Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more power, performance... more car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/first-drive-2010-acura-tsx-v6-offers-more-power-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/first-drive-2010-acura-tsx-v6-offers-more-power-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/first-drive-2010-acura-tsx-v6-offers-more-power-performance/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Acura TSX V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Acura has a good thing going in the luxury segment. Unlike Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi - but like Lexus - Acura's best selling car is not its entry-level model: Acura moves more TLs than anything else in its line-up. And unlike those other brands, Lexus included, all of Acura's offerings carry five-star safety ratings from NHTSA, are rated as top safety picks by the IIHS, and the Automotive Lease Guide has declared that Acura offerings have the best resale value among luxury brands. Now, Honda's premium division has grown by one with the addition of the TSX V6, and Autoblog was invited to find out if the new, more powerful sedan could keep the brand's good thing going. Follow the jump to find out.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.
Shot with a Nikon D70 and Nikon 18-200 lens

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more power, performance... more car

First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more power, performance... more car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura tsxacura tsx v6AcuraTsxAcuraTsxV6Featuredfirst driveFirstDrivesaloonsedantsxtsx v6TsxV6Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Honda set to release Acura coupe in 2010?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/rendered-speculation-honda-set-to-release-acura-coupe-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/rendered-speculation-honda-set-to-release-acura-coupe-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/rendered-speculation-honda-set-to-release-acura-coupe-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Rumor on two continents - Germany in Auto Motor und Sport and Japan in Holiday - has it that Acura is developing a sleek four-door to join the lexicologically questionable segment known as "four-door coupes." The various translations equate to a car built on the forthcoming ZDX crossover's architecture, with reports suggesting that the new model will slot in between the TSX and the TL. Longer than the TSX by a few inches, the coupe is expected to also be wider, lower, and have a longer wheelbase than the small sedan.

Although one of the outlets mentioned a V8 and a FR layout, the consensus on a proposed engine is the 3.7-liter V6 paired up with Acura's SH-AWD and Motion Adaptive EPS. When might one expect to see this latter-day CL, if such a thing really does exist? Next year's Detroit Auto Show, with U.S. sales perhaps at the end of 2010. Hat tip to Nick!

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Rendered Speculation: Honda set to release Acura coupe in 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraAcura CLAcuraClcoupefour-door coupeFour-doorCoupehondarendered speculationRenderedSpeculationrumormillsedanZDXMon, 25 May 2009 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda gives Acura its own financial arm]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/honda-gives-acura-its-own-financial-arm/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/honda-gives-acura-its-own-financial-arm/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/honda-gives-acura-its-own-financial-arm/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Acura TSX - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The late eighties is when it all happened for Japanese luxury vehicles in North America. But by the time Lexus and Infiniti launched in 1989, Acura was already on the market for three years. Since then, Acura customers in the U.S. looking to finance new cars went through the same American Honda Finance Corporation that bankrolls the purchases of new Honda cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, lawnmowers, outboard marine engines and everything else the Japanese industrial giant builds (to the possible exception of corporate jets and robots), not to mention the establishment of new dealerships and all that entails.

That's all about the change with American Honda Motor Co.'s announcement of the launch of Acura Financial Services, a new financing arm for the company's luxury division that will handle the purchases of new Acuras. The move is part of an effort to distance Acura from the more commonplace offerings of its parent company, and to give the division its own look and feel. A strange time to launch a new financial company, but we'll see how it works out. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Honda gives Acura its own financial arm

