Acura ZDX Interior

Most potential car buyers probably don’t have toxic chemicals on their mind when searching for that next new vehicle. Maybe it’s something to consider, because according to HealthyStuff.org, the toxic chemicals given off by parts in a car’s interior could be a danger to your long-term health. Those chemicals have been linked to health problems such as allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer.

“Research shows that vehicle interiors contain a unique cocktail of hundreds of toxic chemicals that off-gas in small, confined spaces,” said Jeff Gearhart, Research Director at the Ecology Center. “Since these chemicals are not regulated, consumers have no way of knowing the dangers they face. Our testing is intended to expose those dangers and encourage manufacturers to use safer alternatives.”

In the Ecology Center’s fourth consumer guide to toxic chemicals, the 2012 RDX and ZDX both tested very low for toxins and were tied for 5th place in HealthyStuff.org’s ”Ten Best Picks” list. The 2012 TL and 2011 TSX models also received low ratings, making Acura one of the leaders when it comes to “healthy” interiors. The 2011 MDX received a “medium” rating which is considered average, while a recent model of the RL was not tested. Visit HealthyStuff.org for the full press release.

[Source: HealthyStuff.org]

Acura NSX Concept at the Canadian International Auto Show

After making a visit to the Land of the Rising Sun, the globetrotting NSX Concept had landed in Toronto this week to make its Canadian debut at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show. It brought some added hype for Acura, anticipating some of that extra attention would carry over to the all-new 2013 Acura ILX and RDX. Acura Canada released a video today, with Sr. Product Planner Emile Korkor introducing the new models and the NSX Concept:

The actual NSX Concept unveiling is shown below, captured in a YouTube video from MOTRface.com.

See the Acura lineup at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto which runs from February 17 – 26.

[Source: Acura Canada via YouTube, MOTRface.com]

NSX Concept at the Canadian International Auto Show

Official release from hondanews.ca:

Acura Unveils NSX Concept, All-New 2013 Acura ILX Sedan and Re-designed 2013 Acura RDX at Canadian International Auto Show

TORONTO (February 16, 2012) – Today, Acura unveiled three new vehicles that are central to the future direction of Acura. The NSX Concept, a first glimpse at the direction for Acura’s next-generation supercar, made its Canadian debut alongside the all-new ILX luxury compact sedan, designed as the new “gateway” to the Acura brand for consumers interested in moving up from mass-market vehicles. These two “bookends” of the Acura brand were joined by the totally redesigned 2013 RDX crossover sport utility vehicle.

“Today is an important day for Acura in Canada,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada. “We are introducing two vehicles that will have an immediate impact on the luxury market this spring and one that will redefine what a supercar is. With beautiful designs and innovative technology that will improve the driving experience for everyone, I’m proud to introduce the vehicles that will be the foundation of our next 25 years in Canada.”

About the Acura NSX Concept

The dynamically styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from Acura. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies for Acura, including a new, innovative Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Utilizing a unique two Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Acura anticipates the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, a powerful next-generation VTEC® V-6 engine with direct injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding fuel efficiency.

“The new NSX Concept is the ultimate expression of Acura’s vision to create a true synergy between driver and machine,” said Mr. Chenkin. “With innovative technologies like the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, the NSX will make the driver at one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favorable power-to-weight ratio.

“Like the original NSX, we will once again achieve high performance through engineering efficiency,” added Mr. Chenkin. “We the fun-to-drive spirit of the NSX will be a primary focus; we believe that a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities, too.”

The new Acura supercar, expected to debut in the next three years, will be developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and manufactured in Ohio.

Click here for the full press release

You would think watching reviews of this 21 year old car would start to get a bit dull. Gone but certainly not forgotten, even today the original NSX is still loved and respected by many.

A crew for Totalcar just recently released an amazing review of the NSX, and although it’s in Hungarian, I highly recommend you sit through and enjoy this 9 minute video in its entirety. Don’t let the subtitles put you off, the review showcases some stunning visuals and cinematography as the host takes you from the rainy streets of Budapest to the corners of Slovakia Ring. The host, appropriately named the “Hungarian Wolverine” in the video title, also brings up some very interesting points about the history, development, and engineering of the car.

You can watch the video below, but I suggest switching to full screen 1080p quality if possible.

[Source: Totalcar]

Official release from hondanews.ca:

MARKHAM, Ontario (February 14, 2012) – Twenty-five years ago today, the Acura brand was launched in Canada. It was the beginning of a bold and successful brand venture – the first Japanese luxury nameplate had arrived in Canada.

Created to bring performance, elegant design, advanced technology and higher levels of customer service to the luxury import market, Acura has grown from 20 dealers selling just two models in 1987 (Legend and Integra), to the current network of 50 retailers selling six distinctive Acura vehicles. The line up now includes three utility vehicles (MDX, RDX and ZDX) and three sedans (RL, TL and TSX). To date, more than 400,000 Acura luxury cars and trucks have been sold in Canada.

“When we look back at Acura’s history in Canada, we can take great pride in the many things we’ve accomplished,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc.  “We’re pleased to be celebrating this anniversary year with two exciting new vehicles coming this spring and additional models over the next several years that herald a dynamic future, firmly rooted in our core values of innovation, technology, luxury, and value, all built on a foundation of dependability, quality and reliability.” 
 
On Thursday, Acura will unveil three important vehicles at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto – the long-awaited Acura NSX Concept, the all-new Acura ILX sedan and the completely redesigned Acura RDX. The RDX is scheduled to be in dealerships in early April, with the all-new ILX entry-luxury sedan planned to arrive later in the spring.

“The NSX Concept, all-new ILX sedan, and redesigned RDX have been designed from the ground up with Acura DNA,” said Chenkin. “And what better way to celebrate Acura’s 25th anniversary here in Canada than by showing Canadians what’s next.”

Click here for Acura’s history of ‘firsts’

If you were hoping to get a glimpse of the Acura NSX Concept at the Chicago Auto Show last week you probably weren’t alone. Unfortunately the hot concept wasn’t even on the continent, it had been flown out to Tokyo to make its Japanese debut as a Honda.

We’ve seen the Gran Turismo rendered Honda NSX in a previous post, but the real concept was finally put on display for the anxious Japanese public early February. A post from Honda Japan’s official site did indeed say it would be launched as a Honda in three years. Also mentioned was entry in Japan’s Super GT series where Honda is currently running the front engine, V8 powered HSV-010 GT. The Honda NSX Concept is set to make its European debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show March 8-18th.

Have a peek at the Honda NSX Concept below with its blacked-out grille. Which do you think it looks better as, an Acura or a Honda?

Click here to see the videos

AutoGuide Introduces the 2013 Acura ILX

Through a pair of videos on the eve of the Chicago Auto Show, AutoGuide gives us a first look at the 2013 Acura ILX and RDX. They’re a great introduction to the vehicles with some excellent views of both the exterior and interior cabins. Hit the jump to see the videos below or check out more great coverage at autoguide.com.

Click here view the videos