TSX69

Sagging Sales Forcing Acura to Drop 2.0 Liter ILX

Now that Honda has remedied the 2013 Civic with a redesign, it appears the automaker has shifted its attention toward the C-segment car’s more premium platform-mate, the 2013 Acura ILX. The new compact sedan is not the sales superstar it was projected to be, but the Japanese automaker plans on fixing the problem by making a major powertrain change, according to Automotive News.

Acura plans on dropping the 2.0-liter I-4 from the lineup, as John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president said it’s “underpowered, and consumers don’t see the value,” to Automotive News. This could mean the racier 201-hp 2.4-liter will replace the less-inspiring mill to further set the ILX apart from the 140-hp Civic. “The Acura ILX is what the Honda Civic should have been, but at a Civic price,” we said of the 2.0 ILX during our Motor Trend Car of the Year testing, where we recorded a 0-60 mph time of 9.0 seconds and quarter-mile run of 16.9 seconds.

Currently, the more potent 2.4-liter unit is exclusively paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, but Mendel also hints that a 2.4 automatic is in the works. Making such changes could help catapult ILX sales, which aren’t close to hitting the initial target of 30,000 units a year. “We’re hitting two-thirds of our expectations, but we’re growing every month and catching on more,” Mendel told Automotive News.

Acura spokesman Chuck Schifsky tells us a different story, however. “The ILX is slowly getting up to where we want it to be, and it’s taking quite a while to get the awareness built up, but the 2.0-liter isn’t going anywhere.” As for a 2.4 automatic, Schifsky says there’s no plan for that, either.

TSX69

Rocky ILX Launch Has Acura Execs Plotting Quick Changes

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 2nd 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-4 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 2 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% 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 2 -- 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."

veeedub

Please upgrade my engine.

Switt23

Now it's a collectors Item .. Putting mine in the closet and buying a beater to drive.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Seriously?

I think any of us could have told them that an underpowered 2.0L would be completely inadequate in a premium segment car where just about every competitor has close to 200-hp minimum.

Looks like the Acura execs are finally taking their heads out of their asses lately with the open bid to replace RPA as their ad agency and making the quick changes to move more units of an underselling cars instead of burying their heads in the sand instead of denying that anything was wrong.

beach109

This has been discussed before, and I would say, stay tuned.

I see both still being offered, as most ILX's sold are the 2.0L for a reason, yes because it's the automatic and standard but also because of better mileage and it still moves very well.

I do see more use of the 2.4L but not necessarily standard. We'll see.

SSFTSX

what about overpriced ILX Hybrid. It also need to drop. it is barely making 100 sales a month. and i highly doubt ILX is going to achieve even 30000 sales target unless it is deeply discounted.

spdandpwr

Posted by another member

beach109

The Hybrid model is meant to be lower volume and for a specific client, which it is doing fine with. Not large numbers but also not produced in larger numbers either, as with other hybrid models of vehicles.

jiggaman

If it had 2.4 i would seriously consider this car. I like the size of it as it is more similiar to the 1G TSX.

terdonal

I didn't find the 2.0 underpowered myself even though I we ended up with the 2.4.

If they had the 2.4 in auto I think they could have picked up more sales but that isn't to say the 2.0 wouldn't still sell as the 2.4 with auto would have been higher priced and have lower gas mileage than the 2.0.

Trentimus

Trentimus

Unless it's the Earth Dreams 2.4 with CVT.. then we're all the early birds who got the shaft instead of the worm lol

terdonal

Maybe but I am still up in the air on CVT myself but that is just me.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

Actually this has been planned for a while. The original plan was to launch the ILX with ED, but the earthquake/tsunami in Japan delayed the development. As a result, ED wasn't ready for the ILX launch and it's been forced to stick with R20+5AT.

See the info from Jeff here: http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1048046

This was from March of this year.

nothome17

Tsunami/Earthquake = Delayed developement

Answer = They could of just put the Honda Accord motor in the ILX and called it a day. Up 27 horses and Torque.

Colin

From what we've heard from those "in the know", the current K24 plus current 5AT is too large to fit in the Civic/ILX engine bay. It is likely that the new ED 2.4 + CVT is what was destined for the car from the outset.

nothome17

Well we know for sure the K24 does fit the ILX because it does have the option of the K24. Only question is the 5 AT? I'm sure that should fit to since it's only 5 speed and it's a dinosaur of a technology.

Plus from the article brought up, they are in the works now with a K series/Earth dreams 2.4 with Auto tranny.

Colin

^^ Well that's what I said. The question was K24+5AT from the Accord. We already know that K24+6MT fits, the only question was why not the pre-ED Accord drivetrain as you suggested? Because it doesn't fit. They needed to wait till the new K24+CVT ED drivetrain was ready.

Rocket_man

I think this car with the 2.4L ED with CVT would sell much better. The gas milage would be better than the Accord (27 / 36 / 30 at 3,200lbs vice 2,900 for the ILX). But they can't use this as an excuse to raise the price. That would be a mistake.

The downside here is that it will compete with the very attractive Accord with good milage and more room. So some nicer luxury features may be needed.

The 2.0L ED is the engine that will go in the Accord hybrid, so that should be ready to replace the current 2.0L.

tuna_

So, are they going to still sell it for the same price? If so, can we get a price adjustment?

CoquiTSX

If it's as nice as the one in the Outback, I'm in. The CVT in the Accord is supposed to be very nice.

