Friday, February 29, 2008

Acura recalls 273,000 TLs

Honda Motor Co. issued two separate recalls for its Acura TL sedan to address potential fires under the hood and fix problems with the windshield wiper motor.

Honda is recalling 273,000 2004-2008 TLs because prolonged high temperatures underneath the engine hood could cause the power steering hose to deteriorate, causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid. The fluid could leak onto a hot catalytic converter and lead to smoke and a possible fire. Acura spokesman said there had been no fires or injuries reported. Dealers will install a new heat-resistant power steering hose free of charge.

In the second action, Honda is recalling 129,600 TLs from the 2004-05 model year to address a potential failure of the circuit breaker inside the windshield wiper motor. If the circuit breaker fails, it could prevent the wiper from working and increase the likelihood of a crash. There also have been no reports of crashes or injuries tied to the windshield wiper issue. Dealers will inspect the windshield wiper motor and replace the motor if they find signs of corrosion.



[Source] Detroit News

Honda Top of Best U.S. Cars List

The conclusion of a recent analysis conducted by Consumer Reports that looks at the reliability, performance, fuel economy, comfort, interior fit and finish, and ergonomics of 262 vehicles recently tested and overall the best cars sold in the U.S. are made by Honda. Only two automakers, Honda and Subaru, earned the distinction of having all of the models tested make the Recommended list. Since CR hasn't yet tested the redesigned Subaru Impreza and WRX, Honda is the only automaker whose entire model lineup is currently recommended.

Honda, with an overall score of 78, is followed closely by Toyota (75) and Subaru (72). BMW, Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen are tied at 71, after rounding.


Honda earned the top score in the analysis because it builds very reliable cars that perform very well. Its average test score is only slightly under Volkswagen's and Mercedes-Benz's. And Honda is the only automaker to earn an excellent overall reliability Rating.

But not all of Honda's models lead their class in test Ratings. The redesigned Honda CR-V SUV, for example, can't quite match the top-ranked Toyota RAV4. The Accord was edged out by the Nissan Altima. The Honda Odyssey minivan scored slightly lower than the Toyota Sienna. And some of Honda's upscale Acura models trail their Lexus counterparts from Toyota. But Honda's strength is its consistency; its vehicles typically rate near the top of their categories.

For the full article, click here.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Honda Announces Management Changes

Honda Motor Co., Ltd., announced management changes.

Changes in Board Members (Pending approval at this year's regularly scheduled general shareholders' meeting in June)

Name New Title Current Title
Shigeru TAKAGI Senior Managing Director Managing Director
Tetsuo IWAMURA Senior Managing Director Managing Director
Akio HAMADA Senior Managing Director Managing Officer
Masaya YAMASHITA Managing Director Operating Officer
Hiroshi SODA Director Operating Officer
Takuji YAMADA Director Operating Officer
Yoichi HOJO Director Operating Officer


Retiring Directors (To retire on the same day as this year's regularly scheduled general shareholders' meeting in June)

Minoru HARADA Current title: Senior Managing Director
Satoshi TOSHIDA Current title: Senior Managing Director
Koki HIRASHIMA Current title: Senior Managing Director


Major Changes in responsibilities of board members (Effective as of April 1)

Name and Title New responsibilities Current responsibilities
Koichi KONDO
Executive Vice President
Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan) Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan),
Chairman and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Minoru HARADA
Senior Managing Director
- Chief Operating Officer for Motorcycle Operations
Satoshi TOSHIDA Senior Managing Director - Chief Operating Officer for Power Product Operations
Koki HIRASHIMA
Senior Managing Director
- Chief Operating Officer for Production Operations
Mikio YOSHIMI
Senior Managing Director
Compliance Officer,
General Supervisor for Government and Industrial Affairs
Chief Operating Officer for Business Support Operations,
Chief Officer for Driving Safety Promotion Center,
Compliance Officer,
General Supervisor for Government and Industrial Affairs,
Toru ONDA
Managing Director
- Chief Operating Officer for Purchasing Operations
Tatsuhiro OYAMA
Managing Director
Chief Operating Officer for Motorcycle Operations Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Asia and Oceania),
President & Director of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Fumihiko IKE
Managing Director
Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Asia and Oceania),
President & Director of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Chief Operating Officer for Business Management Operations


Changes in Operating Officers (Effective as of the date of this year's regularly scheduled general shareholders' meeting in June)

Name New Title Current Title
Hiroshi OSHIMA Managing Officer Operating Officer
Hidenobu IWATA Managing Officer Operating Officer


Major Changes in responsibilities of operating officers (effective as of April 1)

Name and Title New responsibilities Current responsibilities
Akio HAMADA
Managing Officer
Chief Operating Officer for Production Operations President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.
Manabu NISHIMAE
Operating Officer
President and Director of Honda Canada Inc. Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan)
Masaya YAMASHITA
Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer for Purchasing Operations General Manager of Kumamoto Factory
Hiroshi KOBAYASHI
Operating Officer
Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan) President and Director of Honda Canada Inc.
Hiroshi OSHIMA
Operating Officer
General Supervisor for Corporate Communications and Motor Sports General Supervisor for Corporate Communications and Motor Sports, General Manager of Corporate Communications Division
Tsutomu SAKA
Operating Officer
- General Manager of Hamamatsu Factory
Hiroshi SODA
Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer for Business Support Operations,
Chief Officer of Driving Safety Promotion Center
Executive Vice President of Honda North America, Inc.,
Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Takuji YAMADA
Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer for Power Product Operations President and Director of Honda Motor Europe (North) GmbH
Yoichi HOJO
Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer for Business Management Operations General Manager of Automobile Purchasing Division 2
Tsuneo TANAI
Operating Officer
President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. Executive Vice President of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.
Masahiro YOSHIDA
Operating Officer
General Manager of Hamamatsu Factory General Manager of Human Resources Division


Newly appointed Operating Officers (Effective as of the date of this year's regularly scheduled general shareholders' meeting in June

Name Responsibilities as of April 1 Current responsibilities
Katsushi WATANABE General Manager of Kumamoto Factory
Toshiaki MIKOSHIBA Executive Vice President of Honda Motor Europe Ltd. General Manager of CS and Auto Sales Development Division of Regional Sales Operations (Japan)
Yohshi YAMANE Project Leader of a company project
Takashi SEKIGUCHI Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. General Manager of Product Planning and Marketing Office
Takahiro HACHIGO General Manager of Automobile Purchasing Division 2 Managing Officer of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.


Retiring Operating Officer (To retire on the same day as this year's regularly scheduled general shareholders' meeting in June)

Tsutomu SAKA

Changes in Corporate Auditor (Pending approval at this year's regularly scheduled general shareholders' meeting in June)

Name New Title Current Title
Toru ONDA Corporate Auditor Managing Director


Retiring Corporate Auditors (To retire on the same day as this year's regularly scheduled general shareholders' meeting in June)

Hiroshi OKUBO
Koji MIYAJIMA

[Source] Honda Press Release

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Leaked 2009 Acura TSX Specs?

All-New 2009 TSX to Debut at New York International Auto Show
The second-generation Acura TSX is designed to appeal to young professionals with its keen-edge styling, athletic performance and advanced electronic features

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., February 11, 2008- Designed and engineered to reaffirm its place as a desirable and affordable entry point for entry-premium buyers, the all-new second-generation 2009 TSX is larger, more agile, more performance minded and even "more Acura" than ever before. Carefully crafted to honor the original TSX's vision as a world-class sports sedan, the new TSX has significantly evolved to offer more comfort, convenience, driving performance and safety. It does so with expanded luxury and electronic features, a wider stance for more agile performance, and advanced safety systems.
The 2009 TSX is expected to appeal to current TSX owners, young professionals and other image seekers who will appreciate its innovative styling, technical allure and total performance - while also valuing the outstanding customer treatment that owners have come to enjoy at Acura dealerships. Extremely brand conscious and eclectic in their tastes, buyers will find the TSX as satisfying for driving colleagues to lunch as it is for weekend snowboarding trips or vacation travel.
Powertrain
An all-aluminum DOHC i-VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder engine heralds a pair of firsts for the TSX model, including dual balance shafts and a direct ignition system. Along with improved performance, it is also cleaner as it now meeting the EPA's aggressive Tier 2-Bin 5 and CARB LEV II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards for the first time in TSX history.

