[Rumors] New 2013 Acura NSX?

1. Known internally as the "Super Sports."
2. Honda’s long-awaited NSX successor will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January.
3. Will be a hybrid: likely to feature an electric motor as well as conventional power. 
4. Will probably have SH-AWD.
5. Likely to go on sale by 2013.
6. Yoshikazu Kigoshi, R&D boss, said: "It will define the new face of Acura (Honda’s premium US brand)."
7. The car is set to go on sale worldwide, and it will wear the Honda badge in Europe and possibly even resurrect the revered NSX name.
8. Some are speculating that the new Acura Tony Starks is driving will be the new Acura NSX.

Source: AutoExpress

Thanks Anonymous for the tip!

[Rumors] Acura AX2?

I got an Anonymous tip that the spied sub-TSX sedan will be the Acura AX2.

ACURA AX2

By: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Automobiles and structural parts therefor

Perfect for these industries	Words that describe this logo
Vehicles and Products for locomotion by land, air or water	automobiles   structural   parts   therefor

This is a brand page for the ACURA AX2 trademark by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, , 107-8556. Write a review about a product or service associated with this ACURA AX2 trademark. Or, contact the owner Honda Motor Co., Ltd. of the ACURA AX2 trademark by filing a request to communicate with the Legal Correspondent for licensing, use, and/or questions related to the ACURA AX2 trademark.

On Friday, April 08, 2011, a U.S. federal trademark registration was filed for ACURA AX2 by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo 107-8556. The USPTO has given the ACURA AX2 trademark serial number of 85290733. The current federal status of this trademark filing is NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE - ISSUED. The correspondent listed for ACURA AX2 is ANTHONY L. FLETCHER of FISH & RICHARDSON P.C., PO BOX 1022, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440-1022 . The ACURA AX2 trademark is filed in the category of Vehicles and Products for locomotion by land, air or water . The description provided to the USPTO for ACURA AX2 is Automobiles and structural parts therefor.

Word Mark:	ACURA AX2
Status/ Status Date:	NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE - ISSUED 10/18/2011
Serial Number:	85290733
Filing Date:	4/8/2011
Registration Number:	NOT AVAILABLE
Registration Date:	NOT AVAILABLE
Goods and Services:	Automobiles and structural parts therefor
Mark Description:	NOT AVAILABLE
Type Of Mark:	TradeMark
Published For Opposition Date:	8/23/2011
Last Applicant/Owner:	Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Tokyo 107-8556
Mark Drawing Code:	Standard Character Mark
Design Search:	(NO DATA)
Register Type:	Principal
Disclaimer:	(NOT AVAILABLE)
Correspondent:	ANTHONY L. FLETCHER FISH & RICHARDSON P.C. PO BOX 1022 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440-1022
Classification Information
International Class Code(s): 012 US Class Code(s): 019, 021, 023, 031, 035, 044 Primary Class: Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water. Class(es) Status: Active First Use Anywhere: NOT PROVIDED First Use In Commerce: NOT PROVIDED

Source: MyTradeMarkia.com

Thanks Anonymous!

Spied 2013 Acura RSX??

VTEC.net posted some images of what is supposedly the 2013 Acura sub-TSX. Some people are referring to it as the RSX sedan. But wait a minute, I thought the TSX was a "RSX sedan". Rumor has it that this future model is based off the Civic platform. But wait a minute times two! An Acura based off the Civic?? Isn't that just an Acura CSX?? My head hurts. My little brain is not powerful enough for Honda and Acura's ingenious ideas...

Spied 2013 Acura RDX?

VTEC.net has up some photos of a super camo-ed compact SUV that they are speculating to be the 2013 Acura RDX.

Tony Stark in an Acura?

Acura has been selected in the Marvel Comics Universe films as the official car of their fictional law enforcement agency called S.H.I.E.L.D. That relationship continues for The Avengers, so it comes to no surprise that we find Tony Stark in an Acura now instead of the usual Audi R8.

