Acura: ZDX News

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Old 08-24-2009 | 11:28 AM
  #1041  
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Originally Posted by SSFTSX
Now we have new definition of AWD systems. Full time/part time/semi full time. Infact newer versions are more in semi full time category.
but you cannot ignore the fact than any 4WD system add cost/weight to the vehicle. that reduce its performance/fuel economy.
agreed, the 4WD/AWD/part-time systems have proliferated since the 80's. And with that the terminology of the various systems have become more gray area in what is AWD, part-time, full-time, 4WD, automatic, manual... it does become hard to compare what is which type.


Audi truely pioneered the road full-time AWD. The biggest determent to me is the weight, power lose, fuel economy, and complexity of the systems. The ZDX only gets 16/22/18MPG EPA so the statement of a future green Acura is amusing.
Old 08-24-2009 | 11:36 AM
  #1042  
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^^ yes, no question it's all a convenient way for Honda to explain away the reluctance to build a separate RWD platform for Acura. They just don't want to develop a separate platform at this time. Why they won't say that is beyond me. Nothing inheritly bad about it. Saves a ton of money. Look at the Lexus ES and GS. ES can be built much more economically than the GS with it sharing the platform with the Camary. By the way, which one do they sell boat loads more of eventhough they are functionally the same? That doesnt really help the RWD argument much when we try to associate RWD to sales and thus Acura's lack of competivness (in some minds) with Lexus and Infiniti. Could it be that it's not just all about RWD?
Old 08-24-2009 | 11:46 AM
  #1043  
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Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
Look at the Lexus ES and GS. ES can be built much more economically than the GS with it sharing the platform with the Camary. By the way, which one do they sell boat loads more of eventhough they are functionally the same?
And yet they still build the GS. I wonder why. I guess Lexus ultimately feels that RWD is a necessity in the segment. Sounds to me like they have all their bases covered.

I've always said that if Acura ever came out with a RWD platform they should continue selling a FWD sedan based off the Accord. The market is obviously there. But it shouldn't be your only option.
Old 08-24-2009 | 11:56 AM
  #1044  
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Part of the reason for the ES outselling the GS might also be the price difference. The ES starts just under $35k, while the GS is $10k more expensive at $45k.

There are also a lot of people living in climates that get snow, who do not want RWD.
Old 08-24-2009 | 11:58 AM
  #1045  
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Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
^^ yes, no question it's all a convenient way for Honda to explain away the reluctance to build a separate RWD platform for Acura. They just don't want to develop a separate platform at this time. Why they won't say that is beyond me. Nothing inheritly bad about it. Saves a ton of money. Look at the Lexus ES and GS. ES can be built much more economically than the GS with it sharing the platform with the Camary. By the way, which one do they sell boat loads more of eventhough they are functionally the same? That doesnt really help the RWD argument much when we try to associate RWD to sales and thus Acura's lack of competivness (in some minds) with Lexus and Infiniti. Could it be that it's not just all about RWD?
That could very well be the case, I wonder how much of Acura's image problem is aesthetics versus RWD/FWD?

The Honda board knows how much it cost for separate platforms for the 2G Legend, 1G RL, 1G TL, so they imposed pretty hard requirements down for the 2G TL and 1G MDX. Despite re-using alot of a Accord and a Odyssey technology both the 2G/3G TL and 1G MDX are great sales successes. And look at the ES, most owners I'd bet probably don't care if it's FWD or RWD.

My guess is a dramatic FWD/RWD changeover is too financially risky to the Honda board. Wouldn't it be a heck of lot cheaper to redo the front-end styling across the entire range of vehicles. Acura is not Audi, but look at Audi and their recent success and they've never changed their FWD/AWD approach.
Old 08-24-2009 | 11:59 AM
  #1046  
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Agree. Point is it's just rarely black and white simple. Tough poblems to solve are usually tough because they are multifaceted making it dificult to see the issue and then fix it. Just saying....
Old 08-24-2009 | 12:02 PM
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They have IS250/IS350. IS350 outperforms GS350. $50K segment is very competitive. they can easily upgrade to 535/E350/A6 for few grand more. and that few grand matters in mid $30K segment.
Old 08-24-2009 | 12:08 PM
  #1048  
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Originally Posted by SSFTSX
They have IS250/IS350. IS350 outperforms GS350. $50K segment is very competitive. they can easily upgrade to 535/E350/A6 for few grand more. and that few grand matters in mid $30K segment.
In what universe do the BMW 5 series, MB E350, and Audi A6 start in the mid $30k segment? Did you mean $40k segment?
Old 08-24-2009 | 12:10 PM
  #1049  
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Originally Posted by LuvMyTSX
In what universe do the BMW 5 series, MB E350, and Audi A6 start in the mid $30k segment? Did you mean $40k segment?
I said those looking into buying cars in mid 30K. going $10K more is big difference. but those who are willing to spend $50K. going more towards $55K is not a big deal.
Old 08-24-2009 | 12:13 PM
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Erm...ok...language barrier I guess. You did not say anything about people buying cars in the $30k segment.
Old 08-24-2009 | 12:35 PM
  #1051  
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Originally Posted by Legend2TL
One of it's best complements to me was when Mario Andretti drove a bunch of exotic cars in a Road and Track comparison test in the 90's (at Willow Springs?). At the time Mario had no Honda sponsorship or connections, yet of all the exotics the best he prefered the NSX to the rest from Porsche, Ferrari,...
Here you go!