Displacing 2.4-liters and producing 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque (with manual transmission), the new in-line 4-cylinder engine produces its useable power across a much wider rpm range, while five percent more torque further strengthens the engine's pulling power at middle rpm levels. This allows the 2009 TSX to be more responsive off the line and out of corners, and stronger in the middle of the rpm range where the engine operates most of the time.
This newfound performance and flexibility is due in part to a higher compression ratio, revised valve timing, and improved intake and exhaust gas flow. Further credit goes to the TSX engine's i-VTEC® "intelligent" valve control system, which provides the power characteristics of a V-6 without sacrificing the light weight or fuel efficiency of an in-line four. Likewise, a new rear-mounted exhaust manifold layout, a close-coupled catalytic converter design, and a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system substantially reduce emissions levels. Estimated fuel mileage is 21/30/24 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 5 AT) and 20/28/23 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 6 MT).
Two transmissions are available, both as standard equipment - a 6-speed close- ratio manual with new performance-oriented ratios for Second through Sixth gears, and a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic with a new lock-up torque converter assembly. The manual transmission features a short-throw shifter with a precise, light action that makes it highly rewarding to use, while the Sequential SportShift automatic permits fully automatic operation with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control, which make driving the TSX on hilly or winding roads more enjoyable. If the driver desires, the automatic transmission can also be operated manually via new steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.

Body and Chassis
The 2009 TSX body structure includes two firsts for the Acura division, including a closed-channel cross-braced roof structure and inside frame rails. Along with a stronger rear bulkhead, the closed-channel cross-braced roof structure yields a more rigid and vibration-resistant structure. The first use of inside frame rails for any Acura model help tailor the aerodynamics underneath the car for improved fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced noise. In addition, new A-, B- and C-pillar separators improve the TSX's quietness over rough roads and at high speed. Slippery aerodynamics also helps fuel economy as well as high-speed stability - all while lowering emissions.

In addition to its 3.0-inch greater width and 2.6-inch wider track, the 2009 TSX has a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase and 2.4 inches more overall length. These dimensions combine to provide greater interior roominess, more agile handling and improved ride quality. Another first for Acura are the TSX's new dual-mode suspension dampers, which provide superior suspension damping characteristics at both lower and higher damper speeds. Using a unique deflector plate stack, the new dampers adjust compression damping characteristics to suit the vehicle speed, cornering forces and road surface. In creating the second-generation TSX body design, Acura designers sought to retain the crisp, dynamic design of the original and enhance it by widening the body overall and adding more muscular and distinctive cues to create a keen-edged sports sedan. Their key design goal was to create an aerodynamic design that evokes both emotion and tension with a decisively sporty flair.
Outward visibility is improved with a slimmer A-pillar design, while an auto up/down front passenger window adds convenience and a reverse-linked passenger-side door mirror tilts down to help improve safety while parallel parking. The new TSX also has a wider trunk opening and a lower trunk lift-over height for more convenient loading.

Exterior/Interior
Functionality and refinement converge with luxury and style in the interior of the 2009 Acura TSX. Featuring a blend of sweeping, contemporary shapes, a high level of standard comfort and convenience features, widespread use of premium materials and an available Technology Package, this 5-passenger sports sedan offers the upscale modern interior that customers have come to expect from Acura.

From the precision-crafted metal door sills to the satin-metal finish accents, from new leather-covered seats to the steering-wheel mounted controls, and from the premium 7-speaker sound system to the dual-zone automatic climate control, the TSX represents a merge of intelligent design and innovation. For example, Bluetooth® connectivity is standard and includes a HandsFreeLink® cellular telephone interface that makes communications easier and safer while en route.
Typical of Acura, the TSX offers an exceptional level of standard equipment. Included are a standard power passenger seat, a new folding key with remote entry, new automatic headlight activation, a premium 7-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM/XM®, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , and USB port music interface. A HomeLink® remote control system is also standard.
Adding to the already impressive list of TSX standard equipment is the available Technology Package, which bristles with leading-edge electronics that make driving much more efficient and enjoyable. These include an Acura Navigation System with Voice RecognitionTM, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather, and the highly useful AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System. The navigation system also features Real-time trafficTM covering 76 major metropolitan markets, and offers Traffic Rerouting with dynamic route guidance to help navigate around slow-downs. For 2009, the TSX receives a dash-mounted electronic compass for added directional information while driving.
Included in the Technology Package is a premium sound system tuned by legendary sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. This 10-speaker Acura/ELSTM Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio includes a new Note function for XM® Radio that makes it easy to identify songs to recall at a later date. With push of a button, the Note function can capture 10 seconds of up to 30 songs, along with noting text indicating song title, artist name, and XM® channel.

