Acura: ILX News
#961
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#962
I saw an ILX 2 months ago on the road. Acura dropped the ball again.
One hopes the people who did the new Accord get to work on the Acura lineup soon.
One hopes the people who did the new Accord get to work on the Acura lineup soon.
#963
Rocky ILX launch has Acura execs plotting quick changes
Rocky ILX launch has Acura execs plotting quick changes
'Underpowered' 2.0-liter engine on the way out
Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/2012...#ixzz2EjZ673iW
'Underpowered' 2.0-liter engine on the way out
Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/2012...#ixzz2EjZ673iW
LOS ANGELES -- Acura sales are climbing again after last year's earthquake-caused inventory crisis, but the launch of the ILX compact sedan has been a disappointment for Honda's premium brand.
Now Acura is planning a powertrain change for the ILX and will highlight technical features on the RLX flagship sedan due next spring as part of a strategy to return brand sales to the 200,000 level.
The ILX "is not hitting its sales expectations," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president.
The ILX is based on the Honda Civic platform. And although some Audis borrow from Volkswagen and some Lexus models take from Toyota, the ILX's roots may be a bit too evident against the BMW 1 series and Lexus CT 200h.
The car was meant eventually to replace the aging, slightly larger TSX. But November was only the second time since the May introduction of the less-expensive ILX that it outsold the TSX, which is still going strong.
The ILX is being outsold by the Buick Verano, Volkswagen CC and Audi A4, though it has an edge on the CT 200h and the outgoing Audi A3.
Last month Acura sold 2,108 ILXs, compared with sales of 3,574 Veranos, 3,343 A4s and 2,197 CCs.
The main problem: The base and midgrade ILX have a 2.0-liter engine that is "underpowered, and consumers don't see the value," Mendel said.
What's more, the upmarket 2.4-liter engine only comes with a manual transmission. Though it's pitched as a performance feature, few Acura buyers actually want to row the gears.
"The car was planned for a 2.4 automatic, and we're working to fulfill that," Mendel said, though he could not say when.
"We're looking to sell about 30,000 units a year, and we're probably closer to 22 or 24 right now," Mendel said, speaking of the annual sales rate. "We're hitting two-thirds of our expectations, but we're growing every month and catching on more."
Fortunately for Acura, the redesigned RDX compact crossover -- also launched this year -- is off to a stronger start. It is outselling the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60, and is hot on the heels of the BMW X3.
Although it shares some components and a platform with the Honda CR-V, the RDX has a more distinctive interior. The jerky turbo-four engine has been replaced by a smoother V-6 that has more power and better fuel economy.
The launches of the ILX and RDX set the tone for the redesigned RLX flagship sedan due next spring.
The current RL has been a flop, averaging just 35 sales a month for the past two years. Mendel wants to market the RLX as a technical tour de force, but with the twist that it offers "technology that improves your skills, not that takes them away."
That means pushing items like the RLX's standard Precision All-Wheel Steering (PAWS) system, which allows the rear wheels to have independent toe control during cornering. The rear wheels have their toe-in angles adjusted by electronic actuators while cornering, giving much crisper handling.
"The RLX has the right package to compete with more expensive vehicles," said Art St. Cyr, American Honda's head of product planning and logistics. "The previous RL didn't match what the customers were looking for."
Most luxury manufacturers have allied themselves with premium audio suppliers, and Acura is no different. The RLX will feature a system by Krell, which sells home stereo speakers for upwards of $65,000 a pair.
"We have to discover more ways to get this vehicle in the hands of people," said Mendel. "We need to get butts into seats."
Mendel is looking at expanding the loaner program Acura has with the W hotel chain. Currently, the program only offers guests a ride in the MDX crossover. But the RLX's much larger backseat allows that vehicle to be used as well, he said.
Acura sales were in free fall during the recession. In 2010, Acura sold barely half of its 2005 peak of 209,610 units. This year, sales are up 27 percent and the brand should easily break 150,000 units. And executives have said 200,000 units is a near-term goal.
