Redefining Acura in 2008

"Our goal is to move Acura into a Tier 1 luxury brand," John Mendel, who was promoted to executive vice president of automobile operations of American Honda Motor Co. this year. "Next year at this time, you will have a pretty good idea of the direction we're heading," Mendel assures. "You will not see a big bang — as if suddenly it was this and now it isn't. Rather, you'll start to see vehicles roll out in the 2008 calendar year with not so much styling differences but technology and philosophy differences." Mendel notes the new RDX and redesigned MDX hint at the future direction of Acura. Mendel would only say that as with all future Acura and Honda models, more distinction will exist between the Honda Accord, upon which the TL has been based, and the new TL. "If you like what we did with the Accord, wait till you see what we do with the TL," he said. Acura recently opened its first U.S. design studio and now has separate R&D operations in Japan.



[Source] Edmunds.com

New Features for 2008 Acuras

So what changes did Acura make to their 2008 lineup?
New technology for the 2008 RL is:

• AcuraLink™ real-time traffic expands to 76 metropolitan areas - an increase of 32 markets

The TL receives the following changes for 2008:

• Two new exterior colors: Polished Metal Metallic paint and Bold Beige Metallic
• Parchment added to all TL interior trim of when paired with exterior color of White Diamond Pearl or Carbon Bronze Pearl
• Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ now available in Hawaii
• AcuraLink™ real-time traffic expands to 76 metropolitan areas - an increase of 32 markets
• Updated vehicle security immobilizer system

For 2008 the TSX receives the following technology upgrades:

• Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ now available in Hawaii

The RDX receives the following upgrades for 2008:

• Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface with steering wheel mounted controls (formerly only available with Tech Package)
• Personalized settings via 8-inch Multi -Information Display (MID)
• Dual-position memory for driver's seat and mirrors
• Automatic dimming rear view mirror
• AcuraLink™ real-time traffic expands to 76 metropolitan areas - an increase of 32 markets
• Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ now works in Hawaii
• New exterior color: Polished Metal Metallic

MDX includes the following new features for 2008:

• Automatic dimming rear view mirror
• Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ now available in Hawaii
• AcuraLink™ real-time traffic expands to 76 metropolitan areas - an increase of 32 markets
• New exterior paint color: Sterling Gray Metallic
• Taupe added to all MDX interior trim of when paired with exterior color of Aspen White Pearl

[Source] AcuraNews.com

Glimpse Of Next Gen (2009) Acura TSX?

Honda revealed the next Honda Accord Tourer concept at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. The automaker plans to build this European station wagon by middle of next year. It will feature the 2.0 and 2.4-liter gas engines, as well as Honda's 2.2-liter diesel, as options when it goes into production. Honda says we'll see the final version at the Geneva auto show.

What does this Honda station wagon have to do with Acura you may be thinking. The current Acura TSX is just a rebadged European Honda Accord. The styling of this concept car resembles the Honda Sports 4, which is rumored to be the next Acura TSX. Plus, look at that grill! It screams, "ACURA!"

Honda Performance Development (HPD) Rundown

Honda figures prominently in both the ALMS and the IRL. The Acura LMP2 cars debutted this year and are currently running second in the manufacturer standings to the Porsche RS Spyders. In line with Acura's place as a sport luxury brand, they decided it was worthwhile to compete in the more technological and competitive ALMS against the likes of Audi, Porsche and all the brands in the GT classes. The new ALMS V-8 was designed completely in-house at HPD with no outsiders involved. The Acura engine is also the first Honda race engine completely designed outside of Japan, with all the work having been done in California.



The Highcroft team has focused on chassis development while the Fernandez team with the proven Lola chassis has been the primary engine development team. Andretti-Green gets all the benefits of the other two. The result of all this work was that the Acura won the LMP2 class at the Sebring opener and has run competitively all year long.



For 2008, Acura is planning a major revision of the Acura chassis targeted at further performance improvements and more importantly the serviceability of the car. The current car is difficult to repair during a race and that needs to be improved, especially for longer races.

Over on the IRL side, Honda is currently the sole supplier of engines since Toyota and GM dropped out at the end of the 2005 season. One aspect of the lack of competition is that Honda doesn't have to stress their engines to the limit. In spite of the cars being as fast as ever, they haven't had a single in-race engine failure in 2007. The current engine is a 3.5L V-8 that runs on 100 percent ethanol.

[Source] Autoblog.com

HONDATA Breaks Four Landspeed Records

Co-founder of Los Angeles-based Hondata, Doug Macmillan, set 4 new records at the Bonneville Nationals Speed Week in his Acura RSX. The modded RSX had 2-liter front wheel drive 2003 Acura RSX in the G class altered coupe and competition coupe classes, competing in both gas and fuel categories. One of the records set was a highest one-way speed of 190.1 mph (305.9 km/h) in the G/FCC class (with nitrous oxide) and 172.mph in the G/GCC class (naturally aspirated). The K20 engine, built by Prototype Racing makes 270 HP naturally aspirated and 390 when running on nitrous oxide.

