Autoblog

NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:39:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Acura, Honda, Specialty

Honda HSV-10 GT - Click above for high-res image

The Honda NSX might be gone, but it's set to live on as the HSV-10 GT in Japan's SuperGT championship.

Although we don't have an official release or specs yet, we do have the image above and some preliminary details on the HSV-10 GT or Velocity Sports Honda. Built to the 2010 GT500 regulations, the new front/mid-engine racer from Honda is packing a 500+ hp, 3.4-liter V8 and sending power through the same Ricardo sequential manual gearbox fitted to the 2010 SuperGT cars from Nissan and Toyota. Underneath all that glorious carbon fiber is the same chassis Honda's been working on (originally as an NSX replacement) for the last two years. The SuperGT season opener is scheduled for March 20 and 21 of 2010, but we expect more details and a host of high-res images to hit soon. Stay tuned...

UPDATED with press release after the jump.

[Source: LeBlogAuto]

Continue reading NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT

NSX no more: Honda HSV-10 GT ready to race in SuperGT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Honda finds loophole, new NSX to run in SuperGT

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Acura, Honda, Specialty

Honda NSX Prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

We knew it was coming and now we've got details. According to the latest reports out of Japan, the Honda NSX will live on, but mere mortals will never get a shot behind the wheel.

As previously reported, Honda has been actively petitioning the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF) -- the organizing entity behind Japan's Super GT series -- to run a new front-engine racer in the touring car championship. A cursory reading of the rule book states that vehicles campaigning in SuperGT must be production vehicles (think GT-R, MR2, SC430). However, Honda's found a loop-hole.

Just as Toyota has done in recent years with the Supra (it's out of production), the Super GT rules specify that a vehicle's specs and design must be submitted to JAF to be approved. That means that a vehicle can be "production ready," if not actually in production. So for the 2010 SuperGT season, Honda will bring out an all-new race car based on the NSX prototype (seen above), reportedly packing a 3.4-liter V8.

So... Lawyers: 1. NSX's lovers: 0. But at least we get to see it race...

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: Insideline]

REPORT: Honda finds loophole, new NSX to run in SuperGT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura prices refreshed-for-2010 MDX from $42,230*

Michael Harley — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Acura, Luxury

2010 Acura MDX - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With several improvements for the 2010 model year set to differentiate it from last year's model, Acura has announced pricing on its 7-passenger MDX sport-utility vehicle. The 2010 MDX receives new cosmetic enhancements inside and out, a new 6-speed automatic transmission, chassis improvements and even more standard equipment.

On the outside, the MDX sports new front and rear bodywork including a new front grille, revised taillights and new 18-inch wheels. The cabin is fitted with a new sport steering wheel, new gauges and upgraded trim including even more Milano premium leather. Mated to the standard 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 is a new six-speed automatic promising improved performance and better fuel economy (the 2010 EPA rating is 16/21, an improvement of 1 mpg in both city and highway).

Acura will offer five trim levels of the MDX, the least expensive of which will start at $42,230 (*plus $810 destination and handling) while the flagship MDX with Advance & Entertainment Packages is $53,755 (plus D&H). Note that the base price for a 2009 model was $40,990 minus the destination fee, which means that you'll be paying an extra $1,240 or 3 percent for all those updates. For full pricing information, check out the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Acura MDX

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading Acura prices refreshed-for-2010 MDX from $42,230*

Acura prices refreshed-for-2010 MDX from $42,230* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Acura, Audi, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's best to aim high, right? While most of the automotive world (ourselves included) are busy comparing the rather wonderful Suzuki Kizashi with logical competitors like the Volkswagen Jetta - not to mention larger cars like the Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Ford Fusion - it seems the Japanese automaker itself has its sights set a bit higher... all the way up to the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, point of fact.

Called the "Kizashi Test Drive Challenge" incentive program, Suzuki is offering sport sedan buyers $100 if they test drive the Kizashi first and still end up purchasing either a 2010 Audi A4 2.0T or four-cylinder 2010 Acura TSX within 10 days of the test drive. The program ends runs through January 31, 2010. Says Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations:

With styling, performance characteristics, luxury features and a new advanced All-Wheel-Drive system on par with the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, we're excited to extend this unique offer to consumers across the country, providing potential sport sedan buyers another reason to consider the all-new Kizashi-at a substantial savings. We're definitely putting Kizashi's premium without the premium moniker to the test.

