Tons Of Acura ZDX Pictures

The ZDX will deliver sports sedan performance on the road with its powerful V-6 engine mated to an all-new, smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The potent powertrain will be coupled with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, giving the ZDX outstanding handling and cornering capabilities in all-weather conditions.

In typical Acura fashion, the ZDX will be available with the latest in customer enhancing technologies and advanced safety features including an all-new blind spot information system, which will help drivers change lanes more confidently. A new multi-view rear camera makes parking even easier with the added enhancement of both a wide angle and top down view. Acura signature technologies like Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™, Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and Bluetooth® connectivity will also be available on the all-new model.



A prototype of the provocative Acura ZDX luxury four-door sports coupemade its world debut at the New York International Auto Show today. The production version of the dramatically styled prototype goes on-sale in the fall of 2009.



With its sensuous curves, sharply raked roofline and bold fender flares, the ZDX blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle.







The cabin is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle, providing occupants with a breathtaking view of the world around them.



The hand-stitched leather dash and instrument panel sweep down to form a dual cockpit layout, creating a personal and intimate experience for the front seat occupants.



The thick leather wrapped steering wheel provides ample grip and is framed by racing-inspired paddle shifters for the ultimate in driver control.









A black monochromatic center stack leads to the textured metallic center console, which complements the black and pearl white leather trim.











The all-glass tailgate opens wide to reveal a highly functional cargo space with integrated under-floor storage.







In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are cleverly concealed in the C-pillar.





The prototype is finished off with stylish dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels fitted with 20-inch Michelin tires.




ZDX Prototype Dimensions:
Length: 192.4 inches
Width: 78.5 inches
Height: 61.8 inches
Wheelbase: 108.2 inches
Wheel/tire: 9-spoke custom alloy wheels with Michelin Latitude HP 275/40ZR 20 tires
Powertrain: All-aluminum VTEC® V-6, all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
Seating capacity: 5-passenger
[Source] Acura Press Release
Click here to do a 360 of the ZDX at Acura.com

People are speculating that the teaser shots are of the production version of the vehicle. Notice how the ZDX "Prototype" does not match eariler teaser shots.

Acura Making ALMS History

David Brabham and Scott Sharp led an Acura 1-2 sweep Saturday in the Acura Sports Car Challenge through the streets of St Petersburg in the American Le Mans Series.

The veteran driving pair drove the No. 9 Patrón Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a prototype sports car to the lead on Lap 43 and recorded a 32-second victory over the Mexican duo of Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz in the No. 15 Lowe’s Fernandez Racing Acura ARX-01b in the 93-lap feature. The 1-2 Acura finish marked Acura's first ALMS sweep since last August in the streets of Detroit, when the automaker placed 1-2-3 overall.

Saturday's Acura sweep also made American Le Mans Series history with Acura taking wins in both the LMP1 and LMP2 class in the same event. No auto manufacturer had accomplished that feat in ALMS’ ten years.

Brabham and Sharp's win was the first for Acura in the LMP1 class.

My Damaged 2005 Acura TSX

Recently my 2005 Acura TSX was hit by another car. This is my first real accident ever. Anyway, skipping all the insurance mess I have to deal with, I had my car estimated at 3 different locations in San Diego, California:

1) Penske Collision Center - This place looked very professional. I believe they specialize in Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Acura, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Mazda, and Audi. Some interesting facts include: "Largest Collision Center in Southern California", "60 Body Shop Bays", "9 Paint Booths - 50% Faster Drying Time", "Computerized Laser Frame and Measuring System", and "Infrared Paint Drying System (50% faster)".

However, I couldn't help but notice that everytime I asked how much something was going to cost, the lady who looked at my car kept responding, "I'm going to have to put it in my computer and see..." In the end, the estimate ended up to be almost $5000! I think it's because the estimate had down replacing my rear rim and tire (estimated to be ~$850 of the total cost). Then the breakdown of "parts" was: Body Labor 42.5 hrs * $54/hr = $2295, Paint Labor = 14.3 hrs * $54/hr = $772, Mech. Labor = 2.2 hrs * $135/hr = $297, Paint Supplies 14.3 * $36/hr = $514. Estimated to take 2 weeks. Wow!

2) Bumper Doc - This place was smaller and more personal. The guy who looked at my car seemed very knowledgeable and friendly. When I asked him, "how much?" He responded, "Not cheap, somewhere between $16-1800". None of this, let me get back to my computer before giving you a number thing. The estimate came out to be about $1700. They were not going to replace my rim and tire, but instead just repair it. Their breakdown was: Body Labor = 15 hrs * $51/hr = $765, Refinish Labor = 9 * $51 = $459, Paint Materials = $210. Estimated to take 1 week.

3) Miramar Collision Center - This place was where I had to bring my car for my insurance to appraise it before any work is done. The appearance seemed ok, not super professional like Penske, and not friendly & personal like Bumper Doc. It just seemed like the place you would go to if you just need your car fix and didn't care who did it. Their estimate was the lowest of the 3... $1625. Their estimate did not involved replace my rim & tire, just repairing. Their breakdown looked like this: Body Labor = 18.2 hrs * $46/hr = $837, Refinish Labor = 7.1 hrs * $46/hr, Mech. Labor = $68. Estimated to take 4 days.

This is how I would rank the shops:
1) Penske - They just seem to really know what they're doing. Their cost is high, but since I pay a $500 deductible either way, the cost is the same to me. I just want the job done right and my car as "perfect" as it was before the accident.

2) Bumper Doc - They seem nice, friendly, and honest. I would take my car here if I had to pay out of my own pocket.

3) Miramar Collision Center - I read two bad reviews online and am not sure I want to risk taking my car to this place...

Here's the damage to my car:

ZDX Prototype To Debut At New York International Auto Show (NYIAS)

Straight from Acura:

"TORRANCE, Calif. - 03/30/2009
Acura announced it will debut a prototype of the all-new ZDX luxury four-door sport coupe at the New York International Auto Show. The prototype features striking coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility to define a new luxury category.
“The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura sales. “The prototype showcases a new level of luxury, style and refinement for Acura and speaks volumes towards our commitment to advancing the brand.”
The production version of the ZDX prototype will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup when it arrives at dealerships this fall and offer the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety.
The ZDX prototype will be introduced at the New York International Auto Show on April 8, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Acura booth."

[Source] AcuraNews.com

So now it's official, it's not a 2011 MSX, but a 2010 ZDX.



More pictures here.

2011 Acura MSX?

Acura cancelled the next NSX but will bring you the following:


The MSX (?), supposedly Acura's answer to BMW's X6 and Infiniti's FX.


The MSX is assumed to get a 3.7 liter V6 like it's brothers the RL, TL, and MDX, but could surprise everyone with Acura's infamous missing V8.


More realistically, the MSX will get an upgraded six speed automatic.


Rumors are focused around an upscaled interior and price.


The rumored to be low production crossover will mostlikely cost $42k to $50.

Intrigued yet? Acura.com

[Update: 03/30/2009] So now it's official, it's not a 2011 MSX, but a 2010 ZDX.

2010 Acura TSX V6

Acura debuted an all-new V-6 model for its TSX sports sedan line-up at the Chicago Auto Show today. Scheduled to go on sale this summer, the 2010 TSX V-6 will be equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter engine, exclusive suspension tuning, larger diameter wheels and additional enhancements.

"The automotive market may be slowing down, but not Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "With improved acceleration and handling, the new 280 horsepower V-6 adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular TSX sports sedan.

"Since its redesign last year, the TSX has shattered sales records to become one of Acura's best-selling sedans. As the entry point to the Acura brand, the four-cylinder TSX has won over customers with its nimble handling, agile driving feel and balanced performance. The V-6 model adds a new level of power on top of these winning traits for a more sporty and spirited driving experience. The V-6 will surely satisfy driving enthusiast's appetite for a fun-to-drive, yet refined sports sedan.

