Autoblog

Honda adds 440,000 more cars to airbag fragment recall

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda

2001 Honda Accord - click above for high-res gallery

Honda began a recall campaign last November to repair overpressurized airbag inflators in 2001 Honda Civics and Accords. The excessive pressurization could cause the metal inflator casing to explode on the driver's side, potentially resulting in fragments that would pierce the airbag material and injure drivers.

That recall has now been expanded with the addition of 440,000 cars that include the 2002-2003 Acura TL. Honda says affected owners will receive a recall notice in the mail, or you can check your car's recall status on Honda and Acura's sites. Barring that, you can get all of the information in the press release after the jump or check out our galleries of the 2001 Accord and Civic models below.

Gallery: 2001 Honda Accord

Gallery: 2001 Honda Civic

Continue reading Honda adds 440,000 more cars to airbag fragment recall

Honda adds 440,000 more cars to airbag fragment recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda announces 6-speed manual for 2010 Acura TL

Michael Harley — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura

Click on the above image for our high res 2009 Acura TL gallery

Acura is again tossing enthusiasts a bone with a new six-speed manual transmission option for their 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD model. While the 2009 model is only available with a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters, next year will mark the return of the stick shift -- and the first time Acura has paired their SH-AWD with a manual transmission. The six-speed is all-new, and stronger than the manual last used in the 2008 model. It features a more rigid aluminum case and heavy-duty internals. New gear synchronizers improve accuracy while a standard short-throw shifter improves feel. In addition to the six-speed manual, the TL SH-AWD receives "Hill Start Assistant" to hold the vehicle on hills during a start, and special enthusiast-oriented suspension tuning for flatter cornering. The manual transmission also comes with stiffer engine and transmission bushings, heavy-duty front driveshafts, and stronger CV joints. Best of all, the manual transmission weighs 88 lbs. less than the automatic, moving the TL's weight distribution even further rearward.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda announces 6-speed manual for 2010 Acura TL

Honda announces 6-speed manual for 2010 Acura TL originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Acura TL priced from $34,955

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Acura

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

Acura has finally revealed the pricing structure of its new 2009 TL sedan, and the base price jumps to $34,995, a little over a thousand bucks more than the last entry-level model. Replacing last year's Type-S is a new model with a version of Acura's SH-AWD and, at 305-horsepower, the most powerful V6 that parent company Honda has ever offered for sale. That top-level model will run you $38,505, which is pretty close to what the abandoned Type-S went for last year, though standard navigation is dropped. Adding the Technology Package -- which includes niceties like GPS, keyless access, push-button start and the Acura/ELS Surround sound audio system we liked so much when we got our first drive -- to either model will add about $4K to the asking price.

The looks are extremely polarizing, and these price increases aren't likely to win over the TL's detractors. Still, there is no doubting that the TL remains a lot of car for the money. Time will tell if it remains the sales success that its younger self undoubtedly was. Get all of the pricing details after the break.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading 2009 Acura TL priced from $34,955

2009 Acura TL priced from $34,955 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog First Drive: 2009 Acura TL [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, First Drive

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

Beginning in February at the Chicago Auto Show, Acura began rolling out redesigned versions of its three sedans in the span of six months. Beginning with the RL in Chicago, Acura has rolled out its new design ethos intended to make these cars stand out in the increasingly crowded entry luxury segment. When we first showed you the RL, it got what would charitably be described as a negative reception. The new shield grille design was almost universally reviled both in the media and amongst you readers. By the time the entry-level TSX arrived a month later, reactions softened somewhat as people became accustomed to the look. In its first few months on the street, sales of the new TSX have jumped more than 20 percent compared to the old model.

