AboutAcura

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Next Gen Acura NSX Delayed?

Rumor has it that the next generation Acura NSX will be delayed for at least 6 months. A couple of things could have helped cause this schedule change.

First, there was a crash at Honda's Takasu Proving Ground in May (2014). Reports are saying that a car went off course while testing and two men in their 20's were hurt. The passenger was transported to a nearby hospital while the driver sustained minor injuries. Rumors are saying the vehicle was the new NSX.

If that wasn't bad enough, now there are images of a charred NSX destroyed due to fire while testing on the Nurburgring in Germany. The camo-ed prototype was completely destroyed after the engine compartment caught fire at the end of July (2014).

Here's video of the test NSX without fire:

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

2015 Acura TLX Specs Revailed at New York International Auto Show

Acura unveiled the 2015 Acura TLX at the New York International Auto Show. The concept car reveled early this year looked awesome! The production model looks ok, very RLX-ish and somewhat bland.

TLX Model	Available Packages	Engine	Transmission	Steering/ Drivetrain	Anticipated EPA Ratings³
TLX	Technology	2.4-liter, I-4	8DCT	P-AWS	24/35/28³
TLX V-6	Technology, Advance	3.5-liter, V-6	9AT	P-AWS	21/34/25³
TLX V-6 SH-AWD	Technology, Advance	3.5-liter, V-6	9AT	SH-AWD	21/31/25³

Complaints on the interwebs:

No manual transmission.
Fake leatherette in base model.
Bland/ugly exterior.
Weird extra line on the side skirt.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

My 2005 Acura TSX Alternator Died

So it happened, my alternator died leaving me dead on the road in the rain last Thursday, February 6, 2014. My day started out normal, wake up, get ready for work, and jumped in the car to drive to work. Not even a quarter mile into, I see the battery icon light up. I thought to myself, "I don't think this means the battery is low because I have had to change a low battery before and this never popped up before." Maybe it's just a false warning. I work only about 5 miles away so I get to work without any issues. Told myself that I will look up this indicator light when I'm at my desk, but never actually do because of the busy day and totally forget about it.

Fast forward about 8 hours, I jump back into my car and start it. Again the battery light is on! So it's probably not a false warning but I don't really know exactly what this light is warning me about, something battery/electrical related. I start heading home, but it's rush hour in the rain, and for some reason most San Diegans are terrible drivers in the rain. All of a sudden, my radio goes silence. I thought to myself, is it just this station or is it my radio? Checked the next station... no sound... Quickly turned off the radio and started to make my way to the left lane in case I am going to breakdown. As I was thinking that, my fuel and temperature gauges drop all the way down to zero. About a minute later, my dash fully lights up! I don't know what's exactly going on, but I told myself, "You need to pull over into this parking lot!"

I parked somewhere out in the open in case I needed to jump my car. I texted my fiancee and brother, both who didn't respond right away. My plan was to wait for traffic to die and try to make it 4 miles home. As I was waiting around, I was googling on my phone the battery indicator. Basically, the internet didn't tell me anything new: electrical problem most-likely alternator. My fiancee finally got back to me about 30 minutes later asking what I wanted her to do. I told her I wanted to drive it home after traffic died down, but as I was saying that, it occurred to me that even if I get it home, it might be stuck there and I will probably need to tow it to my mechanic anyways. So now I wanted to wait until traffic died and drive it to my mechanic, which was about 7 miles away, 6 of which are on the freeway.

My fiancee picks me up and we eat dinner while waiting for the traffic to die down. I get jumper cables out of my car after getting back to it. They're basically part of my bug out bag in my car. I used my fiancee's car to charge my battery. After what seemed like a long time, but was really only 20 mins, we headed out. The plan was to have her drive behind me to block car if anything happened.

After waiting at the first light for 3 mins, which seemed like forever, all the symptoms of electrical problems appeared again! However, this time there was another symptom, my car couldn't really move when I stepped on the gas! My engine revved but I wasn't going anywhere. I played with changing the gears for a little bit and somehow my car started rolling again. I accelerated to the next light and I could see that my headlights are out. So my dash is basically all dead, car isn't going when I tell it to, my headlights are out, all in the rain. There's no way I'm getting on the freeway like this, I need to pull over and get this towed! So I turned off onto a side street to try to turn into the first parking lot I see... but I couldn't make it. My car died at the intersection to the parking lot. :( The lucky thing was I was no longer on the main road, and I wasn't caught in the middle of the intersection. My fiancee pulls up next to me and I start charging my battery again, just trying to make into the parking lot. As the battery was charging, I called a tow truck, $45 hook plus $5 per mile.

