AcuraFan

Well, I can understand if they don't replace the NSX. A redesigned NSX would be a great halo car...but it is a bit superfluous if you ask me. They need a coupe/vert in the $30K range...not the $20K and $90K ranges.

Nodoze2004

I don't understand why they won't replace the NSX!? Word initially was that Acura WAS going to bring out a replacement, and move it into the 55-65k range. That would make perfect sense to me. What is going to happen now is that Infiniti will release the true skyline (GTR) here in the US powered by a twin electric turbos and clocking in north of 450 horsepower. This thing is going to be a monster, and once again Acura does nothing. So the performance oriented customer has to look elsewhere....a real shame if you ask me. Look at Infiniti's product line and you can't help but be impressed at the sheer breadth of the offerings, multiple powertrains (including an 8 cylinder), multiple drivetrains (predominantly RWD, but also AWD), etc etc.

Honda's response....the Ridgeline (YAAAAWN). How much R&D money was wasted on that thing!??

The closer I look at Honda, the more I find I don't like (and I have been a loyal customer for MANY years). They simply don't understand the U.S. performance/luxury buyer. The sales/service process at Acura is nothing more than an upscale building with Honda personnel.

If you have not done so, walk into a lexus, BMW, Mercedes, and/or Infiniti dealership.....it is a TOTALLY different experience.

AcuraFan

Well, I like the idea of a lower priced sports car. I wouldn't mind seeing a $55K NSX replacement. Especially if it's mid-engine. That would be sweet. But I still want to see a $30K rwd competition for the G35 Coupe (especially because I'm looking to buy one this summer and would much rather buy Acura).

But I don't think the Infiniti line is all that much healthier than the Acura line. Let's use sales numbers to justify it. They sell far more FWD TLs than they sell RWD/AWD G35s. I think Acura has a good thing going. They have the best balance of sport/luxury on the market. Sure, you can buy a V8 powered M45 but to me that's just a big muscle car. The RL is refined and classy. (IMO)

For me the jury is still out on the Ridgeline. I haven't driven one. And the critics don't seem to want to take sides yet. It's a "wait and see" for pretty much everyone. If it fails they will bash it, if it succeeds they will praise it. Failure or success, I think it's the mark of trucks of the future. You don't need a brutish truck to go the Home Depot or carry an ATV. They're laying the foundation for a new niche. Now Honda just has to work on the mileage.

I do think Acura understands the performance luxury buyer. Lexus has the luxury down (with little performance). Infiniti has the performance down (with little luxury). And Acura has the performance luxury down (they handle both pretty well). From the sales numbers I've seen lately, it's working...Acura is clicking with a good number of buyers.

I was in BMW, Mercedes, and Maserati dealerships last night and wasn't terribly impressed with their service over Acura. It wasn't noticably better.

Precision Crafted

As far as dealership experience goes that all depends on the dealership IMO. Here in Wichita Schofield Auto Group sells M-B, Jag, and Porsche along with Acuras so you get treated the same buying a 50k RL as you would a 75k S-Class. They point is they want you to come back. Plus some M-B customers have cross shopped Acuras and ended up buying the Acura. Right next door they sell Lexus and cross shop occurs.

It is easy of Nissan to bring over the monster called Skyline as it is already in existance. What does Honda have? Nothing. If they are to have something they will have to creat it and that takes time and MONEY. I cannot say if Honda will choose to address that issue. The TL is doing well based on value for the dollar. Honda knows this and they also know that the car has reached its limits with FWD. SH-AWD is coming. Honda also knows that performance is somewhat lacking. This is why a Hybrid performance modle is in the works. Which model will that be? My guess is the TL considering it is their bread and butter car.

Sporty two doors are not too profitable and never have been. The mistake Acura made was mass producing the CL. They should have learned from the Legend Coupe. Make only a few. If you recall one could easily get a Legend sedan but coupes were hard to come by.

