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Showing posts with label Acura. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acura. Show all posts

Friday, February 11, 2011

Acura may have officially begun its quest back to relevance. Then again, maybe not. According to arecent report out of Japan, Honda CEO Takashi Ito made known to reporters that the automaker is once-again revisiting plans to build a sports car.
Reconfirming that news, Car & Driver is now reporting a a similar story from an American Acura executive.
NSX fans shouldn’t get their hopes up, however, as the unnamed exec shied away from comments about a true halo performance model, instead referring to the car as a, “sports model,” that will, “meet the needs of the current times and customers.” (Hopefully better than the ZDX does). The car will also have a strong focus on safety and the environment.
While a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive exotic is unlikely, there’s still hope this car will be exciting. Honda has yet to announce plans to re-start its V8 program so in the mean time we’re left to conclude that this new model will be a front-drive grand-tourer with some sort of hybrid V6 powertrain. While no GT-R or LFA, if done rightly, Honda/Acura still may be able to pull this one off successfully.

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Acura is cognizant of the fact that their current design language isn’t going over well with consumers, and is at least doing something about it. Truth be told, the Acura TL is a good car. Equipped with SH-AWD it’s even better, and with the 6-speed manual transmission, it’s fantastic. Unfortunately it looks like a child’s attempt at an oragami hippo, which has prevented a lot of people from giving it a fair shake.
For 2012, the Acura TL will get a new schnoz, and although the changes are sublte, they do help make the car’s awkward front end look a little less jarring to the naked eye. Look closely and you’ll see that the chrome trim around the front is smoother and smaller, while the overhangs have been reduced in size.
Other changes, announced at the new car’s unveiling at the Chicago Auto Show, include a much-needed 6-speed automatic, an available blind-spot warning system, ventilated seats that offer heating and cooling, and finally, an available 60 GB hard-drive based navigation system.

Last year, Acura debuted the second generation TSX. The small “near luxury” 4-door sedan is a bit larger than its predecessor, and features crisp handling characteristics and sporting performance from its 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder motor that puts out 201-hp and 172 ft- lbs of torque. It’s a nice little package for a car that lists in the $30,000 to $33,000 range.


FAST FACTS

1. New for 2010, the TSX is now offered with a V6 engine with 280-hp and 254 ft-lbs of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds.2. Fuel economy is rated at 18/27 mpg (city/highway), compared to 21/30 mpg for the 4-cylinder.
3. Setting V6 models apart visually is a set of 18-inch wheels.
4. Pricing starts at $34,850 for V6 models, with 4-cylinders priced from $29,310.

POWERFUL NEW V6 ENGINE FOR 2010

This year, the big change is that the TSX is now available with the 3.5-liter 24-valve VTEC V6 engine, the same engine offered on the larger base TL model. The V6 puts out 280-hp and 254 ft-lbs of torque, which can push the TSX from zero to 60 in 6 seconds flat. That’s strong performance to be sure, but the added power and weight to the front wheel drive sedan produces a disquieting amount of torque steer. And there are some flat spots in the power delivery as you push the tach needle to its 6800rpm redline. Still, the V6 fuel economy is a respectable 18-mpg city, 27-mpg highway – which isn’t too much of a sacrifice from the 4-bangers 21/30 mpg rating.
The V6’s handling suffers a bit over the 4-cylinder model, despite the beefed-up front suspension. There is noticeable understeer in hard cornering, and the heavier V6 isn’t as tossable as the 4-banger.


The brakes were a little disappointing too, with a sloppy feel in the first inch or so of pedal travel, but once into the grab zone, they are effective in bringing the car down from speed.
The 5-speed automatic transmission has a Sport mode that uses paddle shifters – right side for upshifts, and left side for downshifts. The system works well, and the shifts are fairly immediate. I do wish all manufacturers would adopt the Ford system, however, where either side paddle shifter can upshift or downshift.
Like many such transmissions, when in Drive mode, a tap on the paddle shifter will either upshift or downshift from the gear you’re in, resuming to automatic shifting when the tachometer reaches the rpm where it normally shifts.

STIFFER SUSPENSION AND LOW PROFILE WHEELS REDUCE RIDE COMFORT


The ride quality can feel a bit harsh at times over broken pavement. Some of that is due to the 18-inch wheels with low profile tires, and to the fact that the suspension is tuned for a sporty ride. The upside is very flat cornering, and despite the understeer, the car gives the driver a confident feeling when hustling through the twisties. On smoother roads and highway speeds, the ride is quite comfortable.
The electromechanical power steering can use some sorting out. On a straight stretch of highway, it seems like the driver needs to correct the steering wheel a bit more than usual. Still, steering response feels immediate, and the driver gets good feedback.
The exterior styling is typical of Acura and Honda, handsome, without being overly stylish. There isn’t much that differentiates the 4-cylinder model from the 6 either, except a V6 badge and the 18-inch wheels.

