Autoblog

2014 Acura MDX goes for a camouflaged cruise

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:44:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Acura, Luxury

While the often misunderstood (and infrequently purchased) Acura ZDX may be going the way of the dinosaur, the company's far more conventional and successful MDX SUV is evolving. In fact, the 2014 MDX seems to be coming along rather nicely, if this latest set of spy images is any indication.

In the camouflaged prototype we see here, it is evident that Acura designers are going for a beefier look for the MDX front end. The current car's pointed and beaked nose are nowhere in evidence on this tester, though some version of Acura's prominent shield grille does seem to remain.

It's a bit difficult to tell if the shape of the glasshouse is much revised on this new car, as the camo is applied in such a fashion as to obscure the post C-pillar design. But it does seem as though, when we look hard at the full-profile shots of the MDX, that the wheel-arch bulges and side character lines of the current vehicle have been replaced with much simpler surfacing.

Under the hood we're told to expect a choice between a conventional V6 powerplant and the hybrid system with SH-AWD that will debut in the upcoming Acura RLX. Surely we'll see and hear more about this new MDX before it makes the scene in the last part of 2013.

2014 Acura MDX goes for a camouflaged cruise originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cheaper baby NSX back under consideration at Acura

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Acura, Honda, Rumormill

Back in the salad days before the financial upheaval of 2008, Honda's Acura division was reportedly planning to build not one, but two new NSX models. The first was/is the on again off again heir to the NSX throne (then a V10 rear-drive supercar, now the much ballyhooed hybrid all-wheel-drive affair revealed at January's Detroit Auto Show). The second was to be a smaller, less expensive version, creatively dubbed by Honda internals as the "Small NSX." Never let engineers name your pets, folks.

In any event, the Small NSX that was said to be cancelled before we even knew it existed is reportedly back on the table. Unnamed sources tell Motor Trend that the sports car will really be a scaled-back version of the NSX, too, with a mid-engine layout and potentially a version the same hybrid SH-AWD system.

It is really anyone's guess as to which corporate powertrain will offer motivation, should this baby NSX see the light of day, though turbocharging one of the company's four-cylinder mills seems like a good bet.

With the full-boat NSX still on track for a debut in 2015, expect to wait quite a while before the junior version is available - 2017 is a reasonable guess. When the car is ready, pending another once-in-a-lifetime financial system meltdown, we are told to expect sticker prices in the realm of $50,000 to $60,000.

Cheaper baby NSX back under consideration at Acura originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura RLX Concept looks to kickstart Honda's premium brand from the top [w/video]

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Sedan, Acura, Honda, Design/Style, Luxury

There is no sugar-coating the fact that the Acura RL has been a dud since Day One. Honda's luxury brand is painfully aware of this fact, especially since next to nobody purchased the pricey sedan. Then again, the RL has suffered the indignity of being outgunned by a lower-priced model from within its own portfolio, so we can see how selling one has been an uphill climb for dealers. But Acura has an all-new luxury flagship waiting in the wings, and it's seen its first light of day as the RLX Concept, which just debuted at the New York Auto Show.

Honda is quick to point out that the sedan will provide large car interior volume in a mid-size package.

Like most other Honda/Acura concepts, the RLX is sure to look much the same in production trim. The concept features a new design direction for the upscale marque, with more understated yet elegant lines that just look more expensive than the outgoing RL. With the exception of the fussy concept car wheels, we think it looks rather crisp, though it is very conservative and has a trunk that reminds us more than a little bit of the BMW 7 Series when viewed in profile. The concept appears to be quite large as well, but Honda is quick to point out that the sedan will provide large car interior volume in a mid-size package.

The RLX concept arrives packing some advanced technology under the hood as well, including an all-new 3.5-liter V6 mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. But the reworked V6 and all-new transmission is just part of the powertrain story. The concept also features an advanced Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system that helps boost overall power to a V8-like 370 horsepower.

The concept features a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system that boosts power to a V8-like 370 horsepower.

