Autoblog

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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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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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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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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Grassroots Motorsports' Tim Suddard picks ten future Japanese collector cars

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Japan

First generation Mazda Miata - Click above to see entire list of future Japanese Collector Cars

"Everybody wants to go to the dance, no one wants to stay and clean up." So says Robert De Niro's Sam in John Frankenheimer's spy thriller/car porno Ronin. We mention the line, because it's not only well written, but nicely sums up most people's attitudes towards classic, collector cars. Yes, we'd all love a Boss 302 Mustang or a Maserati Bora, but no one wants to pay the tens of thousands of dollars it takes to procure and maintain them. But what if in the future collector cars weren't limited to American muscle or exotic Europeans? What if relatively cheap and reliable Japanese cars came to be collectors items?

Regardless of the answer, that's the exact future that Tim Suddard, publisher of both Grassroots Motorsports and Classic Motorsports, is predicting. In fact, here's what he has to say about it:

Right now Japanese cars are generally overlooked by the collector car world, but we expect that to change. A generation that grew up on Hondas, Datsuns and Mazdas is coming of age where they're after the icons of their youth. Where previous enthusiasts paid big money for the Mopars, Chevelles and GTOs that they couldn't afford when teens, we expect the same happen soon with milestone Japanese cars.

Which, if what Suddard is saying is true, means that both demand and price should increase. Which is probably... bad. Click here to see the ten cars (with captions) that Suddard claims are going to be future classics, plus our own two cents on each selection. And of course, what do you think? Also - like what you see? If you're in the Southern California area, don't miss the 2009 Japanese Classics car show this weekend

Gallery: Tim Suddard's ten most collectable Japanese cars

Grassroots Motorsports' Tim Suddard picks ten future Japanese collector cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:31:00 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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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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Rumormill: Acura planning to take on BMW 1, Audi A3 with new RSX?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Acura, Rumormill, Luxury

Remember back in the day when Honda was all about building two-doors? At various times between its own badge and its premium Acura division, the Japanese automaker had the Prelude, CRX, RSX, NSX, Legend, CL and S2000 - in addition to coupe versions of the Civic and Accord. A few years down the line and the S2000 is on its way out, leaving the Civic and Accord coupes to hold down the fort by themselves until the new NSX arrives in whatever form it takes. According to new reports, however, the Japanese automaker is keen to bridge that gap once again with a successor to the RSX coupe.

Based on the next-gen Civic, due in 2011, the new RSX (or whatever it would be labeled) is rumored to, like the upcoming CT hatchback from arch-rival Lexus, take on the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30 in the premium compact segment. If it happens, expect a front-drive layout with probable four-cylinder propulsion (if not a hybrid setup like the forthcoming CR-Z), but beyond that your guess is as good as ours, so stay tuned.

[Source: eGMCarTech]

Rumormill: Acura planning to take on BMW 1, Audi A3 with new RSX? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: We cringe as Acura NSX does its best surfacing submarine imitation

Chris Shunk — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Acura

Acura NSX Submarine - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Acura NSX is rare enough that you rarely see them on the streets. When we saw a mint condition NSX trolling the streets of Woodward during the Dream Cruise, we were reminded of just how much road presence Acura's first and only supercar actually has. If we owned a a mint condition NSX, we might reasonably be tempted to avoid driving it the weather forecast even hinted at rain, but unfortunately not all drivers appear to exercise care in wet weather.

Hit the jump to watch a beautiful NSX as it trudges through what looks to be nearly two feet of standing water. At one point, the water, which came as the result of a torrential downpour in Orange Park, Forida, was up to the side mirrors. The real payoff, when the video goes from sad anger-inducing to hilarious comes about 33 seconds in, when you can clearly see water pouring out of the closed doors of the NSX. It stuns us to think that someone would think it would be a good idea to drive a low-slung supercar through a flood zone, but it probably shouldn't.

[Source: YouTube via: Autojunk]

Continue reading VIDEO: We cringe as Acura NSX does its best surfacing submarine imitation

VIDEO: We cringe as Acura NSX does its best surfacing submarine imitation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura drops more details and pics aplenty of the new ZDX

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Acura

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

A month after officially announcing the production version of the new ZDX four door coupe-crossover-thingy, Acura has just released over 100 new photos and full specifications. Like the TL sedan, the ZDX is largely a North American product, as it was designed in California and it is expected to be built at the automaker's Alliston, Ontario plant.

We already knew the ZDX was getting Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system and the company's 300 horsepower, 3.7-liter V6. Now we also know that it gets an Integrated Dynamics System to manage the electrically assisted power steering and adaptive dampers.

The ZDX has what figures to be an ample 26.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat. Less accommodating is the passenger space in the second row, where headroom drops to 35.3 inches and legroom goes to 31.3 inches from the TL's 36.2 inches. Apparently Acura achieved the cargo space by moving the rear seat forward to give head clearance from that sloping roofline. That's the price you pay for avoiding the humpback look of the Porsche Panamera.

The ZDX goes on sale this winter, but pricing has not yet been announced. Check out the mega high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Acura ZDX

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading Acura drops more details and pics aplenty of the new ZDX

Acura drops more details and pics aplenty of the new ZDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Acura NSX replacement will move downmarket in price, performance

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:57:00 EST

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

Acura Advanced Sports Car concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Late last year, Honda confirmed that it had halted development on the Acura NSX project as we had come to know it. While we're still mourning the loss of the promised front-mounted 560-horsepower V10 powerplant and torque-vectoring AWD setup, the boys at Car and Driver are reporting that the NSX may yet appear in some other form entirely.

Quoting John Watts, Acura's senior manager of product development, C&D says the NSX revival may still be in the works, just on a somewhat lower performance plateau. Says Watts, "For it to be fully effective [as a halo vehicle for the brand], it couldn't be too far removed" from Acura's other products.

As the original Acura NSX proved, Honda is capable of amazing things when it comes to performance-minded automobiles. As cool as another technological Tour de Force would be, the idea of a mid-level sportscar from Acura is certainly an intriguing prospect in its own right and would be something much more affordable for the average working stiff.

Gallery: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: Acura NSX replacement will move downmarket in price, performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Acura considering TSX wagon for the U.S.

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Japan, Acura, Luxury

Conventional wisdom says that you can't sell station wagons in the States, but that type of thinking is so 2002. Back then, why would a manufacturer sell a low profit-margin wagon when they could instead sell you an all-profit SUV? Two kids under the age of six? You need a Denali. These days, now that SUVs have largely been exposed for what they always were -- rarely necessary -- station wagons are making a lot more sense. Take for instance the coming real soon Cadillac CTS SportWagon (and the possibly/maybe we-can't-believe-it's-actually-going-to-happen CTS-V SportWagon).

And why not an Acura wagon, specifically a TSX five-door? According to our broheims at Car and Driver, Acura is close to giving the TSX Wagon the green light. Think about the market for a moment. Audi sells lots of wagons, BMW has the both the 3 and 5 Series wagons, Mercedes-Benz has the C-Class wagons and now Caddy has the CTS Wagon. What's missing? Japanese luxury wagons. Until now, the Infiniti and Lexus (and Acura) have been putting all of their eggs in the luxury CUV segment. But if Chrysler and GM's bankruptcies have taught us anything, it's ABD -- Always Be Diversifying. Now we just have to see if Acura pulls the trigger.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Accord - Euro spec

[Source: Car & Driver]

REPORT: Acura considering TSX wagon for the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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