INTERIOR IS PREMIUM, BUT NOT LUXURIOUS

Inside, the cabin is nicely laid out. There are two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, with an information screen between them. Those dials are trimmed with brushed aluminum. The dash materials are soft with a nice graining to them. There is no analogue clock, which has become the cliché for automakers signaling that this is an upscale model. The cabin is more techo-rich looking than cozy luxury looking.
The perforated leather seats are comfortable and are heated. They are wide enough for all-day comfort, and with enough bolstering to hold you in place when you feel like driving aggressively.
The steering wheel is a bit cluttered with redundant controls for the stereo, as well as cruise control, phone controls, voice command controls, and toggle switch for the information screen.
The center stack is nicely laid out and easy to use. Good storage throughout the cabin including a nice size glove box, door pockets, and center console with USB port, MP3 jack, and power outlet. I needed a search party, however to find the tilt steering wheel lever, which is located waaaay down beneath the steering column.
Rear seat legroom is tight if the driver needs to push the seat all the way back on its track, but headroom and shoulder room for the rear 2 passengers is adequate. The trunk is a bit small, but the 60/40 folding split bench seat will help increase the effective use of it.

PLENTY OF STANDARD FEATURES, BUT NAV SCREEN OUTDATED

There is a long list of standard features on the TSX, such as iPod integration, steering wheel-mounted controls, leather seating, 8-way power driver seat and 4-way passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Xenon HID headlights, heated side-view mirrors, and dual-zone climate control.
The V6 adds 18-inch alloy wheels, one-touch ignition key start and Acura's new Active Sound Control system, which works by eliminating exterior sound entering the cabin. A moonroof is standard, but despite the pop-up wind deflector, there is a pronounced flutter effect at around 30 mph when all the windows are closed.
All the safety gear is included, such as front, front side-impact and two-row side-curtain airbags, plus electronic stability control.
My test car came with the Tech package, a $3,100 upgrade. It adds a navigation system with live traffic and weather, and a back-up camera, an outstanding 10-speaker 415-watt sound system and voice-activated Bluetooth plus audio and climate controls. Unfortunately, the nav system seems quite outdated. The screen resolution is just fair so it affects both the navigation map screen and back-up camera clarity. A large knob controls the input of destination addresses and is somewhat cumbersome. I tried the voice activation to input an address, and became frustrated with that as well. I spoke the words “Lincoln Avenue” for the street name, and it did not recognize that. Then the system asked me to spell it. When I voiced the “n” it replied with “rear defroster on.” I understand that the voice recognition systems on all cars can be a bit finicky, but this was a bit more cumbersome than most.
I registered a few other niggling complaints during my test. For starters there is no keyless entry, so you can keep the key fob in your pocket. I was pleased to find two handy rear seatback releases on each side of the trunk wall to lower the rear seatbacks, but twice I pulled on them and the mechanism didn’t drop the seats.

THE VERDICT

I’ve always liked Honda products, and in almost every car I’ve ever tested, the vehicle exceeded my expectations. The Acura TSX is the first one that under-whelmed me. It certainly isn’t a bad car, and it has no single flaw that would be a deal-breaker, but just had plenty of annoyances. And with a sticker price of $38,760 ($24,850 for the base V6), there must be two dozen other cars in the price range that I would enjoy more on a daily basis. Among them would be larger cars like the Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Maxima, Audi A4, and even the larger Acura TL for just a few dollars more.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Earlier this month, Honda unveiled the Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, signaling that the ninth generation 2012 Civic will follow soon, to be precise, this spring. However, the official press bits weren’t exactly what you’d call detailed, leaving lots of aspects, including the engine lineup, to our imagination.

Today, the Honda-obsessed team at the Temple of VTEC forums claim to have solved part of this mystery thanks some inside sources that told them a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, very similar to the Acura TSX’s powerplant, will make its way into the new Civic Si.

The new four-cylinder engine will replace the current K20Z3 197HP 2.0-liter unit and is expected to deliver a little over 200 horsepower and, thanks to its larger displacement, significantly more torque. The other conventional powerplant for the Civic's North American lineup is said to be the current 1.8-liter gasoline unit, possibly revised to return better fuel efficiency.

In other news, there are also rumors about Honda planning an HF trim level just for the sedan with gray or white exterior color. Fans of the manual transmissions can expect to find them on the DX- and LX-trimmed sedans as well as part of the EX trim level for coupe models.




