL is silver, with factory body kit. I roam around in Richmond mostly.
I have mentioned before. Honda cannot afford V8 sedan unless it make full size global V8 SUV like Nissan Patrol/Toyota Landcruiser so several thousand V8 can be assembled per month.
Just Infiniti QX56 V8 sales are avging 1000 per month. so it can afford V8 in M56.
Just look at wheel travel for 6000lbs SUV. Alot of investment and experiance behind such capability.
Just Infiniti QX56 V8 sales are avging 1000 per month. so it can afford V8 in M56.
Just look at wheel travel for 6000lbs SUV. Alot of investment and experiance behind such capability.
The V8 will be a money burner initially. It's purpose is not to make money. It's purpose is to add the much needed upscale and hi-performance images to the Acura brand and it's vehicles. It is to be used as an excellent marketing tool to boost the Acura brand image. It is to allow the $50K RL sedan to stay competitive in the auto industry.
Nothing comes free. Marketing a product requires money, and more so for marketing an entire product brand.
After the Acura brand is finally established as a recognized luxury brand, then it can successfully sell cars priced at $50K and beyond, thereby making even more money than ever and even recoup all the V8 development cost too.
06-03-2012, 01:39 PM
#839
Moderator
Indeed, one need only look at BMW with respect to the 528. $50k+ for a turbo charged 4-cyl now. Why? Because it's a "5-series" and the range pulls up the collective prestige.
06-03-2012, 01:44 PM
#840
Race Director
All of this clamor for a V8 is about 5+ years too late. Let's admit it, the tree huggers have won and virtually no maker will be developing a new V8 for a sedan/coupe, The RWD is no longer needed either since Audi doesn't have it and sells just fine around the world.
Acura's recent problem is not drivetrains or platforms - it's styling and a sense of direction.
Acura's recent problem is not drivetrains or platforms - it's styling and a sense of direction.