Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Acura built just 91 examples of the ILX last month, here's why]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/acura-built-just-91-examples-of-the-ilx-last-month-heres-why/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/acura-built-just-91-examples-of-the-ilx-last-month-heres-why/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/acura-built-just-91-examples-of-the-ilx-last-month-heres-why/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Acura ILX

The short life of the Acura ILX has been vexed by one glaringly odd standard equipment choice, mediocre reviews, getting outsold by its competition as it posted slower-than-projected sales and a pledge by Honda to upgrade its supposedly upgraded offering. Therefore, when Automotive News reports that just 91 of the Civic-based Acura sedans were manufactured last month - after a string of production months in double-digits - it would be easy to press the button for the alarm bells.

But that would be hasty, because it is actually the 2013 Honda Civic that is crimping the production pipeline of the ILX. The vastly higher sales numbers of the Honda meant that all three North American plants that produce it needed to crank up output to satisfy dealer inventory needs, including the Greenburg, Indiana plant that makes both the Civic and the ILX. As the classic guns-vs-butter Economy 101 lesson taught us - in which making more of one necessarily means making less of the other - well, the Civic is the gun.

Honda prepared for this eventuality by cranking out the Acuras while it got ready for Civic production. The ILX has held steady at about 500 units shy of company projections every month, and the current inventory represents about 90 days worth of sales. That makes Greenburg's ostensibly low numbers in line with the realities of the ILX, and the situation probably won't change much as Acura gets ready for the improved 2014 ILX.

Acura built just 91 examples of the ILX last month, here's why originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilxacuraacura ilxgreenburghondahonda civicindianaThu, 18 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20543114/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/acura-built-just-91-examples-of-the-ilx-last-month-heres-why/20543114/article-detail.xml 20543114 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-2013-acura-ilx-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-2013-acura-ilx-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Buick Verano Turbo vs. 2013 Acura ILX 2.4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2013-buick-verano-turbo-vs-2013-acura-ilx-2-4-comparison-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2013-buick-verano-turbo-vs-2013-acura-ilx-2-4-comparison-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2013-buick-verano-turbo-vs-2013-acura-ilx-2-4-comparison-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Answering The $30,000 Entry-Level Luxury Question

2013 Buick Verano Turbo vs. 2013 Acura ILX

Twenty years ago, a comparison between an entry-level Buick and Acura would have matched a Skylark against an Integra.

Twenty years ago, a comparison between an entry-level Buick and its Acura equivalent would have matched a Skylark against an Integra. The unfair battle would have resulted in the compact American's defeat in nearly every measurable category, as the Japanese competitor was arguably at the height of its powers.

Yet the automotive industry has flipped, twisted and merged itself through more than just a recession over the past two decades - it's morphed into a whole different ballgame. Pitting a Buick against an Acura makes perfect sense today, as both automakers are peddling new entry-level models designed to scoop up buyers seeking premium features, luxury appointments and fuel efficiency in a reasonably priced compact sedan package.

Today's battle is between the Verano and the ILX. Instead of wringing out the base models and setting ourselves up for a day-long yawnfest, we chose the most powerful and dynamic variants of each, configuring them with six-speed manual transmissions to liven the pace. This unquestionably made our behind-the-wheel excursion more interesting, but we soon realized that our enthusiast-oriented decision would introduce a whole new set of headaches.

Continue reading 2013 Buick Verano Turbo vs. 2013 Acura ILX 2.4

2013 Buick Verano Turbo vs. 2013 Acura ILX 2.4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilx2013 buick veranoacurabuickbuick veranobuick verano vs acura ilxbuickveranobuickveranovsacurailxcomparisonsfeaturedilxveranoverano ilx comparisonverano turboverano versus ilxTue, 12 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20497689/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/2013-buick-verano-turbo-vs-2013-acura-ilx-2-4-comparison-review/20497689/article-detail.xml 20497689 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/buick-verano-acura-ilx-comparo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/buick-verano-acura-ilx-comparo.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #323]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/autoblog-podcast-323/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/autoblog-podcast-323/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/autoblog-podcast-323/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Lamborghini Veneno, Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar 3 Series challenger, Cheaper Corvette rumors autoblog podcast logo

Episode #323 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Michael Harley and Jeff Ross talk about the Lamborghini Veneno, Geneva Auto Show, a Jaguar 3 Series challenger and rumors of a lower-cost Corvette. We wrap with your questions and emails, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

PS: A flaky internet connection made sound quality this week a bit rougher than normal. Sorry!

