Autoblog

Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Acura, Audi, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's best to aim high, right? While most of the automotive world (ourselves included) are busy comparing the rather wonderful Suzuki Kizashi with logical competitors like the Volkswagen Jetta - not to mention larger cars like the Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Ford Fusion - it seems the Japanese automaker itself has its sights set a bit higher... all the way up to the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, point of fact.

Called the "Kizashi Test Drive Challenge" incentive program, Suzuki is offering sport sedan buyers $100 if they test drive the Kizashi first and still end up purchasing either a 2010 Audi A4 2.0T or four-cylinder 2010 Acura TSX within 10 days of the test drive. The program ends runs through January 31, 2010. Says Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations:

With styling, performance characteristics, luxury features and a new advanced All-Wheel-Drive system on par with the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, we're excited to extend this unique offer to consumers across the country, providing potential sport sedan buyers another reason to consider the all-new Kizashi-at a substantial savings. We're definitely putting Kizashi's premium without the premium moniker to the test.

Like we said, aim high. Read the full set of terms and conditions in the complete press release pasted after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers

Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:00 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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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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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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First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more power, performance... more car

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, First Drive, Luxury

2010 Acura TSX V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Acura has a good thing going in the luxury segment. Unlike Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi - but like Lexus - Acura's best selling car is not its entry-level model: Acura moves more TLs than anything else in its line-up. And unlike those other brands, Lexus included, all of Acura's offerings carry five-star safety ratings from NHTSA, are rated as top safety picks by the IIHS, and the Automotive Lease Guide has declared that Acura offerings have the best resale value among luxury brands. Now, Honda's premium division has grown by one with the addition of the TSX V6, and Autoblog was invited to find out if the new, more powerful sedan could keep the brand's good thing going. Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.
Shot with a Nikon D70 and Nikon 18-200 lens

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more power, performance... more car

First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more power, performance... more car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Acura

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Acura TSX V6

Acura fans have something to rejoice about today as the Japanese automaker just released a new model here at the Chicago Auto Show. Before you get too excited, know that it's not rear-wheel-drive or powered by a V8 engine, but it's still a nice addition to the line-up. For the 2010 model year, the front-wheel-drive TSX sedan will be available with a 280-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine (most likely a version of the same engine offered in the Honda Accord, though Acura didn't confirm). The package also includes a slightly revised front fascia, retuned suspension system and new 18-inch wheels that are a full inch larger than the ones that come standard on the four-cyliner model. Acura says this new TSX model is a harbinger of good things to come, as the automaker plans to heavily revise all of its models for the upcoming model year. While we wait for that to take place, sales of the new V6 TSX should begin later this summer.

Gallery: 2010 Acura TSX V6

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010

Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura TSX named Top Safety Pick by IIHS

Michael Harley — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Acura

Click on the image above for pics of our uncrashed 2009 Acura TSX

The all-new 2009 Acura TSX was recently crashed into a barrier at 40 mph, and smacked with a side sled at 31 mph, by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). While the last model (2005-2008 with side airbags) scored "good" in frontal, and "acceptable" in side impact testing, the 2009 model received the highest scores ("good") in both tests. When combined with the improved rear crash test results (seat and head restraint design), the new TSX earned the Institutes's "Top Safety Pick" rating.

While our caps are off to Acura, we think it is time to revise all crash test standards (IIHS and NHTSA). Each time the results are released, we can't help but think that the automakers have learned how to ace the tests over the years. Let's bump up the speed in the barrier and sled tests (maybe throw a random angle in there to make things challenging?), and focus more on dynamic safety. As always, this team prefers to avoid the accidents in the first place.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TSX

[Source: IIHS]

Acura TSX named Top Safety Pick by IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TSX

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Acura, First Drive, Reviews

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TSX.