With the introduction of a V-6 powered TSX, Acura will fill a niche in its lineup between the four-cylinder TSX and the all-new TL performance luxury sedan. With the TL moving more upscale following its redesign in the 2009 model year, the TSX V-6 will be aimed squarely at youthful buyers who want a performance-oriented sports sedan in a more personal size.

Powertrain
A new TSX powertrain choice means performance luxury buyers can enjoy a 280 horsepower 3.5L V-6, with sophisticated VTEC® valvetrain control and a dual-stage induction system. For maximum performance and efficiency, the engine will be coupled to Acura's Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. If the driver desires, the Sequential SportShift transmission can also be operated manually, via steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.



Body/Chassis
The new TSX model will feature a state-of-the-art, double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system to provide excellent ride, handling and control. To generate sportier handling, the V-6 model will also use exclusive suspension tuning along with 18-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels, fit with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. The larger wheels and tires will help distinguish this performance- minded TSX, as does the slightly revised front fascia and a V-6 badge on the trunk.



The TSX V-6 model will be generously equipped with the latest advancements in safety technology and is anticipated to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)* and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including garnering IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK.



Interior
Like all Acura models, the new TSX will feature an exceptional level of standard equipment, including leather-appointed interior, power moonroof, automatic climate control, a premium seven-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , USB port and AUX jack music interface and more.



Similar to the four-cylinder TSX, the V-6 model will be available with the optional Technology Package that includes the Acuralink™ satellite navigation system with rear-view camera and the Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system for a top-in-class audio experience.

The introduction of the TSX V-6 at the Chicago Auto Show is the first step in a series of major advancements to the 2010 Acura lineup. Almost every Acura sedan and SUV will receive significant enhancements for the 2010 model year.

Honda Considers Layoffs And Moving Headquarters?

Takeo Fukui, Honda's CEO said, "If we go beyond (100 yen), we would simply have to transfer more production overseas, cut more temporary workers and even start laying off permanent jobs. Beyond that we could switch to importing more cars into Japan, bring research and development facilities overseas, and in an extreme scenario move our headquarters offshore. It would cause nothing short of a hollowing out of Japanese industry."

[Source]

Acura Cancels Next NSX!

Honda president and CEO, Takeo Fukui, has confirmed that Acura has cancelled the V10 successor to the NSX. He also outlined several actions that the company will take in order to deal with the worldwide economic crisis and the slump in auto sales. Another Acura related news is that Honda has decided to withdraw its prior plan to introduce the Acura brand in the Japanese market around 2010.



For the full details from Honda, here's the link.

Q & A From The 2009 Winter Edition of Acura's Style Magazine

Q1: I have a 2008 TSX with navigation. Can I update the software to have real-time traffic and weather?

A1: The Navigation System's maps can be updated as they become available. However, functionality features such as AcuraLink Real-time traffic and Weather are year and model specific, and cannot be updated. For map upgrades visit www.owners.acura.com

Q2: Why can't I get any traffic info on my 2008 MDX Navi System?

A2: Currently, Real-time traffic is only available in certain markets; it is likely that you're outside the market areas. Also, be advised that not all roads and highways within each region have flow data available yet. To verify your navi system's settings ensure the "Traffic" selection on the Icon Bar and the traffic icons are both on. Provided through XM NavTraffic, owners can try Real-time traffic free for 90 days. For more information on system coverage zones visit your Acura dealer or the Navigation System owner's manual.

Q3: I had my vehicle serviced, but the old life indicator did not get reset. What do I do?

A3: With ignition swith ON, press the SEL/RESET button on the steering wheel until OIL LIFE is displayed. Press and hold SEL/RESET for more than 10 seconds. Then press the UP or DOWN button to select RESET on the display, and choose SEL/RESET. Consult your Acura Owner's Manual for details.

Entire Acura Line-up Receives IIHS Top Safety Rating

Acura Achieves Historic First in Crash Test Ratings - For the first and only time in the history of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing, an automobile nameplate has earned the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK rating for every vehicle in its entire line-up. To accomplish this safety milestone, all 2009 Acura luxury sedans and SUVs received the highest possible rating in each IIHS crash test and feature the Acura Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) electronic stability control system as standard equipment.