Autoblog Podcast #323:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Toyota Tacoma
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
2013 Acura ILX


Hosts: Dan Roth, Mike Harley, Jeff Ross


Runtime: 01:22:03

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #323

Autoblog Podcast #323 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilx2013 toyota tacoma2013 volkswagen beetle3 seriesacurabeetlecheaper corvettechevroletcorvettefeaturedgeneva motor showilxjaguarjaguar 3 series fighterlamborghinitacomatoyotavenenovolkswagenTue, 05 Mar 2013 18:20:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #323Autoblog01:22:03 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488344/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/autoblog-podcast-323/20488344/article-detail.xml 20488344 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Acura ILX 2.4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/2013-acura-ilx-2-4-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/2013-acura-ilx-2-4-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/2013-acura-ilx-2-4-review-road-test/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Going Mainstream Has Its Privileges



Acura's experiment with niche models has failed. Competing in the luxury car business by filling white space with product just didn't work for the Japanese automaker. In place of slow-selling models like its ZDX and quirky first-gen RDX, the mindset at Acura has recently switched to more conventional products with vastly improved volume potential. The redesigned 2013 RDX, for example, sold almost as many units in 2012 as it did in 2010 and 2011 combined, and the all-new 2013 ILX has sold more units each month - since going on sale in May - than Acura sold in ZDXs and RLs in all of last year.

While the redesigned RDX is a crucial product to compete with luxury compact crossovers, the ILX might be the most important new product for Acura, as a growing number of premium makes are starting to realize the importance of upscale entry-level compact cars. Ironically, this segment was a pivotal part of the brand's success in the 1980s and '90s thanks to the Integra, but Acura completely abandoned the genre when it killed off the RSX coupe in 2006. The addition of the ILX not only gives Acura a competitive small car again, it also drops the brand's entry price by almost $5,000.

Like the Honda Civic to which it's closely related, the 2013 Acura ILX is offered with three powertrain flavors (base 2.0, ILX 2.4 and Hybrid), and while our First Drive gave us some seat time in the base ILX 2.0, this time we got to spend a full week with the sportier ILX 2.4 - Acura's version of the Civic Si. The ILX is positioned in a weird in-between market that includes premium small cars like the Buick Verano, Audi A3 and Lexus CT, but it also sits at the upper end of some well-equipped non-luxury models like the Ford Focus Titanium. With this in mind, and with keys in hand, we aimed to see how the ILX stacks up against other premium compacts - as well as its predecessors.

Continue reading 2013 Acura ILX 2.4

2013 Acura ILX 2.4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilxacurafeaturedilxilx 2.4reviewreviewsThu, 17 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20431262/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/2013-acura-ilx-2-4-review-road-test/20431262/article-detail.xml 20431262 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-2013-acura-ilx-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-2013-acura-ilx-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Acura ILX headed for Civic-like early upgrades]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/acura-ilx-headed-for-civic-like-early-upgrades/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/acura-ilx-headed-for-civic-like-early-upgrades/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/acura-ilx-headed-for-civic-like-early-upgrades/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The not-yet-ready-for-primetime 2012 Honda Civic saw it quickly returned to sender for refurbishment, now the Acura ILX is headed in the same direction in its very first year. Automotive News reports that the small, Civic-based sedan from Honda's luxury brand isn't meeting sales expectations, with an annualized rate of 22,000 to 24,000 sales instead of the 30,000 the company is after. More telling is that the ILX "is being outsold by the Buick Verano, Volkswagen CC and Audi A4," and, except for two months since it launched, it has also been outdone by the Acura TSX it is meant to replace.

Part of the cause has been the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine: its 150 horsepower to motivate a sedan that can weigh up to 2,970 pounds doesn't offer the kind of performance or value experience that buyers in the segment respond to. Another big issue is that the top-level 2.4-liter engine is only offered with a six-speed manual even though most buyers of the highest trim don't really want to shift their own gears. Lastly, the ILX might not put enough space between it and its frugal underpinnings - our first drive review pegged it as "the world's nicest Honda Civic."

