2009 Acura TSX © Car and Driver

“Sophomore, Sans Slump: Could the second generation possibly be as satisfying as the first?” 

The editors at Car and Driver were quite fond of the first generation Acura TSX but were they equally impressed with the new second generation? Find out what they thought about their 2.4-liter Vortex Blue Pearl 2009 TSX after a year with the vehicle. 

View Car and Driver’s long term review and photo gallery at caranddriver.com. 

[Source: Car and Driver]

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Images

Here are a few images of the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon recently made available at www.acuranews.com.

[Source: Acura]

2012 Honda Legend/Acura RL Rendering

Road & Track blogger Sam Mitani has featured a rendered speculation of the next generation Honda Legend/Acura Legend on his blog.

The design doesn’t look bad, but it doesn’t really knock my socks off either. I’m not sure where the image originated from, possibly just a Japanese magazine scan so I wouldn’t take the rendering too seriously. 

There has been a lot of talk about the new third generation Acura RL rumored for 2012. Obviously a redesign is in order but there is a possibility of a new large hybrid engine.

Click here to read Sam’s full blog post.

[Source: Road & Track]

2011 Acura TL Available in Numerous Performance Variants
6-Speed Manual and SH-AWD® Team for Segment Leading Performance

09/22/2010 – TORRANCE, Calif.

Since inception, the Acura TL performance luxury sedan has set lofty standards for styling, performance, comfort and technology. Available for 2011 in two different models (TL and TL SH-AWD®), the fourth-generation Acura TL is the most diverse in the vehicle’s history offering more performance capabilities and luxury appeal than ever before— all wrapped in evocative style.

TL customers can choose between two potent V-6 powertrains along with two interior trim levels that abound with technology. For 2011, two distinct versions of Acura’s performance luxury sedan are offered: a luxurious 280 horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL and a powerful 305 hp TL SH-AWD® paired with Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system. The TL SH-AWD® takes performance to the next level with the availability of a special 6MT model that pairs Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system. Eighty six pounds lighter than the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission model, the 6MT further enhances the TL’s acceleration, braking and cornering.

Click here to continue reading

Here are some short video clips uploaded to YouTube of the “Soldier On” Acura TL SH-AWD and a 2007 Acura RDX at the Targa Newfoundland 2010. The videos also feature a Lotus Exige S and a BMW 335 all taking a turn in a residential neighbourhood.

The only other Acura entered in the event was a 2003 RSX which finished first in it’s class.

Visit www.targanewfoundland.com for more information and full results.

[Source: YouTube user Videosonus]

Acura TL SH-AWD at Targa Newfoundland International Rally

Two Disabled Canadian Forces Veterans exceed all expectations at Targa Newfoundland Rally

ST. JOHN’S, Nfld (September 20, 2010) – Two disabled Canadian Forces heroes, severely wounded in the war in Afghanistan, beat all expectations – including their own – in the rugged five-day, 2,000-kilometre Targa Newfoundland international car rally when they drove their Acura TL SH-AWD performance sedan to a first-place finish in their class, seventh-place finish in their division, and won a Targa Plate for successfully completing each of the 40-plus stages within tough targets for Targa times.

Master Corporal Jody Mitic and Corporal Andrew Knisley competed in the Targa Newfoundland rally to raise money for the Soldier On Fund, a trust fund of the Canadian Forces established to improve the quality of life of ill and injured soldiers through active participation and peer interaction in fitness and sports.

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Acura TL from Acura China's Website

 While the Acura brand has been around in North America for 25 years now, it was only in 2006 that it made its debut in the Chinese market. Initially launching with the RL and TL, they have since expanded their current lineup with the addition of the MDX in 2007.

I took some time to explore Acura China’s site and compiled a few images of the TL. Aside from the clear turn signals, the Chinese TL also has a slightly different front bumper(Thanks Alexander!). There is a ridge that extrudes forward out a few inches below the headlights and under the grill. It’s a bit more obvious when you compare the two side by side in the graphic below.

CDM TL(left) vs USDM TL(right) Bumper Comparison

The Chinese TL also offers a different front underbody spoiler in their sport package.

Acura China TL Sport Package

 In case you were wondering, the fellow in a few of the images is Chinese singer, film actor, and producer Andy Lau. Andy has been associated with many of Acura China’s endorsements and can be seen in television ads and at Acura events.

[Source: Acura China - www.acura.com.cn]

Getting Dirty! 2010 Acura ZDX © Automobile Magazine

In the Fourth month of  Automobile Magazine’s Four Seasons test, the editors decided to take the ZDX on a little off-road adventure.

Good thing they brought the camera because they took some great shots of the luxury crossover getting dirty.

Check out the August update and the rest of the photos at Automobile Magazine.

[Source: Automobile Magazine]