Should RDX sales continue to be strong, and if the RLX does well, Mendel expects to hit that number in the next year or two -- especially with a redesign of the MDX mid-sized crossover coming next year and the redesigned TL mid-sized sedan and new NSX sports car coming in 2014.
"We have never had a true flagship sedan," said Mendel. "We're in a position now where we can build that flagship, and in a couple years we get the [NSX] sports car. It's when we need it that we will be delivering our signature in terms of smart luxury."
Now Acura is planning a powertrain change for the ILX and will highlight technical features on the RLX flagship sedan due next spring as part of a strategy to return brand sales to the 200,000 level.
The ILX "is not hitting its sales expectations," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president.
The ILX is based on the Honda Civic platform. And although some Audis borrow from Volkswagen and some Lexus models take from Toyota, the ILX's roots may be a bit too evident against the BMW 1 series and Lexus CT 200h.
The car was meant eventually to replace the aging, slightly larger TSX. But November was only the second time since the May introduction of the less-expensive ILX that it outsold the TSX, which is still going strong.
The ILX is being outsold by the Buick Verano, Volkswagen CC and Audi A4, though it has an edge on the CT 200h and the outgoing Audi A3.
Last month Acura sold 2,108 ILXs, compared with sales of 3,574 Veranos, 3,343 A4s and 2,197 CCs.
The main problem: The base and midgrade ILX have a 2.0-liter engine that is "underpowered, and consumers don't see the value," Mendel said.
What's more, the upmarket 2.4-liter engine only comes with a manual transmission. Though it's pitched as a performance feature, few Acura buyers actually want to row the gears.
"The car was planned for a 2.4 automatic, and we're working to fulfill that," Mendel said, though he could not say when.
"We're looking to sell about 30,000 units a year, and we're probably closer to 22 or 24 right now," Mendel said, speaking of the annual sales rate. "We're hitting two-thirds of our expectations, but we're growing every month and catching on more."
Fortunately for Acura, the redesigned RDX compact crossover -- also launched this year -- is off to a stronger start. It is outselling the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60, and is hot on the heels of the BMW X3.
Although it shares some components and a platform with the Honda CR-V, the RDX has a more distinctive interior. The jerky turbo-four engine has been replaced by a smoother V-6 that has more power and better fuel economy.
The launches of the ILX and RDX set the tone for the redesigned RLX flagship sedan due next spring.
The current RL has been a flop, averaging just 35 sales a month for the past two years. Mendel wants to market the RLX as a technical tour de force, but with the twist that it offers "technology that improves your skills, not that takes them away."
That means pushing items like the RLX's standard Precision All-Wheel Steering (PAWS) system, which allows the rear wheels to have independent toe control during cornering. The rear wheels have their toe-in angles adjusted by electronic actuators while cornering, giving much crisper handling.
"The RLX has the right package to compete with more expensive vehicles," said Art St. Cyr, American Honda's head of product planning and logistics. "The previous RL didn't match what the customers were looking for."
Most luxury manufacturers have allied themselves with premium audio suppliers, and Acura is no different. The RLX will feature a system by Krell, which sells home stereo speakers for upwards of $65,000 a pair.
"We have to discover more ways to get this vehicle in the hands of people," said Mendel. "We need to get butts into seats."
Mendel is looking at expanding the loaner program Acura has with the W hotel chain. Currently, the program only offers guests a ride in the MDX crossover. But the RLX's much larger backseat allows that vehicle to be used as well, he said.
Acura sales were in free fall during the recession. In 2010, Acura sold barely half of its 2005 peak of 209,610 units. This year, sales are up 27 percent and the brand should easily break 150,000 units. And executives have said 200,000 units is a near-term goal.
Should RDX sales continue to be strong, and if the RLX does well, Mendel expects to hit that number in the next year or two -- especially with a redesign of the MDX mid-sized crossover coming next year and the redesigned TL mid-sized sedan and new NSX sports car coming in 2014.
"We have never had a true flagship sedan," said Mendel. "We're in a position now where we can build that flagship, and in a couple years we get the [NSX] sports car. It's when we need it that we will be delivering our signature in terms of smart luxury."