The "hybrid" part of that title includes what Acura is calling a "unique dual electric motor drive unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system." Basically, it's a through-the-road electric all-wheel-drive setup with torque vectoring on the rear axle. The same Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system first appeared on the NSX concept, and we drove a prototype of the system disguised as a Honda Accord last November. Acura promises fuel economy numbers of at least 30 miles per gallon on the highway and in the city.

The production RLX will also be available sans electric-AWD system, with 310 horsepower coming solely from the 3.5-liter V6. The front-wheel-drive version will feature a plethora of technology that improves handling, including Amplitude Reactive Dampers, a new double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. It will also weigh in "well under 4,000 pounds," which should help in the handling department.

The production Acura RLX should be available in early 2013. Scroll down to read Acura's official press release and click on the image above to view the RLX concept in high resolution while you wait for our live shots from the show floor.

Continue reading Acura RLX Concept looks to kickstart Honda's premium brand from the top [w/video]

Acura RLX Concept looks to kickstart Honda's premium brand from the top [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We try Honda's cutting-edge electric SH-AWD system

Chris Paukert — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Technology, Honda, First Drives

How Honda Is Working To Get Its Groove Back

For decades, Honda successfully cultivated a hard-earned reputation for technological innovation and thoughtful engineering, but the Japanese automaker has seemingly grown content to let other automakers lead the way with new technologies in recent years. To this point, Honda has stubbornly resisted the engine-downsizing movement, direct injection, as well as more sophisticated gearboxes and hybrids, instead focusing on refining existing technologies and relying on its lighter weight vehicles to keep their models' performance metrics in the hunt.

Honda is hard at work on a hybrid evolution of the company's already trick Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

No more, says CEO Takanobu Ito. Honda has embarked on a multi-tier technology binge that Ito says will have Honda at the forefront of fuel economy metrics worldwide within three years. On the table? More advanced everything, from the aforementioned powertrain technologies including a new small-displacement diesel and a new CVT, to direct injection and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Of course, we've seen similar products brought to market from other automakers already, so excellence in execution will need to be Honda's differentiator. But we tend to expect more innovative thinking from an automaker with such a rich history of elegant engineering, so we were pleased to learn that Soichiro's crew is hard at work on a hybrid evolution of the company's already trick Super Handling All-Wheel Drive serving in vehicles like the Acura TL, RDX and MDX.

In addition to the torque-vectoring rear axle already in production, Honda is incubating a new three-motor hybrid AWD architecture that it says will offer V8 power and a more nimble driving experience than typical all-wheel-drive systems, all while delivering four-cylinder fuel economy.

Just ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda bussed us to its Twin-Ring Motegi racetrack to sample its radical new SH-AWD system in an Accord mule.

Continue reading We try Honda's cutting-edge electric SH-AWD system

We try Honda's cutting-edge electric SH-AWD system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Acura TL SH-AWD

Chris Shunk — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Acura's Best Is Still Tough To Beat

Acura has been a bit of an enigma of late. Honda's premium marque has endured its share of struggles, with new entries like the ZDX and more established models like the RL falling short of buyers' expectations. Even the mighty TL, which has been Acura's top-selling sedan for years, has seen better days.

At the height of its popularity in 2005, Acura moved 78,218 copies of its mainstream luxury sled, putting the TL behind only the BMW 3 Series and Lexus ES in luxury car sales. But then two things happened to turn the TL's world upside-down. First, vehicle sales took a dive beginning in the second half of 2008, and at the same time, Acura unveiled a newly styled TL that stoked more controversy than conquests.

To steer its bread-and-butter mid-sizer back on the right course, Acura designers nipped and tucked the TL this year to quell some of the car's disagreeable design decisions, while engineers worked to improve its already excellent driving dynamics. Has it worked? We've taken the reins of a well-equipped 2012 TL SH-AWD to see if Acura's cash cow is ready for another shot at Lexus and BMW.