There are lots of rumors flying around for this thing. A popular one I have heard is it's a modified version of the Honda HSV with a hybrid powertrain. The HSV is a front engine, rear-wheel drive vehicle that Honda races in the Super GT. Others have speculated that this car is mid-engine with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. There has also been some assumptions that Acura is using this to debut the production version when the movie releases. All we know for sure is according to an Acura spokesman this open-top sports car that was photographed on the set of The Avengers is "a one-off, fictional car that was made just for the movie and will not be produced." Awww... :(

Continue to read rumors here.

2012 Acura TSX Special Edition

Continuing the celebration of its 25th anniversary, Acura today announced the availability of a new version of the popular TSX sports sedan for the 2012 model year. Designed to evoke the fun-to-drive 4-cylinder Acuras of the past, the TSX Special Edition will add even more sportiness to the TSX lineup thanks to numerous exterior and interior upgrades for Acura's entry-level sedan.

"The Acura TSX has long been known for its high-revving 4-cylinder engines and sporty driving nature," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "With the new Special Edition, the TSX becomes even more youthful and sporty in character, furthering its appeal to performance-minded buyers."

The 2012 TSX Special Edition package consists of numerous upgrades to the exterior including a more aggressive front spoiler, a new rear bumper fascia, unique side sills and an exclusive "Special Edition" badge on the trunklid. Finally, the TSX's 17x7.5-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels will feature a polished finish with dark grey background, unique to the Special Edition model.

Inside, the TSX Special Edition makes use of sport-minded appointments including exclusive seating surfaces with perforated black Lux Suede® inserts with red backing. Unique red stitching, used for the seats, steering wheel and the shift knob, combines with red lighting for the instrument cluster gauges, overhead lighting and footwell lighting. Adding more appeal to the driver's footwell are aluminum pedal covers with a race-inspired look. Rounding out the Special Edition's interior upgrades is the use of bright silver plating for the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters along with black headliner material (standard TSX have grey headliner material).

The TSX Special Edition package makes use of Acura's acclaimed K24 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and will be available with either the close-ratio 6-speed manual or Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmissions. The TSX Special Edition will go on sale in late September and will make its public debut at the Orange County International Auto Show on September 22nd. 


Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 271 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

Along with every new Acura, the 2012 TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

Source: AcuraNews.com

Acura is beyond confused. We got Type-S models and now an SE model? And all the SE model has is a bunch of red color and Lux Suede seats. I don't get it.

www.AboutAcura.com now Mobile!

Mobilized this site so now it looks better when browsing on a smartphone! Yay!

Acura - How It All Started

As Acura celebrates its 25th anniversary, it stands as a leader in the luxury performance market with vehicles like the RL, TL, TSX, RDX, MDX and ZDX. By combining technological innovation with world-class performance, contemporary design and luxurious appointments, Acura has captured the public's imagination.

The story of how Acura was created, launched and then grew into a major force in a competitive marketplace is a compelling testament not just to the company's products, but to the people who had the foresight to establish the first premium Japanese luxury car brand. History shows that Acura not only redefined the luxury car, it permanently changed the luxury marketplace from a slow evolution among a handful of brands to fierce competition between many. While today Japanese luxury brands are taken for granted, this was not the case in the early 1980s, when the groundbreaking Legend sedan was still on the drawing board.

Click here for the rest of the story at Acura News.

25 years of Acura photo gallery.

Pretty interesting read. The article talks about how Acura was internally known as "Channel II", the Legend, Integra, NSX, the importance of keeping the Acura division separate from Honda, dealership selection, and etc...

Acura To Serve As The Official Wheels Of Spy Agency S.H.I.E.L.D.

A little more than a month before Paramount and Marvel unleash "Thor" on May 6, Acura, Dr. Pepper, 7-Eleven, Visa and Burger King are prepping to roll out TV, radio and online campaigns that tie in their brands with the god of thunder's first outing at the megaplex. Walmart is a major retail partner.

All but Acura and Visa had backed previous Marvel releases in some form ("Thor" will be 7-Eleven's eighth teaming with a Marvel superhero).

