Acura takes the top spot in J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study. The first release of the semiannual study takes a closer look at how manufacturers are integrating the top social media platforms into their website.

“The semiannual study, now in its 13th year, measures the usefulness of automotive manufacturer websites during the new-vehicle shopping process by examining four key measures: speed, appearance, navigation and information/content.

All automotive brand websites provide users with the ability to access various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to connect with the brand’s social media presence or share information about a brand or model under consideration. However, there is wide variation among websites in the pervasiveness of social media access—for example, whether it’s available from only the site’s home page, or from a variety of pages.”

Acura.com scored 808 on a 1,000-point scale, with high marks in the navigation and speed categories.

Visit www.jdpower.com for the full press release.

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]

Top Gear on the Acura Show Floor

COBO Center was still buzzing after Acura’s three car debut at the 2012 NAIAS yesterday. Well into day 2 there was a steady crowd on the Acura floor with photographers and video crews still trying to get a piece of the NSX. You would be lucky to get some time alone with the vehicle without some sort of special privileges from Acura.

I even caught what appears to be Rutledge Wood and the Top Gear USA crew checking out the NSX Concept this afternoon. I couldn’t quite make out what they were saying, but you can bet they will want to get their hands on a production model to feature on a future episode of Top Gear.

We’ll have to wait a few more years until that happens, but for now you can look forward to the new season of Top Gear premiering February 14, 2012 on History.

[Source: Acura Connected]

Acura China

While Acura celebrates its 25th year anniversary as a brand in North America, it has only been 5 years since Acura was introduced to the Chinese market.

Acura China first launched in 2006 and has experienced steady growth with dealerships now present in major cities and core areas all over the country. Originally launching with the TL and RL, its lineup has since expanded to include the MDX and soon the ZDX by the end of 2011.

Have a look at Acura’s 5 years in China with a mini timeline of model history:

[Source: Acura China]

Acura Integra Type-R

The editors over at Edmunds Inside Line recently posted  ”the definitive list to end all 100 Greatest Cars lists”.

A list that would be impossible for all automotive enthusiasts to absolutely agree on considering the many different criteria a vehicle’s greatness(or lack of) could be measured on. While the eternal debate will undoubtingly continue, the list was created and three Acuras made the cut:

“100. 1997 Acura Integra Type-R: Hand-ported heads, 8,000-rpm redline, and the best-handling front-drive chassis ever. It’s still the ultimate sport compact.”

“93. 1986 Acura Legend: It’s the car that proved the Japanese could build a true luxury machine and had to be taken seriously.”

“27. 1990 Acura NSX: An all-aluminum, midengine sports car so good it forced Ferrari to build better Ferraris. Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing system would be universally adopted. Honda at its peak.”

Head over to www.insideline.com for the complete list.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Acura Hybrid

According to Acura’s Twitter account user Acura_Insider, Acura Hybrids are on its way for 2012.

Responding to a question about the whereabouts of the rumored TSX Hybird yesterday, Acura_Insider tweeted, “hybrid tech to the Acura line up by end of ’12″.

There was talk of a TSX Hybrid early 2010 after the Detriot Auto Show but no further news has since emerged.

It would be safe to assume the hybrid system would first find its way into the 2012 TSX or a newer entry level model that there have been rumors of. 

[Source: Acura_Insider]

1986 Acura Legend Sedan

Did you know that July 8, 2011 is the second annual Collector Car Appreciation Day? Designated as a national celebration of classic cars, the event was created to applaud collector cars and hobbyists. Initiated by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and passed by the Senate, the resolution says that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States. It’s also to acknowledge the motorsports and car restoration industries as vital job providers across the country.  

What makes a car eligible to be registered as a classic? It varies by state, but on average, it must be 25 years old. Coincidentally, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Acura brand. That means our debut models, the Legend 4-door sedan and the sporty Integra-the United State’s first Japanese luxury vehicles-now qualify as classic cars.  

Some classic cars are notable for their age, but below are several Acura models that are destined to become classics for their own reasons. If you own one today, kudos for your forward thinking.