Old 08-24-2009 | 12:42 PM
  #1052  
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Wow autographed by Mario no less, Colin you're the man!

Originally Posted by Colin
Here you go!

Old 08-24-2009 | 12:48 PM
  #1053  
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Originally Posted by LuvMyTSX
Part of the reason for the ES outselling the GS might also be the price difference. The ES starts just under $35k, while the GS is $10k more expensive at $45k.

There are also a lot of people living in climates that get snow, who do not want RWD.
So what your suggesting is that price plays a large role in people's buying decisions. That should make Acura top sellers because pound for pound, feature for feature, they are the best value. Somewhat debatable but most would agree. But yet they don't sell more TL's than the Lexus ES. In fact, the top selling sedan in the segment last month (I believe this is true) was the 3 series. Arguably the least value orientated product of them all in terms of features. Don't know how many were coupes and droptops they sold since they don't separate numbers. However, we can assume the vast majority were 4drs with less power than the TL. So what does that say? It's not a rhetorical question. I honestly don't know. Once again the point is that it's a very complex and dificult challenge developing a brand. I've done it successfully once in my life but failed more times than I succeeded by the way. It requires making the right decisions, but timing and market conditions beyond your control play a huge role.

Honda is definitely failing with Acura by most measures. But I won't go so far as to say that's because management and it's BOD is staffed by monkeys. It's just not easy and succeeding in the auto industry in the U.S. is brutally hard. There's lots more failures than successes.
Old 08-24-2009 | 01:06 PM
  #1054  
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^ I think image plays a big role in that case, as well. Lexus has much more brand prestige than Acura, probably contributing to the fact that they (and BMW) sell many more ESs and 3s.

You're absolutely right, it's complicated. There are many factors at work here.
Old 08-24-2009 | 11:19 PM
  #1055  
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Originally Posted by Legend2TL
I've always kinda liked Wiki's definition of AWD

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-wh...4WD_versus_AWD

Seriously educate yourself, the 1G MDX's primitive drivetrain is not considering by 4WD experts as being a real AWD system. No center differential, it uses multiple wet-plate clutches for engagement and slip. it's virtually the same part-time 4WD on my wife's Pilot, it only works in very low speed applications. The Honda shop manual has a wonderful explanation of it.

The 2G MDX is whole different beast, it's a real full-time AWD system with variable speed torque load vectoring front/rear and left/right.

Please follow your own advise next time you post, thanks!
lol, you are an engineer...others aren't...so...relax man!
Old 08-25-2009 | 04:00 AM
  #1056  
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Originally Posted by Legend2TL
Wow autographed by Mario no less, Colin you're the man!
Heh, I even have a pic of us together. I'm not tall, but Mario is pretty .... um.... ah....... Ok, he's short!
Old 08-25-2009 | 08:16 AM
  #1057  
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Originally Posted by iforyou
lol, you are an engineer...others aren't...so...relax man!
Do we seriously need to whip out our credentials now?

Old 08-25-2009 | 08:48 AM
  #1058  
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Originally Posted by iforyou
lol, you are an engineer...others aren't...so...relax man!
, yeah (EE) and I also got a little carried away (shocking!).

I should have been more clear in the definition in my original response to the MDX 1G and 2G drivetrains (1G is a automatic part-time 4WD, 2G is a automatic continous/full-time 4WD).

I'm guessing that the SH-AWD differential shares alot of design concepts and components across the ZDX, MDX, RDX, RL, and SHAWD TL.

Last edited by Legend2TL; 08-25-2009 at 08:51 AM.
Old 08-25-2009 | 02:11 PM
  #1059  
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Exclamation

So, the ZDX is Acura's new flagship?