CoquiTSX

+1

spdandpwr

Here's what they should've done: Told nobody about this new motor change until the changes to the ilx for 2014 were going to be announced. Wouldn't be surprised if sales slump again. Then again, how many people actually read car news these days? I'd venture to say that a good chunk of people buying the 2.0 aren't even active car enthusiasts so announcing the new engines for the ilx may not even reach their ears.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

It's exactly that - the 5AT is ancient. It's pretty darn heavy and huge. If you have noticed, usually when a manufacturer comes up with a new tranny with more gears, the size and weight also go down. For the Civic LX, MT model is 2740lb, and AT model is 2815lb. That's a difference of 75lb.

The K series with earth dreams comes with CVT, not 5AT.

robtroxel

Frankly, I'm ok with the 2.0 engine. We wanted economy more than fast 0 to 60 times. Our 2009 Civic 1.8 with the 5 speed automatic was super strong on mileage. We actually feel a little better torque in the ILX in day to day travels. While I think Acura/Honda should bring in a six speed auto, the 5 speed auto seems well matched and runs fine @ 70 in cruise. The ILX lives with mid grade gas as well and economy so far is around 33 mpg with very few miles on the clock

thisaznboi88

iTrader: (7)

put the RDX turbo engine in the ILX. That should make some headspin.

spdandpwr

That'll never happen. The torque from the RDX motor requires a heavy duty transmission, which honda won't build. The mileage from that car is worse than the na applications that honda builds. Honda just sucks at practical/economical turbo motors.

jiggaman

RDX turbo engine in the ILX AND SH-AWD!!!

Trentimus

Wasn't Acura put under the impression that people didn't like the reduced fuel economy and jerkiness of the powerband..

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

Yea, the R20 is a very efficient engine, even if it's not all that powerful.

However, the K24 + CVT combo from the new Accord is even more attractive. Here are some EPA numbers:

ILX 5AT: 24/35/28mpg
Accord CVT: 27/36/30mpg

Just imagine putting that powertrain into the base ILX which is about 300-400lb lighter. EPA ratings 28/38/32mpg is a real possibility. Accord owners are experience 30+ mpg in real world driving as well. Add to that the extra 30-40hp and lbft of torque while still using regular fuel. Isn't that more attractive?

The 1g RDX's engine does not have direct injection, hence its compression ratio is kept low. Low compression ratio = low efficiency. And when you put that engine into a 4000lb vehicle with high aero drag, it just doesn't work. Even for cars like the Audi Q5 2.0T and Ford Escape EcoBoost that have direct injection, turbocharged engines don't necessarily do better when it comes to fuel efficiency.

The problem is that too many people think engine downsizing + turbo = higher power + better mpg. While it's true in theory, things are quite different in the real world. From what I've seen so far, I have yet to see any cars with downsized boosted engines performing significantly better than similar cars with larger NA engines.

Colin

I have to laugh at the turn this discussion has taken. If we assume that the information is correct that the old Accord 2.4+5AT did not fit in the engine bay of the ILX, Then there is no way that the 2.3 turbo plus the larger RL all-wheel-drive 5AT would fit.

Consider this. I am sure that Acura has no incentive to "protect" the sales of the TSX which is (allegedly) sold at a loss. Since we know that Honda is very frugal, why would they bring into North America the 2 L engine for one model year if there were no better choice? I suggest that the "train of thought" went something like this:

Plan A) Launch Earth Dreams Technology with the ILX in North America
But the earthquake/tsunami happened

Plan B) Launch ILX with an existing north American drivetrain
But the Accord 2.4 with an automatic won't fit

Plan C) Delay the launch of the ILX till Earth Dreams is ready
They must have decided that delaying one year would cost more than certification of the R20 for North America

So, they obviously decided to launch the car on schedule with an existing drivetrain (K24 from TSX/Civic SI in a manual, and R20 from the Asian market for the auto). They even stated early on that it would receive Earth Dreams as soon as it was ready.

spdandpwr

I think people aren't denying your logic...they're just envisioning a beautiful hypothetical situation.

spdandpwr

I don't follow your logic. Both BMW and Audi have provided engines that yield higher power, get greater efficiency, and power heavier cars. The TSX engine is worst in class...though it is 2k cheaper than the Audi A4 and 4k than the BMW.

nothome17

The ILX would have been a perfect replacement for the 3rd Gen Integra. But hopefully they do some Exterior refinements while they are at the powertrain improvements. It just doesn't look right on the road or in pictures.

gonzo08452

I'd be pissed if I just bought the 2.0 because I probably would not have picked the ILX if I were buying it for the mpgs. But thats just me. The reasoning behind the powertrain packaging by Honda was screwy to begin with anyway.

Litt

No one should be surprised!
We all knew about earthdreams before the ILX was on sale.

OBVIOUSLY the ILX will get a new earthdreams I4 engine, and also a earthdreams hybrid (not sh-awd).
"Hopefully the intelligent multi-mode drive" hybrid for mid sized vehicles. E.D. has 3 hybrid technologies in all.

AND THATS NOT ALL. Also obviously the new tech from the new Accord and RLX will migrate pretty soon to all the Acura models. So pretty soon the 2012 ILX will have last gen TECH.

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

Is the TSX's 5AT identical to the 8G Accord's 5AT? If not, why not go with that tranny in the ILX? Or even the Civic Si 5AT if it exists?

musty hustla

Exactly! The 2.3 turbo or even a 2.0 turbo would get great economy in the ILX frame.

How about this? Put the SH-AWD in all the entire lineup.

Colin

That is exactly the tranny that won't fit alongside the K24 in this chassis. TSX and 8G Accord are on a larger chassis (global mid-sized) than the Civic/ILX (global compact). This is why they needed an R series engine. The Si is not available with an automatic.