#964
Changes being made to ILX already? The ILX a sales disappointment? I'm shocked!
I could've told him that. The ILX is a glorified/puffed up Civic just like the RLX will be a glorified/puffed up Accord.
If the ILX is to replace the TSX, the decision to put a 2.0 liter engine in the base ILX just doesn't look right and isn't going to go over well with buyers when the base TSX has a 2.4 liter engine.
Guess they revised that sales goal down a bit.
Guess they didn't get SSFTSX's memo. It doesn't matter what "technical tour de force" is in the RLX. And if it's "too much cut price," it won't be seen as a competitor "with more expensive vehicles"
Originally Posted by 1
The ILX "is not hitting its sales expectations," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president.
The ILX is based on the Honda Civic platform. And although some Audis borrow from Volkswagen and some Lexus models take from Toyota, the ILX's roots may be a bit too evident against the BMW 1 series and Lexus CT 200h.
The ILX is based on the Honda Civic platform. And although some Audis borrow from Volkswagen and some Lexus models take from Toyota, the ILX's roots may be a bit too evident against the BMW 1 series and Lexus CT 200h.
Acura's New RLX Sports 20 Beams of Light on its Headlamps
Sad but true; the only exterior feature we found worthy of a note on the new 2014 Acura RLX that made its world premiere at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show and which will be sold in Japan as the new Honda Legend, are its so-called "Jewel-Eye" LED headlamps.
The rest of the car in terms of styling might as well be a puffed up $50k Honda Accord or if you prefer, a longer and duller looking version of the Acura ILX, which itself, is a glorified Honda Civic under the sheetmetal.
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11...-of-light.html
Sad but true; the only exterior feature we found worthy of a note on the new 2014 Acura RLX that made its world premiere at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show and which will be sold in Japan as the new Honda Legend, are its so-called "Jewel-Eye" LED headlamps.
The rest of the car in terms of styling might as well be a puffed up $50k Honda Accord or if you prefer, a longer and duller looking version of the Acura ILX, which itself, is a glorified Honda Civic under the sheetmetal.
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11...-of-light.html
Originally Posted by 2
The car was meant eventually to replace the aging, slightly larger TSX.
The main problem: The base and midgrade ILX have a 2.0-liter engine that is "underpowered, and consumers don't see the value," Mendel said.
What's more, the upmarket 2.4-liter engine only comes with a manual transmission. Though it's pitched as a performance feature, few Acura buyers actually want to row the gears.
The main problem: The base and midgrade ILX have a 2.0-liter engine that is "underpowered, and consumers don't see the value," Mendel said.
What's more, the upmarket 2.4-liter engine only comes with a manual transmission. Though it's pitched as a performance feature, few Acura buyers actually want to row the gears.
Originally Posted by 3
"We're looking to sell about 30,000 units a year, and we're probably closer to 22 or 24 right now," Mendel said, speaking of the annual sales rate. "We're hitting two-thirds of our expectations, but we're growing every month and catching on more."
During a press drive event held this week in Scottsdale, AZ, for the second-generation RDX and all-new ILX small premium sedan, forecasted sales provided by Acura representatives for the two vehicles will account for an increase of 55,000 units. The bulk of that will come from the ILX, Acura believes, with sales of 40,000 units.
Originally Posted by 4
The current RL has been a flop, averaging just 35 sales a month for the past two years. Mendel wants to market the RLX as a technical tour de force, but with the twist that it offers "technology that improves your skills, not that takes them away."
That means pushing items like the RLX's standard Precision All-Wheel Steering (PAWS) system, which allows the rear wheels to have independent toe control during cornering. The rear wheels have their toe-in angles adjusted by electronic actuators while cornering, giving much crisper handling.
"The RLX has the right package to compete with more expensive vehicles," said Art St. Cyr, American Honda's head of product planning and logistics.
That means pushing items like the RLX's standard Precision All-Wheel Steering (PAWS) system, which allows the rear wheels to have independent toe control during cornering. The rear wheels have their toe-in angles adjusted by electronic actuators while cornering, giving much crisper handling.