Like we said, aim high. Read the full set of terms and conditions in the complete press release pasted after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers

Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ALMS champs Highcroft to run updated LMP2 Acura in 2010

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Acura

Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a - click above for high-res image gallery

2010 is bringing some changes to the class lineup in the American Le Mans Series, and defending LMP1 champions Highcroft Racing are adjusting. The new structure will combine the former P1 and P2 classes at all races except for Sebring and Petit Le Mans. As a result, Highcroft will campaign a new evolution of Acura's original ARX-01 P2 car dubbed 01c. Highcroft has been part of the Acura ALMS program since its inception in 2006 and is slated to continue in 2010 as the lead development squad.

According to Highcroft spokesman Paul Ryan, the team plans to run only the 01c in 2010, and at this point, only one car is confirmed. If the team can line up sufficient sponsorship, a second 01c may be added to the program.

ALMS spokesman Bob Dickinson has informed Autoblog that the final technical rules for 2010 are still being ironed out by sanctioning body IMSA, but in all likelihood, existing P1 and P2 cars will run together in a common class with weight and restrictor adjustments for equivalency.

At this time, we also don't know the fate of the other two Acura teams, de Ferran Motorsports and Fernandez Racing - or the ARX-02a. The last we heard, Fernandez is still looking for 2010 funding and may end up dropping out while de Ferran previously announced an expansion into IndyCar for 2010. Given Gil de Ferran's longstanding relationship with Honda, we would expect to see an ARX-01c in de Ferran colors next season. For its part, Honda Performance Development couldn't tell us anything about Acura's 2010 plans beyond what Highcroft has already announced. According to HPD spokesman T.E. McHale, plans are still being finalized and an announcement is planned for early December,

Gallery: Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a at Mid-Ohio 2009

[Source: American Le Mans Series]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

ALMS champs Highcroft to run updated LMP2 Acura in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #154

Dan Roth — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #154 of the Autoblog Podcast is here for your tryptophan-addled pleasure. Chris, Sam, and Dan kick it, starting with the BMW 5 Series, then move on to such appetite supressants as the Lexus GX, Acura ZDX and its pricing, and Infiniti's re-style of the massive QX56 rig. Before we become an emetic, we move on to the pretty new Infiniti M, the ongoing anticipation for a US-bound Chevrolet Spark, and Hyundai's new 2.4 liter direct-injection 4 cylinder for the next Sonata. We hit some questions, and wrap it up in time for pie.

If you're looking to bulk up on podcast excellence over the Thanksgiving holiday, check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #154

Autoblog Podcast #154 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Acura ZDX starts at $45,495 with plenty of kit

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Hatchback, Acura, Luxury

2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're interested in picking up the 2010 Acura ZDX crossover, the bottom line begins at $45,495. There's a full press release with all of the details after the jump, but the main points are these: The ZDX will go on sale beginning December 15 with an MSRP of $45,495, plus destination and handling charge, which adds another $810.

The 2010 Acura ZDX will be available in three trim levels -- the base ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package, and ZDX with Advance Package. This being an Acura, even the base ZDX gets a ton of standard features, including premium items like the "world's longest panoramic glass roof," hand-stitched leather, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and that 300-hp 3.7-liter VTEC V6. And even with that much power on tap, Honda has figured out a way to give the ZDX class-leading fuel economy of 16/23 mpg.

For an extra $4,500, the Technology Package adds a 415-watt Acura/ELS Premium Audio System with 15-gig hard drive, a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start with Keyless Access, and Acura's Nav System with Voice Recognition, Real-Time Traffic, Real-Time Weather, a full VGA display and a new multi-view rear camera.

The Advance Package goes a step further by adding a blind spot information system (BSI), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Acura's Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), an active suspension system, heated and ventilated front seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather seating surfaces, premium brushed tricot headliner material and a sport steering wheel. All for another $6,050.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading 2010 Acura ZDX starts at $45,495 with plenty of kit

2010 Acura ZDX starts at $45,495 with plenty of kit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New SuperGT contender from Honda in the works?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Acura, Honda, Rumormill

Honda NSX Mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we sat down with a few Honda execs at SEMA, we were told to "watch out for something big" from the automaker's motorsports efforts in Japan early next year. It didn't take much to deduce what they were hinting at: Honda plans to fill the vacuum left by the recently departed NSX-R in SuperGT with an all-new vehicle for the 2010 season.