Honda gives Acura its own financial arm originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura financial servicesAcuraFinancialServicesamerican hondaamerican honda finance corporationamerican honda motor coAmericanHondaAmericanHondaFinanceCorporationAmericanHondaMotorCohondaTue, 28 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[New York: Acura ZDX aimed squarely at BMW X6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-acura-zdx-aimed-squarely-at-bmw-x6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-acura-zdx-aimed-squarely-at-bmw-x6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-acura-zdx-aimed-squarely-at-bmw-x6/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a few weeks of teasing, Acura has finally revealed the ZDX, its new four-door, luxury crossover "coupe" that is clearly aimed at the similarly proportioned BMW X6. The ZDX wears the now familiar shield grille and sharp styling that has spread across the entire Acura lineup. To further emphasize the crossover's coupiness, Acura designers have hid the rear door handles in the base of the C-pillar. The ZDX rides tall on 20-inch, 9-spoke wheels and also glints under the lights thanks to a number of chrome trim pieces including a pair of shiny dual exhausts out back. Inside you'll find typical Acura luxury with high quality materials arranged in a high-tech package that includes a new multi-view rear camera system with both a wide angle and top down view. The production ZDX will be V6-powered and kept in line by Acura's superb Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

Feel free to poke around the ZDX in our high-res gallery below. It's the best expression yet of Acura's new design language, which has taken some getting used to on its current lineup of sedans. This segment-busting crossover should arrive in dealerships by the fall of 2009, according to Acura.

Check out our high-res gallery of live and official shots below, as well as Acura's official press release after the jump.


Gallery: New York: Acura ZDX


Gallery: Acura ZDX


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading New York: Acura ZDX aimed squarely at BMW X6

New York: Acura ZDX aimed squarely at BMW X6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura zdxAcuraZdxnew yorknew york 2009new york auto showNewYorkNewYork2009NewYorkAutoShowNYAutoShowzdxWed, 08 Apr 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura becomes first brand to achieve top marks from NHTSA and IIHS for whole lineup ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/acura-becomes-first-brand-to-achieve-top-marks-from-nhtsa-and-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/acura-becomes-first-brand-to-achieve-top-marks-from-nhtsa-and-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/acura-becomes-first-brand-to-achieve-top-marks-from-nhtsa-and-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Acura buyers can rest assured that their fancy Hondas have their backsides not only well cosseted, but well covered. No matter what direction you smash a current Acura, any of them, you're protected by a straight-A student. In front, side, and rear impacts, every car that Acura sells carries top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Acura's crediting its two crash test facilities -- one in Tochigi Japan, and the other in Raymond, Ohio -- with enabling the top scores. Paying attention to occupant and pedestrian safety has been a focus of Acura, and the brand is the first ever to earn top ratings for front, side, and rear crashes from both agencies. Maybe that shield grille on the TL really IS life imitating art. Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Acura becomes first brand to achieve top marks from NHTSA and IIHS for whole lineup

Acura becomes first brand to achieve top marks from NHTSA and IIHS for whole lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura crash ratingsacura crash testacura five staracura iihsacura ncapacura nhtsaacura safetyacura safety ratingAcuraCrashRatingsAcuraCrashTestAcuraFiveStarAcuraIihsAcuraNcapAcuraNhtsaAcuraSafetyAcuraSafetyRatingWed, 01 Apr 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/acura-x6-fighter-officially-named-zdx/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/acura-x6-fighter-officially-named-zdx/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/acura-x6-fighter-officially-named-zdx/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Acrua ZDX Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

After a series of spy shots and a handful of teasers, Acura has finally given a name to its BMW X6-fighting crossover: the ZDX. Due to arrive in concept form at next week's New York Auto Show, the all-new ZDX is described by Acura as a luxury four-door sports coupe "with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility." Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, says the "ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen from Acura." From Acura, yes. From BMW...

The Acura ZDX evolve from a lightly-veiled "concept" into a production model slated to go on sale this fall. Powertrains haven't been revealed yet, but we'd suspect either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged V6 to be available at launch. Acura's press release is posted below the fold.


Gallery: New York 2009: Acura Crossover Teaser

Continue reading Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX

Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 new york auto show2009NewYorkAutoShow20102010 acurz zdx2010AcurzZdxacurabmw x6BmwX6conceptcrossovernew york 2009new york auto showNewYork2009NewYorkAutoShowNYAutoShowzdxMon, 30 Mar 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Acura RDX "Wall Art" commercial and how it was made]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/video-acura-rdx-wall-art-commercial-and-how-it-was-made/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/video-acura-rdx-wall-art-commercial-and-how-it-was-made/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/video-acura-rdx-wall-art-commercial-and-how-it-was-made/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to see Acura's Wall Art commercial and the making of

Perhaps along with the daring it has shown in its styling as of late, Acura has decided to flirt with bold commercial production, albeit arguably with more appealing results.