I agree it would be nice if Acura were to have different engines to choose from yet what different engines are there. In V6's we have the J30A 240hp (reported 250 at the crank), J32A 270hp (hp reduced on purpose), and J35A (300hp). As for i4's we have the 2.4 160 and 200hp. I would not put the RSX's motor in anything other then where it is at. I will not count the NSX's 3.0 and 3.2 as an auto TL has more Hp then the auto NSX. Plus the 3.2 in the NSX is heavier then the 3.2 in the TL.

jaobrien6

From the June 2005 Motor Trend:

"Infinity will join the BMW X3-fighter fray for the 2008 model year with a smaller V6 and four-cylinder counterpart to it's FX35/45 crossover. Named CX25, for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder version that'll be the volume seller in Europe, and CX35, for the hotter 3.5 liter V6 version expected to take most sales in the US. The CX will share many of the FX's bold styling cues. It'll be built on a shortened next-generation FM front mid-engined platform. The versatile FM underpins FX35/45, M35/45, G35, Nissan 350z, and the next Skyline GT-R. "

Engines:
CX25: VQ25DE 210 HP/197 LB.FT
CX35: VQ35DE 280 HP/270 LB.FT

marakbai

HOLY ... now if only they could get the interior to look classy!
I went into the FX at the Auto Show and was not impressed at all ...

But Hey more competition the better ...

98AccordEx

Add the updated Freelander to the list of competitors. Auto Week has an update on the Freelanders plans:
larger V6
better safety equip
more american market styling
more luxury

due in 2007

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102295

98AccordEx

As a possible spoiler to the RDX launch, Mazda is launching the MX-Crossport at the same time as the RDX will debut. I'm sure they will be compared while on the Auto Show circuit.

Autoweek article:
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102332

marakbai

Looked really cool at the AutoShow ..

TSX - Mazda6
RDX - Crossport

What next Mazda?

Precision Crafted

John Mendle is from Mazda. With that said, a lot of products were already in the pipe line. I look forward to seeing some exciting designs from Acura.

98AccordEx

In Mazda’s new naming conventions, crossover utes will carry the CX moniker. Mazda says the production Mazda CX-7 will carry many of the design cues of the concept and will be built solely at the automaker's facility in Hiroshima, Japan.

Autoweek article:
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102461

Precision Crafted

One of the biggest reasons, Lux car companies have gone alpha-numeric or just alpha is to draw more attention to the company so that owners will not mention the model name but the brand name.

This was Acura's reason for dropping names. I believe Caddy felt the same way.

I guess Mazda feels that too many people don't know of their name. To their credit, their current line up is NICE looking and sporty to drive.

TSX69

Mazda to Roll Out New CrossOver Company says the production version of the MX-Crossport SUV is critical to grow N. American sales.

May 25, 2005; Posted: 10:06 a.m. EDT (1406 GMT)
The new Mazda CX-7, which combines SUV with sports car, will launch in 2006.
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - A production version of the Mazda MX-Crossport concept vehicle introduced at the Detroit auto show in January will be launched in 2006, the automaker said Wednesday, adding that it will be named the Mazda CX-7.

The new vehicle will be built in Japan, according to Mazda. The company describes the vehicle's style as a combination of its RX-8 sports car with the packaging of a sport-utility vehicle.

"Our goal was to design a crossover that transcends the existing categories of SUV and crossovers and steps in to the realm of sports car," chief designer Koizumi said in a statement.

The concept featured a multi-use information display and entertainment system that has several driving support functions, including vehicle diagnosis, safety instructions, blind spot monitoring, a satellite navigation system and emergency information, Mazda said.

"The addition of the CX-7 to the Mazda lineup is a critical step forward for us in terms of our ability to grow Mazda's business in North America," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda's North American operations, in a statement.

Mazda MX-Crossport photos and features:

AcuraFan

What the hell is that thing in the center? Some sort of nav?

AcuraFan

Well, I've never heard it put that way. Generally, we get the excuse that they're trying to be more like the European lux companies...that's why they do it...but that's always seemed kinda weak.

Precision Crafted

I believe when Acura droppped the names Legend and Vigor for the '95 model year it was stated that owners talked about their Legends not their Acuras. Legend had more recognition then Acura. So they gave their new models forgetable names.

I will say that my friends, family, co-workers, and complete strangers refer to my car as an Acura instead of calling it a TL.

Most people have to ask me what the name of my car is as they forget. So I guess in some circles Acura's plan is working.

98AccordEx

From this picture I am not to sure it's going to be fair to call it an RDX competitor. The rear end is so short that the cargo space must be less than 20cu ft??

Can anyone who saw this in person at a car show add some perspective on this?