The tow truck arrived moderately fast, took about 30 minutes. I towed my car to my mechanic, the tow guy knew where it was. After paying the tow truck, I took my car key off my ring and threw it in my mechanic's mailbox. I thought to myself, I couldn't drive it for 4 miles, good luck to anyone who wants to steal it and drive 4 miles.

The next day, I worked from home and called my mechanic to tell him what's up. He said he would check the battery and alternator and would call me back. As promised, I received his phone call and told me my alternator is bad and I would need a new battery too. $275 for the alternator and $100 for the battery so $375 installed. I asked what happened and his response over the phone was "the battery is too strong and it killed the alternator". I didn't really get it but the conversation ended there.

I picked up my car the next day and wanted to clarify what he meant about the battery being too strong because I changed my battery at Walmart 2 years ago and this is they battery they said went with my car. He told me when he tested my alternator, it was smoking. When he tested my battery it was about 14 volts. The battery is supposed to be around 12 volts. He said the alternator was overworked because it always needed to charge the "strong" battery.

I bought my 2005 Acura TSX in the December of 2005.

Friday, January 17, 2014

RIP Acura ZDX

Although you still can configure a ZDX on Acura.com, 2013 was the last year for the crossover vehicle. The Acura ZDX Prototype debuted at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in 2009. The model was killed because it wasn't making sales and only lived for about 4 years. Nice try Acura, rest in peace ZDX.

For more details please see Acura's press release from last year.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Acura Plans To Move Up To GT Category In Pirelli World Challenge Championship

Acura Motorsports today pulled the wraps off the new 2015 Acura TLX GT Race Car at the North American International Auto Show, announcing plans to move up to the GT category of the growing and highly competitive Pirelli World Challenge Championship.

To be campaigned by long time Acura Motorsports partner RealTime Racing, the new TLX GT will move Acura into the top category of the Pirelli World Challenge, facing competition that includes the Audi R8 LMS, Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes SLS, Nissan GTR, Porsche 911 and Ferrari 458.

Developed from the production 2015 Acura TLX by HPD, the racing arm of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., the Acura TLX GT Race Car will feature HPD chassis and aerodynamic performance parts approved for Pirelli World Challenge competition, and will be powered by a direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, developed by HPD from the normally aspirated, production TLX luxury sport sedan. It will utilize all-wheel drive, as found in Acura's Super-Handling All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™).

HPD was founded in 1993 as the performance arm of American Honda, to spearhead the company's entry into Indy car racing. No other manufacturer has matched Honda's success in Indy cars, which includes 204 race victories, 15 drivers' championships, six manufacturers' championships and nine consecutive Indianapolis 500 victories. In 2013, Honda powered veteran Scott Dixon to four race wins and the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series championship; and Tristan Vautier to series Rookie of the Year honors.

HPD's prototype racing efforts have resulted in more than 60 victories and multiple American Le Mans Series championships. The company's sports car racing debut in 2007 at the 12 Hours of Sebring marked the first win for HPD's LM-V8 engine; and the first for a Honda racing engine designed and developed outside of Japan. HPD won the LMP2 title in the inaugural 2012 World Endurance Championship and has twice won the LMP2 category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2010. In 2013, HPD and Honda again swept the LMP1 and LMP2 manufacturers', engine, team and drivers' championships in the American Le Mans Series; while HPD-equipped Strakka Racing claimed the LMP1 class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for private team entries.

HPD participates in competition on both two wheels and four. The company offers a complete line of race engines for cars from grass roots to pinnacle; for professional, amateur and entry-level racers.

The Acura TLX GT Race Car will be campaigned by Wisconsin-based RealTime Racing, the most successful team in Pirelli World Challenge history. Established in 1987 by owner/driver Peter Cunningham, RTR has raced and won with both Honda and Acura products. Since entering the Sports Car Club of America Pro Racing-sanctioned World Challenge series in 1993, the team has scored a record 85 race victories on its way to 14 Manufacturers' Championships and 14 Drivers' Championships.

Don't forget to check out the Acura TLX Debut.

2015 Acura TLX Prototype

Acura today unveiled the 2015 Acura TLX Prototype showcasing the design and performance direction for the all-new 2015 TLX performance-luxury sedan launching mid-year at Acura dealerships nationwide. The TLX was developed around the theme"Red Carpet Athlete" to deliver a compelling blend of luxury refinement and sports-sedan athleticism, with exhilarating performance enhanced by next-generation Acura powertrain and dynamic handling technologies. The TLX will join the ILX compact luxury sedan and the RLX luxury performance sedan as the third vehicle in Acura's sedan lineup. The new TLX replaces both the TSX and TL sedans.