Not content with another dark, slick, lifestyle-rich spot for its RDX turbo, Acura has gone all Honda on us and created a spot that took 240 hours of shooting alone for thirty seconds of finished product. The Wall Art spot required seventeen painters using 456 gallons of paint to illustrate and re-illustrate a 60-foot by 40-foot canvas around a car that didn't move. The creative results can be seen after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Acura RDX "Wall Art" commercial and how it was made

VIDEO: Acura RDX "Wall Art" commercial and how it was made originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura commercialAcuraCommercialadvertisingartcommercialcrossovercuvvideowall art commercialWallArtCommercialThu, 26 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura steals pole position from Audi, Peugeot at 12 Hours of Sebring qualifying!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/acura-steals-sebring-pole-position-from-audi-peugeot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/acura-steals-sebring-pole-position-from-audi-peugeot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/acura-steals-sebring-pole-position-from-audi-peugeot/#commentsFiled under: ,



Tuesday's first official day of testing for the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race saw the new Audi R15 dominate its long-time foes from Peugeot and two new entries from Acura in the fastest LMP1 class. Peugeot bounced back in Wednesday's testing session, however, with the quickest lap times of the day. We fully expected today's official qualifying session to be a knock down, drag out battle between the Europeans for pole position. No one saw this coming.

Scott Dixon of De Ferran Motorsports driving one of the new Acura ARX-02a cars set the fastest lap time in qualifying and has earned a spot ahead of the big boys on the starting grid. Dixon managed a 1:45.278 lap time that just barely edged out legendary Le Mans racer Tom Kristensen in a brand spanking new Audi R15 by 0.082 seconds. Following the Acura and Audi will be the #7 Peugeot 908 HDi, which qualified 0.184 seconds behind the fastest Acura with Christian Klein at the wheel. Our kudos go to Acura and the De Ferran Motorsports team for achieving such a big victory before the 12 Hours of Sebring even begins. Of course, the hard part starts on Saturday and lasts a lot longer than just one lap.


Gallery: LMP1 testing at 12 Hours of Sebring


[Source: Planet LeMans]

Acura steals pole position from Audi, Peugeot at 12 Hours of Sebring qualifying! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 hours of sebring12HoursOfSebringacuraacura almsacura arx-02aacura poleacura pole positionacura sebringAcuraAlmsAcuraArx-02aAcuraPoleAcuraPolePositionAcuraSebringThu, 19 Mar 2009 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R15 dominates first day of Sebring testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/audi-r15-dominates-first-day-of-sebring-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/audi-r15-dominates-first-day-of-sebring-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/17/audi-r15-dominates-first-day-of-sebring-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


LMP1 testing at 12 Hours of Sebring - Click above for high-res image gallery

See that blurry race car behind the Peugeot 908HDi in the above image? That's the new Audi R15, and when the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race gets underway this weekend, don't expect these two cars to be in this order very often. After Monday's first full day of official testing at Sebring, Audi's third-generation Le Mans racer, the R15, proved that it was the car to beat. Audi is fielding two R15s this year, and the No. 2 car driven by dream team Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capello scorched the field yesterday with a fast lap of 1:43.596. That was a full half second quicker than the other Audi R15 driven by Marco Werner, Lucas Luhr and Mike Rockenfeller, and 1.406 seconds quicker than the fastest Peugeot. Acura is also joining Audi and Peugeot in the top LMP1 class this year, though its cars fielded by two private teams were another 0.1 and 0.8 seconds slower than the Peugeots.