Hopefully the RDX provides more room.

marakbai

I saw it at the auto show ... all I can say is it's HOT! Not really sure about the cargo space, but I goota way when I walked in, right away I thought it was the RDX, before I realised it was in the Mazda showroom

I'm definitely going to check it out if it launches early 2006 ... I'm pretty much sure that my next car purchase will be Spring 2006 ... with the house closing in Dec, it should work out well ... NO SNOW ON THE GROUND either, hopefully ... (last 2 cars were pre-winter ... not fun)

marakbai

that's the radio/ac etc head unit ... similar to the RX8

AcuraFan

Yeah, but this is some big round glass thing...not like the RX8

Danoli

I love the FX-45 nice looks strong engine and 4wd. think acura should be shooting for a strong competator to crush the fx line and get closer to bmw than put a honda crv on steriods

taeoug

Here is scanned copy of what infiniti, cadillac, and mercedes is going to release.

http//forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=Infiniti&Number=67962608&p age=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

Wow, I guess I am going to keep my car for only two years again and look into one of these, including the RDX. I just sold my CL and bought an I35 and so far I am impressed with this infiniti. Now I am going to have to decide between the RDX or the CX35.

98AccordEx

I think typical of Acura/Honda they will not push too hard with the Horsepower war so no FX45 competitor BUT the RDX may beat out the FX35 with superior handling from the SH-AWD and lighter weight.
As far as it being a CRV on steriods, I hope it is! I have a 2005 CRV SE and it's a great combination of comfort and utility. I'm hoping the RDX will increase the performance and luxury levels while sacrificing only a little utility.

MSZ

CRV isn't a bad SUV at all, but its a bit underpowered.

marakbai

Hmmm ... got me then ...
I'd be interested to know what it is

98AccordEx

It's the flux capacitor of course! That or a goldfish bowl? or a magic eight ball?

marakbai

JUst got a call from Subaru .. the Tribeca is on the lot at the dealership ...

I'll try to go in this weekend for the test drive, and grab some pics ...

98AccordEx

Should be interesting if you have the time. It got a favorable 'first-drive' review on Edmunds.com but hten again all 'first-drive' reviews are generally positive.

98AccordEx

New update has this coming out in early 2006.
The raised ride height has been designed to offer extra ground clearance. Under the skin, the new SUV features a re-engineered version of the Golf's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, which will also appear on the upcoming A3 Allroad from VW's sister firm, Audi.

Inside, the CrossGolf gets the same cabin as the Golf Plus, with three rear seats that fold and slide independently of each other. Pricing and specification details for the Golf Plus range have yet to be announced, but the soft-roader is set to make its showroom debut in 2006. It will be equipped with transversely mounted engines delivering up to 250 horsepower.


http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enth...178.A8753.html

marakbai

Holy!!! the wars are on for sure!
2006 is going to be deadly with these mini-luxo SUV's

98AccordEx

Plus we know there will be a Audi version of this, I believe it will be called the Q5?? I also read at Edmunds that revised Toyota Highlander will be released in the Fall of 2006 as a 2007 model. Not a direct competitor but another one to clutter the market.

marakbai

Exactly, there's a massive amount of these small and medium luxo and non-luxo SUV's coming out ... there's a redesigned RAV4 and I believe CRV also ...

Really makes you stop and think before going with the typical options .. and that's not even touching the new family utility vehicles (or tall station wagons )

Oye my head hurts ... but I'm gonna have fun driving them all!!!

98AccordEx

Did you have a chance to test drive the Tribeca? First Impressions?

dom

Please don't

marakbai

Didn't get to drive the Tribeca as yet ... maybe this weekend ...

PS
Good one Dom ... you know you love it

98AccordEx

The Saab vehicle, known internally as the 9-4X, would be the smallest of three Saab SUVs. The all-wheel-drive vehicle is scheduled to be produced in Europe in 2009.

If approved, the BRX would fit in Cadillac's lineup below the SRX sport wagon. One industry source said the base price will be in the mid-$30,000s, between the CTS sedan and the SRX. Most important, it could give Cadillac a smaller sport wagon as it pushes to build sales in Europe.

The BRX will borrow the 2.8-liter V-6 used in the CTS sedan as its base engine. A 3.6-liter V-6 will be available in a top-of-the-line model. Sources say there will be no third-row seat available.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102607

The list of potential competitors grows. I hope there is a demand in the market for all these vehicles?

jcg878

"MX-Crossport, will you break down on this road trip??"

- "Signs point to yes".

98AccordEx

good one!!!

marakbai

Benz is coming out with an MLK, to gear up against the X3 ....

http://motortrend.com/future/spied/112_0409_sketch/

Fun times, now I wonder, should I buy the B Class? Yeah, it'll be the beater.

98AccordEx

I wonder how close it will be to how it actually turns out - remember the RDX sketch from Motortrend??: