Autoblog

Acura flagship headed to NY dubbed RLX, will incorporate e-AWD

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Acura, Luxury

Acura has big plans for the New York Auto Show next week, notably with the reveal of the replacement for the aging RL. The new vehicle, which will likely be called the RLX, will still make use of a V6, all-wheel drive powertrain, but will rely on electric motors to spin the rear wheels.

Car and Driver reports the system will actually be lighter than the components found on the current RL while still offering torque-vectoring capability. Acura has already gone through the pains of registering the RLX name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, and the move seems to be part of a larger effort to expunge two-letter names from the company's stable.

With the RL on the way out the door, the TL is the last of the old guard still hanging around, and word has it that model may be on the short list for execution as well. As Car and Driver points out, Acura is also in the process of registering the TLX name.

We have to wonder if the name swapping will do the company any good. From our vantage, it seems like Acura is simply swapping one meaningless moniker for another. Expect to see more details emerge as we get closer to the 2012 New York Auto Show next week, but in the meantime, feel free to peruse the brief press release after the break.

Continue reading Acura flagship headed to NY dubbed RLX, will incorporate e-AWD

Acura flagship headed to NY dubbed RLX, will incorporate e-AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda wins Acura RL collision warning system class action lawsuit appeal

Zach Bowman — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Acura, Luxury

Honda can thank Wal-Mart for the automaker's recent victory in a class-action lawsuit over Acura RL models equipped with the company's Collision Mitigation Braking System. The system was designed to warn drivers of a potential crash, tighten the vehicle's seat belts and automatically apply the brakes. However, lawyers for approximately 2,000 plaintiffs sued the Japanese automaker, arguing that the system may warn the driver too slowly, and it may not work at all - the lawsuit also complained the system may shut off altogether in foul weather. Reuters says the suit involves RL models equipped with the optional CMBS system purchased or leased between August 17, 2005 and December 16, 2008.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena, California found that a court ruling in a Wal-Mart case last June effectively narrowed the scope of class-action lawsuits. The same ruling was found to apply to the suit against Acura as well. Previously, a district judge in Los Angeles had ordered that California's consumer protection laws could be applied to RL owners nationwide, but the new ruling repeals that judgment. The circuit court also reversed the district court's finding that car buyers could have relied on advertising by Honda about the collision system. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found there weren't enough common facts among the plaintiffs' claims to apply the California laws across the board.

At this point, it's unclear how the plaintiffs in the case will respond to the decision.

Honda wins Acura RL collision warning system class action lawsuit appeal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011

Zach Bowman — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Crossover, Acura, Cadillac, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Luxury

Where there are winners, there are inevitably losers. Last year was exceedingly kind to big pickups, sprawling family sedans and SUVs, but not every model came out of 2011 with big sales figures. We took the time to dig through the low-selling models of the past 12 months to find out which vehicles produced throughout the year were the biggest duds. Since we aren't interested in how few Lamborghini Aventador models rolled off of dealer lots in the U.S. in 2011, we kept the MSRP under $100,000.

Our criteria immediately nixed vehicles like the Mazda RX-8, Volvo V50, Ram Cargo Van and everything in the Saab stable due to the fact that those models weren't manufactured through all 12 months of 2011. High-end metal like the Mercdes-Benz SL, CL and G classes were also kicked to the curb due to our price ceiling. Which was the worst of them all? We'll give you a hint. It wasn't the Acura ZDX. Hit the jump to check out our list of the worst-selling vehicles of 2011.

Continue reading These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011

These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda recalls 470K vehicles after Toyota, both used same supplier

Zach Bowman — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda

Honda has announced that it's recalling a total of 470,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to the same failing master cylinder problem that caused Toyota to recall 1.66 million vehicles worldwide this week.

According to The Detroit News, the two automakers used the same supplier for the part, and when owners use a type of brake fluid other than what's used at the factory, a seal within the master cylinder may fail, causing a leak that could eventually lead to loss of braking power altogether. Honda says that a warning light would illuminate before this happened, however.

The Honda recall covers 2005-2007 Acura RL models and 2005-2007 Honda Odyssey minivans, while the Toyota recall includes the 2005-2006 Avalon and 2004-2006 Highlander (non-hybrid only), and 2006 Lexus GS, IS and RX cars and crossovers.

Honda says that at this point, it doesn't know how many of its vehicles have suffered a master cylinder failure nor how many have leaked. The company says it will replace the faulty seal and, if leaking has occurred, the brake booster will be replaced as well.
There's no set schedule for fixing those vehicles that are impacted by the recall, but owners should expect to hear something soon.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]

Honda recalls 470K vehicles after Toyota, both used same supplier originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS

Chris Shunk — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Hyundai, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put a new crop of large luxury vehicles through its crash test gauntlet, and the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M joined some impressive company in scoring a Top Safety Pick designation. The CTS and M clinched the highly regarded award by receiving the top score of "Good" in roof strength testing. To achieve the top score in rollover safety, a vehicle's roof has to be able to support four times the weight of the entire vehicle.