Coverage of the 12 Hours of Sebring will begin this Saturday at 10:00 AM EST on SPEED, so let your spouse know now that you need a half day of no chores, family visits or slacks shopping. Also don't forget to set the mood by watching the premier of Truth in 24 on ESPN this Friday.


Gallery: LMP1 testing at 12 Hours of Sebring


[Source: americanlemans.com, Autosport]

Audi R15 dominates first day of Sebring testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 hours of sebring12HoursOfSebringacura lmp1AcuraLmp1audi r15AudiR15peugueot 908Peugueot908Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura crossover concept teased ahead of New York Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/acura-concept-teased-ahead-of-new-york-unveiling/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/acura-concept-teased-ahead-of-new-york-unveiling/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/acura-concept-teased-ahead-of-new-york-unveiling/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Acura Crossover Concept - Click above for high-res gallery

The crew at Acura have released a single teaser of a new concept due to arrive at next month's New York Auto Show. The darkened overhead image doesn't show much, but the angular front and rear fenders, single set of door handles and sloping roofline gives us a glimpse of the BMW X6-fighting crossover spied in the past. Acura has confirmed plans to add an all new niche model into its line-up for 2010 as it continues to strive for Tier 1 status. If it's a four-door coupe-like CUV, some might question the logic, but with two crossover architectures already available, it might be a low-cost way of matching BMW model-for-model.

UPDATE: Four more images added to the gallery thanks to AcuraZine.


Gallery: New York 2009: Acura Crossover Teaser

Acura crossover concept teased ahead of New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 acura crossover2010AcuraCrossoveracuraacura crossoverAcuraCrossoverbmwbmw x6BmwX6breakingcrossoverx6Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Strange But True: Honda Motor Co. reportedly denied trademark for "Acura RL"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/strange-but-true-honda-motor-co-reportedly-denied-trademark-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/strange-but-true-honda-motor-co-reportedly-denied-trademark-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/strange-but-true-honda-motor-co-reportedly-denied-trademark-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In what appears to be a classic case of sweating the small stuff, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board have refused to grant Honda a trademark for the term, "Acura RL," which, as we're sure you are aware, is the name of the luxury firm's flagship model. From what we can tell, this means that the Japanese automaker does not hold a trademark for the car's complete name.

The reasons given make sense from a technical standpoint, as the TTAB's response to Honda's appeal states that "we find that the likely impression here is that ACURA is the trademark for a line (or "make") of cars, while RL is a trademark for a particular "model" of that line."

Well, yeah. Acura is the make and RL is the model -- we're in agreement on that one. The differing viewpoints stem from the fact that Honda was unwilling or unable to provide proper evidence to the board that the words "Acura" and "RL" appear close enough together on the car, its manuals or its marketing materials to warrant its own trademark. Nitpick much? Thanks for the tip, Kevin!

[Source: TTAB (PDF link) via The TTABlog]

Strange But True: Honda Motor Co. reportedly denied trademark for "Acura RL" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura rlacura rl trademarkacura trademarkAcuraRlAcuraRlTrademarkAcuraTrademarktrademark trial and appeal boardTrademarkTrialAndAppealBoardThu, 12 Mar 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Acura's new BMW X6 fighter spotted again!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/spy-shots-acuras-new-bmw-x6-fighter-spotted-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/spy-shots-acuras-new-bmw-x6-fighter-spotted-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/spy-shots-acuras-new-bmw-x6-fighter-spotted-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The last time that we saw this vehicle, it was caught circulating the Nürburgring wearing a lot more camo than this example, and it's widely believed to be a new crossover from Acura. So far, Acura hasn't actually given any public indication that this machine even exists or is planned. Nonetheless, it's wearing all the contemporary Acura styling cues and the Nürburgring pics clearly showed the shield grille through the camo.

This particular example was snapped by an alert AB reader while it was evidently conducting cold weather testing in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada. Judging by the reduced amount of camouflage on this unit, it's probably getting close to a public launch, and we're guessing that with its pronounced slope-back, it will have BMW's controversial X6 and Infiniti's FX softroader squarely in its sights. Thanks to Jeff for the awesome tip!