"The RLX has the right package to compete with more expensive vehicles," said Art St. Cyr, American Honda's head of product planning and logistics.
#965
The ILX "is not hitting its sales expectations," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president.
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F23A4 (12-11-2012)
#967
They have to can the TSX, offer a 2.4 in auto trim and offer a formidable alternative to the 2.4 as well for it to be a successful vehicle.
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CLtotheTL32 (12-11-2012)
#972
You'll Never Walk Alone
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,524
Likes: 848
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Again, the Acura needs to do the following to revive the ILX (to meet its sales target of 30k-40k annually):
1.) Replace R20+5AT with ED engine+tranny from Accord preferably with a slightly higher tune using premium fuel. 200hp/190lbft would be awesome but 180hp/175lbft should be the minimum.
2.) Whatever features the Accord has now, the ILX needs to have them too (standard or optional).
3.) Drop the TSX
1.) Replace R20+5AT with ED engine+tranny from Accord preferably with a slightly higher tune using premium fuel. 200hp/190lbft would be awesome but 180hp/175lbft should be the minimum.
2.) Whatever features the Accord has now, the ILX needs to have them too (standard or optional).
3.) Drop the TSX
#973
Why does the TSX need to be dropped at all?
Why did the ILX ever need to come to be in the first place?
For the ILX to survive Acura needs to drop a car thats been around for 2 generations and less than 10 years...Does this even sound OK for a car company?
Acura...they cant figure out who they are, or what they want to be...its amazing the mess they have made of themselves.
Kill all the cars, dissolve the marque and release the NSX as a Honda.
Problem solved.
Why did the ILX ever need to come to be in the first place?
For the ILX to survive Acura needs to drop a car thats been around for 2 generations and less than 10 years...Does this even sound OK for a car company?
Acura...they cant figure out who they are, or what they want to be...its amazing the mess they have made of themselves.
Kill all the cars, dissolve the marque and release the NSX as a Honda.
Problem solved.
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CLtotheTL32 (12-11-2012)
#974
Why does the TSX need to be dropped at all?
Why did the ILX ever need to come to be in the first place?
For the ILX to survive Acura needs to drop a car thats been around for 2 generations and less than 10 years...Does this even sound OK for a car company?
Acura...they cant figure out who they are, or what they want to be...its amazing the mess they have made of themselves.
Kill all the cars, dissolve the marque and release the NSX as a Honda.
Problem solved.
Why did the ILX ever need to come to be in the first place?
For the ILX to survive Acura needs to drop a car thats been around for 2 generations and less than 10 years...Does this even sound OK for a car company?
Acura...they cant figure out who they are, or what they want to be...its amazing the mess they have made of themselves.
Kill all the cars, dissolve the marque and release the NSX as a Honda.
Problem solved.
Haven't seen the Canada sales figure for last month so not too sure if they are expanding or not. There is just a lot of competion out there. Some can say they should have let Chrysler and GM go bankrupt but they have managed to change things around albeit with yours and my money.
Last edited by terdonal; 12-11-2012 at 11:45 AM.
#975
Well actually it has be around in Canada for quite a few years selling next to the TSX and not doing too badly. It was the EL and then the CSX based quite closely on Civic with minor body changes, a little larger engine, navi, leather options etc. with a larger price gap between it and the TSX than there is between the ILX and TSX.
Haven't seen the Canada sales figure for last month so not too sure if they are expanding or not. There is just a lot of competion out there. Some can say they should have let Chrysler and GM go bankrupt but they have managed to change things around albeit with yours and my money.
Haven't seen the Canada sales figure for last month so not too sure if they are expanding or not. There is just a lot of competion out there. Some can say they should have let Chrysler and GM go bankrupt but they have managed to change things around albeit with yours and my money.
Im also aware of the EL and the CSX...but Acura doesnt know who it wants to be...are they luxury? are they sport? are they sport luxury? do they want to be tier 1? they change their minds every two years.