Safety
The 2009 Acura TSX leads the way in safety with its new Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body structure. Engineered into the TSX model for the first time, ACETM improves the dispersal of frontal crash energy through the use of load-bearing frame structures that better match the TSX with other vehicles of different sizes and with different bumper heights. Simply put, ACETM helps maximize the effectiveness of the TSX's front crumple zones, better dispersing crash forces before they reach the passenger compartment.

A broad range of passive safety features likewise contributes to occupant safety, including six airbags (dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, new dual-chamber front seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions). Three-point seatbelts and head restraints are provided in all seating positions, and front seatbelt load limiters with an integrated automatic tensioning system further protect the TSX driver and front passenger. A new Active Headrest Restrain System is used for the first time on the TSX, while the rear seat features a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that allows for the easy and secure affixing of up to two child seats. Exterior features designed to further improve safety include daytime running lights (DRL), pedestrian-injury mitigation features such as a deformable hood, hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots, and a 5-mph front bumper and 2.5-mph rear bumper. The 2009 Acura TSX is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)** and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including garnering IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK.
Finally, the 2009 Acura TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®) that provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
[Source: jalopnik.com]

Monday, February 11, 2008

All-New 2009 TSX will Debut at New York International Auto Show



TORRANCE, Calif. - 02/10/2008
Acura announced today it will debut the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and released an exterior photo of the new model. Scheduled to go on-sale in the spring, the 2009 Acura TSX will be the second generation of Acura's popular entry level sedan and feature numerous advancements in performance, styling, technology and safety.
"The new 2009 TSX speaks clearly to the direction we are taking our Acura sedans in the future," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president auto sales, "The TSX is a significant step in the advancement of our sedan lineup and the continued enhancement of the Acura brand."
Acura unveiled the new 2009 RL at the Chicago Auto Show last week and also announced the company will introduce an-all new TL performance luxury sedan later this year.
The 2009 Acura TSX will be introduced during the New York International Auto Show media days which occur on March 19th and 20th.
Source: AcuraNews.com
In the meantime, here are some pictures of the all-new Honda Accord Euro...









Thursday, February 7, 2008

2009 Acura TSX Rear?

These have been floating around on the internet.





Translated (from Japanese to English) source page

I think the new tail-lights look pretty good, but overall the car looks very similar to the current generation Acura TSX.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Front of 2009 Acura RL Photoshopped

Force21, a member of the TOV forums, photoshopped the front of the newly redesigned 2009 Acura RL. Force21 moved the hood line to match the headlights. I think it looks a lot better compared to the original. I have no idea why Acura/Honda didn't make it like this in the first place. The top is the photoshopped photo, and the untouched version is on the bottom.


Top: Photoshopped hood line, Bottom: Unedited original.

For more details, visit the TOV thread.

Here's another photoshop pic with the grill centered:


Hood line re-aligned, grill re-colored and center.

Redesigned 2009 Acura RL Debuts



The redesigned 2009 Acura RL luxury sedan made its world debut today at the Chicago Auto Show. Featuring bold, sleek exterior styling, an upgraded interior, advanced technologies and powerful new engine, the RL once again pushes the limits of performance, style, and luxury. The 2009 RL will go on-sale this spring at Acura dealerships nationwide.

The 2009 RL furthers cutting edge technology with the addition of new high-tech items including AcuraLink® weather, AcuraLink® Traffic Rerouting™, a new Note function for XM® Radio, Active Sound Control, and Bluetooth® Audio to an already robust list of features found on the previous RL. To enhance handling, new chassis technology abounds in the drivetrain in the form of improved Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, a revised steering system, upgraded coil springs, better performing shock absorbers, larger rear stabilizer bar, and more aggressive wheels and tires. Performance improves with the RL thanks to a new, larger 3.7-liter V-6 that incorporates the first ever SOHC use of VTEC® valvetrain actuation for both the intake and exhaust valves.