Spy Shots: Acura's new BMW X6 fighter spotted again! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura crossoveracura crossover spy shotsacura cuvAcuraCrossoverAcuraCrossoverSpyShotsAcuraCuvBMW X6BmwX6breakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsCUVInfiniti FXInfinitiFxspy shotsSpyShotsTue, 10 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2008-acura-unveils-tsx-v6-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2008-acura-unveils-tsx-v6-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2008-acura-unveils-tsx-v6-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Acura TSX V6

Acura fans have something to rejoice about today as the Japanese automaker just released a new model here at the Chicago Auto Show. Before you get too excited, know that it's not rear-wheel-drive or powered by a V8 engine, but it's still a nice addition to the line-up. For the 2010 model year, the front-wheel-drive TSX sedan will be available with a 280-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine (most likely a version of the same engine offered in the Honda Accord, though Acura didn't confirm). The package also includes a slightly revised front fascia, retuned suspension system and new 18-inch wheels that are a full inch larger than the ones that come standard on the four-cyliner model. Acura says this new TSX model is a harbinger of good things to come, as the automaker plans to heavily revise all of its models for the upcoming model year. While we wait for that to take place, sales of the new V6 TSX should begin later this summer.

Gallery: 2010 Acura TSX V6


Gallery: 2010 Acura TSX V6


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010

Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 chicago auto show2009ChicagoAutoShow2010 acura tsx v62010AcuraTsxV6acuraacura tsx v6AcuraTsxV6chicagochicago 2009chicago auto showChicago2009ChicagoAutoShowtsxtsx v6TsxV6Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura continues to push for Tier-1 status, NSX could be revived]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/acura-continues-to-push-for-tier-1-status-nsx-could-be-revived/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/acura-continues-to-push-for-tier-1-status-nsx-could-be-revived/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/acura-continues-to-push-for-tier-1-status-nsx-could-be-revived/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TL

Acura wants to assure dealers that its plan to become a Tier 1 luxury brand - able to hang with Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus - is still underway. But according to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., the key to playing with the big boys isn't limited to what's on showroom floors. Colliver told Automotive News, "Being a premium luxury brand is not just about product. It's the way dealers handle customers. You've got to earn your way into the segment. You don't necessarily have to have a $90,000 sedan to get there."

Even though that formula seems to have worked for Lexus, Acura has different plans. The recently released TSX, RL and TL have set the tone for the next few years, and another crossover, designed to slot in between the RDX and MDX, is currently under development.

Colliver also mentioned that work on the NSX replacement is "mostly done," so even though Honda shelved the V10 supercar to cut costs and keep an even keel during the economic downturn, the NSX could be pulled out of the corporate garage, dusted off and brought to market once conditions improve.

Acura's entry-level image could help the automaker weather the economic downturn better than its rivals from Germany and Japan, but when the market firms up, Acura will need products (with high-output engines and RWD) at the ready to compete with the stalwarts of the luxury set.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX


Gallery: 2009 Acura RL


Gallery: 2009 Acura TL


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Acura continues to push for Tier-1 status, NSX could be revived originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura nsxAcuraNsxnsxMon, 02 Feb 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura LMP1 and BMW GT2 cars take Sebring testing by storm]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/acura-lmp1-and-bmw-gt2-cars-take-sebring-testing-by-storm/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/acura-lmp1-and-bmw-gt2-cars-take-sebring-testing-by-storm/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/acura-lmp1-and-bmw-gt2-cars-take-sebring-testing-by-storm/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for image gallery of the Acura LMP1 ALMS cars

Despite losing Audi for the 2009 season, the American Le Mans Series still has a lot to celebrate. For one, as we told you yesterday, Acura is on hand this week at the Winter Test event for the 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring with its new LMP1 racer. The good news is that midway through the second day of on-track testing, one of the two Acura racers has the fastest lap time so far of 1:44:814 (126.723 mph) around Sebring's 3.7-mile circuit. Despite the good first showing of these ARX-02a prototype LMP1 race cars, the ARX-01b cars that raced last year in the LMP2 class were still turning in lap times that were often just as fast as their bigger brothers.