Honda's luxury brand had been looking for projects that could get Acura in front of more moviegoers through the branded entertainment arm of ad agency RP&, a division of RPA, and its exec Steve Rossmann, a former Gersh agent. When "Thor" offered an automaker the chance to serve as the official wheels of spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D, Acura was quick to lock down its first film partnership.

"Getting to be the official car of S.H.I.E.L.D sold it for us," said Susie Rossick, Acura's national advertising manager. "To have that role in the film and in future films was attractive to us."

S.H.I.E.L.D, the secret government org that recruits Marvel's superheroes as a crime-fighting force, made cameos in the two "Iron Man" pics and "The Incredible Hulk." The group will play a larger role in "Thor" and future films, guaranteeing any automaker appearances in multiple franchises for years to come.

Acura especially gravitated toward a pairing with S.H.I.E.L.D due to the org's image of being advanced and innovative, aspects with which the automaker likes to associate itself.

The design of Acura's own shield-like front fascia on its vehicles and corporate logo was a coincidence, but didn't hurt seal the deal.

Car partners are "someone you need to spend a little more time thinking about," said Bob Sabouni, senior VP of business development and promotions for Marvel, which had previously landed Audi to serve as Iron Man's preferred carmaker. "It's something that gets noticed. You have to have the right car."

As a result of its deal, Acura's lineup of recently redesigned sedans and SUVs gets roughly two minutes of screen time in the pic, a considerable amount of exposure when it comes to product placement.

In return, Acura will help Marvel and Par promote "Thor" through the launch of a micro website that recruits consumers to become S.H.I.E.L.D agents, play games and design their own agency vehicle. It's also buying TV spots, print ads and installing signage and offering customers early screenings at its dealerships.

Acura is also touring a series of events like Chicago fanboy fest C2E2, Florida's MegaCon and the New York Auto Show with recruitment booths that will feature a S.H.I.E.L.D agent car with weaponry like a sonic canon.

In order to pull off the concept of turning each of its films into a chapter of an overall universe, Marvel said it needed to broker deals with brands that were "like-minded" and could be "dedicated to a plan" that embodies the characters and messaging of the films in programs "that is smart for both of us."
Sabouni said Acura has "bought into the concept and is having a lot of fun with it."

"It's always important to give your partners a little corner of the movie," Marvel's Sabouni said. "We've learned how to do that over the years."

Doing so helps giving the bad news that a partner's products will be destroyed on film a little easier. In scenes, a 7-Eleven store and Acura's vehicles are obliterated by the villainous Destroyer.
"They definitely have allowed us to play a little bit more," Sabouni said.

Acura approved the destruction "because there wasn't anything wrong with the car," Rossick said. "They weren't the reason things were blowing up."

The full article can be found here. Thanks to Marcus D. for emailing in the article.

I think this is a really good move for Acura. Far too long I have seen other automakers like Audi and Mercedes get featured in movies and thought to myself, "Why doesn't Acura do the same?" The only time I remember seeing an Acura vehicle featured in a movie was in Pulp Fiction, when The Wolf shows up to help out the fellas.

My Acura Wheel Lock Lug Broke!

Oh boy, my year has been off to an unlucky start.

On my way to lunch, I noticed my Acura TSX was pulling weird. My coworker and I hopped out of my car when we arrived at our destination and found that my driver side rear tire was flat due to a nail. I thought that it wasn't a big deal and that I will change the tire later at my work's parking lot when the sun went down a little bit, then take it to Discount Tires.

So around 3pm I went down to the parking and pulled all the equipment and spare tire out of my trunk to change my flat. I popped on the wheel lock key and started to loosen the wheel lock. That lug was on pretty tight so I stepped on the tire iron then all of a sudden SNAP! I thought to myself what just happened? When I looked down I saw bits of metal on the pavement. Crap I thought! I tried to use the key lock to see if I can get the rest of the lug that is stuck on my car off, however that did not work. So I ended up calling the Acura dealership that I take my car to sometimes and had a conversation with one of the service manager. He said if it was the key that broke that was easy and to come by and borrow the key, however if it was the lug then tow it to them where they can take a look at it for $150/hr. I told him, "No thanks."

