Second-Gen 2009 Acura TSX Revealed
Filed under: Acura, Auto Show Pictures, New York International Auto Show, Sports Sedans
Tags: Japanese, tsx
Acura opened the New York International Auto Show with its world debut of the all-new second-generation TSX sports sedan. With new engines, refined drivetrain, and Acura’s latest Keen Edge Dynamic styling, the all-new TSX highlights a new direction for Acura sedans.
Producing 201 horsepower from a 2.4-liter engine, the DOHC VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder now delivers its power across a much wider rpm range. Along with more torque, the new 2.4L is also cleaner as it meets EPA TIER 2-BIN 5 and CARB LEV II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standards.
Merging crisp, dynamic design with a bold new signature Acura grille, the 2009 TSX is more distinctive and sporty. Due to its greater length and width, wider track, and longer wheelbase, the new TSX provides additional interior room while new fully independent front and rear suspension with dual-stage dampers provides more agile handling.
The TSX is equipped with an impressive list of standard equipment which includes a power glass moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, power windows/mirrors/locks, a premium 7-speaker sound system (with CD, AM/FM and XM® Radio), Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and USB port and AUX jack music interface.
The available Technology Package features leading-edge electronics including the AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink® weather. Included in the Technology Package is an audiophiles dream in the form of a 415 watt, 10-speaker Acura/ELS™ Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio designed by Grammy® Award winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner.
Designed with an emphasis on safety, the 2009 TSX now makes use of Acura’s esteemed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The 2009 TSX, with ACE™ and a host of other safety features, is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both governmental (NHTSA)* and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including IIHS’s TOP SAFETY PICK.
Video: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept
Filed under: Acura, Auto Show Videos, Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sports/GT
The Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept is a preview of the 2009 Acura NSX. The concept was shown with a front-mounted V10 engine which is a change from past versions of the NSX.
The concept was designed by Acura’s Los Angeles-based design team.
View the video of the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept
Acura Debuts the “Advanced Sports Car Concept” at NAIAS
Filed under: Acura, Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show
The show-stopping Acura “Advanced Sports Car Concept” made its world debut today at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The dynamically styled concept provides a preview of the design direction for the successor to the Acura NSX.
Created to take exotic sports car styling to a new level, the concept is designed to incorporate a powerful front-mounted, V-10 engine and a new high-performance, rear-wheel-drive based version of Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)).
“The Acura brand will always be a home for people who love to drive,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “As we advance toward building a car like this, I can tell you it will feature advanced technology matching our passion for performance.”
The concept’s exterior demonstrates a dynamic fusion of advanced technology and emotion. The long, pronounced hood features deeply sculpted lines and embossed air vents, both of which hint at the powerful engine beneath. The exterior lines run the length of the body, creating a ribbon-like effect from the front headlights to the rear wheel arches, evoking a feeling of movement and power.
Although modern in its appearance, the Advanced Sports Car Concept retains the subtle cues associated with its predecessor, the NSX. The concept’s slim, LED headlights are pushed wide and designed to mimic the pop-up headlights found on the first generation NSX. Other styling hints include a modern take on wraparound rear taillights and the all black cockpit.
“Our intention was to design an exotic sports car that gracefully combines advanced technology and strong emotion,” said Jon Ikeda, principal designer, Acura Design Center. “The technical, machined surfaces and keen-edge design are balanced with sweeping curves and dramatic lines, all of which results in the ultimate exotic sports car.”
Wide and low to the ground with a 108.8 inch wheelbase, the concept is anchored by grippy 19 inch front and 20 inch rear performance tires which are mounted to custom billet-machined, polished aluminum wheels. Powerful, ventilated carbon ceramic brake discs and eight-piston calipers accent the wheels. Bold wheel arches and flares add to the concept’s aggressive appearance.
The low slung cabin is constructed entirely of tinted glass and sits flush against the body. Door handles are also flush mounted, allowing the sports car to retain a clean and aerodynamic appearance. The Advanced Sports Car Concept features a carbon fiber underbody and the rear is finished with aggressive quad exhaust pipes and integrated rear diffusers, further communicating its high performance potential.
The Advanced Sports Car Concept was designed by the Acura’s Los Angeles-based design team that will be based at the new Acura Design Center, opening this summer.