As you'd expect, the Japanese media has hopped all over the recent rumors, with BestCar putting out a rendering of the fabled GT500 class contender. Unfortunately, beyond a possible V10 powerplant, details on the vehicle are scarce and the demise of the production version leaves more questions than answers. According to 7Tune, Honda is campaigning SuperGT organizers to give the automaker a pass on its homologation requirements, allowing the front-engined coupe to enter the series without a road-going version available to the public. Considering SuperGT's stringent requirements, we're not sure how that's going to play out, and since we haven't seen development mules testing since June of last year, we're all the more skeptical about Honda's triumphant return to the GT500 ranks. We're hoping to know more before the end of the year, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: BestCar via 7Tune]

New SuperGT contender from Honda in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: NHTSA probe opened into Honda airbag recall timing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda

2001 Honda Accord - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the last year, Honda has recalled roughly 444,000 vehicles to repair overpressurized airbag inflators in certain 2001-2002 Honda Accord, 2001 Civic and 2002-2003 Acura TL models. According to the automaker, there has been one death and multiple injuries stemming from the defect, which can send small metal fragments through the airbag and onto the vehicle's occupants.

For whatever reason, the total recall was announced in two separate increments that were eight months apart - and NHTSA wants to know why. Earlier, Honda had said that the problem was traced back to Takata Corp., which supplied the faulty inflators, and that the supplier had made "incorrect assumptions" about the numbers of parts it had sent to Honda. Says Honda spokesman Chris Martin:

The initial range of recalled vehicles was based on a relatively small sample of problematic airbag deployments...It took some further customer reports of airbag deployments for us to be able to look back and say, these vehicles are not in the lot we identified but have the same problem.

Honda denies any wrongdoing and promises to fully cooperate with the NHTSA investigation.

Gallery: 2001 Honda Accord

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: NHTSA probe opened into Honda airbag recall timing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorry, Acura Dealers: V8, RWD reportedly dropped for "low-growth period"

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Acura, Luxury

2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the luxury segment, Acura has always been a bit of a lost puppy: Tempting to bring home and full of rewards to the owner who does, but never quite sure of where it is or where it's supposed to be. Over the past few years, Acura dealerships across North America - at the behest of Acura itself - have spent big bucks constructing glitzy new showrooms in anticipation of new products coming down the pipeline that would be capable of competing with other big luxury marques. But those heavily-invested franchises may find themselves holding their hats as the premium Honda division is changing its course again, and in the interim will be delaying significant model launches.

Part of the shift in strategy for Acura - which still markets exclusively in North America and China - is to put the final nail in the coffin for a rear-drive platform and V8 engines, two components seen as vital for going toe-to-toe with the European brands. Instead, Acura will reportedly focus on a more sensible approach to luxury vehicles during a "low-growth period" of new models, returning to the entry-level luxury segment to combat the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, along with luxury hybrids. But it'll take the Japanese automaker a good few years to remake itself, and in the meantime sales are likely to continue declining as the TSX sport wagon (nee Honda Accord Tourer) and the new ZDX crossover (low-volume models both) hold down the fort as the only new arrivals in the pipeline.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Sorry, Acura Dealers: V8, RWD reportedly dropped for "low-growth period" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Acura confirms Euro Honda Accord Tourer coming as TSX sport wagon!

Chris Paukert — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Acura, Honda

2009 Honda Accord Tourer - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we polled you yesterday afternoon about whether Honda was right in choosing to build the insurrectionary 2010 Accord Crosstour instead of picking the Accord Touring from its overseas showrooms, we didn't know that Acura was going to announce that it was doing just that today. Honest. In fact, as far as we're concerned, you guys made it happen. Well, 47.7% of you (at last count), anyway, as bringing over the Accord Tourer was your number one suggestion for a Honda/Acura load-lugger.

In any case, in a (very) brief press release available after the jump, Acura has announced the addition of a TSX sport wagon to its 2011 lineup, and it will likely look suspiciously like the Euro-market Accord Touring model that many people have been clamoring for. Acura confirms that the model will be based on the TSX sedan, which is itself basically a Euro Accord. It is unclear which powertrains we'll get, or if styling will be tweaked from its European counterpart, but it is expected to arrive next fall. Color us excited.

Now, about that JDM Odyssey...

Gallery: Honda Accord Tourer

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading BREAKING: Acura confirms Euro Honda Accord Tourer coming as TSX sport wagon!