"RL represents the very best we have to offer in terms of engineering, technology, performance, luxury and safety", said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "It's designed for a new generation of performance-luxury buyers looking to travel more quickly, more efficiently and more connected to the world around them."

For 2009, the RL will be offered in three different trim levels including RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS™. All RL's receive a potent new 3.7-liter V-6 engine, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, a Bose® Surround Sound audio system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity and a GPS-based solar-sensing climate control system. The Technology Package includes the satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation™ with rearview camera, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather, Traffic Rerouting™, a rear view back-up camera, Active Front Lighting System (AFS), ventilated front seats, and a wood/leather steering wheel and shift knob. The top RL package is the Technology Package with CMBS™ which also includes Acura's acclaimed Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and genuine wood instrument panel trim.

Powertrain
The innovation built into the new RL begins with the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura sedan. An all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine develops 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque thanks to an innovative new VTEC™ valvetrain system for both the intake and exhaust valves, a higher compression ratio, along with a special dual-stage magnesium intake manifold that enables the intake to function as a single- or dual-plenum manifold design based on engine operating parameters. In addition to developing improved power and torque, the RL engine meets tough CARB ULEV-2 emission standards and delivers good fuel economy. The RL's engine bay appears more upscale thanks to a new surround panel assembly that reduces visual distractions and focuses attention directly on the all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine.



To handle the higher power of the 3.7-liter engine, a new version of the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission is fitted to the 2009 RL. Featuring new "smart" F1®-style steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and a new straight-gate
console mounted gear selector, the RL driver now has more gear control than ever before.

The RL's acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system returns for 2009, but is now quicker responding and better performing.

There are numerous traction advantages of all-wheel drive, yet SH-AWD™ does a key function that is not available with traditional AWD systems-- SH-AWD™ utilizes torque vectoring to increase the rotation speed of an outside rear wheel during aggressive cornering to help the car turn more effectively while under power. This "yaw" function reduces the cornering load on the front tires to minimize understeer, to improve handling balance, and to escalate total cornering grip.

Body and Chassis
To further enhance handling and ride comfort, the new RL retains a fully independent suspension system with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link architecture. For 2009 the RL features higher rate coil springs, larger diameter stabilizer bars, stiffer subframe mount bushings and improved design steering rack components. To further improve handling and looks, new 18-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum wheels are matched with more aggressive tires (replacing the previous 17-inch wheel/tire offering).

Exterior/Interior
The 2009 RL's new exterior styling is not only more aggressive, but delivers excellent aerodynamics and reduced rear lift at higher speeds. The RL's more athletic style foreshadows the power concealed by the new power plenum front grille and blow-formed aluminum hood. The RL's shape is taut and athletic, and its acceleration and cornering performance allow it to challenge the most capable German and Japanese sports sedans. Comfort, quietness and ride quality are also on a par with performance sedan competitors. For 2009, eight exterior colors are available--5 of which are new--including a new pearl pigment process that improves luster and shine.















Inside, the 2009 RL features a more elegantly styled interior that includes more room for rear seat passengers, easier-to-use front seat belts, door-mounted pull pockets, softer arm rests, redesigned vents, larger/clearer lettering for HVAC controls, and easier actuation of climate control functions. A revised steering wheel with available genuine wood trim (included with the CMBS package) and metal-look accents is now fitted to the RL along with a matching wood-trimmed transmission shift knob. Complementing the steering wheel are upgraded gauges that incorporate brushed metal accents for enhanced appearance. For 2009, additional insulation, a more high-tech design of Acura's acoustic glass windshield, and a new Active Sound Control (ASC) noise abatement system team to further reduce the RL's already quiet cabin.