Acura’s “Advanced Sedan Concept”
Filed under: Acura, Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Los Angeles Auto Show
The Acura “Advanced Sedan Concept” made its world debut today at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Created by Acura’s Los Angeles-based advanced design team, the concept features a modern, powerful exterior while retaining an ultra luxurious feel.
“The Advanced Sedan Concept illustrates Acura’s commitment to modern design and cutting-edge style,” said John Mendel, senior vice president, auto operations. “With our advanced design team taking a significant role in shaping future vehicle design, we can expect upcoming products to reflect this progressive, forward-thinking styling.”
The Advanced Sedan Concept is the purest expression of advanced design, performance and luxury, highlighted by its powerful, wide stance and deeply sculpted surfaces. The primary goal of this design study was to create a sophisticated, refined sedan with a mysterious presence.
The concept’s generous exterior proportions suggest that a large, powerful engine lurks beneath the surface. The exterior lines reveal a sheer, sculpted lower body contrasted with a taut, architectural cabin. Although ultra-modern in its design, the concept retains the classic silhouette associated with a flagship sedan.
Low to the ground, the concept is anchored by large 22 inch front and 23 inch rear tires which are mounted to custom billet-machined, polished aluminum wheels. Powerful brake discs and calipers accent the wheels and large ducts direct cooling air to the components. Bold wheel arches and flares add to the concept’s muscular appearance.
The sleek, compact cockpit nestles atop the sculpted body and flows from hood to trunk. For a unique panoramic view, the roof is constructed entirely of tinted glass that shades the occupants while still connecting them to the outside world.
“We wanted to capture the essence of an ultra luxurious sedan but give it a striking, mysterious presence to create a vehicle with a dual personality,” said Dave Marek, chief designer, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. “The concept echoes this quality with its clean exterior lines, a wide, stance, high performance cues and key luxury accents.”
The hood is accented with pronounced character lines that culminate in the aggressive five-sided grille, which contributes to the sedan’s bold presence. The commanding grille is constructed of polished aluminum and features a cut crystal Acura emblem. The narrow headlights also double as air intakes and are positioned low on the bumper, further enhancing the sedan’s already commanding 79.5 inch width.
“The front of the sedan communicates power and luxury,” explains Marek. “The pronounced hood and large grille communicate performance, while the jewel-like Acura emblem captures the essence of pure luxury.”
In the rear, the Advanced Sedan Concept has a flush mounted rear bumper with the high-mounted stop lamp integrated into the center break of the trunk. The jeweled taillights are pushed to the outer edge of the bumper to further enhance the vehicle’s wide and low appearance, while integrated dual exhaust outlets complement the sedan’s performance-oriented style.
During the past decade, several Acura vehicles have been designed and developed in the U.S. including the award winning MDX luxury SUV, the innovative TL performance luxury sedan and the all-new RDX turbocharged crossover SUV. Acura will continue the expansion of its U.S. design capabilities with the addition of a dedicated Acura Design Center that will open next year in Torrance, Ca.
Acura MDX Concept SUV
Filed under: Acura, Concept Cars, New York International Auto Show, SUVs
Acura’s other news was the unveiling of the MDX Concept SUV. With an Audi-esque rear and a shovel nose, this design takes Acura style further than anything we’ve seen before. Capitalizing on the main market growth these days, there’s room inside for seven passengers, and the MDX features Acura’s real-time traffic nav. If this MDX is a “concept” in the way the last couple RDX concepts were, expect an only slightly toned-down version to debut as a production model in a couple of years.
Acura RDX SUV
Filed under: Acura, Auto Shows, New York International Auto Show, SUVs
More happened on the Acura stand at the 2006 New York International Auto Show than we’ve seen from Honda’s luxury brand in years.
First up was the release-finally-of the Acura-ized CR-V called the RDX. A premium small SUV, the RDX should be hitting dealer lots by summertime. The powertrain consists of a turbo-charged four-banger with 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, ad a manu-matic tranny that features “F1-style shifting,” according to Acura VP John Mendel.
Packed with electronics, as befits the Acura brand, the RDX features Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and a stiff ACE body structure. There’s also a “customer-relevant” Technology package with a new navigation system, voice control, and more. Acura expects to sell 40,000 of these 5-passenger SUVs per annum.