The Top Safety Pick designation is handed out only to vehicles that received a "Good" score for all four IIHS crash tests while also featuring standard stability control to help avoid accidents altogether. The Cadillac and Infiniti join the BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80, Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as Top Safety Pick winners.

Since large luxury vehicles cost so much and contain so many safety features, it's not all that surprising that so many models aced IIHS testing. But not all vehicles passed the test with flying colors. The Lexus GS and Audi A6 managed only an "Acceptable" score in roof testing, while the aging Acura RL lagged behind the competition with a "Marginal" rating. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS presser.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS sedan

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS

Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda to kill off Acura RL/Legend globally, discontinue gas Civic models in Japan [*UPDATE]

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Acura, Honda, Luxury

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

Word coming from Japan's Nikkei business daily (as reported by Reuters) indicates that Honda has finally decided to discontinue the slow selling Acura RL and its Japanese market counterpart, the Honda Legend.

Ostensibly the flagship of Acura's brand here in North America, the RL has been a slow-seller for quite some time, upstaged in part by the company's less-expensive, higher-volume TL sedan. For some years now, the TL has offered more space, similar tech and even more power (in the Type S model), making the RL a particularly tough sell for dealers. Through the first half of this year, only 872 RLs have been sold in the United States.

Another production change reported by the Nikke that would only affect the Japanese market is the discontinuation of conventional gasoline versions of the Civic. If accurate, that would mean that from now until at least until the next-generation Civic arrives in the Fall of 2011, Honda will only sell the Civic hybrid in its home market.

In addition, the JDM Elysion minivan is also apparently set to get the axe.

Autoblog reached out to Honda for comment on the Nikkei story, and spokesman Chuck Schifsky would only say that the automaker does not comment on future product plans, noting that no official announcement has been made about the fate of the RL/Legend, the JDM Civic or the Elysion. Top tip, Joaquin!

UPDATE: Acura has released a statement saying that RL will continue to be the brand's flagship model and it's in no danger of being euthanized.

Gallery: 2010 Acura RL

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Honda to kill off Acura RL/Legend globally, discontinue gas Civic models in Japan [*UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michelin, Honda settle lawsuit over costly Odyssey runflats

Chris Shunk — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Honda

The long-fought battle surrounding Michelin PAX runflat tires on certain 2005-2007 Honda Odyssey and 2006-2007 Acura RL models has finally come to a close. A Maryland judge has awarded $83,000 to those taking part in the class-action lawsuit, netting each plaintiff $5,000, $2,500, or $2,000 for tire replacements.

The suit claimed Honda and Michelin weren't upfront about the cost or durability of the tires, and that they last half as long as standard radials. As part of the settlement, Michelin is offering a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty on the tires to the 94,000 owners of the affected models. Also offered is a $300 rebate on a new Odyssey or Acura RL, or $110 for the purchase of a Honda-approved PAX spare tire kits. Hat tip to FaLex.

[Source: Greenville Online]

Michelin, Honda settle lawsuit over costly Odyssey runflats originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Strange But True: Honda Motor Co. reportedly denied trademark for "Acura RL"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Acura, Honda

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

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

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

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

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

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Rumormill: Acura NSX, RL to get V10 with cylinder deactivation?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Japan, Supercars, Acura, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

Not only is team Corvette taking shots at the Nissan GT-R, besting its 'Ring time in the process, so is Acura with its well-publicized NSX replacement. Though we've seen more spy shots, renderings and videos than you can shake a stick at, there are a few more renderings over at 7Tune if you are so inclined. What's more interesting, though, is news that the 5.5L V10 engine expected under the hood of the supercar will include relatively aggressive cylinder deactivation technology. The V10 will reportedly be able to cut its cylinder count in half by running as a 2.75L inline five-cylinder when its full capacity isn't needed. We would imagine that would be quite often, as the car's expected power output of six-hundred horses attests.

In what seems like a highly unlikely possibility, some sources are also reporting that a version of the V10 engine from the NSX could see duty in a future Acura RL sedan. Considering that the RL has never featured anything more than six cylinders underhood, this would be an extremely radical departure for Acura. In other words, don't hold your breath.