The RL's perforated leather front seats now incorporate six levels of heated/cooled ventilation. Moreover, just like the driver's seat, the passenger front seat now has 10-way power adjustability. For 2009, the center panel controls are now more intuitive and are surrounded by a new background color along with improved quality wood patterned panels. These interior upgrades are complimented by advanced electronics that include a satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation™ along with the innovative AcuraLink® satellite communication system with Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® Traffic Rerouting™ and (new for 2009) AcuraLink® weather. The RL is the first vehicle on the market to feature in-dash integrated, continually updated real-time weather information in a single-screen format. The spectacular Acura/Bose® 10-speaker Sound System with DVD-Audio returns but is now upgraded to include Bluetooth® Audio, even richer audio sound, a new Note function for XM® Radio, improved button legibility, and a USB connectivity port.

Safety
The 2009 RL retains Acura's extremely rigid Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that features extensive use of high-tensile steel and lightweight aluminum components to take vehicle construction beyond conventional safety protocols while keeping overall vehicle weight in check. The ACE™ structure's front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to help prevent cabin deformation by distributing frontal impact forces through multiple load bearing pathways--and away from the passenger compartment. For 2009, to enhance safety a new Active Head Restraint System is built into the front seats to help improve neck and head protection in the event in a rear impact collision. To further aid in safety, the RL includes as standard a passenger seatbelt reminder, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and six airbags. These advances team to make the 2009 RL the strongest, most powerful, best handling, safest and most luxurious sedan Acura has ever built.

The RL earned 5-star ratings (the best possible) for frontal and side crash tests, and for rollover resistance, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The RL is the fourth vehicle in the history of the program to earn the top rating of "5-star" in all three test categories. Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the RL its top rating of GOOD in Side Impact Collision Evaluation (SICE) along with a GOOD rating for IIHS' frontal offset crash test. With a new Active Head Restraint System for front seat passengers, the 2009 RL is anticipated to receive a GOOD rating in IIHS rear crash protection evaluation.

Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 268 dealers within the United States. The 2008 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.
For additional information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please visit www.acuranews.com.

*Based on preliminary 2009 EPA mileage estimates determined during internal testing that reflects new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

[Source: Acura Press Release]

Monday, February 4, 2008

2009 Acura TSX Spyshots?

Temple of VTEC has the following pictures up labeling them possible spyshots of the 2009 Acura TSX.






Supposedly, these pictures were sent in by TOV reader 'Tyson,' who works near Honda headquarters. The car in this photo looks very similar to the one caught last October.


Friday, February 1, 2008

[UPDATE] Car Note

I was walking to my car today after work and I saw a piece of paper above my driver side car handle. My initial reaction was, "Crap! We're getting car fliers at work now?" I hated this crap when I was in college. When I got closer, I saw that it was more like a Post-It, then I thought... "Oh no, don't tell me someone dinged my car." I pulled the sticky off the window and read it:

"I have a question about your TSX.

Mike
858-617-XXXX

(NO - I didn't hit it)"

The note was on a "sister" company Post-It, so I believe he works for my company too. I gave him a call back and left a voice message that I was the TSX owner and was responding to his note. I had to call and leave a second message because I forgot to leave my number the first time. I hope it's not something stupid, like he is trying to sell me something. I'll keep you guys updated. Anyone want to guess what's this all about?

[UPDATE]

The guy who left a note on my car, Mike, contacted me today. Turns out that he also has an Acura TSX. He explained that his manual 2006 model recently got into a head on collision and that he wanted to compared the engine bay of an undamaged TSX. He was concerned about the repairs done on his car.

I popped the hood to my 2005 TSX in the parking lot at work so he could check it out. He stated that a couple of the wiring near the radiator was zip-tied on his car and that it didn't look right. I told him to take a picture of my car and show it to the people who worked on his car. He agreed, however he didn't bring a good quality camera and only had his phone. I told him if he needed that I'll pop my hood again on another day.

Then we just talked. I asked him if he was an Acurazine.com member and he said he was. I told him I'm on that site like every other day. He also said how he wanted to install a cold air intake (CAI) and I told him I wanted to do the same, but just never got around to it. I also commented about how I have been wanting to get a the service manual for my car, but it's like $75 + shipping + tax. We both agreed that we should have paid a little extra for the navigation. He said, "Thanks!" then we shook hands and parted ways. About 10 minutes later he emailed a link to photos of his car wreck.

Yikes! I would never want to see my car like this.





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