BREAKING: Acura confirms Euro Honda Accord Tourer coming as TSX sport wagon! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura LMP2 car to campaign at 2010 24 Hours of LeMans

Drew Phillips — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Acura

Lowe's Fernandez Racing Acura ARX-01b - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Despite having a dominant year with a record-tying eight class wins in the LMP2 category, the Lowe's Fernandez Acura ARX-01b might not be back for the 2010 ALMS season. The Indianapolis-based race team, one of the three original announced by Acura back in 2006, has failed to secure a major sponsor for next year and will cancel its racing program if it fails to find one by the end of the month. As is often the case, however, misfortune can often lead to opportunity. England-based Strakka Racing has made plans to purchase the Acura ARX-01owned by Fernandez Racing and will compete with the car in the European Le Mans Series next year as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The deal has yet to be finalized, but Strakka has already informed the LMS organizers of its intentions and has signed British driver Danny Watts, who previously drove a Panoz Esperante GT-LM in the series. You can see the Fernandez Racing Acura ARX-01b in the high-res gallery below, which features the car during its class win at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca earlier this month.

Gallery: Lowe's Fernandez Racing Acura ARX-01b

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Acura LMP2 car to campaign at 2010 24 Hours of LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SCCA Speed World Challenge: The rest of the series wraps up with finale at Laguna Seca (Spoiler Alert)

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Acura, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Mazda, Porsche

2009 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship finale at Laguna Seca - Click above for high-res gallery

One of our favorite forms of racing just wrapped up another season with a typically exciting finale at California's Laguna Seca raceway. Although it doesn't get much press, we love Speed World Challenge because the cars are so much like the ones we drool over in the real world and the drivers are a great mix of gentlemen racers and displaced pros looking to keep their skills sharp if and when they get the call to move up to the show. Some drivers only make it out to one or two races, while others are in it for the championship trophy -but when they do show up, they are driving some impressive machinery.

We just told you about the championship-winning Ford Mustang FR500C, but the list of competitors reads like a fantasy car collection, with drivers campaigning vehicles like the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, Chevrolet Corvette, Aston Martin DB9, Lotus Exige S, Acura NSX, Cadillac CTS-V, and even a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT. The slightly less exotic Touring Car class features fun cars like the Mazda6, Mazda3 and RX-8, Dodge Neon SRT-4, Acura TSX and Integra Type R, BMW 325 and 328i, Scion tC, Honda Civic Si, Ford Focus, Subaru WRX and Legacy, Lexus IS300, and even a Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

As is the case with most racing these days, the series and event titles are longer than the tracks they race on, but we're willing to type it all out here for those who want to know what happened in the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championship Presented by Toyo Tires season finishing Applied Computer Solutions Monterey Sports Car Championship Presented by Bondurant at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. That's quite a mouthful, but there's even more to the story. Follow the jump to read all about this, the final race to determine the championship. You'll find a full report as well as the complete results for the race and the final points standings for all of the drivers and teams that competed in Speed World Challenge this season. And don't forget to check out the incredible gallery of Speed GT by our very own photomeister, Drew Phillips.

Gallery: 2009 SPEED World Challenge GT at Laguna Seca

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: SCCA Pro Racing]

Continue reading SCCA Speed World Challenge: The rest of the series wraps up with finale at Laguna Seca (Spoiler Alert)

SCCA Speed World Challenge: The rest of the series wraps up with finale at Laguna Seca (Spoiler Alert) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ALMS: Gil de Ferran grabs Laguna Seca pole in final qualifying of his career

Drew Phillips — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Acura

2009 ALMS Monterey Sports Car Championships Practice and Qualifying - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The ALMS race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca this weekend is Gil de Ferran's final race of his career, and he plans to go out on top. The Brazilian captured pole position yesterday in his Acura ARX-02a, which features a unique livery to honor Jim Hall, the man who de Ferran first raced for. The milk white paint and number 66 roundels mimic Hall's legendary Chaparral race cars, two of which were on hand at the track. Gil de Ferran's qualifying time of 1:11.206 was less than a tenth of a second off the class record, which was followed closely by fellow Acura driver David Brabham. Brabham and the rest of the Patron Highcroft Racing team need only to complete seventy percent of the race to wrap up the LMP1 championship.

The Lowe's Fernandez Racing LMP2 Acura team continued its season-long dominance by capturing its fourth pole of the season and hopes to record its eighth victory this year. Although the team secured the class championship at Petit Le Mans two weeks ago, it hasn't secured sponsorship for the 2010 season and hopes to make a good final impression.