Acura Rethinks Flagship Moniker With ZDX; RL Still Has Place
WardsAuto.com, Aug 21, 2009 8:00 AM


ROCHESTER, MI – American Honda Motor Co. Inc.’s premium Acura brand says the RL sedan still has a place in its lineup, though monthly sales have fallen to a mere 100 units or so. However, executives now view the upcoming ZDX cross/utility vehicle as Acura’s ultimate luxury model, a top official tells Ward’s. “Having a vehicle above (the) TL is a good position for us,” Gary Robinson, assistant manager-Acura product planning, says on the sidelines of a recent media event here. “Obviously, we wish it was more than 135 people that bought (RL) every month, but it’s a great car and we’re happy enough with (it) selling at a very small volume.” RL sales through July tumbled 62.6% to 1,192 from 3,191 year-ago, Ward’s data shows. The car steadily has been losing volume since its sales launch in 2004 as an ’05 model, when Acura targeted 20,000 annual deliveries. An extensive refresh last year was designed to lift sales but had little effect. Still, the RL retains its buyer loyalty, Robinson says. With tooling costs mostly paid, keeping the car in the Acura lineup is financially sustainable. However, he does not say when a new RL is expected to arrive.

Recent comments by new Honda Motor Co. Ltd. CEO Takanobu Ito suggest Acura customers hoping for a competitor to BMW AG’s fullsize 7-Series sedan will have to keep waiting, as a rear-wheel-drive platform and V-8 engine no longer are part of the auto maker’s plans. While most car buyers and industry watchers consider large sedans as a brand’s superlative model, Acura is trying to change that perception with the upcoming ZDX. The new 5-passenger CUV, which the auto maker is calling a “sport coupe,” is being billed as the brand’s most-luxurious, technology-laden model ever. The all-new vehicle, which hits the U.S. market this winter, will get hand-stitched detailing on its leather-covered dashboard, door panels and center console. Light-emitting diodes will be used extensively in the cabin, and the “longest glass roof in the industry” will have dual automatic sunshades. A 10-way power driver’s seat and 8-way power passenger seat are standard, as is a power tailgate and dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control. Powering the ZDX will be Acura’s 3.7L V-6, already in the MDX CUV, making 300 hp and 270 lb.-ft. (366 Nm) of torque and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The ZDX also gets standard Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive. A new technology dubbed IDS, for Integrated Dynamics System, will be optional. IDS combines an active damper system, similar to that seen in the MDX, with speed-sensitive steering, allowing the driver to dial in preferred levels of sport or comfort, Acura says. Despite the company’s assertion the ZDX will attract “an entirely new luxury customer to the Acura brand,” Robinson says the CUV likely will cull some customers who tire of the larger 7-seat MDX.

The ZDX presents them with the opportunity to have “something different in their garage,” he says. “There’s also going to be other people for whom it’s just a different type of vehicle…and they’re looking for something like that.” Despite some negative online chatter about the unorthodox coupe/wagon/SUV appearance of the ZDX, Robinson says Acura is confident it captured the right design and is proud of the vehicle’s provocative nature. “We tried to do something that was different and stylish and would be an exercise in design and styling and something new for us,” he says. “(The ZDX) is not meant to be a high-volume vehicle, so it’s fine if not everybody likes it.” Robinson says, so far, he hasn’t received any negative feedback. “I might be fooling myself,” he admits. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how positive (the feedback) is.” Acura says the ZDX, which is the first model to come out of the brand’s Torrance, CA, design studio from start to finish, will be priced between the MDX and RL. For ’10, the MDX begins at $40,990, while the RL starts at $46,830.
Old 08-25-2009 | 02:18 PM
  #1060  
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Originally Posted by DrewSRX
So, the ZDX is Acura's new flagship?
And the original sales target for the RL was 20K/year! I thought it was 10K
Old 08-25-2009 | 02:34 PM
  #1061  
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Robinson says, so far, he hasn’t received any negative feedback.
Maybe he hasn't been taking any calls?


The ZDX actually sounds like it could be a tier-1 product and has some ingredients that could make it great, but the 2 things I find lacking are drivetrain (at least turbocharge the V6 if you're not gonna give us a v8) and styling...if they just made a coupe or sedan with funky styling, rather than a not-quite-SUV/Coupe/Sedan/Hatch AMC Eagle looking thing, this could be a hit.

Old 08-25-2009 | 05:36 PM
  #1062  
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Originally Posted by Legend2TL
And the original sales target for the RL was 20K/year! I thought it was 10K
I think most models are like that (20K/yr) - that's probably the break even point.
Old 08-25-2009 | 06:17 PM
  #1063  
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Robinson says, so far, he hasn’t received any negative feedback. “I might be fooling myself,” he admits. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how positive (the feedback) is.”
No negative feedback...eh? ...(out of one side of his mouth).


