2014 Acura ILX Dynamic

For a brand that often takes pride in the available tech in its models, many were puzzled when they learned Acura did not offer a navigation package in the sportier, 2.4-liter 6-speed manual ILX. That changes for the 2014 model year ILX, as Acura Canada has just released details on the new Dynamic ILX.

Previously, Acura Canada’s Dynamic package was the equivalent of the ILX 6-Speed Manual with Premium Package, but for 2014 it adds Acura Navigation, HomeLink, and Acura/ELS Surround Sound. Or if you want to think of it another way, the ILX Tech gets offered with a 2.4-litre and 6-speed manual:

“For driving enthusiasts seeking luxury, ILX Dynamic shifts expectations. We’ve taken the ILX Tech and made it a high performance thrill thanks to a 2.4-litre, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. torque and a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Metal racing pedals round out the package and remind you of the perfect balance of luxury and performance in the ILX Dynamic.”

No word yet on other changes, but we would hope the US will also follow suit with this package.

[Source: Acura Canada]

Official release from acuranews.com:

Honda April Sales Up on CR-V Monthly Sales Record; All-New RLX Flagship Sedan Bolsters Acura Sales Gain

Both Honda and Acura gains driven by record light trucks sales

05/01/2013 – TORRANCE, Calif.

American Honda today reported April 2013 U.S. sales of 130,999 units, an increase of 7.4 percent compared with April 2012 (up 3.1 percent based on the Daily Selling Rate, or DSR*). The Honda brand posted April 2013 sales of 117,100 units, an increase of 6.6 percent compared with April 2012. Acura U.S. April sales of 13,899 units increased 14.2 percent compared with April 2012.

Acura

• Sales of the all-new luxury flagship RLX sedan strong with 400 units in its first full month, as dealer inventory builds

• RDX sets its twelfth-consecutive monthly sales record, up 106.0 percent from last April, and is the top-selling Acura model in April with sales of 4,088 units

• Acura sets an April truck sales record, with total Acura year-to-date sales up over 13 percent

“With a full year of record sales growth, the RDX is a resounding success,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura Sales. “Continued record-breaking sales of the RDX is laying a solid foundation for the new RLX and MDX Acura models launching this year.”

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 25 days for April 2013 and 24 days for April 2012. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 101 days for 2013 and 101 days for 2012. All other percentages in release are unadjusted; see table for adjusted DSR figures.

[Source: Acura]

Today Edmunds.com presented a very Civic-looking, yet sharp rendering of what a future ILX Coupe would look like, and in the same breath announced that it’s unlikely that Acura will ever build such a model. Edmunds.com says Honda previously hinted at a coupe variant, but with sales numbers not quite where they should be, Edmunds now thinks the addition of a coupe is “less likely”.

We’ve heard the 2014 ILX will come with some nice upgrades, hopefully it’s enough for a huge sales boost.

Head over to Edmunds.com for the full post - Edmunds.com: 2015 Acura ILX Coupe Is Dead

[Source: Edmunds.com]

Similar yet very different, Motor Trend compares two “full-size” luxury sedans: the all-new 2014 Acura RLX and the 2013 Cadillac XTS4.

“Specs-wise, the 2013 Cadillac XTS4 and the newly released 2014 Acura RLX almost are twins. Each sedan is powered by a midsize, 24-valve V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic. The Acura’s wheelbase is a mere half-inch longer than the Caddy’s, while exterior dimensions are within inches of each other. (The XTS is a bit longer and wider.) Comparably equipped, both cars wear stickers just above $60K. Yet in execution and character, the Cadillac and the Acura turn out to be surprisingly different machines, each offering a decidedly different take on what a sport-luxury four-door should be. So which one best delivers?” - Arthur St. Antoine, Motor Trend

Find out which vehicle comes out on top at Motor Trend - motortrend.com: 2014 Acura RLX vs. 2013 Cadillac XTS4.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Acura Exhibits World Premiere of the “Acura Concept SUV-X” at Auto Shanghai 2013

SHANGHAI, China, April 20, 2013 – Acura today exhibited the world premiere of a design concept model, the Acura Concept SUV-X, at Auto Shanghai 2013 (the 15th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, press day: April 20, public days: April 23 – 29).

Acura Concept SUV-X
The Acura Concept SUV-X is a global concept vehicle for a small SUV developing primarily for the Chinese market. This is the first time for Acura to introduce the world premiere of a concept model outside of North America. Emotional and sharp styling and driving performance, together with the environmental performance of a small vehicle and excellent utility of an SUV are all fused together at a high level in this vehicle. Acura is planning to begin local production and sales in China of a mass-production model based on this concept vehicle for its market in about next three years.

Introducing Acura RLX to go on sale in June 2013
Acura announced the Chinese version of the Acura RLX, a luxury flagship sedan which will go on sale in China in June 2013. Excellent maneuverability and comfort are pursued through the adoption of a number of advanced technologies including a newly-developed 3.5L direct-injection SOHC i-VTEC^® V6 engine and Precision All-Wheel Steer™, the world’s first technology that achieved both outstanding turning performance and vehicle stability.

At Auto Shanghai 2013, Acura also exhibits the NSX Concept, the next-generation super sports model which was exhibited at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in January.

Comment by Takanobu Ito, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
“We are planning to produce the mass-production model of the Acura Concept SUV-X locally in China. With the hope that our Chinese customers will more closely feel the values offered from Acura, we will begin preparing for the start of the local production. In China, where dynamic growth continues, both Acura and Honda will keep up our efforts to enhance products and technologies that will offer new joys of mobility to our customers.”

[Source: Honda Worldwide]

A new small SUV concept being developed for the Chinese market makes its debut at Auto Shanghai 2013.

Click here to view the video

2013 Acura RDX Interior

Completely redesigned for the 2013 model year, the second generation Acura RDX has recently been placed in WardsAutos’s 10 Best Interiors list. WardsAuto editors spent time with 46 models with new or significantly upgraded interiors, and judged them based on the following criteria: materials, ergonomics, comfort, safety, value, fit-and-finish and overall design.

Here’s what they had to say about the 2013 Acura RDX:

“The Acura RDX CUV, now in its second generation, secures its place with excellent fit-and-finish and an upscale sportiness that was lacking when the first version launched in 2006.

Editors rave about the RDX’s copious cargo hold, comfortable back seat and durable materials that should hold up well against the inherent abuse that comes from young families. Acura outsold Audi, Cadillac, Infiniti and Volvo in 2012 in the U.S., and the RDX interior demonstrates that Honda’s luxury brand can compete with the best.” – Tom Murphy, WardsAuto

See the full list and report at wardsauto.com.

[Source: WardsAuto]

Without revealing any new details on the mysterious concept, Acura China is building anticipation with a countdown page for the upcoming unveiling at Auto Shanghai 2013.

The Acura concept model world premiere is scheduled for this Saturday, April 20 at 10:00 a.m. local time.

[Source: Acura China]