Rear driver side tire flat due to nail; notice broken wheel lock lug.

My friend told me to drive my car to his place and he will try to cut the rest of the lug off. So I left work early and drive 5 miles with a flat to his house where we struggled for about an hour with not much success. While at it, we notice my front driver side tire was splitting and was able to explode. I was like "Jeez... How did it go from a flat because of a nail to a broken wheel lug to another tire needing replacement?" I assumed it was from hitting a pothole and confirmed later by Discount Tires.

Front tire about to explode; damaged because of pothole.

It was then I we decided to quit trying to cut of the rest of the lug and just tow my car to my mechanic's shop, but since it was late I would have to just leave my car there and come back in the morning and tell him what's going on. I need to remind myself to sign up for AAA because my tow cost me $65 and a 2 hour wait.

Close up of broken wheel lock lug.

In the morning, I showed my mechanic what's up. He looked for a special spiral socket and spent 20 or so minutes struggling with trying to wrench it off and then trying to cut the lug off. He was finally able to use an impact gun to torque it off with the special socket which he had to hammer in. He didn't charge me anything and just told me to get my car over to Discount Tires and get it taken care of.

Broke lug finally off and the bits that broke off.

Had to drop like $250 for 2 new tires to make things right again... *sigh*

I know I'm not the only one this has happened to:
http://tl.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=624329
http://rl.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=735498

Anyone else ever had experience with an Acura wheel lock lug disintegrate on them? I feel like Acura should reimburse part of my repair cost or at least give me a set of new wheel locks.

The Refreshed 2012 Acura TL

The 4th generation Acura TL got a new look. I think it looks better than the refresh, but not as good as the 3rd gen Acura TL.

he 2012 TL's refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look.

Below is a video from VTEC.net, interviewing 2012 Acura TL Lead Designer Damon Schell. Schell explains how the look of the TL was refined. Jon Ikeda (who penned the 3rd generation 2004 TL) also weighs in briefly with a few of his comments on the TL refresh

Biggest Reason Buyers Reject Acura - Styling

"J.D. Power reports that exterior styling is the number one reason new car shoppers are rejecting the marque, followed closely by Acura's interior styling." - AutoBlog

Why am I not surprised? Acura should know they have a problem if dealers have to paint the grill to the current generation TL to make it more appealing to consumers. Instead of taking that as a sign, Acura puts the ugly grill on ALL their cars. I actually liked the MDX's old grill.

The problem with Acura's current interior styling is that it is way too "button happy." I had the hardest time locating the HVAC (fan) controls while driving a 2010 Acura TSX loaner from the dealership. It definitely felt good to be back in my 2005 Acura TSX.

Acura needs better stylists.

My New Year's Resolution for www.AboutAcura.com

First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My New Year's Resolution for www.AboutAcura.com is to post more often. I not only want to post about Acura related articles, news, recalls, rumors, but also add a little bit more focus on problems & fixes, and technical service bulletins (TSBs). I noticed a large number of visits are from people who are researching an issue related to their Acura.

Feel free to share your New Year's Resolution (doesn't have to be Acura related).

Sale Date and Pricing for 2011 ZDX

The 2011 ZDX four-door sports coupe went on sale today at Acura dealerships with a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $45,645, plus a destination and handling (D&H) charge* of $860.

All ZDX models feature as standard:

•  300 horsepower 3.7L V-6 engine with VTEC®
• Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission
• Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system
• 19x8.5-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheel

Available trim choices:

• ZDX - The ZDX features as standard equipment a hand-stitched leather interior, power-actuated and heated front seats, a dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system with automatic humidity control, rear seat vents, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity and a high powered audio system (with CD player, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio and USB audio connectivity with iPod® integration). Also standard is the panoramic glass roof, power windows, power tailgate and Xenon HID front headlights. 

