Mokos23

This was posted in the RL section. I'm not sure if it posted here in the car talk section, but it has very interesting points. Also though it has some points too why Honda marketed Acura wrong, while Toyota marketed Lexus right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxQX8pmn8gE

shrykhar

So they're pinning the whole thing on the Integra, and the lack of focus on being a pure luxury brand. As a counterpoint though, there have been plenty of luxury brands that have priced themselves out of existence. I don't think the early Integras were a bad idea to generate initial sales volume, but keeping the 3rd generation around for so long couldn't have helped the brand cachet much. BMW's sold cheap here too ... *cough*318ti*cough*

Who are they, anyway? Does anyone else get the impression that they filmed it in their living room?

synth19

I've had the exact same viewpoint for years.

FastAcura

I have a feeling Hyundai will come out with a V8 before Honda...

GreenMonster

So Acura finally wised up and cut the low end vehicles out of it's line up (rsx)... lets see if they start to focus on the high and and upscale the brand now...

With the intro of the higher priced TL and redesigned RL it looks like they are headed that way... although I do think that awd (sh or otherwise) isn't really a good substitute for rwd in a luxury car

Fibonacci

Summary:

1. No four bangers for Acura
2. Don't kowtow to dealers
3. Move upmarket
4. Get a friggin' V8 already
5. Be consistent - (NSX where are you?)

kwelity

A V8 is totally against honda's concept of thinking there was an article someone posted on here about their views towards being the most fuel efficent brand they pride themselves on efficency and a V8 engine is totally against that concept of thinking.

FastAcura

They will never be able to compete with other car makers then. In a world where Mercedes makes twin turbo V12 engines, I doubt Honda's efficient way of thinking will be considered by people trying to buy real luxury vehicles.

fdl

That seems like a very professional program.

fdl

The guys got a point though

Mokos23

I have a feeling that you're correct on this. Why Honda why or at least Honda should give the Acura division a V8.

I think Acura along with Saab are the only luxury brands that don't have a V8 car or suv.

Ken1997TL

Luxury has nothing to do with efficiency, its about exclusivity and image. A V8 is a must

Mokos23

I agree with the size and weight of the new MDX and RL both need a V8 and the RDX should've gotten a V6. The TL is fine with a V6 and the TSX which has been discussed is fine with an inline 4 and a small V6 engine option. Simple common sense which Honda doesn't want to hear.

Papa_Sean

Toyota made 4.3 liters that got 19city and 25hwy. Thats damn good for an 8. Im sure Honda could pull numbers like that, so it shouldn't be a problem

Costco

FFS, bring back the Integra as a Honda already.

Saintor

I disagree;

If she didn't know what was an Acura, she is just stupid.

Acura was just scared to invest massively in the upper markets. And they did it wrong with the RL. V8 were not necessary but a stylish & larger car, yes. The RL is cramped and anonymous styled.

Trackruner228

iTrader: (1)

Well I mean acura isnt do that bad at all. Look at consumers reports new models go to the company section and which company got 100% recomendation? Honda. Last I heard there still making profits which is the point of a car compnay. Look at Chrysler there doing so bad they are trying to sell. Ford and GM keep loosing more and more money. Hondas making money.

Another thing is come to charlotte and i swear acuras are EVERYWHERE. I drive about 10 miles to school and chances are you going to see at least 1 TL, TSX, and MDX. Especially the TL those are everywhere. I think its becuase here when you talk about amazing dealer service you talk about acura (apparently the lexus dealer service sucks). So I think once acura gets its name out more they should do fine now that the RSX is gone and there cheapest car is 28k.

joerockt

And if designed properly, V8 can still be "efficient", just look at the Hemi. Its about making power on tap when you need/want it.

Infamous425

i wouldnt call the hemi efficient.

kwelity

That would be like calling rosie odonnel skinny

Mokos23

joerockt

So, did you happen to catch the quotes I put around efficient? Compared to other V8's it is...

LIPPSTUH

iTrader: (2)

i agree with this video, i've always thought of acura lower in status of benz, bmw, lexus for some reason. it's because they have these cheap cars such as the integra and the rsx which brings the name itself lower... now i look at the rl and i would never have guessed its MSRP value.

i'm glad they removed the rsx (should have been a honda). the tsx, come to think of it, is the euro-accord (honda quality). acura needs to wise up and produce cars which will bring up their name's value.

+1 for v8

Elegant TYPE S

iTrader: (2)

Yeah Acura defenitely doesnt get Luxary recognition and I think Acura is ok with that, I dont think they are going after the Lexus and Mercedes Market, they are more focused on the average middle class folk looking for status.

If Acura rasied its prices, a good chunk of us won't be able to afford it anymore and would be on the Honda Forums. You know some of these Toyotas and Nissans are selling for as much as Acura's now? That's insane, and I read somewhere where the new ALTIMA was being compared to the TL, I kind of felt that was degrading.

But its the direction Acura chose to take and I think they are happy with it as they are still generating and making massive sales, and that's all that matters at the end of the day to a company.

JensH1963

Why a V8??? Do you really need a V8 to go 65 MPH??? Acura never really hit it as a full house luxury car, nor am I convinced they will ever get there unless they drastically change their marketing position and product. There are bucketloads of cars available for the same money that do the same things that Acura does.

Jens

minkl81

iTrader: (2)

if I remember correctly from older magazines, honda thinks that larger engine isn't necessarly for its size of car. they think whatever engine that goes into honda/acura models are adequete power. thats why they didn't put v8 into the new RL thinking v6 will do its job. well somewhat they are right but v8 engine is like a status of luxury sedans. also i don't know why but i don't see acura as "luxury," it feels like its just another honda with different badge.

CLpower

I get 19/25 out of a 6 liter with 400 HP...in a 4000lb car. V8's can be very efficient.

LIPPSTUH

iTrader: (2)

I think they should make v8 an option for some of their cars. Many car brands such as Benz has a v8 option... (maybe a v12 for the sl, not sure). but i think v8 should be an option for their sport-luxury (NSX).

acura has cut the rsx, which is basically a honda with an acura sign. i think with their newest edition of the rdx they are more of a luxury line now.

acura can always target the "middle class looking for status" since they do have cheaper alternatives such as the TSX. Lexus also has their "cheap" cars such as the is250. different models with different price ranges.

StuntMonkey

Acura is not going after the MB/BMW market. They are marketing themselves as kind of an in between. Kind of a "come up" car if you know what I mean.

Johnny Makinmoney: "I cant afford a Beemer yet, but I'm tired of driving my 89 Cavalier....Oh I know, I'll buy a TL!"

Pretty much how I see the brand.

Infamous425

uh, no it isnt. ive read some of the srt boards and a lot of them get like 11-12 mpg. bmw, lexus, audi, toyota, etc.. v8's all do better on avg

Mokos23

But, when can Acura turn it around and get themselves in the same league as Lexus? Infiniti is really starting to get into that Lexus territory slowly can you believe it?

joerockt

Believe everything you read on a message board?

Here's list of compariable cars, the 300C comes out on top, if not even with the others...

300C:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calcu...umn=1&id=22042

4Runner:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calcu...umn=1&id=22599

550i:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calcu...umn=1&id=21932

A6 Quattro:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calcu...umn=1&id=21919

Infamous425

yes i believe it when its the owner of the cars reporting 11-12 mpg. those stats you post are like EPA estimates

Mokos23

interesting figures