Car highlights include:

Jewel Eye LED
Dimensionally, the overall length is 3.8 inches shorter than the current TL, yet rides the same 109.3 inch wheelbase as the TL. The prototype's right-sized dimensions place the new TLX neatly in between the smaller ILX and larger RLX sedans.
Two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.

Two-wheel drive with either the 2.4 or 3.5 liter engines
TLX SH-AWD is exclusively for the 3.5 liter V6 engine with 9-speed transmission.

Two new engines

2.4-liter 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with direct-injection.
3.5-liter SOHC V6 with direct injection

Two new transmissions.

8-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with torque converter is mated with the new 4 cylinder engine.
9-speed automatic transmission is mated with the V6 engine

The TLX was designed and developed in the United States by Acura engineers working in the company's Los Angeles design studio and Raymond, Ohio new-vehicle development center. The new TLX will be produced using domestic and globally sourced parts at the company's award-winning Marysville, Ohio auto plant, which presently manufactures the 2014 Acura TL performance-luxury sedan.

Acura Reveals TLX Prototype at 2014 NAIAS in Detroit Video:

For more details, please see the Acura TLX Press Release.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

1st Gen Acura TSX Technical Service Bulletins

I started to capture TSBs on this site, but it takes forever and there are other sites out there that do a better job. I don't want to reinvent the wheel, for example, AcuraZine has a comprehensive TSB list for the first generation Acura TSX.

Includes the following issues:

TSB 00-037 : Brake Disk Refinishing Guidelines Applies to all models

TSB 03-009 : 2004 Acura Paint Codes Applies to all 2004 models

TSB 03-010 : OBD II DTCs and Their Associated Monitors Applies to all OBD II equipped models

TSB 03-011 : 2004 TSX TQI and New Model Information Applies to all 2004 TSX models

TSB 03-012 : Immobilizer System (Type 4) Applies to all 2004 TSX models

TSB 03-013 : TL and TSX TQI of the DVD Navigational System with Voice Recognition Applies to all 2004 & 2005 TSX models with Navi

TSB 03-024 : 2004 Acura Paint Codes Applies to all 2004 models

TSB 04-004 : Updating the Honda Interface Module (HIM) Model 3557-0100-00 Applies to all models

TSB 04-012 : Product Update - Out of Specification Automatic Transmission Case Applies to 2004 TSX with VIN in the following range: JH4CL96..4C025689 to JH4CL96..4C028611

TSB 04-021 : Warranty Extension - Audio-HVAC Display is Dim or Dark Applies to all 2004 TSX models

TSB 04-024 : Buzzing from the Front Door Panels or Speakers Applies to 2004 TSX with VIN in the following range: JH4CL9...4C000001 to JH4CL9...4C016871

TSB 04-026 : Safety Recall - TSX Rear Wire Harness Applies to 2004 TSX with VIN in the following range: JH4CL9...4C000070 to JH4CL9...4C040281

TSB 04-041 : Moisture in the Headlight Applies to all 2004 TSX models

TSB 04-042 : Rattle from the A-Pillar Applies to all 2004 TSX models

TSB 05-014 : Child Seat Anchor Location Button is Missing Applies to all 2004-05 TSX models

TSB 05-015 : Rear Stabilizer Link is Broken Applies to all 2004-05 TSX models

TSB 05-018 : Navigation System DVD Information and Inspection Applies to all 2004-07 TSX models

TSB 05-032 : 2006 Acura Paint Codes, Exterior and Interior Color Code Locations Applies to all 2006 TSX models

TSB 05-041 : 2006 TSX - TQI of the DVD Navigation System with Voice Recognition Applies to all 2006 TSX models with Navi

TSB 05-046 : 2006 TSX - TQI and New Model Information Applies to all 2006 TSX models

TSB 06-001 : Audio, Navigation, and RES Unit In-Warranty Exchange, and Audio and DVD Player Out-of-Warranty Repair Applies to all models

TSB 06-002 : Front Subframe Removal Adapter Applies to all 2004-06 TSX models

TSB 06-007 : Right Rear Wheel Camber Out Of Specification Applies to the following TSX models: 2004 - all 2005 - VIN range from JH4CL9...5C000001 to JH4CL9...5C015076