•  ZDX with Technology Package - adds an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps, a full VGA display screen and an innovative multi-view rear camera. Additionally, the Technology Package includes an upgraded Acura/ELS Surround® 415-watt Premium Audio System with a built-in 15-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system (that allows the ZDX owner to download and store up to 3,500 songs***), a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system and Keyless Access System.

• ZDX with Advance Package - In addition to the features found in the Technology Package, the Advance Package adds several premium technologies including a blind spot information system (BSI), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS™), Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) active damper system, heated and ventilated front seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather seating surfaces, premium brushed tricot headliner material and a sport steering wheel.

Trim	MSRP*	EPA**
ZDX	$45,645	16/23/19
ZDX with Technology Package	$50,145	16/23/19
ZDX with Advance Package	$56,195	16/23/19

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $860.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
**Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting 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.
***Approximate capacity based on an average size of 4.2 MB per song at a 128kbps bitrate

Acura Recalls 2004-2008 TSX

Don't know how I missed this one so it might be old news to some people.

Acura today announced a recall of approximately 167,000 Acura TSX vehicles to replace a power steering hose. Affected TSX vehicles are 2004-2008 models sold in the United States with the 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine. The repair involves installing a new power steering hose, o-ring gasket and fluid-- all done at no cost to the vehicle owner.

The recall is being conducted due to the potential for premature deterioration of the exterior surface of the hose as a result of prolonged exposure to high under-hood temperatures. In the event of excessive deterioration, a crack in the hose could develop, which could allow power steering fluid to leak or spray on a hot exhaust component potentially generating smoke or a fire. Acura has only received notice of one incident resulting in a fire.

Owners of affected vehicles will be informed by mail starting at the end of May. In addition, TSX owners can go to owners.acura.com/recalls or may call (800) 382-2238 for more information.

Someone Faking To Be from AboutAcura.com

I didn't think my site would be popular enough for someone to fake that they were from www.AboutAcura.com and send out phishing emails. www.AboutAcura.com has not requested any account information from anyone, so don't enter your information anywhere. The email reads like the following and has a zip file attached (one I have not opened so I don't even know what's inside of it, you shouldn't open it either... just delete the email):

========================================

From: "aboutacura.com support"

To: dalieu@aboutacura.com

Message contains attachments

1 File (24KB) - Setup.zip

Dear Customer,

This e-mail was send by aboutacura.com to notify you that we have temporanly prevented access to your account.

We have reasons to beleive that your account may have been accessed by someone else. Please run attached file and Follow instructions

password: 12345

(C) aboutacura.com
 ========================================

A few comments:

1. Why would I ever email myself something like this? The person who is phishing is stupid because if they didn't email me this, I would never had known something like this is going on.
2. The grammar and spelling in the email is terrible, even for my standards.
3. I refer to the site as www.AboutAcura.com and not aboutacura.com (click to find out why).

Stay safe on the interweb peeps!

Acura ZDX Recall

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced a recall of approximately 1,850 Acura ZDX vehicles to inspect the dashboard surface material. On affected vehicles, the passenger side airbag of the 2010 ZDX will not deploy properly.
While no incidents have been reported, a manufacturing quality check revealed that some vehicles do not have the necessary laser-cut scoring on the underside of the dashboard surface material. Without proper scoring, the passenger side frontal airbag will not deploy properly. The dashboard inspection is a simple visual check. After dealer inspection, if a ZDX is determined to have a dashboard without the proper scoring, the dashboard will be replaced.
Owners of affected vehicles will be informed by mail later this month. In addition, ZDX owners can go to http://owners.acura.com/recalls or owners may call (800) 382-2238 for more information.

Patron Highcroft HPD ARX-01C Walk Around

David Brabham Gives Fans an In Depth Look Into the HPD ARX-01C.