Click here to read the rest.

Takeo Fukui is 2009 AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE Man of the Year

Honda's president and CEO, Takeo Fukui, is the 2009 AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE Man of the Year. Fukui's path to Honda's presidency has seen him move through many of the arenas that are important to the company: R&D, motorsports, and manufacturing. "In an era when platinum-paid executives rarely deviate from the orthodoxy of the crowd, Honda's Takeo Fukui has successfully avoided faddish trends and instead stayed true to the founding principles of Soichiro Honda and his successors." - AutomobileMag.com

Acura Wins Luxury Brand Residual Value Award

Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) has announced its 10^th annual Residual Value Awards, honoring the vehicles in each segment that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year lease term. The awards are based on 2009 model year vehicles.

For the sixth consecutive year, American Honda Motor Company, Inc. has won the Industry Brand Residual Value Award. Honda also received individual segment awards for the Accord in the Midsize Car category, and the Honda Fit in the Compact Car category.

In addition, Acura, Honda’s luxury division, has won the overall Luxury Brand Residual Value Award for the first time. Although Acura does not have any segment winners, all of its vehicles’ residual values are relatively strong, with the new TL and TSX ranking among the highest in their segments.

Luxury Brand Residual Value Rankings:
1 ACURA
2 LEXUS
3 AUDI
4 INFINITI
5 LAND ROVER
6 BMW
7 PORSCHE
8 MERCEDES BENZ

Only brands above the luxury average were ranked. Below luxury average were the following brands (listed in alphabetical order): Cadillac, Jaguar, Lincoln, Saab and Volvo.

Full details: https://www.alg.com/Newsroom?pid=92

Happenings in the Acura World

1) The long rumored but never implemented V8 may be a possibility. Honda's CEO admits that Acura will not be able to compete with other premium brands with only the Acura RL's 3.7 liter V6.



[sources]
VTEC.net
AutoBlog.com

2) Acura is looking to expand it's lineup and is currently testing new sport crossover vehicle. The vehicle is supposed to rival Infiniti’s FX and BMW’s X6.



[sources]
LeftLaneNews.com
MotorAuthority.com

3) Acura dealers are painting the grill on the new 2009 Acura TL. This is a bad sign for Acura as they're trying to solidify the Acura brand. Dealers taking matters into their own hands could ruin what Acura is trying to build up in the long run. Plus, what is this going to tell the public?





[sources]
AutoBlog.com
VTEC.net

6-Speed Manual for 2010 Acura TL

The availability of a 6-speed manual transmission for the 2010 TL SH-AWD® represents the first time Acura has ever paired its acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system with a manual gearbox. In addition, the new close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission is approximately 110 lbs lighter than the Sequential SportShift automatic transmission to further benefit acceleration, braking and cornering.

The 6-speed manual transmission is an all-new design that is substantially stronger than the previous generation TL manual transmission. In addition to using a more rigid aluminum case and heavier-duty internals, the new manual transmission employs precisely selected gear ratios based on the characteristics of the TL's new 3.7L V-6 engine and SH-AWD® drivetrain. New gear synchronizers deliver improved shift accuracy and feel, and a short-throw shifter assembly generates confident shifting combined with low shift effort.

Acura engineers also designed an entirely new clutch system for the new 6-speed manual transmission to withstand the TL's robust power output while also improving modulation for noticeably easier use. The new self-adjusting, dual-mass clutch delivers extremely constant pedal effort throughout the entire stroke of the pedal. By keeping the effort linear, the driver has improved feel that results in better clutch interaction.

The TL SH-AWD® 6MT has a specially calibrated Hill Start Assist system that helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake to the accelerator while stopped on a hill. When the road incline exceeds an 8-degree threshold and the vehicle is fully stopped, Hill Start Assist automatically activates. When Hill Start Assist is active, the brakes automatically hold for one second as the driver's foot transitions from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The brakes are automatically released when the vehicle begins to move forward.