[Source: 7Tune]

Rumormill: Acura NSX, RL to get V10 with cylinder deactivation? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Acura RL with maybe RWD and maybe V8

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Acura

Acura may finally be getting serious about entering the large-car luxury game with a new version of its range-topping sedan, the RL. The latest spy shots of what is likely the 2011 RL appear to corroborate recent rumors suggesting that Honda will ditch the long-running front-wheel-drive layout in a bid to compete with its peer class, which includes the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Though much is hidden by the stretched-out TSX bodywork, a close look at the profile shows a longer hood with the front wheels moved farther forward, which not only improves the vehicle's looks with less front overhang but also indicates that the engine may be longitudinally mounted.

Considering the fact that a rear-wheel-drive architecture seems increasingly likely for the next RL, we can also hold out hope that the rumored V8 engine may be underhood. Previous reports peg its output at 420 horsepower, which should be matched with cylinder deactivation in an effort to keep fuel economy respectable. With gas prices as they are, we also wouldn't be surprised to see Acura stick with a V6 engine as standard, leaving the eight-cylinder as an option. Would it be too much to request leaving off the massive metal triangle on the grille that has infected the rest of Acura's recent cars? Click the source below for more pics.

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Spy Shots: 2011 Acura RL with maybe RWD and maybe V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:29:00 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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Honda Legend facelift leaks out

Dan Roth — Mon, 05 May 2008 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Acura, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

Acura rolled out the 2009 RL at the Chicago Auto Show, so the appearance of the Honda version of the car, badged Legend, isn't the most searingly-hot news. What is frightfully obvious when you set eyes on the Legend is that the Honda version looks about a billion times better without the shield-style grille that afflicts the Acura in the most tacked-on fashion. Equally puzzling - and not a recent development - is why Honda trashed the established and respected Legend name for the anonymous and innocuous RL for Acura's top-tier sedan.

Competition in the RL's segment is brutal, and the same criticisms of the current model apply to its replacement. There's nothing fundamentally wrong with the RL, mind you, it's nicely styled, and well appointed - although when faced with the preponderance of rear-driving V8 competitors, the RL can't claim superiority by chassis layout alone. Packing the 3.5-liter V6 that yanks the Accord around with authority, there's no need for a V8, nor is RWD a necessity with Acura's chassis wizards on the job, but buyers might remain unmoved.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Legend

[Source: Car Fanatic via World Car Fans]

Honda Legend facelift leaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumors continue to mount for Acura RL with V8, RWD

John Neff — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura

Though auto pundits and car enthusiasts alike have been calling on Acura to drop its ban on rear-wheel-drive and V8 engines, no one ever really expects the automaker to go through with it. It's the brand's identity, its thing, its shtick. Though an Acura may be down on torque and driven by the wrong set of wheels compared to its German competition, most buyers at least marvel at how much the engineers have done in terms of performance and handling when saddled with a V6 and front-wheel-drive or part-time all-wheel-drive.

We're hearing more rumors that Acura's long holdout may be coming to an end. In addition to the last report from Best Car, now Inside Line is also claiming that the next Acura RL flagship model will be powered by a V8 and be rear-wheel-drive, or at least have a revised SH-AWD system that engages the front wheels when the rears are slipping. IL's source claims that a 4.8L V8 producing 420 horsepower is being developed and will feature cylinder deactivation technology to keep fuel economy up.

Acura showed us its Advanced Sedan Concept at the 2007 LA Auto Show, which some thought foreshadowed the next-gen RL. Inside Line claims that after the concept's lukewarm reception, Acura stylists went back to the drawing board for a new design. Whether or not the new sheetmetal will be accompanied by a big break in tradition for Acura remains to be seen. We're still a bit skeptical, but anything's possible in this competitive climate.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumors continue to mount for Acura RL with V8, RWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Best Car speculation: V8 Acura RL

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Acura, Honda

When we had the current-generation Acura RL in the Autoblog Garage, we thought that its understated design was attractive enough, but opined that it looked rather anonymous in the face of competitors such as the BMW 5-series, Infiniti M35 and especially the new Cadillac CTS. What may be a bigger problem to consumers is the lack of a V8 engine option, especially considering that even Hyundai has seen fit to offer its top-level sedan with V8 power. Additionally, the current RL is based on a front-wheel-drive chassis architecture, and although we found that the Super Handling-All Wheel Drive system worked rather well, the new RL might get an AWD system based on a rear-wheel-drive chassis.

If rumors from Japan's Best Car agazine hold true, expect to see a new 4.5 liter V8 in Acura's recently redesigned flagship sporting over 400 horsepower. The rendering shown above appears to be a current-generation Accord, which is already quite large, stretched out in every direction. A U.S. version for Acura would surely get a grille more in-line with its current angular design theme which was shown off at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this month. Since this is just a rendering, we won't judge its looks much, but we would hope that a production version of Acura's RL flagship would look significantly different than their mainstream sedan, the Accord.