The last to arrive and arguably the best looking of the three is the mid-level TL, which arrives this September to replace the best selling sedan in Acura's lineup. Acura invited us to New York to sample its new mainstream model on the roads of Connecticut and the Empire State in mid-July. While the TL was the last to be unveiled, it is actually the first and only one of the three sedans to be completely designed around this new look. Read more about the new TL and our first drive impressions after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Acura TL

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL

Continue reading Autoblog First Drive: 2009 Acura TL [w/VIDEO]

Autoblog First Drive: 2009 Acura TL [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Even better pics of the new '09 Acura TL

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Acura

Click image above for additional pics of the 2009 Acura TL

We just showed you some spy pics of the 2009 Acura TL yesterday, but when one automotive photog saw the lo-res cellphone pics we ran, he knew he could do better. Our buddy Rich Truesdell of Automotive Traveler sent over a small patch of pics that he shot of the new mid-level Acura in action out in the Mojave. Just as with the new TSX and RL, the '09 TL seems to be adopting the corporate blocky metal triangle look. To paraphrase Fletch, "It's all about blocky metal triangles these days." Besides that signature fascia treatment, however, the rest of the car could easily be mistaken for a G37 sedan. Not bad, mind you, but not very distinctive either and surprising given the aggressively styled nose and tail. We'd say the best view is the rear-3/4 shot showing how the C-pillars continue out past the rear glass at their trailing edge and become the top edge of the rear deck. Pretty nifty. Check out our gallery below and Automotive Traveler to read about their encounter with the new TL.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL spy shots

[Source: Automotive Traveler]

Spy Shots: Even better pics of the new '09 Acura TL originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TL continues triangular theme

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Acura

Acura is in the midst of a major restyling of its entire range of sedans. While we've already seen the new TSX and RL (though an even newer RL has been spied), it's the TL that is the bread-and-butter model of the line. From what has been seen already, we're expecting a version of the blocky metal triangle at the front of the model, though the latest spy photos reveal that the angular theme will be carried over to the rear of the vehicle as well. It's always risky to make major changes to the high-volume model, but it appears as if Acura is not content to just play it safe with its line of uber-Hondas. While the stylists attempt to set new trends, we're pretty sure that the TL will continue to use a front wheel drive architecture and V6 engines, though a form of the automaker's SH AWD seems a distinct possibility.

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TL continues triangular theme originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TL

Chris Shunk — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Acura, Honda

Acura is in the middle of a total makeover, and while we've already seen the RL and TSX, the Japanese automaker's bread and butter TL has been out of the spotlight, until now. Spy photographers have snapped up a couple shots of the 2009 TL sans the requisite crazy patterns and without most bras, leaving some poorly fit panels to throw us off.

Up front, the grille is covered, but the basic shape looks very much like the buck-tooth treatment given to the RL and TSX. The front wheel arches bulge out like the TSX to give the TL a more aggressive stance, and the concave line stretching from the A-pillar to the tail lights has been replaced by a muscular character line expanding from the front arch, helping to further accentuate the sedan's stance. Out back, a prominent V shape at the bumper and spoiler gives the TL a little more style, while the tail lights wrap to show off the TL's angles.

So far, Acura's new-look lineup has been a mix of hits and misses (more misses depending on who you ask), but the TL is the high volume stud that absolutely has to be a home run for Honda's luxury lineup to keep up with the competition. Thanks for the tip, Jose!

[Source: VTEC]

Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TL originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2009 Acura TL coming in 2 flavors, gets AWD

Alex Nunez — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:41:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, Rumormill

Honda/Acura had its 2009 dealer meeting in New Orleans last week, and a little birdie that claims to have attended has whispered some details about the 2009 Acura TL in our ears. According to our anonymous tipster, the '09 TL range will consist of two models. The front-wheel-drive car will be powered by a 3.5L V6 delivering 280 horsepower. The step-up version will feature SH AWD and have a 3.7L, 300-horsepower V6 underhood (presumably the same one used in the MDX). We're told the latter car is not a Type-S, by the way -- that trim level goes back into hibernation with the arrival of the '09. Word is, the car "looks amazing." The TL in its current state is Acura's best-looking vehicle, so our curiosity is definitely piqued.