Click above for image gallery of the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team M3 GT2 car

Also of worthy of celebration during the first two days of winter testing is the emergence of the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team and its M3 GT2 car. This is the first track outing for the M3 GT2 since it was announced less than a year ago at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. The 12 Hours of Sebring, which also kicks off the 2009 ALMS season, will be its first contest against the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, Viper, Aston Martin, Panoz and even a Ford GT in the GT2 class.

The 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring takes place March 18-21 and, along with the above new competitors, will be the only time that Audi races on North American soil this year with its brand new R15 TDI.

Gallery: Acura LMP1 ALMS cars


Gallery: BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team M3 GT2


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Acura LMP1 and BMW GT2 cars take Sebring testing by storm originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 hours of sebring12HoursOfSebringacura lmp1AcuraLmp1bmw m3 gt2BmwM3Gt2Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: First appearance of Acura LMP1 car at ALMS winter test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/breaking-first-appearance-of-acura-lmp1-car-at-alms-winter-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/breaking-first-appearance-of-acura-lmp1-car-at-alms-winter-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/breaking-first-appearance-of-acura-lmp1-car-at-alms-winter-test/#commentsFiled under: ,



Acura's new ARX-02a race car made its first public appearance this morning at the American Le Mans series winter test at Sebring in Florida. Acura announced its move up to the LMP1 class in the American Le Mans Series at last year's Detroit Grand Prix, but hasn't yet provided any details on the car. More information, including hopefully some news on the powerplant, will be announced later today. Unfortunately, Acura will be entering the LMP1 class just as Audi and its indomitable R10 are leaving. Though Audi has announced it will replace the aging R10 with a new car called the R15, it has pulled out of the both the ALMS and the European Le Mans Seres for 2009 and will only race the new car at the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Gallery: 2009 Sebring Winter Test: Acura ARX-02a


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

BREAKING: First appearance of Acura LMP1 car at ALMS winter test originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura arx-02aacura lmp1AcuraArx-02aAcuraLmp1almsamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican le mans series green challengeamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengeMon, 26 Jan 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen NSX RR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/2009-tokyo-auto-salon-mugen-nsx-rr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/2009-tokyo-auto-salon-mugen-nsx-rr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/2009-tokyo-auto-salon-mugen-nsx-rr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mugen NSX RR

With the NSX successor officially cancelled, Honda tapped long-time motorsports partner Mugen to create a one-off coupe to commemorate the everyday supercar that ended production in 2005. The Mugen NSX RR is stretched to 177.95 inches (almost four inches more than the '94-05 model), and widened by 5.5 inches and features a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum body panels. A set of upgrade brakes and GT-style body kit, join a new rear wing, hood-scoop and diffusers, while the stock 3.0-liter V6 remains and is mated to a revised six-speed manual gearbox. Mugen hasn't released any power figures, but informed speculation pegs output between 350 and 380 hp.

While it's highly-doubtful that Honda or Mugen will sell the NSX RR in the States, there's a good chance that the tuning firm will acquire some low-mileage NSX-Rs in Japan to produce a limited run of the RR, similar to the NISMO R34 GT-R Z-Tune Nissan produced at the end of the Skyline's production run.

UPDATED with live images.