Pleasantly "surprised" at the positive feedback?!?
...(out of the other side of his mouth).

Either you came out of the gate knowingly with a "sketchy at best product"....or you are smoking some good stuff.

ummmmmm........yea. Puff-puff....give-give.... Acura.
Old 08-25-2009 | 09:25 PM
  #1064  
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Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
No negative feedback...eh? ...(out of one side of his mouth).


Pleasantly "surprised" at the positive feedback?!?
...(out of the other side of his mouth).

Either you came out of the gate knowingly with a "sketchy at best product"....or you are smoking some good stuff.

ummmmmm........yea. Puff-puff....give-give.... Acura.
That "pleasantly surprised" comment makes it sound like even he thought the car was a dud.
Old 08-25-2009 | 09:32 PM
  #1065  
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Originally Posted by VTEC Racer
That "pleasantly surprised" comment makes it sound like even he thought the car was a dud.
It's a pretty 'nothing' statement. No negative feedback from whom? Is he talking about customers? As we said earlier, those that have the car seem to love them. Dealers? Highly doubtful. I am sure they have gotten a lot of comments that weren't entirely positive....
Old 08-26-2009 | 12:59 AM
  #1066  
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Originally Posted by Legend2TL
, yeah (EE) and I also got a little carried away (shocking!).

I should have been more clear in the definition in my original response to the MDX 1G and 2G drivetrains (1G is a automatic part-time 4WD, 2G is a automatic continous/full-time 4WD).

I'm guessing that the SH-AWD differential shares alot of design concepts and components across the ZDX, MDX, RDX, RL, and SHAWD TL.


From my understanding, the RL has the most sophisticated setup of them all. I think Colin can explain this much better.
Old 08-26-2009 | 08:44 AM
  #1067  
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^^ The SHAWD in the RL was the first generation and it has been improved upon now with the new TL (and even the MDX). I haven't read about any leaps forward for the SHAWD in the ZDX, but I am expecting some improvements in the specs
Old 08-26-2009 | 12:15 PM
  #1068  
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Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
^^ The SHAWD in the RL was the first generation and it has been improved upon now with the new TL (and even the MDX). I haven't read about any leaps forward for the SHAWD in the ZDX, but I am expecting some improvements in the specs
The RLs system is more advanced than the newer systems. The differential uses a planetary gearset to allow up to (if I recall correctly) up to 4.7% overspeed for the outside rear tire. All the newer systems use a fixed ratio of 1.7% overspeed. Also remember that the RL uses a carbon fiber driveshaft.
Old 08-26-2009 | 12:24 PM
  #1069  
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Funny I remember reading that the later designs could direct more torque to the back outside wheel than the original RL. Personally speaking, I feel the MDX SHAWD works better than my RL, but of course that's not scientific or based on any objective data.
Old 08-26-2009 | 12:30 PM
  #1070  
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Internet is a wonderful thing. Wikipedia has some info (with valid references) as follows:

The Acceleration Device allows the rear wheels to be variably overdriven with respect to the speed of the front wheels up to 5.7%.<SUP id=cite_ref-categories4_12-2 class=reference>[13]</SUP><SUP id=cite_ref-categories5_15-1 class=reference>[16]</SUP><SUP id=cite_ref-categories6_16-1 class=reference>[17]</SUP> The Acceleration Device in the Acura RL is positioned in front of the rear differential. During normal steady state driving, the Acceleration Device input shaft (from the engine) and output shaft (to the rear differential) spin at almost equal speeds. In a cornering situation, the output shaft spins up to 5.7% faster than the input shaft, effectively speeding up the rear wheels. The electromagnetic clutch packs, based on sensor inputs, will vary the torque sent to the rear differential from side to side providing constant and dynamic balancing of the car handling characteristics.<SUP id=cite_ref-categories4_12-3 class=reference>[13]</SUP>

The SH-AWD configuration with no acceleration device is simpler and overdrives the rear wheels at a constant 1.7% with respect to the speed of the front wheels<SUP id=cite_ref-categories3_11-3 class=reference>[12]</SUP><SUP id=cite_ref-categories5_15-2 class=reference>[16]</SUP><SUP id=cite_ref-categories6_16-2 class=reference>[17]</SUP>.

The Acceleration Device was first introduced in the flagship Acura RL sedan, and continues in the MMC Acura RL sedan. This more complex configuration appears to be unique among the SH-AWD equipped Acuras. This more complex RL configuration could be considered an exclusive flagship vehicle feature, and not specified for vehicles with lower price points.