An automatic transmission is on the way for the 2.4-liter, but it isn't clear when. And while Honda admits that the 2.0-liter is underpowered and Automotive News says it's on the way out, the company hasn't yet said how that situation will be corrected.

Acura ILX headed for Civic-like early upgrades originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 honda civic2013 acura ilxacuracivichondailxWed, 12 Dec 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20401436/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/acura-ilx-headed-for-civic-like-early-upgrades/20401436/article-detail.xml 20401436 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ilxrefresh_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ilxrefresh.jpg <![CDATA[Acura preps ILX for endurance racing challenge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/acura-preps-ilx-for-endurance-racing-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/acura-preps-ilx-for-endurance-racing-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/acura-preps-ilx-for-endurance-racing-challenge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Acura ILX Endurance Racer

Acura has used the occasion of this year's SEMA show to unveil a 2013 ILX that is remarkably different from the road-going car that we are familiar with. A far distance from the rather mildly performing street car, this ILX Endurance Racer is actually prepped to race at the grueling 25 Hours of Thunderhill in Willows, California.

The ILX racers (Team Honda Research has prepped two of them for the race) have actually each been constructed using two donor ILX sedans: one body-in-white chassis and one full production-spec car that donates powertrain, interior and electronic components. Overall, increasing the performance of the car was done mostly through extensive weight reduction rather than bumps in power. No figures have been given for the output of the ILX's K24Z7 engine, though we are told that a custom intake and exhaust have been fitted, as well as a racing flywheel.

A prominent LED lighting system dominates the front fascia of the ILX, along with a huge front splitter, while a massive wing speaks to the intentions of the car.

In all it seems to be a very nicely finished sporting product, and we wish the team well in its campaigning at Thunderhill. Scroll down to find the full Acura press release about the ILX Endurance Racer, and don't miss our full gallery of live images from SEMA.

Continue reading Acura preps ILX for endurance racing challenge

Acura preps ILX for endurance racing challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilx25 hours of thunderhillacuraacura ilx endurance racerilxracecarsemasema 2012Thu, 01 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366984/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/acura-preps-ilx-for-endurance-racing-challenge/20366984/article-detail.xml 20366984 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/acura-ilx-endurance-racer-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/acura-ilx-endurance-racer-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Acura's ILX Hybrid gets all ate up with LED lighting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/acuras-ilx-hybrid-gets-all-ate-up-with-led-lighting/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/acuras-ilx-hybrid-gets-all-ate-up-with-led-lighting/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/acuras-ilx-hybrid-gets-all-ate-up-with-led-lighting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Acura ILX Hybrid LED art car

Acura has paired its 2013 ILX with the band Metric on its U.S. tour. To keep people as intrigued outside the concert as they are inside, Acura turned the ILX into an LED art car with a 3D display where there should have been an interior.

Creating the LED light show took 4,600 hours, that was for the installation of 7,500 individually controllable LEDs activated by more than 1,100 lines of programming. You can watch it in action in the video below.

Continue reading Acura's ILX Hybrid gets all ate up with LED lighting

Acura's ILX Hybrid gets all ate up with LED lighting originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilxacuraart carilxilx hybridledled lightmarketingmetricmetric syntheticavideovideosMon, 20 Aug 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304421/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/20/acuras-ilx-hybrid-gets-all-ate-up-with-led-lighting/20304421/article-detail.xml 20304421 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/acurailxmetrics_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/acurailxmetrics.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #292]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/autoblog-podcast-292/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/autoblog-podcast-292/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/autoblog-podcast-292/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2013 Cadillac ATS, Nürburgring going broke, 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL, Ford Escape last-place finish

autoblog podcast logo

Episode #292 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week Dan, Zach and Steven Ewing chat about the 2013 Cadillac ATS, the possibility of the Nürburgring going bust, the 2013 Mercedes GL-Class, and the surprising last-place finish of a Ford Escape in a recent comparo. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #292:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
2013 Volkswagen CC 2.0T
2012 Nissan Murano
2013 Acura ILX Hybrid
2013 Scion FR-S


Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Steven Ewing
Runtime: 01:26:50
Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Autoblog Podcast #292 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 nissan murano2012 volkswagen cc2013 acura ilx2013 fiat 500 abarth2013 ford escape2013 mercedes benz gl2013 scion frsautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 292featurednurburgringTue, 24 Jul 2012 17:30:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #292Autoblog01:26:50 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20285058/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/24/autoblog-podcast-292/20285058/article-detail.xml 20285058 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Honda recalls 172,200 CR-V and Acura ILX models over bum door latches]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/honda-recalls-172-200-cr-v-and-acura-ilx-models-over-bum-door-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/honda-recalls-172-200-cr-v-and-acura-ilx-models-over-bum-door-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/honda-recalls-172-200-cr-v-and-acura-ilx-models-over-bum-door-la/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Honda CR-V - Maroon - front three-quarter view

2013 Acura ILX - front three-quarter driving viewFord isn't the only one having recall trouble with its crossovers this week. Honda has just announced a voluntary recall for its 2012 CR-V, as well as the 2013 Acura ILX, to correct an issue with their front door latches. According to Honda, operating the front driver or passenger inner door handle and the door locks simultaneously could disengage the handle's release cable, which in turn may result in the door not latching when closed or popping open when the door locks are used.

No accidents or injuries have been reported, but the recall casts a wide net over vehicles sold in North America and elsewhere around the world. Honda says 166,000 CR-V models and 6,200 ILX models are affected in the U.S., but Automotive News reports those numbers swell to 321,453 affected vehicles when the rest of Honda's markets around the world are taken into account.

To fix the problem, Honda will begin notifying customers in August by mail to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer where both front door latches, as well as the interior door handles in some CR-Vs, will be replaced.

Continue reading Honda recalls 172,200 CR-V and Acura ILX models over bum door latches

Honda recalls 172,200 CR-V and Acura ILX models over bum door latches originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 honda cr-v2013 acura ilxacuracr-vdoor handledoor latchhondailxrecallThu, 19 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20281595/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/19/honda-recalls-172-200-cr-v-and-acura-ilx-models-over-bum-door-la/20281595/article-detail.xml 20281595 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/192012cr-vex-lawd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/192012cr-vex-lawd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[New Acura ILX ads promote its mullet-like nature]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/new-acura-ilx-ads-promote-its-mullet-like-nature/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/new-acura-ilx-ads-promote-its-mullet-like-nature/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/new-acura-ilx-ads-promote-its-mullet-like-nature/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's business in the front, party in the back for this 2013 Acura ILX ad that premieres June 4.

The dual personality commercials try to show you that this new compact luxury sports sedan fits into all of the aspects of a person's life or, at least two: Work and play.

The pair of commercials - of course, there are two - walk you through two young executives' lives, showing how they aggressively make decisions, flirt with beautiful women and perfectly balance work with play. Then just over half way through the 30-second commercial, they catch a respite from their busy and exciting lives by hopping into their ILX.

We think what Acura really needs is a split-screen of the same guy looking at his Facebook page at work, then looking at his Facebook page at home before heading outside to take another picture of his ILX... for Facebook.

Scroll down to check out both ads.

Continue reading New Acura ILX ads promote its mullet-like nature

New Acura ILX ads promote its mullet-like nature originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilxacuraacura adacura commercialacura ilxcommercialilxvideoThu, 31 May 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248531/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/31/new-acura-ilx-ads-promote-its-mullet-like-nature/20248531/article-detail.xml 20248531 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/acura-ilx-053112_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/acura-ilx-053112.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Acura ILX production gets underway in Indiana]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/2013-acura-ilx-production-gets-underway-in-indiana/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/2013-acura-ilx-production-gets-underway-in-indiana/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/2013-acura-ilx-production-gets-underway-in-indiana/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

First 2013 Acura ILX rolls off the line

Honda has been building the Civic in Greensburg, Indiana, since 2008, but now the company's newest American assembly plant has some variety on its lines. The 2013 Acura ILX joined its mass-market relative at the 2.1 million square-foot facility yesterday.

Honda is building both the standard ILX and the ILX Hybrid at Honda Manufacturing Indiana, which is the only plant slated for assembly of the new compact Acura. Greensburg will continue to build Civic sedans, including the natural-gas-powered Civic GX, both for domestic consumption and export. Since the ILX is based on the Civic, the two cars sharing an assembly line is a natural.