New 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

The all-new 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show today. The TSX Sport Wagon offers a smart solution to modern utility needs with its balanced and efficient driving performance coupled with bold styling and versatile cargo capabilities.
"The TSX Sport Wagon represents a smart choice for those seeking a vehicle with utility," said John Mendel, executive vice president, sales. "It's practical, fun to drive, luxurious and technically advanced, all while achieving an outstanding estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon*."
The TSX Sport Wagon delivers flexible utility and generous interior space- perfect for those with a growing family or an active lifestyle. The TSX Sport Wagon boasts an innovative and highly functional rear cargo space that includes a removable side panel to accommodate wider items such as golf clubs and integrated under-floor bins for hidden storage. Along with this sizeable cargo space, the TSX Sport Wagon features a comfortable and spacious cabin with seating for up to five adults.
The TSX Sport Wagon's practical utility is cleverly masked behind crisp lines and a sleek, European-inspired exterior. Bold wheel arches frame the 17-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels, giving the Sport Wagon an aggressive stance. The chiseled, muscular body and sloping roofline emphasize its performance capabilities while making it more aerodynamic.
Powering the TSX Sport Wagon is a 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC®, inline four-cylinder engine paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission fit with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The TSX Sport Wagon delivers brisk performance while achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg* on the highway. Drawing from its sports sedan roots, the TSX Sport Wagon features agile handling and quick off the line acceleration, allowing it to easily tackle a twisty mountain road or swiftly navigate through city streets.
To enhance the driving experience, the TSX Sport Wagon features the latest in advanced technologies including an available hard disk drive-based Acura Navigation System™ with an all-new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ featuring radar image mapping. For the audiophile, the TSX Sport Wagon will be available with an Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Audio System and a hard disk drive (HDD) for media storage. Additionally, the TSX Sport Wagon is equipped with an impressive list of standard features, including a power glass moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, a premium sound system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and USB port and AUX jack music interface. Like all Acura vehicles, the TSX Sport Wagon will come with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.
The 2011 TSX Sport Wagon will be an entry luxury utility offering when it arrives at Acura dealerships in the late fall. The Sport Wagon will join the TSX lineup, which already includes the popular 4-cylinder and sporty V-6 powered sports sedans.
For media information and high-resolution photos of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.
TSX Sport Wagon Specifications:
Length: 189.4 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 57.9 inches
Wheelbase: 106.5 inches
Wheel: 17x7.5- inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
Seating capacity: 5-passenger
*Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. You actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
Click here to watch the press release.

How Good Is Acura's SH-AWD?

Temple Of VTEC was fortunate enough to attend Acura's Winter Test Experience at in Baudette, MN. Acura demonstrated the sophistication of their SH-AWD and Vehicle Stability Assist systems relative to those offered by competitors. The Acuras included the MDX, ZDX, and TL SH-AWD 6MT. The competitors included the 2010 Audi Q7, 2010 BMW 335xi, 2010 BMW X6 3.5 xDrive, 2010 Infiniti FX35, and 2010 Lexus RX350.

The interesting part of the video starts around 1 minute 20 seconds in. All I can say is SH-AWD is pretty impressive!

Q&A From Winter 2010 Acura Style

Q: I will be traveling to an area where I may need to use snow chains on my 2008 TSX. What product does Acura recommend?

A: If road conditions require extra traction equipment, Acura recommends SCC Radial Chain CH2412T, a cable-type chain made by Security Chain Company. Always follow your vehicle Owner's Manual when selecting traction aids, because improperly installed or incorrectly sized traction devices can damage your vehicle's break lines, suspension, body and wheels.

Traction products for other Acura models can be found at www.scc-chain.com and www.qualitychaincorp.com.


Q: I'm having difficulty dialing numbers that aren't in my phone book. Can you give me a few tips on operating the Bluetooth feature on my 2007 MDX with navigation system?

A: To dial a number not stored in your Bluetooth HandsFreeLink(R) phone book, press and release the "Talk" button, wait for the beep and in a clear, natural speaking voice say, "Dial," and state the phone number. Be sure to close the windows and moonroof first, to minimize background noise.

Your 2007 MDX also has a help feature where you can review a list of voice commands: just press "Talk," wait for the beep, then say, "HandsFreeLink help." Your command can be repeated to you.

For more info and a cell phone compatibility chart, visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink.


