W Hotels' "Advance Package" Offer

Acura is continuing its partnership as the "Preferred Vehicle of W^® Hotels" through March 2010. In celebration, Acura and W Hotels are providing Acura owners an exclusive offer, the "Advance Package."

All current Acura owners can receive 50% off each second night stay at any W Hotel in the U.S. or Canada, plus a complimentary upgrade, if available.

As a guest at the W, you may continue to enjoy the complimentary "Acura Experience" driving service and arrive at your destination in a seven-passenger Acura MDX simply by making a reservation with the concierge.

To book your hotel stay with the "Advance Package" offer, visit www.whotels.com/advance or call 1.877.822.0000 and mention the booking code MDX. For more information about W Hotels, please visit www.whotels.com

My Review For 2009 Acura TSX

This review is for the 2009 Acura TSX from a 2005 Acura TSX owner.

I got a chance to borrow a 2009 Acura TSX as a loaner when I brought in my 2005 Acura TSX in for my 30K service.

Although I like the fact that the car is a little bigger and wider, I can't say that I like the new styling all that much. I'm still turned off by the new "Power Plenum" grill as it does not look luxurious at all. To me a car's grill should be like a manufacturer's signature. BMW does this concept very will.

Continuing with exterior appearance, I also like the location of the fog lights compared to the previous generation refreshed model's (2006-2008) location. The current generation's rim is comparable to the previous generation's model before the refresh (2004-2005), which are better looking than the refreshed (2006-2008) version. The rear styling of the car looks pretty good. Everyone I talked to likes the back, at least so much more than the front.

The interior of the car is nice, the leather seats are pretty soft and comfortable. However, some of the interior pieces feel too plastic, and the center console is too button happy. In my opinion, a simpler console is more elegant. I thought that Acura would have added rear passenger air vents in this generation's version already, but I guess not.

The car I borrowed, had the Technology Package as it included the navigation and backup camera. I have to admit, the Tech Pack made me even more jealous that I didn't get the navi in my 2005 TSX.

Driving the car... The 2009 Acura TSX feels a lot bigger than the previous generation, but it also seems "peepier." The engine's beefiness is adequent, but I can understand why Acura is releasing a V6 version soon. The car however does not feel nimble like the pervious generation. The automatic transmission comes with paddle shifters instead of the sequential sport shift like in the previous generation. I can't say that paddle shifters is that much more fun than the sport shift, I think it's all preference when it comes down to this, and I rather have the sport shift. It is however cooler to tell someone your car has paddle shifters.

So what does this all mean? At the end day, it's nice to drive around a 2009 Acura TSX, but I'm much happier with my clean exterior looking, simple center console, sequential sport shift, and nimble feeling 2005 Acura TSX. To quote edmunds.com's review: "The last one was better."

My Fixed 2005 Acura TSX

I finally got my car back from Penske Auto Collision. They took 3 weeks instead of their estimated time of 2 weeks! So for 3 weeks I was driving around in a rental Chevy Cobalt. Penske said they found some "supplemental" work that they had the insurance approve. Maybe worth noting, but my co-worker (who recommended the place) said that Penske did the same thing to him. The repair ended up totaling $3305.32, the initial insurance appraisal Penske had to work with was $1625.30, I only had to pay my $500 deductible.

When I went to pick up my car, there was some initial disappointment. I inspected my car and found some paint missing from the rocker panel. I thought to myself, "I don't think this panel was affected by the accident," but after checking the before pictures, I guess there were some scratches on that panel too. Either way, I expressed my dissatisfaction of the questioned area. My advisor, John, told me they didn't do anything the insurance didn't approve. I thought to myself, "this makes no sense, my insurance gave you extra money and extra time to blend and repaint my front door which was totally not affected by the accident but won't you let you paint a part near the area of the accident?"

So I continued to express my disapproval. I said, "Look, I'm not asking you to repaint the whole panel, but it just seems like this part of the panel is missing some paint." John agreed, so he suggested that he take the car "back" for 5 minutes and get some paint to touch-up that area.

After my car returned from disappearing for about 10 minutes, I was a lot more satisfied. I'm not saying, I'm 100% happy, but about 98%. I don't think they could make me 100% satisfied because I actually had to tell them to take it back and they took 3 weeks!










My review for Penske Auto Collision:

Repair cost: D (They were the most expensive. I would not have taken my car there if I were paying out of my pocket.)

Repair time: D (They estimated 2 weeks, which was the longest of all 3 initial estimates, but instead took 3 weeks!)

Repair quality: B+ (Maybe I'm just anal, but I notice when there's missing paint on my car.)

Willing to work with you: A (They said if I experience any issues or anything give them a call, haven't had to do it yet, but they did take it back and touch up the paint when I expressed my dissatisfaction.)

Professionalism: A (I got a status report from them basically every Friday.)

