Autoblog

The Chicago Auto Show wasn't that eventful, but that's what we lead off Autoblog Podcast episode #87 with. The Challenger was the biggest deal, followed by the Denali XT, and then a bunch of inconsequential things. We did find ourselves talking about the Suzuki Equator and the Ford Transit Connect, too. We give you our first up close and personal impressions of the Challenger SRT-8 in this podcast. We also saw the VW Routan, which certainly doesn't conjure warm, fuzzy memories of Type IIs gone by. Chevy's Traverse calls into question the usefulness of Saturn's Outlook in the product lineup. Speaking of GM badge-engineering, we got word this week that Pontiac will not be getting a Trans Am companion to the Camaro, dang. Another disappointment is the rumor that Cerberus is going to let the Viper run down without rewinding the clock for a third generation. We wrap up by touching on the possibility that an Indian pickup could be the first diesel hybrid in the US, even though it's not even being imported yet, and we're sure that when it gets here, it'll generate even more hate than the new Acura RL. 42 minutes, that's it. Sorry it's a little late this week, it's all Alex's fault, I swear.

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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]

Those of you rolling in a 2005–2008 Acura RL take note: Honda has issued a recall for your power steering hose and being the educated consumer that you are, you won't have to wait by the mailbox to know about it.

The high temperatures created by the V6 under the RL's hood are apparently causing some cracks to form in the power steering hose that could lead to fluid leaking onto the catalytic converter, resulting in a fire, which is bad. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration issued the recall, but no injuries or fires have been reported as of yet.

Approximately 43,200 Acura RLs are affected by the recall and since it's likely that you're more informed than your local Acura service department, we'd suggest you print out this post and tell the folks at your dealer that you've got a friend in the industry.

[Source: Detroit News]

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'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's non-CUV lineup has been rather quiet lately while the Japanese, German, and American competition have been steadily adding new and refreshed models to their lineup. Judging by these spy shots in the California desert, that's all about to change. The folks over at KGP Photography caught a mystery Acura sedan testing in the middle of the night, and even though the vehicle is heavily camo'd, there are a lot of interesting cues that can't be hidden with black padding.

The sedan appears to be rather large, meaning that it's likely the TL (the RL isn't scheduled to arrive until 2010 or later), which has been on the market virtually unchanged since 2004. The greenhouse looks like it's been to the Lexus/Nissan design school with its steeply raked C-pillar, although the camo doesn't give much away. What's visible of the front end shows a much more aggressive look for Acura, and judging by what appears to be a mesh grille and performance-oriented wheels, the model caught testing may be Acura's next stab at a sport model. The automaker's car lineup could use a shot in the arm to keep up with the competition, and with Honda's penchant for excellent quality and powertrains coupled with their outstanding AWD system, this new model should be great, whatever it may be.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

click above image to view live shots of the 2008 Saturn Red Line

Admittedly, hot-rodded cute-utes mystify many of us, but the kids seem to love 'em, and the Red Line version of Saturn's 2008 Vue should satisfy those looking for a combination of practicality and power.

We're sure that some Saturn fans were not happy with the inclusion of Honda power in the previous Vue RL, and they can take comfort in the fact that the "foreign" drivetrain has been replaced with the General's own High Feature DOHC V6 and six-speed automatic. Front wheel drive is standard, while those looking to route those 250 ponies via additional paths can opt for AWD.

The front fascia receives special Red Line attention, and out back, two large rectangular exhaust tips remind followers that they're not behind a garden-variety Vue. Inside, the RL gets an exclusive Ebony color scheme, along with suede inserts on the seating surfaces to keep butts properly planted when exploring the limits of the lowered suspension and fat wheel/tire package.

Mike from ABG made the comment that this is a bit like a poor man's BMW X3, and we'd have to agree with that statement.

Check out the gallery for additional shots of the Vue Red Line followed by the official press release after the jump.

It's been speculated for some time that sales of Acura's luxo-barge offerings may be hindered by the automaker's lack of offering V8 power. According to Automotive News, this problem may be remedied soon.

In an interview with Honda's president of R&D in the States, Hirohide Ikeno, he hinted that a new direction for Acura powerplants would debut at the upcoming Detroit auto show in January.

It's already been confirmed that the new NSX, due in 2009, will likely get a mid-ship V10, drawing credibility from Honda's 8- and 12-cyclinder racing mills. That kind of power is necessary in the supercar market and a V8 option is a necessity if an automaker hopes to compete with other luxury sedans.

Although development of the V8 will be carried out by Acura's parent company, Honda, don't expect a V8 option in the next Civic.

[Source: Automotive News -- Sub. Req.]

Honda's luxury brand, Acura, dropped off its first shipment of TL's at the port of Shanghai this week. The brand, developed originally by Honda Motor Co. for the U.S. market, has only recently pursued markets outside of North America.

The TL is Acura's most successfully selling model in the U.S. Alongside the flagship RL's, the sedans will be sold in several major Chinese cities, with Acura aiming to sell 3,000 vehicles through the first model year of operations. It is unknown if Honda plans to build plants on Chinese soil to manufacture more of the luxury mark.

[Source: The Fabricator]

The list-meisters over at Forbes Magazine are at it again, this time short-listing what it says are the safest cars available in 2006. And it is indeed a short list-- just four cars:

• Acura RL
• Honda Civic
• Saab 9-3
• Volvo S80

Forbes based its results on vehicles posting high Consumer Reports accident avoidance findings, as well as perfect scorecards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and/or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Forbes admits that it excluded vehicles not long for this world, which makes their choice of the current Volvo S80 a little puzzling. Either way, we wouldn't exactly recommend playing chicken with private planes, as seen above.

Click on the link for a better explanation of their methodology, along with the magazine's standard slide-show treatment.

[Sources: Forbes; Volvo Canada]