Continue reading 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD

2012 Acura TL SH-AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT is a mouthful, not a handful

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the redesigned Acura TL debuted in late 2008, it represented a substantial transformation over previous iterations. The third-generation model retained the transverse V6 of its two predecessors, but for the first time included an all-wheel-drive option. But while the torque-vectoring Super Handling-All Wheel Drive is an appreciated addition when you're putting out over 300 horsepower, performance oriented drivers were appropriately miffed that both the TL Type-S and a manual transmission were no longer available.

Thankfully, shortly after the 2009 TL went on sale, Acura announced plans to add a manual gearbox back to the lineup. Unfortunately, it would take an entire year before it hit the market. Now it's here, and we're ready to find out if the Acura TL SH-AWD six-speed can fill the Type-S-sized hole in our hearts.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT

Continue reading Review: 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT is a mouthful, not a handful

Review: 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT is a mouthful, not a handful originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:57:00 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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Autoblog First Drive: 2009 Acura TL [w/VIDEO]

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

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, First Drives

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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2009 Acura TL fully revealed

Alex Nunez — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:22:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura

Click above for more photos of the 2009 Acura TL

The floodgates will open on the '09 Acura TL soon enough, but in the meantime, Inside Line has posted a set of press photos and confirmed the car's final specs. As has been previously reported, there are two versions: a base 3.5L front-drive car with 285 horses and the range-topping TL SH-AWD, which gets a 305-horsepower 3.7L V6. The Type S is history, replaced in essence by the SH-AWD. Both TL models are mated to 5-speed automatics, and a stiffer chassis should help make time spent behind the wheel more engaging.

Inside, the layout is one that should be familiar to anyone who's spent time in a new Honda or Acura. Metallic-look wings arc out from a center stack topped by a multifunction LCD screen and finished at the bottom by Honda's all-in-one controller for audio/info/nav interfaces. In short, techno-gadgetry abounds. The new TL is a larger car than it predecessor, with a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase and 6.2 inches added to its overall length. Consequently, interior space also improves over the outgoing sedan.

While the current-gen TL is Acura's most attractive vehicle, we have a feeling the new-for-2009 edition may not age as gracefully. The new corporate shield grille is in place, adding bling to the nose and offering enough frontal reflective surface to repel a Klingon phaser bombardment. If you miss the obviously-an-Acura front end, you might need to do a double-take to recognize in profile thanks to a C-pillar kink that apes BMW...and Infiniti, and the Jaguar XF, just to name a few. Out back, the trunklid repeats the shield motif that started up front. Regarding the car's styling, there's much for you to discuss in the comments below. Stay tuned for plenty more information and our first drive impressions of the new TL in the days to come.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL

[Source: Inside Line]

2009 Acura TL fully revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:22:00 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 shows off 2008 lineup with Super Handling-AWD

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Acura

Click the Acura family photo for a high res gallery

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.

Gallery: Acura 2008 intro

Continue reading Acura shows off 2008 lineup with Super Handling-AWD

Acura shows off 2008 lineup with Super Handling-AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Auto Show: Acura concept stops the show but not the imagination

Mike Magda — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Supercars

click above image to view high-resolution gallery with 39 live and official images

The Acura NSX was the first vehicle I ever drove in which I felt I could never make a mistake. With predictable mid-engine balance and a refined V6 power curve, it could be driven through the turns with a deft touch; the NSX didn't have to be manhandled like the original Viper.

Now I feel like the replacement for the NSX is taking on some of the Viper's virtues. Called the "Advanced Sports Car Concept," the show-stopping debut at the Acura press conference revealed a V10 engine mounted in the front--just like the Viper. Other fang-like cues include long hood, short-deck proportions and an overall feeling of more muscle and less finesse; more quarter horse and less thoroughbred.

Click through for more thoughts, the press release and check out our photo gallery with 39 high-resolution live and official images.

Check out all the debuts and galleries from the Detroit Auto Show here.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Acura concept stops the show but not the imagination

Detroit Auto Show: Acura concept stops the show but not the imagination originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Jan 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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