Autoblog

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After revamping its crossover lineup for the 2007 model year, Acura will have a very incremental 2008 model year. There are no new or redesigned models, but more equipment is being added across its entire lineup. The main emphasis this year is what the automaker calls its Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The all-wheel-drive system is available on the RDX, MDX and RL this year, and will be added to other models in the coming years including Acura's upcoming "exotic" car, a.k.a. the NSX replacement.

The key feature of SH-AWD is its integration with the stability control inertial and driver input sensors. Most stability control systems rely on modulating the engine torque and selectively applying and releasing the individual wheel brakes to apply forces to the car and try and force it to follow the drivers intent. SH-AWD instead uses the clutch packs on either side of the rear differential to transfer drive torque to the appropriate wheel to stabilize the vehicle with much less brake intervention.

Continue reading after the jump and check out a video of some track laps in the RL.

Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda says that the company is considering developing a new line of V6 engines -- a decision he expects will be made by the end of the year. The engines will likely fit the Chrysler 300/Dodge Magnum/Dodge Charger platform, which is expected to go through a redesign in 2009. The plants being considered for the business are the Trenton Engine plant in Trenton, Mich.; Toledo Machine in Perrysburg, Ohio; and Kenosha (Wis.) Engine, but Chrysler's big boss says that the UAW has to be willing to change the work rules and stay competitive.

Unlike the company's four-banger that currently hauls around the Dodge Caliber and will serve to power the Jeep Copmass and Jeep Liberty, the new V6 engines will be developed completely in-house. The V6 lineup may also contain a diesel, but that has not yet been confirmed.

[Source: Autoweek]