The later SH-AWD configuration without the Acceleration Device could just be a simpler and less sophisticated version due to vehicle dynamics and price points, or it could represent a more refined, less complex and inherently more reliable, new standard SH-AWD configuration. The rationale for the two distinct configurations has not been publicized by Acura.
Old 08-26-2009 | 01:39 PM
  #1071  
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Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
Funny I remember reading that the later designs could direct more torque to the back outside wheel than the original RL. Personally speaking, I feel the MDX SHAWD works better than my RL, but of course that's not scientific or based on any objective data.
`
The article is correct. Acura does not talk much about the differences between the SH systems. Just as they not distinguish between 3 lobe, twin cam VTEC, intake only VTEC or VTEC-E in most literature.

One thing they don't mention is that in early applications, the AWD would only vector in second gear and up. In later years they changed to programing to allow operation in first gear. (on a side note, I have a hard time saying 'vector' with a straight face. All I can think if is "what's your Vector Victor?" "roger, Roger" "over Oveur")
Old 08-26-2009 | 01:45 PM
  #1072  
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Now that you mention it, I do remember reading (or discussing) a while back about the addition of the torque distribution being added to 1st gear. Not sure if that was retro added to the RL's system or only the newer systems. Clearly, as you pointed out, the RL system is unique to the rest of the Acura lineup.

It would be nice if the system worked without your foot on the gas. Someones new awd system does that. Wanna say it's BMW. I know, I know, I throw out these comments without being able to substantiate it. I'm bad like that. I read so much and recall the info but not the sources.
Old 08-26-2009 | 08:40 PM
  #1073  
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Wow.

NSX is definitely the car. Colin is definitely the man.

Originally Posted by Colin
Here you go!

Old 08-28-2009 | 01:29 PM
  #1074  
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Originally Posted by DrewSRX
So, the ZDX is Acura's new flagship?
Does it really make any difference what's Acura's flagship? actually calling it the flagship will just lead to really low sales.

Honda and Acura are simply good at building less expensive cars, but lousy at high end models. lately it also seems that they are better with CUVs than with their cars, which is strange considering their past.

The ZDX has nothing substantially new compared to the revised MDX, except for the unproven design. that's hardly flagship material.
Old 08-28-2009 | 02:31 PM
  #1075  
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Calling the ZDX a flagship or not calling it a flagship won't make a difference in sales, because the potential buyers of this vehicle don't care. It will be a niche product, an alternative to the MDX, and that's all.
Old 08-28-2009 | 05:55 PM
  #1076  
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Sigh. So many people hung up on labels... tier 1....flagship..... bah. The car will sell (or not sell) for all sorts of reasons that have nothing to do with the label.
Old 09-03-2009 | 01:05 PM
  #1077  
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I can see this selling, however i also hate it and the fact that the front grill still looks so hideous is amazing! my god is looks like shit
Old 09-03-2009 | 07:09 PM
  #1078  
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Originally Posted by JediMindTricks
the front can't possibly be uglier than the FX, right?
What planet do the manufacturers get these crossover designers from? I saw an X6 on the highway recently and the rear is hideous. On the other hand, the front of the FX line is just mad fugly. I am not a fan of these crossovers, but Acura's got a chance here to knock out a sick-looking x-over with a decent powertrain, killer tech and above all, great price.

I could put my money on the killer tech. Not sure about great price anymore - Acura is starting to FORCE upper-tier pricing. For looks and powertrain? Dunno...no confidence...there's that beak again.
Old 09-04-2009 | 07:37 PM
  #1079  
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IMO. the most exciting car that both Acura andHonda offer right now is Civic Si that came out in 2006.


Everything else is either :thumbsdow



at least in year 2000 my CL-S had Navi that no other 30k cars had and 17" wheels that were considered HUGE in 2000 and HIDs that were considered to be an ultra luxury and 5 speed automatic
Old 09-04-2009 | 08:03 PM
  #1080  
Edward'TLS's Avatar
6G TLX-S
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,201
Likes: 1,160
From: YVR
Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
Funny I remember reading that the later designs could direct more torque to the back outside wheel than the original RL. Personally speaking, I feel the MDX SHAWD works better than my RL, but of course that's not scientific or based on any objective data.
I believe Acura has retuned the latest editon of the SH-AWD RL sedans such that more power is biased to the rear for more performance, rather than to the front as with the earlier SH-AWD RL sedans.

However, it is still far away from the 0/100 possible front/rear power split of the rear-biased Infiniti AWD system.


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