Get new management. Get someone in there who will trim the fat. And for fucks sake...LET acura differentiate themselves from Honda. Move to RWD or AWD on 90% of their vehicles...go with larger engines, or more hp, or FI.
Make Acura a brand again...not the joke its become.
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fsttyms1 (12-12-2012)
#977
You'll Never Walk Alone
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,524
Likes: 848
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Why does the TSX need to be dropped at all?
Why did the ILX ever need to come to be in the first place?
For the ILX to survive Acura needs to drop a car thats been around for 2 generations and less than 10 years...Does this even sound OK for a car company?
Acura...they cant figure out who they are, or what they want to be...its amazing the mess they have made of themselves.
Kill all the cars, dissolve the marque and release the NSX as a Honda.
Problem solved.
Why did the ILX ever need to come to be in the first place?
For the ILX to survive Acura needs to drop a car thats been around for 2 generations and less than 10 years...Does this even sound OK for a car company?
Acura...they cant figure out who they are, or what they want to be...its amazing the mess they have made of themselves.
Kill all the cars, dissolve the marque and release the NSX as a Honda.
Problem solved.
One of the problems with Acura is the rather confusing model line-up structure. Acura is trying to solve this. They are trying to figure out who they are. They have figured out what they want to be and is in the progress of doing so. Whether what they are doing is right or wrong is another topic.
The ILX needs to come because of the strong Japanese currency. 8 years ago, when the TSX came arrived from Japan, Honda was able to make good money of it because of the weaker yen. It was about 110 yen to 1 USD. Nowadays? We are looking at 80 yen to USD. That's pretty much a 30% difference. If Honda was making 20% profit back then, it will now be losing 10% on every TSX sold. I think this explains why Acura is considering getting rid of the TSX. What's the point of selling a car while losing money?
Anyway, back in March, it has already been stated that "Earth Dreams powerplants will be introduced to the line about as soon as they're available. Not necessarily waiting for a hard date for an MMC event."
Here is the link for that: http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1048046
Why they didn't launch the car with ED? The consensus is that the Japanese Tsunami/Earthquake in March 2011 delayed the development.
#978
Why does the TSX need to be dropped at all?
Why did the ILX ever need to come to be in the first place?
For the ILX to survive Acura needs to drop a car thats been around for 2 generations and less than 10 years...Does this even sound OK for a car company?
Acura...they cant figure out who they are, or what they want to be...its amazing the mess they have made of themselves.
Kill all the cars, dissolve the marque and release the NSX as a Honda.
Problem solved.
Why did the ILX ever need to come to be in the first place?
For the ILX to survive Acura needs to drop a car thats been around for 2 generations and less than 10 years...Does this even sound OK for a car company?
Acura...they cant figure out who they are, or what they want to be...its amazing the mess they have made of themselves.
Kill all the cars, dissolve the marque and release the NSX as a Honda.
Problem solved.
...but this is logical, and makes sense....something that Acura lost many, many years ago.
#979
Although the TSX is "losing money for every car sold" it is the best looking and best selling Acura sedan. Isn't it?
Wouldn't it make more sense to kill the TL and move TSX production to the vacated, TL assembly plants here in America? This would also create REAL distance between their "flagship" and the next car in their line up.
As it is the TL will continue to cannibalize the RL.
Wouldn't it make more sense to kill the TL and move TSX production to the vacated, TL assembly plants here in America? This would also create REAL distance between their "flagship" and the next car in their line up.
As it is the TL will continue to cannibalize the RL.
#980
Acura isnt going bankrupt. And I dont think either company should have received a bailout (even though I bought a Dodge right at that exact time) but I am VERY happy they turned it around...they also have put very smart people in place to run the show.
Im also aware of the EL and the CSX...but Acura doesnt know who it wants to be...are they luxury? are they sport? are they sport luxury? do they want to be tier 1? they change their minds every two years.
Get new management. Get someone in there who will trim the fat. And for fucks sake...LET acura differentiate themselves from Honda. Move to RWD or AWD on 90% of their vehicles...go with larger engines, or more hp, or FI.
Make Acura a brand again...not the joke its become.