In the hotly-contested GT2 category, Corvette Racing continued to prove that it will be a top contender no matter what class it competes in. Jan Magunessen edged out the Risi Competizione Ferrari F430 in qualifying for Corvette's first ever GT2 pole position. The main battle will be between the Ferrari and the Flying Lizard Porsche GT3 RSR, both of which are still in contention for the championship.

Check back tomorrow for more of our ALMS coverage from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and if you have SPEED TV, tune in from 2:30 to 6:30 pm EST time on Sunday to watch the race, or listen live this afternoon at AmericanLeMans.com or on Sirius 126 and XM 242. If you simply want to view high-res pics from the race, then point your mouse to the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Monterey Sports Car Championships Practice and Qualifying

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AmericanLeMans.com]

Continue reading ALMS: Gil de Ferran grabs Laguna Seca pole in final qualifying of his career

ALMS: Gil de Ferran grabs Laguna Seca pole in final qualifying of his career originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX offers figure over function

Michael Harley — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Acura, First Drive, Luxury

2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res gallery

Acura calls its all-new ZDX "a provocative luxury four-door sports coupe," adding that it's a "passionate getaway" vehicle designed for "a couple, their belongings, and more." The proclamation is a twist on a pitch we've heard before, yet with an even narrower segment focus. While the marketplace has come to accept the stylishly squashed Mercedes-Benz CLS, Volkswagen CC and Jaguar XF into the non-sedan segment, this new niche - pioneered by the BMW X6 and accepted by consumers if only because the Bavarian delivers the goods - is still a substantial risk that could require a hard sell with pithy prose.

So to kick-off Acura's all-new non-SUV, the automaker invited us to Southern California to drive the latest addition to its growing family. Constructed on the familiar MDX platform and sharing its powertrain, the ZDX pushes the automaker's styling and innovation to the limit - it's certainly not bland or boring. However, is there enough substance under the style to win buyers in this newly targeted segment? What game-winning cards, if any, does Acura really hold with its latest "sports coupe" SUV? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX offers figure over function

First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX offers figure over function originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spoiler Alert: Rain, Rain Go Away! Downpour makes Petit Le Mans even more so

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Acura, Audi, Porsche, Peugeot, Diesel

2009 Petit Le Mans - Click above for high-res image gallery

The American Le Mans Series held its flagship race, the Petit Le Mans over the weekend at Road Atlanta, and it was more petit than normal. The race is scheduled to run for 10 hours or 1,000 miles - whichever comes first. However, the rains that have plagued the Atlanta region for the past two weeks just couldn't hold off any longer Saturday afternoon. After relatively clear running Thursday and Friday for practice and qualifying, the clouds returned Saturday for race time. After sporadic showers and drizzle throughout the first several hours, the clouds really opened up in the fifth hour.

The safety car came out for a full course yellow for a while, but the ground around the track was already waterlogged, making proper drainage impossible. With cars aquaplaning everywhere even on full rain tires, continued running became impossible and the race was red-flagged at 4 hours and 52 minutes in hopes the rain would subside. Unfortunately, it never did and the race was called at 9:30pm. Click on the jump to find out what happened while the cars were still running.

Gallery: 2009 Petit Le Mans

[Images: Chris Graythen/Darrell Ingham/Getty]

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: Rain, Rain Go Away! Downpour makes Petit Le Mans even more so

Spoiler Alert: Rain, Rain Go Away! Downpour makes Petit Le Mans even more so originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Scott Sharp's Acura prototype completely destroyed during Petit Le Mans practice

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:06:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Acura

Scott Sharp's accident at the Petit Le Mans Thursday practice session - click above to watch the video after the jump

Earlier, we told you about the Patron Highcroft racing team's marathon 20 hour build of a brand new Acura ARX-02a the day before the Petit Le Mans. The reason the crew had to work even harder than normal on a race weekend was a crash during Thursday's afternoon practice that left many observers astonished as Scott Sharp walked away unharmed.

Sharp's LMP1 Acura was heading into turn 3 at Road Atlanta when it apparently made contact with another racer exiting the pit lane. This caused the Acura's front end to lift, and that's never a good thing in one of these high-powered prototypes. Into the air the car went. After makng 3.5 revolutions, Sharp managed to crawl out of the car's remains with just a clump of mud stuck to the top of his helmet.