2008 is shaping up to be a very busy year for Honda's up-market Acura division. With the unveiling of a new diesel engine and the revamp of their entire sedan lineup, Acura is attempting to reinvent itself as a credible player in the premium sedan segment. But ever since Acura's birth in 1986 as the very first premium Japanese brand, the automaker has suffered from an identity crisis. Acura has always been a mixed bag, as if Honda wasn't sure what it wanted it to be, and with a lineup that spanned the enthusiast-friendly Integra/RSX, the rebadged Isuzu-built SLX and the competent but anonymous RL, consumers were equally confounded.

After complaints that the previous generation of Acura sedans were utterly devoid of style, the automaker decided to give all of its vehicles a bold, new face for the 2009 model year. However, as anyone who has ever followed the follies of cosmetic surgery knows, it's far from a sure bet. Although surgeons claim to be able to take years off a patient's face, the result is often just some weird mutation that looks like a bad photoshop job. Case-in-point: the 2009 Acura RL that debuted at this year's Chicago Auto Show. The new shielded fascia Acura applied to its "flagship" was greeted with howls of pain from virtually all who laid eyes upon it. The RL was followed a month later by an all-new TSX, and on the smaller sedan, the overall look was better received, but many of Acura's aesthetically astute critics remained. Now that we've had a chance to spend some serious time living with the 2009 TSX, we were prepared to move beyond its controversial exterior and see how it faired in the real world. Hit the jump to see how it did.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TSX

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TSX

In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Acura TSX

Drew Phillips — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, First Drive

Click above for high resolution images of the 2009 Acura TSX

The first generation Acura TSX received glowing reviews from the media and owners alike. While not having the most exciting styling or the beefiest of powertrains, the TSX offered a sensible and reliable vehicle with plenty of standard options that didn't break the bank. Our man Damon road-tripped a 2007 TSX up to Lake Tahoe and was pleasantly surprised with the driving characteristics and smooth powertrain, although he put Acura's turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 on the wish list.

With Acura launching an all-new TSX in 2009, we've been itching to see what direction they would go with the second generation. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait long to find out because Acura invited us to test the new TSX just a few weeks before officially launching the car at the New York Auto Show.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Acura TSX

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Acura TSX

First Drive: 2009 Acura TSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2008: 2009 Acura TSX revealed... again... but LIVE

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Acura

Click above for high-res live gallery of the 2009 Acura TSX

The redesigned 2009 Acura TSX was revealed live at the New York Auto Show just a few moments ago, and despite the new face of Acura, the TSX isn't nearly as ugly in person as we suspected. We've found that the key to the new nose is partnering it with lighter colors (silver, white, etc.) and avoiding the darker hues that don't do much to blend with the bright metallic mug.

While we've already covered details of the TSX in our previous post, a few of the high points are worth repeating. The new 2.4-liter four is making 201 hp and a much-needed 176 lb.-ft. of torque, while still doing extremely well on the fed's sniffer test. The track has been widened and the wheelbase lengthened, but the emphasis on the TSX's sportiness was lost in the list of standard and optional equipment.

The TSX gets standard Bluetooth, a USB port, iPod integration, a seven-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, HID headlamps and a moonroof. Option up for the Technology Package and you get an additional three speakers, a rear-view camera, plus voice-activated navigation with Acura Link, traffic rerouting and real-time weather. Aiming at the well-to-do youth market is Acura's plan for the TSX and execs hope to "dramatically increase" the 30,000 or so TSXs they've unloaded per year since the car's introduction. And in an effort to raise the high-class status of the entire Acura brand, the automaker has also partnered with the W hotel chain to have Acura vehicles as the preferred whip at the high-end urban enclaves.

Hit the jump for Acura's full press release.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TSX - Live Reveal

Continue reading New York 2008: 2009 Acura TSX revealed... again... but LIVE

New York 2008: 2009 Acura TSX revealed... again... but LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our friends abroad won't be getting a Honda Accord Type-R

Michael Harley — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:35:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Acura, Honda, UK

Click image for a gallery of the new Euro Accord

With the all-new European Honda Accord set to debut next month in Geneva, word is that buyers will be disappointed to hear there are apparently no plans to launch a high-performance Type-R version of the new chassis. Honda does not feel the all-new model fits the Type-R brand, adding that the new European Accord is designed to propel the company into competing with the likes of BMW and Audi. Honda does have plans to release Accords with modified suspension and body kits, but with standard engines, much like Audi does with its S-line models.

The United States will see the all-new Euro Accord re-badged as the 2009 Acura TSX, first arriving at the New York Auto Show next month.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Accord - Euro spec

[Source: Autocar]

Our friends abroad won't be getting a Honda Accord Type-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: 2009 Acura TSX details surface

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:22:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Acura

click above for a high-res shot of the 2009 Acura TSX

A forum member over at VWVortex published Acura's press release for the 2009 TSX and the news for enthusiasts isn't good, but not entirely unexpected. The big non-news is that Acura will continue to use the 2.4-liter four cylinder employed in the current model, sending power to the front wheels through either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The dimensions of the TSX have grown slightly, while two-stage dampers connect to double wishbones up front and a multilink setup out back. Inside, both the driver and front-seat passenger get power seats and upgraded leather, while a USB port for the stereo is standard equipment.

You can check out Acura's full press release after the jump.

Continue reading New York Preview: 2009 Acura TSX details surface

New York Preview: 2009 Acura TSX details surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NY '08 Preview: 2009 Acura TSX heads for the Big Apple

Alex Nunez — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Acura

Click image to enlarge

Never mind the spy shots, Acura's gone and released the first official photo of the 2009 TSX in conjunction with its announcement that the car will make its big debut in the Big Apple next month. No specifics about the car itself were released other than the usual boilerplate telling us that the next-gen TSX represents a "significant advancement" and that it will go on sale this Spring. One of those "significant advancements" is almost sure to be the availability of Honda's new i-DTEC clean diesel, which we're all anxious to try in the new sport sedan. In terms of its appearance, Acura has gone the evolutionary route, applying its current design language to a shape that should still be easily identifiable as the TSX. A modest application of the shield grille is in place, the wheel wells now have more pronounced flares, and the reshaped headlamps still retain that skinniness that was one of the calling cards of the last-gen car. The new face is definitely more conservative than that of the freshened RL, and better for it. We'll get a really good idea of what to expect before the New York Auto Show in late March when the car is unveiled as the new Euro Accord earlier in the month at the Geneva Motor Show.

UPDATE: Honda Europe has unveiled the new Accord Euro in sedan and touring (wagon) bodystyles. Since the TSX and the Accord Euro sedan are the same car, you can get a very clear idea of What to expect the Acura's rear end and interior will look like now as well.

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading NY '08 Preview: 2009 Acura TSX heads for the Big Apple

NY '08 Preview: 2009 Acura TSX heads for the Big Apple originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Acura TSX

Dan Roth — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:54:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Acura

It's handy to work next door to Honda's US Headquarters if your goal is to snag pictures of future models. A user from the Temple of VTEC forums named Tyson grabbed a couple shots of what's believed to be the 2009 Acura TSX. He'd been seeing the silver sedan for a few days, and was finally able to think quickly and grab the camera phone. What we know as the Acura TSX is the rest of the world's Honda Accord. Being their bread and butter sedan, Honda's not gone out on a limb here, but what we can make out is a pleasing evolution from the current TSX/Euro Accord. Having experienced the cavernous new Accord, we find the TSX a bit more "right-sized" when you think in terms of sports sedans. Hopefully, sporty moves will be delivered by Honda's SH-AWD hardware, with the RDX's turbo-fed mill providing the twist -- at least that's what we're praying for. Production is expected to start later this year.

[Source: VTEC.net]

Spy Shots: Acura TSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura TSX gets diesel power next year

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Green, Acura, Honda

We've already been introduced to Honda's new i-DTEC clean diesel and, as expected, it will be finding its way into the next generation TSX sometime in 2009. The inclusion of the 2.2-liter diesel will follow the redesign of Acura's entry-level sedan sometime this spring, with the i-DTEC-equipped model initially debuting in Europe (in the Euro Accord) and eventually finding its way into the RDX crossover later next year. A V6 diesel is also expected to arrive sometime in 2010.

According to Dick Colliver, Acura's executive veep of American Honda Motor Corp., Acura will be a totally different brand in the next five or six years, further differentiating itself from Honda and becoming a tier one luxury brand with its aim set squarely on BMW and other luxury automakers.

A new TL will debut later this year and the TSX replacement may also come equipped with the turbocharged four found in the RDX when it goes on sale this summer.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Acura TSX gets diesel power next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Acura TSX

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Acura

Click the image above for over 30 high-res pics.

Within ten-minutes of our Alabaster Silver Metallic Acura TSX tester being delivered, our bags were in the trunk and we were out the door. A much-needed respite was in order after a long summer, and Lake Tahoe beckoned. Wait. We fed the cat, right?

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Acura TSX

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Acura TSX

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Acura TSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Chris Tutor — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Sometimes news is just too good to keep to yourself. Just ask GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. With his company supposedly claiming 13 spots on Edmund's Consumers' Most Wanted list, Lutz just had to brag a bit on the corporate blog before the winners were made public.

And he should brag. Most other car of the year awards are chosen by us automotive writers who usually prefer horsepower over hip room. As the name implies, Edmund's CMW awards are chosen by the car-buying public. And despite not voting with their wallets, the car-buying public who visits Edmund's really like their GMs.

The GMC Acadia got Most Significant vehicle of the year, beating out Honda's Fit, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Edge and the Toyota Tundra.

Click through to see Edmund's press release as well as the other category winners.

[Source: Edmunds, GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in Arlington, Va. has just concluded testing on some 75 vehicles' head restraint systems and after performing a simulated rear-end impact of 20 MPH, only 22 of the systems received the top score of "good."

At the head of the class was Audi's A4, S4 and A6, along with the Chevy Cobalt, Ford Five Hundred (Taurus, whatever) and its Mercury counterpart, Honda's Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Jag S-Type, Kia Optima, Merc E-class, Nissan Sentra and its lesser sibling the Versa, Subaru's Impreza, Legacy and Outback, as well as Volvo's S40, S60 and S80 (no surprise).

The flunkees included the Acura TSX, BMW 5-series, Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne, Caddy CTS, DTS and STS, Chevy's Aveo, the Honda Fit and Accord, Infiniti's M35, the Jaguar X-Type, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Galant, Pontiac's Grand Prix, plus the Toyota Avalon and Corrolla.

Considering that the IIHS estimates that the injuries sustained to the back and neck in these types of collisions costs insurance companies around $8 mbillion dollars per year, their interest in the matter is obvious. Whether or not consumers will include this in their purchasing criteria is another matter however.

[Source: IIHS]

Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details about Honda's A-VTEC system

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Green, Technology, Acura, Honda

When Honda released information about the development of its Advanced VTEC (A-VTEC) system in September, we were looking forward to seeing how the new system would be employed in the next generation of Acuras and Hondas. The system will increase torque, power and fuel economy, all while oozing fewer emissions into the atmosphere. Good stuff, all of it.

Not much has been released since, but the variable valve timing obsessed folks over that the Temple of VTEC (TOV) came across a new patent filed by Honda entitled the "Variable valve actuation device." The setup is similar to BMW's Valvetronic system, by varying the lift and duration of the valves throughout the powerband, likely eliminating that abrupt, albeit entertaining, switch over to the hot lobes. It can be employed in both SOHC and DOHC applications and will likely find a home in the 2008 model Accord.

More power, more torque, less emissions, plus the option of a lightweight SOHC engine? Bring it.

[Source: TOV via Motor Authority]

More details about Honda's A-VTEC system originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Feb 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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