Acura Integra GS-R

Integra GS-R – The Integra GS-R, which ran from 1992 – 2001, is renowned for being the first Acura to feature VTEC® after the technology made its debut in the NSX supercar. The 1992 GS-R 3-door hatchback had a 1.7-liter engine that produced 160 hp @ 7600 rpm but was revered mostly for its screaming, motorcycle-like 8200 rpm redline. Later, the GS-R was offered in both hatchback and sedan forms, powered by the legendary B18 1.8L engine that produced 170hp at 7600 RPM with VTEC®. Out of all the GS-R models sold during 10 years of production, the 1992 and 1993 hatchbacks and the later GS-R Sedan models are the rarest. 

Acura Legend

Legend 6MTs – The Acura Legend was a great car through 2 generations and 10 years of sales. Within the Legend line-up, the 6-speed manual transmission Legends, sold in 1993 and 1994, were some of the best. The Legend 6MT marked one of first times that a 6-speed transmission was used in anything other than an exotic sports car. The transmission was coupled with a powerful 230hp V6 engine and sport suspension. Very few 6-speed Legends were produced, in particular, the 4-door Legend GS 6MT which only sold around 400 units in the 2 years it was available.

Acura Integra Type-R

Integra Type-R – Introduced in 1997, the Type-R was geared toward the hard-core enthusiast willing to dispense with luxuries like a sunroof, cruise control, vanity mirrors and even standard A/C in pursuit of lighter weight. Instead, they were treated to a 195-hp, 1.8-liter engine that provided more horsepower per liter than any normally aspirated mass-produced engine in the U.S. A track-calibrated suspension, larger brakes, and limited slip differential were other Type-R exclusives.

Acura CL Type-S

CL Type-S 6-speed – Following in the legacy of the 6-speed Legends was the 2003 CL Type-S with 6MT. Available only for one year, it had a short life, but with 260 hp, a limited slip diff and slick 6-speed manual, there was a lot to like. Not one of the most well known Acura models but a great one that represented a bridge between some of the iconic models of the past and the powerful models of today.

Zanardi NSX

Zanardi NSX – With only a few thousand produced any NSX is rare, but with a production run of only 50, the 1999 Alex Zanardi edition is the most exclusive. Named after two-time CART Champion Alex Zanardi, the Zanardi NSX shaved 149 pounds from the already light NSX, while boasting a track-calibrated suspension, lightweight BBS alloy wheels and non-power assist steering. 

Over the years Acura has made some amazing vehicles, all combining impressive powertrains and fun-to-drive with quality, reliability, and efficiency. We don’t know what the next generation of classics will be, possibly the current ZDX or TL SH-AWD 6MT, but you can be sure that Acura will continue to make exciting vehicles for years to come.  

Many thanks to Acura Connected for the opportunity to post this article.  

@Acura_Insider  

[Source: Acura_Insider]

2011 Acura TSX

Acura slipped one spot from last year to land third place in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Initial Quality Study of new vehicles.

Lexus took the top spot with the least amount of reported problems followed by Acura’s parent company Honda in second place.

“The Initial Quality Study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. The study is used extensively by manufacturers worldwide to help them design and build better vehicles and by consumers to help them in their vehicle purchase decisions. Initial quality has been shown throughout the years to be an excellent predictor of long-term durability, which directly impacts consumer purchase decisions. The study captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories: design-related problems and defects and malfunctions.” -  J.D. Power and Associates

The 2011 Acura TSX and the 2011 Acura RDX were both listed as a Top Three Model in their respective category.

Download the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality Survey Press release here.

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]

2010 Acura TL

The J.D. Power and Associates 2010 APEAL(Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) Study has ranked Acura 8th out of 33 vehicle brands. This year Acura jumped up 3 spots from its 11th ranking in 2009.

The APEAL Study attempts to measure new owner satisfaction of 2010 model cars after the first 90 days of ownership. 76,000 purchasers and lessees were surveyed and asked to evaluate their new vehicles based on more than 80 attributes. Visit J.D. Power and Associates website for more information on the APEAL study.

Porsche took the top spot for the sixth year in a row followed by Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Landrover. Audi and Lexus were 6th and 7th just above Acura.

The only Acura vehicle to crack the top 3 in its model segment was the 2010 TL which was tied for 3rd in the Entry Premium Car category. It scored well in most rating factors, except for style where it received a 2/5.

Click here to view the full J.D. Power APEAL Study press release.

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]