[For more details - vtec.net]

Caught in the light - 2009 TL?

Usually Acura tests their cars at night, but some lucky photographers were able to snap some photos of the "mysterious" TL (TSX?) during the day. The heavy camouflaged vehicle looks too large to be a TSX. Can't wait to see more of what seems to be the next generation TL.









[Source] VTEC.net (a.k.a. Temple of VTEC)

Acura TSX - "the least expensive luxury car to own"

ForbesAutos compiled a list of Top 10 Least Expensive Luxury Vehicles to Own. "Cars at the lower end of the luxury class are the least costly to own because their lower starting prices minimize the effects of depreciation." At the top of the list is the Acura TSX. Also included is the Acura RDX, the "only SUV that runs with the 10 luxury vehicles that are least expensive to own."

1. Acura TSX
Starting MSRP: $28,090
Five-year cost of ownership: $47,084

Half the models on this least expensive to own list wear lower sticker prices than the Acura TSX. But after five years, this sporting sedan ends up the most economical. Acura's reputation for vehicle reliability helps hold up resale value, so that the TSX depreciates just 49 percent over five years — the lowest depreciation among the 10 luxury cars that consume cash most lightly. It also boasts the lowest maintenance and repair expenses among these 10 lowest cost luxury models.

*After 5 years*
Cost of ownership: $47,084
Depreciation: $13,808
Interest and opportunity cost: $9,730
Fuel: $10,279
Maintenance and repairs: $3,002
Insurance: $8,285
Taxes and fees: $1,980

8. Acura RDX
Starting MSRP: $32,995
Five-year cost of ownership: $54,502

The Acura RDX is the only SUV that runs with the 10 luxury vehicles that are least expensive to own. With the gas-guzzling rap against SUVs, it seems appropriate that the RDX has the highest estimated fuel cost in the group. At $12,542 over five years, the Acura squanders 20 to 25 percent more fuel than some passenger cars in the ranking. Still, for a sport utility, its EPA fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway is good — especially for an all-wheel-drive hauler with pep and pizzazz.

*After 5 years*
Cost of ownership: $54,502
Depreciation: $17,826
Interest and opportunity cost: $11,323
Fuel: $12,542
Maintenance and repairs: $3,538
Insurance: $6,950
Taxes and fees: $2,323

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

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...]

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

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.

Stock 2007 Acura TL Type-S on Dyno

With a aluminum-alloy SOHC VTEC V-6 and a displacement of 3.5 liters, the TL Type-S is rated at 286 @ 6200 rpm and 256 @ 5000 rpm.



"With a crank rating of 286hp, the TL Type-S' 250+whp results are pretty impressive." - ToV

[Click Here] For the dyno plot of the 2007 TL Type-S vs. 2004 TL

European Accord Sport GT

Honda UK has added a new mode to its range with the introduction of the Accord Sport GT, a new trim/equipment package based on the existing Euro Accord. The European Honda Accord is basically the Acura TSX here in the States. The Sport GT version gets a sport suspension, Graphite-finish alloys (17" for the sedan, 16" for the wagon -- a.k.a. Tourer) and several appearance and convenience upgrades. Those include the Premium White Pear finish shown above, dark chrome grille and door handles, red gauges, carbon fiber-look inlays on the dash and center console, a decklid spoiler, premium audio, nav, Bluetooth, and a few other items.



The Accord Sport GT is powered by Honda's 2.2L i-CDTi turbodiesel, which delivers 140 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm. Combined cycle fuel economy is right around 42.8 mpg (US).



[Source] AutoBlog.com

The car looks pretty good. I especially like the rims better than the current style on the refreshed (2006 & after) Acura TSX. I wonder if we're going to see a "Sport GT" version for the Acura TSX anytime soon, however It's more likely that we'll be seeing a "Type-S" version from Acura.

[Related] A TSX that gets more MPG than a Prius!

How Long to Make a Car?

According to the latest Harbour Report, Toyota needs only 29.93 hours to make a car. Nissan came next with 29.97 hours, and Honda third at 31.63 hours. Those numbers cover stamping, engine and transmission production, and car assembly. GM takes 32.36 hours to make a car, which was a 2.5% improvement over the year before.

To be expected, although the domestics put up solid productivity numbers, profit-per-vehicle still lagged. Toyota and Honda made, on average, $1,200 pre-tax profit on each car sold in the US. The Big Three lost anywhere from $1,072 to $5,234 last year on every vehicle sold. Health care and pension liabilities and incentives were to blame.

[A Look into the Past] Ayrton Senna in NSX at Suzuka

The legendary F1 driver tackles Suzuka in loafers! Senna is what made the original NSX the respected supercar it is today.

Here is video of Senna's "last lap."