TSB 06-016 : Trunk Lid Does Not Open Applies to all 2004-05 TSX models

TSB 06-018 : Driver's Seat Squeaks Applies to all 2006 TSX models

TSB 06-023 : MIL Comes On With DTC P0116 Applies to all 2006 TSX models

TSB 06-029 : XM Satellite Radio and Audio Accessories Play at the Same Time Applies to 2006 TSX models with VIN range from JH4C69...6C000007 to JH4C69...6C025147

TSB 06-034 : Vehicle Pulling or Drifting Applies to all models

TSB 06-042 : 2007 TSX - TQI and New Model Information Applies to all 2007 TSX models

TSB 06-046 : Tubeless Tire Repair Information Applies to all models

TSB 06-050 : Warranty Extension - Vehicle Warranty Mileage Applies to all models purchased between April 13, 2002 and November 7, 2006.

TSB 06-053 : 2007 Acura Paint Codes, Exterior and Interior Color Code Locations Applies to all 2007 TSX models

TSB 07-007 : Clarification of Acura Unibody Repair Policy Applies to all models

TSB 07-010 : Music Link (For iPod) General Information and Symptom Troubleshooting Applies to all models with accessory Music Link installed

TSB 07-016 : Product Update - Moisture in Headlight Applies to all 2004-05 TSX models

TSB 07-017 : Safety Recall - Fuel Pump Relay May Cause Engine No-Start or Stalling Applies to 2005 TSX models with VIN range from JH4CL9...5C018626 to JH4CL9...5C025175

TSB 07-021 : Front Brakes Judder Applies to all 2004-07 TSX models

TSB 07-025 : AC Leak Detection Applies to all models

TSB 07-027 : Updating the AcuraLink Control Unit Applies to all vehicles with AcuraLink

TSB 07-030 : 2008 TSX - TQI and New Model Information Applies to all 2008 TSX models

TSB 07-040 : 2008 Acura Paint Codes Applies to all 2008 models

TSB 07-041 : Brake Pedal is Low and Feels Soft Applies to all 2004-07 TSX models

TSB 07-050 : Service Manual Update:HFL (HandsFreeLink) General Troubleshooting Information Applies to all 2006-08 models with HandsFreeLink

TSB 07-057 : Low Tire Pressure Indicator Stays On, But All Tire Pressures Are OK Applies to the following TSX models: 2007 - all 2008 - VIN range from JH4CL9...8C000001 to JH4CL9...8C005018

TSB 07-059 : ATF Leak Detection Applies to all TSXs with automatic transmissions

TSB 08-011 : Front Door Glass Squeaks When Going Up or Down Applies to all 2004-08 TSX models

TSB 08-012 : MIL is On With DTC P1172 or P2A00 Applies to all 2004-06 TSX models

TSB 08-017 : 2009 TSX - TQI of the DVD Navigation System With Voice Recognition Applies to all 2009 TSX models

TSB 08-020 : 2009 TSX - TQI and New Model Information Applies to all 2009 TSX models

TSB 08-025 : Fuel Fill Door Is Hard To Open Applies to all 2009 TSX models

TSB 08-026 : Load Carrying Capacity Reduced Label Applies to all TSX models

TSB 08-027 : Beverage Holder Lid Will Not Open Applies to all 2009 TSX models

TSB 10-025: Power Steering Rack Squeaks Applies to all 2004-2008 TSX Models

Friday, October 18, 2013

Broken Images

Hi all, I'm discovering that a lot of old images are broken and don't show up anymore. I have been researching the net and it seems like Google did something go their Picasa and Blogger accounts. All the images exist in my Picasa account but their links have been changed (probably by Google). I have gone through and re-linked some of the images but can't imagine doing that with 500+ images. If anyone knows a better way of fixing this than manually re-linking, please comment below.

Thank you,
---David
www.AboutAcura.com

Thursday, August 22, 2013

On Track With The New NSX

From the moment it first turned a wheel at the 1994 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Acura NSX has always been right at home on a racetrack. So it is not surprising the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course played host to the very first high-speed, public appearance of a new NSX prototype. Preceding the Honda Indy 200—and broadcast live on NBC Sports—the Acura supercar lapped the undulating circuit at speed in front of thousands of cheering fans. The rolling NSX prototype maintains the beautiful styling and proportions of the concept car and adds the dynamic NSX enthusiasts have waited months for—the sound. The mid-mounted V6 did not disappoint, howling to redline several times. Slated for launch in 2015, the production NSX will be built just down the road from the Mid-Ohio track in Marysville, OH using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Acura NSX Teaser on Vine and Instagram

You have to wait to see the Acura NSX prototype August 4 at the Mid-Ohio Raceway for the Honda 200 IndyCar race, but you can catch a couple of teasers from Vine and Instagram now.

