Tuesday, November 27, 2007

2008 Acura MDX Commercial - Advancing Cool



"If it knows where the Sun is, imagine everything else it knows." -Acura

Thursday, November 15, 2007

[A Look into the Past] 2003 Acura CL Video

This old informational video explores the Acura CL's performance and styling. It also evaluates how the Acura CL measures up to the BMW 330ci, Volvo C70, and Mercedes CLK320 coupe. This was my first time uploading a video to Google Video (because YouTube rejected it due to length), so please enjoy.



Click here other Acura CL related entries.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

[Rumor] Hard To Believe New NSX Rumors

New rumors has it that the NSX's successor will be mid-ship, instead of a front engine layout!

Here are some more rumored info:

Why was the Honda Sports Concept (HSC) scrapped?

Supposedly, the mid-mounted aluminum 3.5L V6 i-VTEC HSC engine, with a 6 speed transmission controlled by either an F1 style paddle shifter on the steering wheel, or a unique dial shifter on the center console was not up to today's standards. So an F1 inspired V10 was promised in the next NSX.



Development issues with the V10 engine?
Honda basically tried to build the car around the V10 engine. They started out with packaging difficulties, and struggled to achieve an agile car with good weight distribution and balance. The V10 required the use of a trans-axle transmission configuration to try make the nose as short as possible.

What's up with the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept (ASCC)?
The ASCC's long-nose and SH-AWD was the result of building a car around the V10 engine.



Why did Honda finally go back to the drawing board?
Honda was afraid there wouldn't be a market for the ASCC.

So what's the problem now?
If Honda plans to make a more balanced car using a V8 engine, what are they going to do with the already developed 5.0L V10 engine? It's too big for anything in their line up.



[Source] Temple Of VTEC

Click here to see the V10, SH-AWD NSX/S2000 test mule.

[Rumor] Another Acura SUV?

According to VTEC.net, a source with close industry ties reported that Honda is working on 2 new crossover SUVs. One will wear the Acura badge, the other will wear a Honda badge, however both are expected to launch fall 2009.

The Acura SUV is described as a "MDX/NSX" crossover. I'm not sure what that exactly means, but VTEC.net takes it as an "Infiniti FX-fighter." Supposedly, this crossover will be priced in the $50-60k range.

Click here to visit VTEC.net to read about the crossover wearing the Honda badge.

When I read "MDX/NSX" crossover, for some reason I pictured an NSX station wagon doing laps in the Nürburgring. I don't know why Honda/Acura is focusing on more crossover SUVs. I think they should really focus on exciting sports coupes, especially creating the perfect NSX's replacement.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Acura in Russia in 2008

Honda Motors Co Ltd. plans to sell Acura luxurious sedans in Russia as of 2008. The company will open ten offices in Russia’s biggest cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. According to the Nikkei weekly, Honda will market its executive and sports brands – Acura RL, Acura RDX, Acura MDX and Acura TL. The Acura brand is currently being sold in the United States, Canada, China and Mexico.



At present, Honda has 30 shops in Russia. In 2006 the sales level snowballed by 77 percent to 15,723 cars as against 2005. In January-June, sales more than doubled to 13,616 cars. Honda Motors Co Ltd forecasts that in 2010 it may increase sales by six-fold as against 2006 to 100,000 cars a year. The Japanese business newspaper cites statistics proving that in 2006 Russians bought 1.8 million of new cars, while this year this figure may go up by 10-20 percent.

[Source] itar-tass.com

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