Rumormill: 2009 Acura TL coming in 2 flavors, gets AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura recalls 273,000 TLs due to fire fears

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Acura

Honda put out two recall notices today that affects some 273,000 2004-2008 Acura TLs. One of the recalls addresses a windshield wiper issue, where a potentially faulty circuit breaker on 129,600 '04 and '05 TLs could fail, rendering the wipers useless.

The other recall is a bit more compelling. Apparently an issue with high temperatures under the hood can cause the power steering hose to degrade to the point that it could crack and leak fluid onto the catalytic converter. This could result in a fair amount of smoke, or, at worse, a fire.

Neither issue has resulted in a crash or injury, but Acura dealers have been instructed to replace the power steering hose and, in the case of the windshield wiper motor, inspect the unit and replace it if necessary. Naturally, there's no charge for either recall.

[Source: Detroit News]

Acura recalls 273,000 TLs due to fire fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura exec outlines future vehicle lineup

Dan Roth — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Acura, Honda

Acura's sales are down, and rather than try to be all cars to all buyers, filling niches is more the game plan. Product planning manager John Watts intimated that Acura's looking at segments with a narrower appeal, such as the now-defunct CL, and the possibility of a retractable hardtop vehicle, too. The MDX does well, and the new RDX is the darling of everyone who drives it, but as far as cars go, Acura's not catching anyone's hair on fire. The top-dog RL sedan is a wonderful car - beautifully drawn, SH-AWD moves, and a powerful V6 make it a very pleasant way to devour miles, but it doesn't offer the flavor du jour for premium sedans with performance leanings. The engine layout is wrong, and it's missing at least two cylinders to truly be taken seriously by some buyers who are looking for a V8 and rear drive as prerequesites.

There's talk of a new 8 or 10 cylinder powerplant in the offing. The NSX is supposedly getting a V10, which could then propagate through to other Acura cars. Analysts have noted that there's a need for a flagship sedan above the RL to offer RWD and larger engines. While Acura gets its act together developing the new NSX and readying the new TL for launch in 2009, dealers are enviously eyeing Lexus and Infiniti stores, wishing they had a big V8 boomer to throw into the fray, as well.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Acura exec outlines future vehicle lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Driving Impression: 2008 Acura TL Type-S Six-speed

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, First Drive

Click the photo of the 2008 TL for a high-res gallery

Acura kicked off its 2008 model presentation with a rundown of what's new for 2008, which isn't much. The bulk of the presentation was actually about the development of the AXR-01 LMP2 race car. Once that was over, we had the opportunity to select from a fleet TL and TSX sedans for the drive out to Waterford Hills Raceway. I hopped into a six-speed manual TL Type-S to traverse the forty mile route that Acura laid out for us.

The driving route consisted of a mix of stop-and-go and medium-speed city driving, low-speed neighborhoods and twisty back roads. Under the hood, the TL Type-S has a 3.5L SOHC V-6 equipped with Honda's VTEC variable valve timing system. The V-6 has an output of 286 hp and 256 lb-ft of twisting force. The torque peaks at 5,000 rpm but feels reasonably strong at lower revs as well giving the engine a flexible, responsive feel.

Gallery: 2008 Acura TL Type-s ride

Continue reading Driving Impression: 2008 Acura TL Type-S Six-speed

Driving Impression: 2008 Acura TL Type-S Six-speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No more mystery: Acura TL Type-S official photos hit the web

Alex Nunez — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura

Over the weekend, the Boston Globe let loose with the first details on the new Acura TL Type-S. We didn't expect to hear any more on the subject until 9/1, when Acura was set to officially pull off the wraps, but Autoweek has accelerated things a bit by publishing official pictures and additional details.

We already told you about the car's 286-horse 3.5L V6, which is connected to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed auto with paddles. Also covered was the new stiffer suspension for the Type-S, so let's move on to how the car looks.