Would I recommend them? Yes, but if money and time is an issue then take it somewhere else.

[POLL - Results] The 2010 Acura TSX V6 Sedan Should Have:

According to the people who visit this site, the majority of them believe that the 2010 V6 Acura TSX should offer a manual transmission. The manual transmission selection was almost tied with people who think that the V6 TSX sedan should have been a coupe instead. This makes sense as Acura currently does not offer any coupes in their lineup since they got rid of the Acura RSX and the Acura NSX was discontinued before that. These two selections made up more than half (52%) of the total votes.

Acura Gets Own Financial Services

American Honda Finance Corp. (AHFC) this week launched Acura-branded financial services to better satisfy the needs of Acura dealers and customers. The creation of Acura Financial Services (AFS) marks a major milestone in Acura history. This is just the first step of a multifaceted effort to further enhance customer service and raise the brand image for Acura, the luxury nameplate that pioneered the launch of Japanese luxury automobiles in the U.S.

Visit www.acurafinancialservices.com for more Acura Financial Services information.

Grand Prix of Long Beach 2009

I was in Long Beach this past weekend for the Toyota Grand Prix. I wished I was there for the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) so that I could see the Acura LMP1 and LMP2 cars, but nonetheless I had a good time. It was my first time at an auto racing event this big.

I carpooled with my coworker in his supercharged Mazda Miata. We left San Diego around 8:20 AM and got to Long Beach a little before 10:00 AM. We walked the Expo floor and picked up random freebies. The 3 most "useful" freebies were: 1) Firestone cap signed by someone, 2) calendar, and 3) a small bottle of hot sauce.


During warm-ups




Check out the Honda Accord safety car




In the pit around for the Speed GT challenge cars


Audi R8


Audi R8 engine


Nissan GT-R model by Tamiya


Me with some other type of models ;)


Overview shoot off one of the bridges






Turn 1 with some cars


That's Danica Patrick


Under yellow flag


We were in Grandstand #6

Indy Car Race 2009

The video I shot of the first lap that day.

So after this experience I don't really believe it's worth watching one of these professional races in person. Unlike football, racing fans rather have seats higher up. You're basically baking under the hot sun for the whole race, and you get to see very little. On TV, you get to see and hear what's going on around the whole track. In person at the track it's really hard to hear, plus you should be wearing earplugs. However, in person you can feel the cars as they drive by and smell the burning rubber. I would love to go to ALMS and check out the Acura cars in the pits.

[ALMS Results] Acura 1-2-3

A 1-2-3 overall sweep for the auto manufacturer yielded the second complete podium in Acura's two-and-a -half-year history in ALMS, following the Detroit sweep last August. In addition, Acura recorded its second consecutive victory in the LMP1 and LMP2 categories following the St. Petersburg double class win two weeks ago.

The Acura team of Gil de Ferran and Simon Pagenaud scored its first ALMS career win by taking a onesecond victory over David Brabham and Scott Sharp under caution to earn the overall event victory and the LMP1 title. Meanwhile, the Mexican duo of Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz notched their third straight LMP2 triumph of the 2009 campaign.

Tequila Patrón ALMS Grand Prix Overall Results
1. XM RADIO de FERRAN ACURA ARX-02a No. 66
Drivers: Gil de Ferran, Simon Pagenaud (1st LMP1)
2. PATRÓN HIGHCROFT ACURA ARX-02a No. 9
Drivers: David Brabham, Scott Sharp
3. LOWE'S FERNANDEZ ACURA ARX-01b No. 15
Drivers: Adrian Fernandez, Luis Diaz (1st LMP2)

UPCOMING ALMS RACE:
The American Le Mans Series returns to action May 15-17 at the beautiful Miller Motorsports Park outside Salt Lake City, Utah for the fourth stop on the ten-race ALMS tour. Acura will be seeking its first win at the Utah racing facility, after just missing the winner's circle last year.

Event: Larry H. Miller Utah Grand Prix
Track: Miller Motorsports Park
Tooele, Utah
(3.06 Miles , 15 turns)
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2009
1 p.m. (MDT)
Distance: 2 hours, 45 minutes
TV: SPEED TV, May 17
10 p.m. EDT (Delayed)

Acura ZDX Designers

Michelle Christensen - Exterior Designer

Michelle Christensen was only 25 years old and straight out of the Art Center College of Design when she first sketched the ZDX.

"From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be," said Michelle Christensen, ZDX exterior designer. "My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior."



Michael Wiedeman - Interior Designer



Damon Schell - Project Leader

If you want a family car, buy an MDX -- the ZDX is aimed at well-off couples who don't need to take kids with them when they travel, say the designers. "At one stage, we even thought of making it so the rear seats folded up only when you needed them," says Schell.

Video Of The ZDX Prototype

For interviews with the Acura ZDX designers, click here.

To view all ZDX related entries, click here.

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.