ESPN's coverage of the fatal crash:



Here his crash is being analyzed:

On lap 7, from the onboard camera of Michael Schumacher's Benetton, Senna's car was seen to break traction twice at the rear, go off the track at Tamburello corner and strike an unprotected concrete barrier. Telemetry shows he left the track at 310 km/h (193 mph) and was able to slow the car down to 218 km/h (135 mph) in less than two seconds before hitting the wall.

A National Geographic documentary concluded that that if Senna's reactions had actually been slower, he might have survived the crash.

The irony of the on board video available from Senna's car is that the final seconds of footage are missing. The approximately 1.5 seconds of remaining video which would have provided a definite answer as to the cause of Senna's death were lost in an act of astounding coincidence when the TV race director decided to switch camera signals at the very instant the Williams started to leave the track. Perhaps unsurprisingly, numerous rumours abound that the remaining 1.5 seconds are not lost and reportedly show Senna's steering wheel clearly coming off in his hands as his car is leaving the track.- Wikipedia.com

Below you can see the changes made to circuit in response to the deaths of Senna and Ratzenberger.


Ayrton Senna's body was flown home, and on 5 May about half a million people watched the coffin pass by in a state funeral in Sao Paolo.

R.I.P. Ayrton Senna.

[A Look into the Past] RD-X Concept Video

2002 Acura RD-X Concept Pictures

For more Acura Concepts

Drawing of original NSX

Click here for more NSX entries.

[Video] Koni Challenge Daytona 2007

Highlights from the Kensai Acura TSX #75 of Beau Buisson and Travis Walker.

TSX wins Koni Challenge at Laguna Seca!

Karl Thomson and Billy Johnson co-drove to their second 2007 win in four races this season and retook the championship lead with a victory in the No. 76 Kensai Racing/Compass360.com Acura TSX in Saturday's Grand-Am KONI Challenge (ST) Street Tuner Monterey 200 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The duo also combined to win the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway in January. [Source]





Here's an in-car and nose cam, from Billy Johnson in practice. The day before he won the Grand Am Koni Challenge ST race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Famous Geek drives Acura TSX?

According to automotoportal.com's article: What Cars Do Famous Geeks Drive? Chris Pirillo drives a 2006 Acura TSX. Here's what automotoportal.com had to say:

Chris Pirillo is an Internet entrepreneur, book author, ex-TV show host and technology enthusiast. He is addicted to computer hardware and software -and the Acura TSX. According to him, the 2006 TSX is about as geeky as today’s cars can get. This car has an audio in jack, live traffic reports, Bluetooth connectivity, Zagat ratings and an excellent navigation system with voice recognition.

The car also has handsfreelink, keyless access system with driver recognition. The sound system in the Acura is a 360-watt system with AM/FM stereo, 6 disc in dash CD changer and eight speakers. There is also an XM satellite radio, MP3/auxillary input jack and home link. Other accessories include a dual zone automatic climate control system and heated front seats, theft deterrent system with an electronic immobilizer. The exterior temperature indicator lets you know what the temperature is outside.

Now it's time to take out the red pen teachers use to correct student's work:
1) The TSX does NOT have live traffic reports,
2) the picture automotoportal.com has up for the 2006 Acura TSX is actually a pre-2006 model (this is noted because of the lacking integrated fog lights), &
3) Chris Pirillo no longer drives a TSX, but instead drives an Acura RL.

I don't know what automotoprotal.com was doing, but it sure wasn't research. Here is the entry from Chris Pirillo when he was thinking of "upgrading" his Acura TSX. Being a TSX owner myself, I actually left a comment on that entry in September of last year. At that time, I had no idea Mr. Pirillo was "famous."

Some Upclose Photos of Concept cars from Acura Design Studio

IGN.com posted some pictures from their visit to the new Acura Design Studio.


The highly talked about 1995 Acura CL-X Concept.


Side view of the CL-X.


The rear end of the CL-X.


Acura RDX Concept.


Acura MDX Concept.


A photo of the Acura Sedan Concept.


Acura Sports Car Concept.

No Longer a 1995 Acura Integra

I first read about this mod on Acurazine.com. Garo set out to build his dream-car. Which was a vehicle with a 2005 Acura TL front and 2005 Infiniti G35 2DR coupe for the back. If you need to stop and re-read that sentence again, I'll wait. *pauses for a second* Well anyway, on to the pictures!


Photoshop image of the "dream-car."



Before an after (so far) - front.


Before an after (so far).



Before an after (so far) - back.



Before and after (so far) - rear lights.



Before and after (so far) - side view.



Old hood opened.


Door opened - front view.


Just posing...


Hood and doors opened.



Current interior picture.

If you want to see more pictures of this project and the owner, click here. I hope he does some kind of engine swap too. That's a lot of car for a 4 cylinder engine to haul around.

[Update Photo - June 19, 2007]

Starting to look pretty sharp!