Earlier this month, Honda unveiled the Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, signaling that the ninth generation 2012 Civic will follow soon, to be precise, this spring. However, the official press bits weren’t exactly what you’d call detailed, leaving lots of aspects, including the engine lineup, to our imagination.

Today, the Honda-obsessed team at the Temple of VTEC forums claim to have solved part of this mystery thanks some inside sources that told them a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, very similar to the Acura TSX’s powerplant, will make its way into the new Civic Si.

The new four-cylinder engine will replace the current K20Z3 197HP 2.0-liter unit and is expected to deliver a little over 200 horsepower and, thanks to its larger displacement, significantly more torque. The other conventional powerplant for the Civic's North American lineup is said to be the current 1.8-liter gasoline unit, possibly revised to return better fuel efficiency.

In other news, there are also rumors about Honda planning an HF trim level just for the sedan with gray or white exterior color. Fans of the manual transmissions can expect to find them on the DX- and LX-trimmed sedans as well as part of the EX trim level for coupe models.

Last but not least, the list of colors for 2012 has also been revealed and it’s available below.

Crystal Black Pearl

Dyno Blue Pearl

Urban Titanium Metallic

Cool Mist Metallic

Polished Metal Metallic

Crimson Pearl

Alabaster Silver Metallic

Taffeta White

The 2012 Honda Civic will go on sale in the U.S. this spring.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Temple of VTEC



_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________



Earlier this month, Honda unveiled the Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, signaling that the ninth generation 2012 Civic will follow soon, to be precise, this spring. However, the official press bits weren’t exactly what you’d call detailed, leaving lots of aspects, including the engine lineup, to our imagination.

Today, the Honda-obsessed team at the Temple of VTEC forums claim to have solved part of this mystery thanks some inside sources that told them a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, very similar to the Acura TSX’s powerplant, will make its way into the new Civic Si.

The new four-cylinder engine will replace the current K20Z3 197HP 2.0-liter unit and is expected to deliver a little over 200 horsepower and, thanks to its larger displacement, significantly more torque. The other conventional powerplant for the Civic's North American lineup is said to be the current 1.8-liter gasoline unit, possibly revised to return better fuel efficiency.

In other news, there are also rumors about Honda planning an HF trim level just for the sedan with gray or white exterior color. Fans of the manual transmissions can expect to find them on the DX- and LX-trimmed sedans as well as part of the EX trim level for coupe models.

Last but not least, the list of colors for 2012 has also been revealed and it’s available below.

Crystal Black Pearl

Dyno Blue Pearl

Urban Titanium Metallic

Cool Mist Metallic

Polished Metal Metallic

Crimson Pearl

Alabaster Silver Metallic

Taffeta White

The 2012 Honda Civic will go on sale in the U.S. this spring.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Temple of VTEC



_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________


Monday, January 24, 2011

*Current 2011MY Acura Shown in Pictures

The next Chicago Auto Show, to be held for the public from February 11 to 20, will host the debut of the updated for the updated Acura TL. Honda's luxury division simply stated that the TL will be "newly refined" for the 2012 model year, without releasing any more details. The current, fourth generation TL was released onto the market in late 2008 and is offered with a 280HP 3.5-liter V6 and front wheel drive, or with a 305HP 3.7-liter V6 and the firm's all-wheel drive system. We'll post any updates on Acura's mid-size sedan as soon as they become available.




_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________


*Current 2011MY Acura Shown in Pictures

The next Chicago Auto Show, to be held for the public from February 11 to 20, will host the debut of the updated for the updated Acura TL. Honda's luxury division simply stated that the TL will be "newly refined" for the 2012 model year, without releasing any more details. The current, fourth generation TL was released onto the market in late 2008 and is offered with a 280HP 3.5-liter V6 and front wheel drive, or with a 305HP 3.7-liter V6 and the firm's all-wheel drive system. We'll post any updates on Acura's mid-size sedan as soon as they become available.




_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________


Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Honda Legend sedan

Honda Motor prepares changes in a ruler of the cars to give more attention to release of harmless and accessible at the price of cars, newspaper Nikkei informs.

Legend & Elysion must have a hybrids!

Two expensive cars — Honda Legend sedan and Honda Elysion minivan — will be stoped. In the Japanese car market, since 2011 sales of the classical version of Honda Civic will be stopped, on sale there will be only a hybrid version.

Honda Elysion

2011 Honda Elysion

Honda Legend

Honda Legend

Honda Legend remains on sale only in the US car market under Acura RL brand name.

 

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