Q: I would like to change the automatic door lock and unlock settings on my 2009 TL. Where can I find out how to do this?

A: You can find this information in a few places. The fastest and easiest is the Quick Start Guide, under Personalized Settings. Another great source is the Door Lock Settings video at myacura.com. And of course, the vehicle Owner's Manual has everything you need to know about your car.

Essentially, your TL has two memory settings. The personalized settings include door locks, seat and outside mirror positions, climate control and radio settings. Save your preferences immediately by pressing the "Memo" button on the driver's door and the number that matches your key fob -- either 1 or 2.


Have a question you'd like answered in the next Acura Style magazine? Write to acurastyle@javelincp.com

For technical questions, call Acura Client Services directly at 1-800-382-2238.

[TSB 09-041] TSX Engine Pings During Moderate to Heavy Acceleration

TSB 09-041

Apples To:2009 TSX – ALL
2010 TSX L4 – From VIN JH4CU2...AC000001 thru JH4CU2...AC009053


SYMPTOM:The engine pings during moderate to heavy acceleration.

PROBABLE CAUSE:The PCM software, combined with knock sensor sensitivity, may not adjust the ignition timing as expected.

NOTE: This condition does not cause internal engine damage. Some engine ping is a desired characteristic for optimal performance and fuel economy.

CORRECTIVE ACTION:Replace the knock sensor, then update the PGM-FI software with the HDS. If you’re working on a vehicle with A/T, also update the A/T software.

NOTE: On vehicles with A/T, you must update the A/T software to complete the repair.
Click here for more details.

Consumer Reports Recommends Acura RL For Luxury Seden Over $50k

The Cadillac CTS sedan outscored its competition Audi A6 3.0T, Acura RL, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Lincoln MKS Ecoboost in a Consumer Reports competition of luxury sedans over $50,000. However, only the Acura RL is recommended due to the CTS's reliability issues. Here's what CR had to say about the Acura RL.

The Acura RL is a pleasant and refined car, but the driving experience isn't special enough to justify its $50,000 price tag. The car is full of electronic conveniences, but the ride and backseat are not as comfortable as those found in competing vehicles. Handling is sound, but less sporty than most of its competitors. The Acura RL AWD ($50,660 MSRP as tested), is powered by a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine that is smooth and slick and delivers 19 mpg overall on premium gasoline. The five-speed automatic transmission is very smooth and responsive. Braking is very good. The RL's high-quality interior has impeccable fit and finish. For a car in this class, the RL's trunk is modest.

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Acura To Get Hybrids

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito announced at the Detroit Auto Show that Acura will be adding a hybrid drivetrain to its models. It is unknown when and which models will be hybrids.

But in the near term, the most important approach to cut CO2 emissions is expanding the use of hybrid electric vehicles. To increase the opportunity for more customers to choose a hybrid we must be able to meet different needs with family, luxury and sporty hybrid vehicles. We will apply hybrid systems which are compact, lightweight and affordable to a wider range of products in the near future.

I wonder if it will be anything like the CR-Z hybrid they just revealed.

[TSB 08-057] HandsFreeLink (HFL) Doesn't Work

SYMPTOM
The HandsFreeLink (HFL) system doesn’t work, and the battery sometimes won’t start the vehicle.

APPLIES TO
2007-08 TL (ALL)
2008 MDX (ALL)

PROBABLE CAUSE
The HFL control unit has an internal problem, which creates a parasitic current draw of 250 mA.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the HFL control unit.

PARTS INFORMATION
HFL Control Unit:
MDX:
P/N 39770-STX-A01

TL except Type-S:
Moon Lake Gray, NH528L
P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZA
Gray, YR167L
P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZB
Light Cream Ivory, YR240L
P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZC

TL Type-S:
Graphite Black, NH167L
P/N 39770-SEP-A62ZA
Gray, NH556L
P/N 39770-SEP-A62ZB

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Failed Part: P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZA
Defect Code: 03217
Symptom Code: 09001
Skill Level: Repair Technician

Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone
Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

For the full details, get the PDF here.