The ILX goes on sale on May 22, at a starting price of $25,900 plus $895 for destination. Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading 2013 Acura ILX production gets underway in Indiana

2013 Acura ILX production gets underway in Indiana originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilxacuragreensburghondahonda indianailxindianaTue, 24 Apr 2012 15:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222775/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/2013-acura-ilx-production-gets-underway-in-indiana/20222775/article-detail.xml 20222775 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/acurailxeventathondasgreensburgplant-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/acurailxeventathondasgreensburgplant-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Acura ILX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/2013-acura-ilx-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/2013-acura-ilx-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/2013-acura-ilx-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Faint Praise For The World's Nicest Honda Civic

2013 Acura ILX

Acura has a long and storied history of being an innovator since its creation in 1986. As the first luxury brand from Japan, the marque brought with it the first variable valve timing technology, the first drive-by-wire electronic throttle, the first in-dash navigation system and the first instance of torque-vectoring all-wheel drive.

Laudable accomplishments, all of them, and Acura reaped rewards for the technological advancements it brought to the automotive realm. Venerable nameplates like Legend and Integra launched Acura into first place in the premium luxury car segment in 1987, the brand's first full year of sales.

And then things started to go downhill. The Legend was replaced by the poorly received RL and the discontinuation of the Integra in 2001 and the RSX a few years later in 2006 left Acura without a proper entry-level model. Acura sales peaked in 2005 and have floundered ever since.

Is Acura's new ILX the machine it needs to inject some much-needed life into its lineup?

Continue reading 2013 Acura ILX

2013 Acura ILX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilxacurafeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveilxilx hybridintegrarsxMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/23/2013-acura-ilx-first-drive-review/20221443/article-detail.xml 20221443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-acura-ilx-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-acura-ilx-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Acura prices 2013 ILX from $25,900*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/acura-prices-2013-ilx-from-25-900/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/acura-prices-2013-ilx-from-25-900/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/acura-prices-2013-ilx-from-25-900/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Acura ILX - front three-quarter view

In the market for an entry-level sedan from a premium automaker? Your choices are few and far between, it seems. There's the Lexus CT 200h and Audi A3, but those are both hatchbacks. That leaves the Buick Verano, which, by all accounts, is a credible entry into the segment. If that's not quite your style, Acura hopes to tempt you with its new 2013 ILX, and it has announced that the base model will start at $25,900 (*plus $895 destination fee for all models).

For that starting price, buyers will get standard features like Bluetooth connectivity, keyless access with push-button start, Pandora internet radio interface and a moonroof. If you want a leather interior, 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded audio and Acura's excellent multi-view backup camera system, your ILX will start at $29,200 with the base 150-horsepower 2.0-liter engine and five-speed automatic transmission.

Acura has two more engine offerings for the ILX, including a 1.5-liter hybrid model that achieves estimated fuel economy ratings of 39 city and 38 highway for $28,900. On the other end of the spectrum is a 2.4-liter model, which pumps out 201 horsepower and is available only with a six-speed manual gearbox. A fully loaded ILX with the Technology package, which includes navigation and an internal hard drive for music storage, will cost $31,400 with the 2.0 or $34,400 with the hybrid drivetrain. Sadly, it's not possible to order the 2.4-liter engine with the top-level Technology kit.

See the complete pricing breakdown in Acura's official press release by scrolling below, and stay tuned for our complete first drive review of the ILX early next week.

Continue reading Acura prices 2013 ILX from $25,900*

Acura prices 2013 ILX from $25,900* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilxacuraacura pricingilxilx hybridilx priceilx pricingFri, 20 Apr 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20220822/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/20/acura-prices-2013-ilx-from-25-900/20220822/article-detail.xml 20220822 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-acura-ilx-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-acura-ilx-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,



The Chicago Auto Show may be the smallest of the North American auto shows we cover (yet largest by square footage, ironically), but year after year, more and more automakers choose to show off some new metal under the lights of McCormick Place. This year saw a total of 18 major reveals (click here to see our full rundown), and while that pales in comparison to last month's Detroit show, there's still a lot of new metal to talk about here in Chicago.

So, of the 18 cars that took the stage in the Windy City, which ones were our favorite? More importantly, which one was the favorite? Follow the jump to see our top five picks for the best 2012 Chicago Auto Show debuts.

Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1993 ford mustang svt cobra r2013 acura ilx2013 hyundai elantra gt2013 volkswagen beetle tdiacurabeetlebest in showchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showcobracobra reditors choiceelantraelantra gtfeaturedfordhyundaiilxkiamustangtditrackstervolkswagenThu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/20168134/article-detail.xml 20168134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chicago-auto-show_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chicago-auto-show.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Acura ILX puts a familiar face on entry-level luxury]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-acura-ilx-puts-a-familiar-face-on-entry-level-luxury/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-acura-ilx-puts-a-familiar-face-on-entry-level-luxury/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-acura-ilx-puts-a-familiar-face-on-entry-level-luxury/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Acura ILX

The 2013 Acura ILX is here, and it will be one of the new first-responders to address the perception of Acura's weakened health. It might just be our eyes, but the transition to Acura-spec wheels and paint job makes this look much more of-the-family than the concept shown in Detroit. However, the production lines remain true, minus some of the chrome showy bits from the concept.

Motivation will be provided by either a 150-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder working through a five-speed automatic, a 201-hp, 2.4-liter with a six-speed manual, or the first Acura hybrid with a 111-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder getting help from Integrated Motor Assist and a CVT, good for fuel economy estimates of 35/38 miles per gallon, city/highway. Follow the jump for a press release with more information, and look out for live pics from our team at the Chicago Auto Show.

Continue reading 2013 Acura ILX puts a familiar face on entry-level luxury

2013 Acura ILX puts a familiar face on entry-level luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilxacurachicagochicago 2012chicago auto showilxTue, 07 Feb 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165629/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/2013-acura-ilx-puts-a-familiar-face-on-entry-level-luxury/20165629/article-detail.xml 20165629 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-acura-ilx-chicago_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-acura-ilx-chicago.jpg <![CDATA[Acura ILX Concept ushers in era of entry-level luxury]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/acura-ilx-concept-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/acura-ilx-concept-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/acura-ilx-concept-detroit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Acura ILX Concept

It's no secret that Acura has had a rough couple of years. After an extremely successful launch in the late 1980s, Honda's luxury marque truly hit high gear in the mid 2000s with such successful models as the TL sedan and MDX crossover. And then things went south with a fury that sent the automaker reeling into regroup mode.

The brand's stumbling blocks were many and diverse - from the styling of the redesigned 2009 TL and TSX, which we'll charitably describe as divisive, to the scrapped plans for a V8-powered rear-wheel-drive RL replacement - but the net result was a precipitous drop in sales. Clearly, a new strategy was in order.

Enter the upcoming ILX sedan. While Acura isn't calling its new compact luxury sedan a replacement for the TSX, we're inclined to think the automaker doesn't need four sedans, and the TSX is within spitting distance size-wise to its higher-priced sibling. Don't be fooled by the 'concept' label, either - the ILX will be coming to a showroom near you in the spring of 2012 almost exactly as you see it here.

As you can see, the ILX is a mix of bold creases and flat surfaces, and it's what we'd consider a much-toned-down version of Acura's previous styling direction. Let's all be thankful of that. There's a shield-shaped grille up front, but it's not nearly as prominently displayed as on models like the TL and TSX, instead blending in more seamlessly with the rest of the car's overall design. Also note the boldly upswept character line highlighting the rear doors and quarters.

Three powertrain options will be available: a base 2.0-liter four cylinder mated to an automatic gearbox, a 2.4-liter four with an exclusive six-speed manual transmission and, finally, Acura's first hybrid drivetrain, which will be very similar to the one seen in the Honda Civic Hybrid. Expect a 1.5-liter engine with Honda's well-known IMA electric motor assist and a CVT transmission.

The Acura ILX is based on the same platform that underpins the Honda Civic, but, having seen the ILX sedan in person, we can tell you it doesn't share any styling features with Honda's compact. And that is a very good thing, as Acura needs its ILX to be seen as a premium product. To that end, there will be a number of high-tech options inside, including a Technology Package, Pandora internet radio and integrated text messaging functionality.

We'll have live photos of the new ILX Concept shortly, but in the meantime, be sure to check these stock photos released by Acura, along with the press release that's pasted after the break.

Continue reading Acura ILX Concept ushers in era of entry-level luxury

Acura ILX Concept ushers in era of entry-level luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilxacuraacura ilxacura ilx conceptdetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showilxilx conceptMon, 09 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20142397/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/09/acura-ilx-concept-detroit-2012/20142397/article-detail.xml 20142397 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/acura-ilx-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/acura-ilx-concept-detroit.jpg -1 2