The addition of a manual transmission, an all-new clutch system and suspension changes yield an 88 lb. reduction in overall vehicle weight. The weight reduction not only delivers improved performance, but also generates a more favorable front/rear weight bias. Compared to an automatic transmission equipped TL SH-AWD®, the 6-speed manual version improves weight distribution by 1-percent thus generating a 58/42 ratio versus the 5AT's 59/41 ratio.

[Source] HondaNews.com

Art Osborne, Acura Designer, Explaining the 2009 TL

Art Osborne, Acura designer from the Torrence, Cali., studio does a walk around explaining the design of the 2009 TL. Describing the "keen edge dynamic" philosophy used to fuse together high tech machine with human emotion.

2008 Acura MDX "Unfolding" Commercial

I think this is one of the cooler Acura commercials.

Acura's Largest Media Campaign To Date

The effort, via RPA, Santa Monica, Calif., includes a series of five 30-second TV spots that elaborate the idea that the TL is the most powerful Acura ever built. With their focus on metaphors of power and strength and design, the art-house ads diverge from previous Acura ads that were rich in computer graphics and focused on in-car technology.

The effort--comprised of five TV spots, with three starting now and two later--elaborates the power theme with creative that shows slow-motion video of an object impacting and crashing through a barrier, then emerging as the TL. One shows a bullet entering a bottle and smashing through the back of it with voiceover saying: "Precision is power"; another shows a fist smashing through a board with a "Strength is power" message. And one shows a diver leaping from a board and entering the water, and proclaims: "Grace is power."

An agency representative says the brand did not have to hammer the high-mpg message because consumers associate the brand with high fuel economy. "At the same time, the Acura target audience is buying vehicles for different reasons. The theme of 'Power' communicated throughout the campaign doesn't just refer to horsepower," she says.

[Source] MediaPost.com

The 2009 Acura TL will cost...

For the first time ever in an Acura vehicle, the newly redesigned TL will be available with a choice of two different VTEC® engines while also offering both front wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive (TL SH-AWD®) models.

MSRP pricing for 3.5-liter V-6 equipped TL = $34,955 (w/ Tech Package = $38,685).

MSRP pricing for the 3.7-liter V-6 powered TL SH-AWD® = $38,505 (w/ Tech Package = $42,235) In addition, the TL SH-AWD® with Technology Package is also available with an exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels and high-performance summer tire package for an MSRP of $43,235.

Destination and Handling of $760 remains unchanged and is not included in the MSRP.