Gallery: 2009 Acura RL

[Source: Best Car via Winding Road]

More Best Car speculation: V8 Acura RL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Redesigned Acura RL coming to Chicago Auto Show

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:14:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Acura

Our friends over at the Temple of VTEC got a hold of a communiqué from Acura regarding the automaker's plans for the 2009 TSX and RL. While it doesn't divulge the rumored drivetrain upgrades, both vehicles are apparently going to receiving several enhancements inside, including the AcuraLink Satellite Communication System and a premium sound upgrade on the TSX, while the RL will get an improved HVAC system and a few other bells and whistles.

TOV's forum members have been posting about the '09 RL's future, specifically a 300+ hp, 3.7-liter V6 and a revamped SH-AWD system that will shovel more torque to the rear wheels. The body of the RL will supposedly undergo a massive refresh, with only two body panels carried over from the outgoing model, along with a new interior that boasts more room. We know that changes are coming to the TSX, which, in addition to some new sheet metal, is likely to include some new drivetrains, with the possibility of a V6-powered variant with SH-AWD being considered.

Thanks for the tip, Jay!

[Source: TOV]

Rumormill: Redesigned Acura RL coming to Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on display

Merritt Johnson — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Technology, Acura

Click the above picture for high-res image.

All-wheel-drive systems are becoming an increasingly popular feature for large sedans. They allow for more exciting driving dynamics than pure front-wheel-drive, but also provide for increased fair weather traction over pure rear-wheel-drive. Acura revealed their all-wheel drive system dubbed Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) in the 2005 RL. Since then, the system has been adapted to the MDX and RDX vehicles as well. It is a system with a name only a Japanese company could get away with, after all there is a Honda powered Formula 1 team named Super Best Friends. Acura is proud of their technological development. Their 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show booth featured a SH-AWD display front and center. We used the opportunity to snap some pictures of the complex unit in order to illustrate its unique features. Follow the jump to read more.

Gallery: Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive

Continue reading LA 2007: Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on display

LA 2007: Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on display originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura RL redesign seeking to address slow sales

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:08:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura

Acura's RL has never fared well in a marketplace rife with V8s and rear-wheel-drive, but according to dealers, the next iteration of the brand's flagship sedan might finally bring it up to the level of its competitors. However, a story in Automotive News doesn't shed much light on what's in store.

Dealers believe that a major makeover is coming, but when AN talked to Dan Bonawitz, the veep of corporate planning and logistics over at Honda, he said the that RL was due for a mid-term change, which would imply that it might simply benefit from some new sheetmetal. An Acura dealer in Pittsburgh confirmed as much, saying that the new model will get a redesigned body, but little else was divulged.

In order for Acura to compete with the Bimmers and Benzs of the world, they'll have to ditch the AWD and V6, and instead equip the new model with V8 power being sent to the rear wheels. When that will come and whether Acura will develop an all new platform remains to be seen.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Acura RL redesign seeking to address slow sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:08:00 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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IIHS tests reveals that money doesn't always buy safety

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Acura, BMW, Cadillac, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo

Click the image above for a gallery of all the IIHS contenders.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just released its most recent round of crash tests, rating everything from the Kia Amanti to the BMW 5-series in one fell swoop. With a focus set on more luxury-oriented vehicles, the IIHS tested six new models to destruction, and walked away with results for front, side and rear impacts.

Topping the list, were the 2007 Acura RL, Kia Amanti and Volvo S80, all of which earned top marks. The S80, not surprisingly, garnered the Institute's Top Safety Pick for overall crash worthiness, rating good in all three categories, plus having standard stability control. The BMW 5-series didn't fare as well, getting a "marginal" score on the side impact test, despite being equipped with side airbags.

Mercedes asked the IIHS to retest the 2007 E-Class after only scoring an "acceptable" rating when test previously. After re-engineering a number of interior bits, the score remained the same, although the Institute noted a slight improvement, but not enough to affect the overall score. IIHS president, Adrian Lund, remarked that the E-class could have earned the Top Safety Pick award if the side impact rating had increased.

The IIHS also retested a revised version of the 2007 Cadillac STS, which included reinforced B-pillars, front door trim and a modified side torso airbag, which resulted in an "acceptable" rating.

The Institute made it a point to say that nearly every passenger vehicle now earns a top rating for frontal crashes, but side and rear impacts remain all over the board.

The full IIHS press release is posted after the jump.

[Source: IIHS]

Gallery: IIHS Luxury Vehicle Results - August

Continue reading IIHS tests reveals that money doesn't always buy safety

IIHS tests reveals that money doesn't always buy safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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