Gallery: TAS 2009: Mugen NSX RR

2009 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen NSX RR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 tokyo auto salon2009TokyoAutoSalonacurahondamugen nsx rrMugenNsxRrnsxtastokyo auto salonTokyoAutoSalonTue, 13 Jan 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Who to believe? Internal email claims Acura RWD V8 program still alive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/who-to-believe-internal-email-claims-acura-rwd-v8-program-still/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/who-to-believe-internal-email-claims-acura-rwd-v8-program-still/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/who-to-believe-internal-email-claims-acura-rwd-v8-program-still/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Earlier this week, Autocar reported that future high-end Acura models had been canceled. As it turns out, those rumors were more than a bit premature, as Jeff Conrad, Vice President of Acura, has informed his dealers via email that the long-awaited "Tier 1" program is moving forward on schedule. It's believed that the program is based around the large rear-wheel drive Acura that would go up against the best Germany has to offer. Also back on the table is a V8 engine to power this range-topping sedan from Honda. But it's not all good news for auto enthusiasts. Still dead, sadly, is the NSX revival. We're also unaware of a planned replacement for the soul-stirring S2000 roadster or a drop-top version of the upcoming CR-Z hatchback. Oh well, you can't win 'em all. Thanks for the tip, Nick!

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Who to believe? Internal email claims Acura RWD V8 program still alive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura tier 1acura v8acura v8 engineAcuraTier1AcuraV8AcuraV8Enginehonda v8honda v8 engineHondaV8HondaV8EngineFri, 09 Jan 2009 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda reportedly kills S2000 replacement, V8 program, RWD Acuras]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/honda-kills-s2000-replacement-v8-program-rwd-acuras/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/honda-kills-s2000-replacement-v8-program-rwd-acuras/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/honda-kills-s2000-replacement-v8-program-rwd-acuras/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Honda's attempt to right-size its development schedule and cope with the economic downturn apparently extends beyond the cancellation of the next NSX. According to Autocar, HoMoCo is right-sizing its plans for the next two years, and that includes rethinking the development of a range of rear-wheel-drive Acuras, a new V8, a convertible based on the CR-Z and the S2000's successor.

Acura seems to be carrying the weight of the bad news, with its RWD 7-series rival, originally due out in 2015, cancelled indefinitely, along with development of a V8 engine that would allow the brand to compete with the best and brightest from Germany. The Euro-market Legend could also be on the block and there's a chance that Honda will stop developing two separate Accord models for sale in the U.S. and abroad, instead opting for one mid-size sedan to be sold worldwide.

Unfortunately, the development cease-fire also extends to Honda's smaller offerings. Honda planned to release a drop-top version of its CR-Z after the hybrid goes on sale next year, but that model has been nixed. Even more disturbingly, 2009 will be the last year of production for the S2000, with no heir apparent waiting in the wings.

We're hoping to get more details on the cut-backs as the week progresses, but needless to say, there's more than enough disappointment to go around.

[Source: Autocar]

Honda reportedly kills S2000 replacement, V8 program, RWD Acuras originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 honda s20002009HondaS2000cr-zhondahonda kills s2000honda kills v8honda rear wheel drivehonda rwdhonda s2000honda v8HondaKillsS2000HondaKillsV8HondaRearWheelDriveHondaRwdHondaS2000HondaV8killslegends2000Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Undead: Will Acura show NSX in Detroit even after killing it off?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/will-acura-show-the-nsx-in-detroit-even-after-killing-the-progra/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/will-acura-show-the-nsx-in-detroit-even-after-killing-the-progra/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/31/will-acura-show-the-nsx-in-detroit-even-after-killing-the-progra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Just two weeks after we learned that Honda had suspended plans to introduce a new V10 NSX sports car in 2010 comes word that we may see the car anyway. Sort of. The production program is still dead, but it is being reported that the previously scheduled "concept" will appear at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in a couple of weeks.

In typical Honda fashion, a concept version of a new model appears a few months for the street edition. In this case, the NSX was set to debut next fall at the Tokyo Motor Show with the conceptual preview at the Detroit auto show. Since the concept was already prepared before Honda made the decision to scrap the program, they will show it anyway. Honda's presence in Cobo will still be low-key however, with its press conference having been canceled. The NSX and the production Insight will simply appear on the show floor.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: AutoTeleGraaf.nl]

Undead: Will Acura show NSX in Detroit even after killing it off? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura nsxAcuraNsxdetroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowhonda nsxHondaNsxmid-enginemid-enginedNAIASNSXrwdWed, 31 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST