Tuesday, July 31, 2007

2009 Acura TSX or TL?

The following pictures of an unknown Acura sedan was caught by KGP Photography in the California desert. The internet is buzzing about which future Acura model was captured. The car features:
Acura front-end styling cues pioneered on the TL and TSX, but to an even more dramatic degree. Acura’s pointed grille now plunges well down into the front bumper, and the slitty headlights follow a similar angle, looking quite sinister in their execution. The way the camouflage is piled-on above the Acura’s mesh grille, we wonder if this new sedan will get a variation of the “shield” found on the latest MDX. The prototype’s lower air-intakes resemble those on the TL, but once again they look a bit more aggressive.








A lot of people are speculating that it's actually the Sports4, which most likely will be the next TSX. They're commenting on headroom, car length, grill, and front bumper. My first initial reaction was it looked very Maxima-ish.

[Source] WorldCarFans.com

[Update] Another Photo:

From Temple of VTEC

Monday, July 23, 2007

Acura Dealers Treat Customers Well

Acura dealerships ranked highest in the newly released 2007 Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index(SM) Auto Industry Study, an industry-first study that measures how consumers are treated when shopping for a new car, SUV or truck. The survey covered the customer service regardless of whether or not the perspective buyer actually purchased a vehicle. The independent study evaluated and benchmarked shopping experiences at 1,592 mdealerships nationwide, representing all major brands. Following Acura were Land Rover, Saturn, Jaguar, Volkswagen, Nissan,and nineteen other brands at or above the industry average. Twelve brands finished below industry average.

Acura dealers were ranked consistently among the top brands for most of the 50+ sales process aspects evaluated by the study, and ranked first for giving prospects compelling reasons to buy from their specific dealership. Other brands led the industry in different areas. For example, Land Rover salespeople were most likely to provide a "walk-around" showcasing product features and benefits, and were also most likely to offer a brochure. Saturn salespeople were most likely to offer a test drive, and to provide compelling reasons to buy now. Jaguar salespeople were most likely to mention financing options. Lexus salespeople nearly always -- 98% of the time -- asked for contact information. BMW salespeople were most likely to appear responsible for setting the sales price themselves.

[To continue reading...]

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Acura NSX and Brand Delayed

Last week in a press release, CEO of Honda, Takeo Fukui announced that Honda was putting back the launch of its Acura brand in Japan by 2 years. Fukui cited concerns over the suitability of the Japanese market for the Acura brand as the reason for the postponement. This also leads to the delay of the Acura NSX replacement, which will be badged an Acura worldwide this time around (it was a Honda outside the U.S. previously).


Original Acura NSX

There is also the possibility that we don't get to see the NSX's replacement until 2011, since the Tokyo Auto Show is in run once every two years, and the 2009 show will be too early. The Acura Sports Car Concept (ASCC) revealed at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit was not well received. The ASCC was designed to have Acura's most powerful engine, a new high-performance front mounted V-10, and rear-wheel drive based version of Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.


Acura Sports Car Concept (ASCC)

At one point, the Honda Sports Concept (HSC) was rumored to replace the NSX. Many people liked this idea, however for some reason Honda scrapped the development. The HSC featured a lightweight 3.5-liter V-6 engine located midship for optimum balance and superior handling. Shifting is accomplished through a unique dial shifter located on the center console or an F-1 style paddle shifter located on the steering wheel. The HSC features a 4-wheel double wishbone suspension with six-piston caliper Brembo disc brakes on each wheel.


Honda Sports Concept (HSC)

I don't know what Honda is up to, but I am somewhat disappointed about the development of the next NSX. Lexus' LF-A is starting to look really good right now. I can't believe how down hill it has gone for Honda's sport cars. Currently, there are no coupes in Acura's lineup!

[Source] VTEC.net

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Acura Diesel

Honda plans to sell large vehicles using a low- emission V-6 diesel engine in North America starting in 2010. The company is developing a 3.5-liter diesel engine that will help vehicles be as much as 30 percent more fuel efficient than those powered by gasoline. Honda is also developing a four-cylinder diesel engine which will meet emission standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The new diesel engines will be cleaner than those offered by General Motors Corp, Ford Motor Co and Daimler Chrysler AG’s Chrysler unit. Diesel engines also emit about 20 percent less carbon dioxide, though they release harmful nitrogen oxides and particulates.

Honda plans to introduce the V6 engine first in the Odyssey and maybe the Pilot, the Ridgeline, and the luxury Acura MDX. The engine will help Honda compete against diesel models from DaimlerChrysler AG, BMW AG and Volkswagen AG.

Takeo Fukui, president of Honda, said, "We don’t have any plans to put hybrid systems in light trucks, such as the Odyssey and MDX in the US." Diesel engines will use less fuel than hybrid systems for light trucks driven longer distances, Fukui said. If diesel engines in light trucks prove popular, the company may also use them in cars. If things go according to plan, the four-cylinder diesel engine can be installed in vehicles by 2009.

[Source] Bloomberg.com
[Source] financialexpress.com

Click here to read more about Acura diesels.

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