Acura to Enter LMP1 Class in 2009 ALMS

Acura Motorsports will enter the LMP1 class in the 2009 American Le Mans Series.
Acura's entry into the most powerful and technically advanced division in ALMS will feature two Acura ARX-02a prototype sports cars developed by Honda Performance Development (HPD).
De Ferran Motorsports and Patrón Highcroft Racing will campaign the new Acura LMP1 cars, which are being designed in concert with Wirth Research in England. Testing of the new Acura LMP1 cars is scheduled for November.
Acura will also continue in the LMP2 category with the Lowe's Fernandez team competing on the 2009 ALMS tour.
Acura entered sports-car racing in 2007 by fielding Acura-powered LMP2 prototype cars on Michelin tires for Andretti Green Racing, Highcroft Racing and Lowe's Fernandez Racing in the 12-race ALMS series. The three-car contingent marked the first factory motorsports program in Acura's 20-year history. De Ferran Motorsports was added to the Acura lineup in 2008.
In the past year and a half, the Acura machines, with 3.4-liter, V-8 powerplants, have scored five LMP2 class victories, as well as an overall win by Patrón Highcroft Racing and drivers David Brabham and Scott Sharp earlier this year at Lime Rock Park. Acura cars also have recorded four overall pole positions.
"Since launching the Acura American Le Mans Series program in 2007, our goal has always been to compete at the highest level of sports-car racing," said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of Auto Operations for American Honda Motor Company, Inc. "The LMP1 class of the American Le Mans Series represents the pinnacle of sports-car racing in this country, from both a competitive and technological standpoint. As we prepare to elevate Acura to Tier One status among luxury road cars, we feel it only appropriate to make this move to the uppermost level of American Le Mans Series competition, as well."
The Acura Motorsports program featured the first racing engine and chassis primarily designed and developed by HPD, Honda's wholly-owned racing subsidiary. It also marked the first time HPD had taken on concurrent motorsports programs in both the American Le Mans Series and the IndyCar Series.
"This is the logical next step in our business plan," said Erik Berkman, HPD president. "The Acura sports-car program has energized HPD's associates and met numerous objectives during its first two seasons of American Le Mans Series competition. We feel we are fully prepared to take on this new challenge."
De Ferran returned to active competition this year by forming de Ferran Motorsports, with the former Indy 500 winner and multiple series champion serving as both driver and team owner. The legendary Brazilian racing figure recently served as Sporting Director for the Honda Formula One racing team before establishing his new ALMS team. De Ferran and young star Simon Pagenaud have driven the No. 66 Panasonic ELS Surround Acura ARX-01b in five races this season.
"I am delighted with our team's relationship with Acura and my longstanding involvement with Honda," said de Ferran, "and we have taken another important step with this new announcement. We are a young team, but de Ferran Motorsports has a great depth of experience and talent within its ranks. We are driven to produce a contending Acura Motorsports sports-car program. We look forward to the challenge competing in the LMP1 class and putting Acura at the forefront of American Le Mans Series racing."
The Patrón Highcroft Racing team, owned by team principal Duncan Dayton, has been the most successful of the Acura entries in 2008, taking the overall and LMP2 win at Lime Rock in July and LMP2 class victories at Long Beach, Road America and Mosport, Ontario, Canada. Brabham and Sharp drove the No. 9 Patrón Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-01b to all four victories. Brabham, the only ALMS driver ever to win in all four series classes, has won overall poles at Houston last year and Lime Rock this season for the team.
"Our relationship with Acura and HPD has been extremely beneficial to Highcroft Racing and we are proud to have been chosen as a part of Acura's new LMP1 program in 2009," said Dayton. "We have had a very collaborative effort with Acura, HPD and Wirth Research over the past two seasons. We started with a good business plan and have been competitive throughout our ALMS program. Adding Patrón as our major sponsor strengthened our Acura program, and we have had a very successful 2008 campaign. Now, moving to the LMP1 class, we expect to continue the progress that we began two years ago. The 2009 season will be exciting for Acura and the Patrón Highcroft Racing team."
Lowe's Fernandez Racing campaigns the No. 15 Lowe's Acura ARX-01b prototype with drivers Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz of Mexico. Lowe's Fernandez Racing, formed in the fall of 2000 by Fernandez and motorsports veteran Tom Anderson, is in its seventh year of competition, and the team has claimed victories in the Champ Car (CART), IndyCar (IRL) and Grand-Am Series.
"We have had an outstanding sports-car program with Acura the last two years," said Fernandez. "We started with the Lola chassis and the move to the Acura car was a great improvement for our Lowe's Fernandez team. Now, we will concentrate on racing for the LMP2 point championship, as well as winning many races. Our luck hasn't been with us as much as we would like. But our association with Acura has been outstanding and we are pleased to be continuing our relationship. We want to be right in the thick of the LMP2 title chase in 2009."
Acura's racing operation reflects the manufacturer's position as a leader in automotive performance and technology, and the American Le Mans Series provides an arena for competition against other car makers in the tough sport of endurance racing. Acura Automobile Division was launched on March 27, 1986. The prestigious marque, based in Torrance, Calif., has established a number of automotive firsts, including the first all-aluminum production car (NSX) in 1991. Acura offers premium performance vehicles from more than 260 U.S. dealers.
Honda Performance Development (HPD) was founded in 1993. Located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for Honda and Acura's high-performance racing cars and engines. HPD coordinates Honda's participation in the IndyCar Series and Acura's activities in American Le Mans Series.
[Source] Hondanews.com