"I really don't know what happened," Sharp said. "I was heading up the hill in sixth gear and felt a hit in the right rear. The wheel arches are very high with the wide front tires on the Acura - I didn't see a thing - only felt the contact. I knew it was a big one and I am just really grateful to Acura and all the boys at Patrón Highcroft Racing for building such a strong car. I'm shattered for Duncan, all the guys, Brabs and Dario (Franchitti). We went through this last year and I can't believe it's happened again. I was just thinking to myself how much I like this place when next thing I'm headed upside down with a mouth full of Georgia clay."

Heading into Atlanta, Sharp and co-driver David Brabham were tied at 142 points and leading the LMP1 drivers championship race, a position they maintained by finishing sixth in yesterday's rain-shortened Petit Le Mans. The video of the crash is available after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Ryan.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Scott Sharp's Acura prototype completely destroyed during Petit Le Mans practice

VIDEO: Scott Sharp's Acura prototype completely destroyed during Petit Le Mans practice originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Patron Highcroft team builds new Acura prototype in just over 20 hours [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:50:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Acura

Scott Sharp driving the Highcroft Acura ARX-02a at Mid-Ohio 2009 - click above for high-res image gallery

A mere 42 hours after Scott Sharp walked away from a horrific 3.5-revolution crash during practice for the Petit Le Mans, a freshly-built Acura ARX-02a was rolled out for the morning warmup on Saturday. The Highcroft crew put in marathon sessions Thursday and Friday to ensure that their pre-race work did not go in vain. Unlike Formula One teams, ALMS teams don't typically bring a spare car along with them, even to a big race like Petit Le Mans.

Sharp's crash happened at 3:43 PM EDT on Thursday, and by 6 pm a spare carbon fiber tub was picked up from the Honda Performance Development shop in California. As the tub was being shipped across the continent, the crew at Road Atlanta set about stripping down what was left of the crashed car. In the end, only 10 percent of the old parts were re-used on the new car.

The new tub arrived at the track at 9:30 AM Friday morning and the team went to work; a whole new race car had to be built up from thousands of parts. 15.5 hours after they started, the engine was fired at 1 AM. By 5:45 AM, setup was complete and at 9:45 AM Saturday morning the car hit the track. SPOILER ALERT: Petit Le Mans was ended early due to heavy rains, with the Highcroft Acura finishing sixth overall, 4 laps down from the winning Peugueot.

Update: Time lapse video of the build is embedded after the jump.

Gallery: Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a at Mid-Ohio 2009

[Source: American Le Mans Series]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading REPORT: Patron Highcroft team builds new Acura prototype in just over 20 hours [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Patron Highcroft team builds new Acura prototype in just over 20 hours [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, Reviews, Luxury

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

The 2010 Acura TSX V6 is something of a consolation prize. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed off a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel and said it would launch in the U.S. this year. A few months later in New York, Honda's luxury arm showed off the all-new second generation TSX sedan, and we expected to be driving the culmination of the two right around now.

Unfortunately, a confluence of events a few months after the TSX was shown caused Acura to reverse course and put the diesel engine on the shelf. As world oil prices hit all time record levels, the never ending construction in China and Dubai seemed to be consuming the entire world supply of diesel, driving prices higher and higher. At about the same time, the world came to the realization that loaning money to people who couldn't pay it back might not be a great idea after all. With sales in the toilet everywhere, Acura decided that throwing a gasoline-powered V6 into the TSX might be a better idea. Was it?

Gallery: Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6

Continue reading Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising

Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #144

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Podcasts, Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Lexus, Rolls-Royce

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #144 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. Chris, Sam, and Dan took some time on Labor Day to ruminate over some automotive subjects, and it wound up being another near-epic length 'cast. The Frankfurt Motor Show is coming, and on that note, we start off with the Lexus LF-Ch, expected to debut there soon. More Frankfurt anticipation is built as we talk about the Ford CMax, and then we move on to the Rolls Royce Ghost, the debacle surrounding the Honda Crosstour and social media, Time Magazine's unexciting list of exciting cars, and wrap it all up with the disparaging remarks Audi's chief directed at the Chevrolet Volt. We hit the questions before calling it a night well past the hour and a half mark. Thanks for taking the time to listen, welcome to all the new listeners who've discovered us through everyone's reviewing efforts in iTunes, thanks for the help on the survey, and as always, hit us up at Podcast at Autoblog Dot Com. See you next week, but in the meantime, check out this, or this!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #144

Autoblog Podcast #144 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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