Appearance-wise, the Type-S has adopted the former TL A-Spec's bodywork. The lower side skirts, the fender bulges, and the decklid spoiler that all first appeared on that package are now part of the Type-S trimmings. All TL models receive revised front fascias featuring integrated foglamps, new head and taillight assemblies, and an updated interior. The TL Type-S also gets a slightly different rear-end treatment that incorporates a new bumper cover and a pair of dual-tipped exhaust outlets (very BMW "M" if you ask us). Both the TL and TL Type-S get new wheels, too, with the Type-S rims reminding us of the ones found on the Nissan Altima SE-R. Frankly, we're a bit surprised they didn't go with a more original design. No complaints about the base TL's new 5-spokes, which look great.

The interior incorporates new gauges, a new steering wheel, and colored ambient lighting (blue for TL, red for Type-S). The available nav system has a real-time traffic feature and also acts as the display for the car's reverse camera. The now-expected-by-everyone iPod jack is hidden in the center console.

The Acura TL was and remains a sharp-looking car that's been made even more attractive thanks to the availability of the performance-oriented Type S package. Aside from the additional fun now available via the loud pedal, Acura wisely left well enough alone. We're ok with that. Now, how soon can we drive one?

Thanks to Rob C. for the tip!

(More pics after the jump)

[Source: Autoweek]

Continue reading No more mystery: Acura TL Type-S official photos hit the web

No more mystery: Acura TL Type-S official photos hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Aug 2006 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura readies 286-hp TL Type S

Alex Nunez — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura

UPDATE 1

The Boston Globe spilled the beans! For MY 2007, Acura has added a Type S model to the TL range. Those who opt for the package are rewarded with a 3.5L V6 churning out 286 horses and 256 lb.-ft. of torque, 28 hp and 23 lb.-ft. better than the base TL's 3.2L mill.

Subtle detail changes differentiate the Type -S from the standard car. A mesh grille, wheel/tire upgrade, rear spoiler, quad exhaust outlets and, of course, Type S badging identify it as such. Inside, the Type S gets sportier seating, carbon fiber trim, and racy steel pedals. A sport-tuned suspension is in place to give the car improved handling to go with its added punch. Expect a retail price of around $39,000.

We're guessing that an official announcement will likely come this week, now that a major media outlet has broken the story. We'll have photos and complete specs as soon as Honda makes them available to us.

Thanks to reader Raghu fir the tip!

[Source: The Boston Globe]

UPDATE 1: Click here to see a shot of what the 2007 Acura TL Type S will actually look like.

Acura readies 286-hp TL Type S originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Aug 2006 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2006 Saab 9-5 2.3T Sport: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5

Chris Paukert — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Saab

Depress the clutch (right foot on the brake, please), reach down between the seats, and twist the key, putting Saab's 2.3-liter on turbocharged notice. [Long] throw the gearshift into the lowest of the transmission's five available forward ratios, and point the 9-5's Darth Vader proboscis down the road like you mean it.

But hang on a sec. In true anorak fashion, before engaging in a bout of Swedish shenanigans, turn off the engine, get out and pop your gourd underneath the hood to see what sort of vehicular fury Saab's engineers have rendered. The 9-5's inline-four marshals a respectable 260 horsepower (ten more than last year), and indeed, offers damned-near class-leading torque incredibly low down in the powerband-- particularly impressive for such a small engine (try 258 lb.-ft. @ 1,900 rpm).

But here's the thing: Saab has loosed those steeds from the corral via the wrong gate-- the one out front. Overly analytical-types are invited to carp about foul-weather practicality all they want, but in a proper sport sedan, the front roundies are best left to deal with turning and braking duties (or at least sharing power-distribution chores with the rears). Expecting the lead wheels to cope with Saab's turbocharged brand of gumption is a program for corrupted helm feel and understeer, and the 9-5 reads the recipe chapter and verse.

(Click here for a complete dynamic assessment and tons more wallpaper-grade high-res photos!)

Continue reading 2006 Saab 9-5 2.3T Sport: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5

2006 Saab 9-5 2.3T Sport: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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