Vine: First for Acura fans. New NSX prototype. Right now. #AcuraNSX

Instagram: First for Acura fans. New NSX Prototype.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Third Gen Acura MDX Goes On Sale

The all-new 2014 MDX, the third generation of Acura's acclaimed 7-passenger luxury performance SUV, goes on sale at Acura dealerships nationwide, offering comfort, connectivity and performance every luxury customer wants at a price that no other luxury brand can match. Available for the first time in a new two-wheel drive model, pricing for the 2014 MDX begins with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $42,290*, a substantial $990 reduction in starting price versus the outgoing 2013 model.

The 2014 MDX adds a bevy of new standard features - including Smart Entry with Push Button Start, Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, exterior and interior LED lighting, Extended Slide second-row seating with One-Touch Walk-In for third-row access, an 8-inch On-Demand Multi-Information Display touchscreen, Expanded View Driver's Mirror, a powerful 432-watt Acura sound system, and an acoustic glass front windows and windshield.

New from the ground up, the 2014 MDX has a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase, and is lower and narrower for reduced frontal area and enhanced fuel efficiency. With high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium comprising 64-percent of its body structure, the 2014 MDX is 275 pounds lighter than the previous model with the lightest published weight in its segment, which directly contributes to improved acceleration, nimble handling, and class-leading fuel economy ratings.

The 2014 Acura MDX is powered by a new 290-horsepower direct-injected i-VTEC 3.5 liter V-6 powertrain with fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management technology. Compared to the 3.7-liter engine it replaces, the 3.5-liter V-6 in the 2014 MDX offers an 8-percent increase in torque at engine speeds below 2,750 rpm for greater overall responsiveness. Due to improved operating efficiency, horsepower output per liter is up two percent and torque output per liter is up 4.4 percent compared to the previous model's engine. Together with the 2014 MDX's substantial reduction in curb weight, overall performance is enhanced, including quicker 0-60 mph times and 8-second quicker lap times on Germany's Nürburgring Nordschliefe (North Loop), where both the new and outgoing model were extensively tuned and tested.

The 2014 MDX is the third generation of Acura's top-of-the-line SUV to be designed, developed and engineered in North America. Production of the new MDX and its powertrain will take place at the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Lincoln, Alabama.

In designing the new MDX, Acura engineers built on the foundation of its excellent dynamic performance with a focus on three core values: class-leading fuel efficiency, new levels of luxury comfort, and top-level safety performance.

There are four MDX grades, each available with front-wheel drive or Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD):

The well-equipped MDX has standard leather trimmed first- and second-row seats with heating on the front row, Smart Entry with Push Button Start (front doors and rear hatch access), a 432-watt audio system with 8-speakers, 18-inch alloy wheels, Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, and more.
The MDX with Technology Package adds 19-inch alloy wheels, Smart Entry for all four doors, the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, a 501-watt Acura/ELS® Studio audio system with 10-speakers, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Blind Spot Information (BSI) System and more.
The MDX with Technology and Rear Entertainment Package adds a 529-watt Acura/ELS® Studio audio system with 11-speakers and HD Radio™, a DVD rear entertainment system with 9-inch display, rear-passenger window sunshades, and other features.
The top-of-the-line MDX with Advance Package includes unique 7-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels, a 605-watt Acura/ELS® Studio audio system with 12-speakers, the Acura DVD Ultra-Wide Rear Entertainment System with 16.2-inch display, perforated Milano leather first- and second-row seating and ventilated front seats, front and rear parking sensors and remote engine start, along with Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Collision Mitigation Brake System, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, and additional luxury features.

TRIM	MSRP*	EPA Ratings²
MDX	$42,290	20/28/23
MDX with Technology Package	$46,565	20/28/23
MDX with Technology and Entertainment Package	$48,565	20/28/23
MDX with Advance Package	$54,505	20/28/23
MDX with SH-AWD	$44,290	18/27/21
MDX with SH-AWD and Technology Package	$48,565	18/27/21
MDX with SH-AWD and Technology and Entertainment Package	$50,565	18/27/21
MDX with SH-AWD and Advance Package	$56,505	18/27/21

For more on the 2014 Acura MDX, click here for the press release.