Im also aware of the EL and the CSX...but Acura doesnt know who it wants to be...are they luxury? are they sport? are they sport luxury? do they want to be tier 1? they change their minds every two years.
Get new management. Get someone in there who will trim the fat. And for fucks sake...LET acura differentiate themselves from Honda. Move to RWD or AWD on 90% of their vehicles...go with larger engines, or more hp, or FI.
Make Acura a brand again...not the joke its become.
I guess that is why I have had 12 all new from the Vigor, CL typeS coupe, RSX typeS, 1st gen TSX, 1st gen RDX, ZDX and the ILX. They all seemed to me to have what I stated above and why I have stayed with Acura.
#983
I myself have never thought about them as Tier 1 or sport or luxury, even though I guess that is what they might have been striving for. I have always just considered them a nice car with some sport, nice options, good resale value, minimal problems, great service for me and imo good bang for the buck.
I guess that is why I have had 12 all new from the Vigor, CL typeS coupe, RSX typeS, 1st gen TSX, 1st gen RDX, ZDX and the ILX. They all seemed to me to have what I stated above and why I have stayed with Acura.
I guess that is why I have had 12 all new from the Vigor, CL typeS coupe, RSX typeS, 1st gen TSX, 1st gen RDX, ZDX and the ILX. They all seemed to me to have what I stated above and why I have stayed with Acura.
...then add the assumed TSX to the list......yowza!
That's some serious failure there for a car brand.
#985
#986
#987
#988
Yeah I figured they would make a few changes to the ILX and keep it around for the next 4 years or so.
What happened to coupes? BMW, Mercedes, Audi, even Hyundai and fcking HONDA have coupes but not Acura. What happened to bringing back the RSX or the CL? ILX coupe was supposedly in the works until they called it off.
What happened to coupes? BMW, Mercedes, Audi, even Hyundai and fcking HONDA have coupes but not Acura. What happened to bringing back the RSX or the CL? ILX coupe was supposedly in the works until they called it off.
#989
At least they don't bring old model names back as some mfgs are want to do, they just keep changing them.
If it makes you feel better then failure it is.
#990
^^ There is no legacy at Acura, and that it unfortunate.
The only legacy they had was the Legend, and well, so much for that.
Acura keeps chasing the wind.
However, Subaru does have a "legacy"
The only legacy they had was the Legend, and well, so much for that.
Acura keeps chasing the wind.
However, Subaru does have a "legacy"
#992
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Perhaps what Acura could have done was to just replace the TSX with the current ILX, and still call it the TSX (i.e. 3g TSX). This is of course assuming it also has the 2013 Accord ED stuff. What would people see? A car that is smaller than 2G TSX, but similar to 1G TSX (slightly shorter, lower, but wider), no DWB like the Accord, less weight but same power (tuned Accord engine for premium gas).
Although the TSX is "losing money for every car sold" it is the best looking and best selling Acura sedan. Isn't it?
Wouldn't it make more sense to kill the TL and move TSX production to the vacated, TL assembly plants here in America? This would also create REAL distance between their "flagship" and the next car in their line up.
As it is the TL will continue to cannibalize the RL.
Wouldn't it make more sense to kill the TL and move TSX production to the vacated, TL assembly plants here in America? This would also create REAL distance between their "flagship" and the next car in their line up.
As it is the TL will continue to cannibalize the RL.
TSX has always been the JDM/Euro Accord. TSX probably accounts for a small percentage of total sales compared to those regions? This means it also doesn't make sense to make the TSX here.
ILX on the other hand doesn't look ugly at the very least to most people. It's priced at around $30k meaning more people can afford it (as opposed to the $50k vehicle). It's also a much more practical car than the ZDX and more economical to run. While the ZDX was the wrong car at a very wrong time, the ILX is the right car at the right time, but with obvious shortcomings that can fixed more easily. What made the 1g TSX was its combination of good features, power, styling, size, and price. The ILX has the right size and styling, and may be features. Give it more power and features and the price would be justified IMO.
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AZuser (12-11-2012)
#1000