New York International Auto Show

Official release from www.acuranews.com:

03/28/2012 – TORRANCE, Calif.

Announced today, Acura’s new flagship sedan will make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. Employing an array of new Acura technologies, including the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, the concept vehicle will deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort.

Tetsuo Iwamura, president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., will introduce the concept vehicle at a press conference held on April 4, 2012 at 1:50 PM (EST) in the Acura booth. The press conference will be webcast live on www.acuranews.com. Press materials will be posted at www.acuranews.com immediately following the press conference.

[Source: Acura]

Today various automotive media outlets are sharing details on what was revealed at an Acura briefing session in Las Vegas earlier this month. Yesterday’s press release announced the unveiling of the next generation NSX, 2013 RDX prototype and the ILX concept but failed to mention anything about Acura’s upcoming new flagship model.

Here is a quick summary of key points I’ve gathered from the articles:

2013 Acura ILX

• The new entry-level small sedan shares the Civic platform but will have unique styling and features. It is NOT just a rebadged Civic like the Canadian CSX.
• The ILX will be offered as a gas-electric hybrid or with a naturally aspirated 2.0L or 2.4L engine.
• Set to go on sale late spring or early summer 2012 at a starting price “well under $30,000.”

2013 RDX

• The next generation RDX will have a more conservative grille and new styling similar to the MDX.
• The four-cylinder turbo will be replaced by a V6 engine that will deliver more hp and better fuel efficiency
• A new lighter all-wheel-drive system will replace the previous SH-AWD.
• Expected to go on sale spring 2012.

Next Generation NSX

• The NSX concept shares styling of the Avengers Roadster but will have a hard-top and more developed exterior details.
• Like the first NSX it will be a mid-engined v6, but will most likely use the new hybrid SH-AWD system.
• A prototype will be revealed in Detroit to show only the exterior styling with no interior.
• Expected go on sale within three years and won’t go for “less than $100,000,”

New Flagship Sedan(RL Replacement)

• Acura’s new yet-to-be-named flagship sedan will get larger and aim to offer “7-Series cabin space, with the agility of a 5-Series,”
• It will be the first Acura model to utilize Honda’s new V6 with electric SH-AWD and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
• Set to be unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April and should go into production by the end of 2012.

Also mentioned was Acura’s plan for a more distinct 3 model lineup for its sedans. The new entry-level ILX will fit in as the smallest model, and the upcoming RL successor will fill the top spot. It’s rumored that either the TSX or TL might be discontinued, with the remaining survivor left to adjust and fit into the middle-ground slot.

[Source: Temple of VTEC, Automobile Magazine, Car and Driver, Inside Line]

2012 Acura RL

The RL wouldn’t be Acura’s flagship sedan if it didn’t provide both luxury and a long-standing track record of reliability. Previously called the Acura “Legend”, the 4-door sedan has been in the lineup since the beginning of Acura’s 25 year history. A recent article by Forbes named the 2012 Acura RL one of 14 models likely to run for over 200,000 miles.

“For those with an eye on owning a car or truck for the long run, we’ve identified a list of 14 model-year 2012 vehicles that are statistically among the least likely to encounter major mechanical problems in at least the first several years of ownership. Our list consists of 14 cars and trucks that received top scores in both the most-recent Consumer Reports Car Reliability survey, based on problems reported by 1.3 million owners of model-year 2005-2010 vehicles, and the J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Vehicles Dependability Study based on responses from more than 43,700 original owners of 2008 model-year vehicles.” – Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com

I have no doubt a well maintained RL will run beyond 200,000 miles. Need more proof? Check out Tyson Hugie’s 500,000 mile Acura Legend.

See the rest of the article and the full list at forbes.com.

[Source: Forbes]

The 2011 Acura RL used as a golf cart? Nick Jaynes of Downforce Motoring takes the RL to Heron Lakes Golf Course in this humorous and entertaining “Top Gear” inspired video review.

There really aren’t too many video reviews of the upgraded 2011 Acura RL, so kudos to the guys over at Downforce Motoring for putting together a lengthy and unique review.

I was even surprised by an RL feature I’ve never seen before: the electronically controlled rear window shade. Who knew?

Watch the full 12 minute video above and check out more videos from Downforce Motoring at downforcemotoring.com.

[Source:Downforce Motoring]

2012 Acura RL

Official release from www.acuranews.com: 

10/13/2011 – TORRANCE, Calif.

The RL luxury performance sedan has long served as one of Acura’s most technologically advanced vehicles, and for 2012 such use of technology abounds. Whether it be advance technology applied to the engine, chassis or interior— the RL owner will reap the benefits in the form of performance, safety and comfort.

Featuring bold looks, a 300 horsepower engine and Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system, the 2012 RL demonstrates that refined luxury is complemented perfectly by advanced technology and performance adrenaline. In addition to delivering luxury, style and performance, Acura’s top-of-the-line sedan keeps drivers more connected to their world (and the world around them) by featuring some of the latest in intuitive, easy-to-use, state-of-the-art technology.

“The RL continues to set the benchmark for the innovative use of customer-relevant technology,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “There aren’t many cars at any price that offer more advanced technology or drive system sophistication.”

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July 2011 Desktop Wallpaper from Acura China

July’s desktop wallpaper courtesy of Acura China features the Acura RL.

Select a resolution(right-click Save Picture As…): 1024×768 | 1280×1024 | 1366×768

[Source: Acura China]

2011 Acura RL

Official release from www.acuranews.com:

2011 Acura RL Delivers More Refinement and Improved Performance

12/21/2010 – TORRANCE, Calif.

The RL luxury performance sedan has long served as one of Acura’s most technologically advanced vehicles, and for 2011 significant upgrades have been made to again raise the bar. To further maximize the output of the 3.7L V-6 engine, the RL receives an all-new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission for 2011. In addition, the RL enjoys an even quieter cabin thanks to the first-ever use of a unique resonator wheel technology in a passenger vehicle.

Featuring bold looks, a 300 horsepower engine and Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system, the 2011 RL demonstrates that refined luxury is complemented perfectly by advanced technology and performance adrenaline. In addition to delivering luxury, style and performance, Acura’s top-of-the-line sedan keeps drivers more connected to their world (and the world around them) by featuring some of the latest in intuitive, easy-to-use, state-of-the-art technology.

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