Evander Klum asked:


Acura, the performance brand of Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company, will be giving the RL (its flagship sedan) an extreme makeover for next year.

In 2005, the Acura RL was introduced and featured with the world’s most advanced all-wheel drive system known as Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The system has the ability to torque vector – individually controlling the power distribution to the rear wheels. It takes away and adds power left and right, as necessary to cure understeer and optimize handling. Almost on its third year, many of the RL’s competitors have offered all wheel drive system. They have developed similar technology for their own vehicles.

The SH-AWD is in fact the most advanced road car Honda has created. It offers more power, compared with the mid-engine NSX supercar as well as collision mitigation technology. It also comes with a pyrotechnic-loaded hood that pops up to facilitate in minimizing pedestrian injuries.

Despite having impressive and advanced features, the RL doesn’t seem to make the cut. Its sales have barely improved through the years. Japanese Buick said that the new model seems incapable of gaining the interest of the public even if it has the features and the technology that buyers want.

Honda is now in the process of formulating a rescue mission for the RL through a huge makeover. Since the current vehicle is said to be bland, styling would be a good issue to point out. The new car is presumably inspired by some of the wild Acura concept vehicles that were displayed on the North American auto show circuit. The new RL is expected to have a new nose and tail, along with an enlarged rear legroom and trunk space.

RL has been weak with regards to the powertrain. It was and could be powered by only the 3.5 L V6 engine along with an automatic gearbox. There were even no additional options for the SH-AWD. Acura might have realized the need to provide choice in order to successfully compete against its rivals in the segment. That might be the reason why it will be offering standard two-wheel drive (either front or rear wheel drive) and optional all-wheel drive for the new RL. Some have speculated that the new RL will have a six-cylinder engine in the 300 hp range and a much more powerful V8 engine, as well as better Acura axle assembly and other essential parts to enhance the vehicle’s performance.

As present, Acura is still working on the optimization of some spots to create a better RL for 2008.



Nathaniel

Anthony Fontanelle asked:


Japan’s second largest car manufacturer and producer of quality Acura CL air filter recharge kit, Honda, will be recalling 43,200 Acura RL sedans due to a faulty power steering hose that may crack from engine heat leading to fire accident.

The said recall will affect 2005-2008 models as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on their website just recently.

Honda said that it is very important to fix the cracked hose since it can release a volatile fluid onto a hot catalytic converter that may cause fire. There were already two reports of fires in Japan that has triggered for an internal investigation and finally to a recall based on the report posted by NHTSA on its web site.

Honda has started notifying affected owners and according to the letter from William Willen, lawyer of Honda’s Torrance, California-based US unit dealers will install a heat-resistant hose. Aside from Honda, Volvo will also recall 37,000 (2007-08) XC90 sport utility vehicles while Suzuki will conduct a recall of some 40,424 (2006-07) Grand Vitara SUVs that is according to NHTSA.

The problem with XC90 is its climate-control module that is feared to shut down after the ignition key is inserted thereby disabling the defroster during cold weather and reducing visibility said NHTSA.

Dan Johnston, US spokesman for Volvo in Rockleigh, New Jersey has confirmed the recall but declined to comment any further on the matter.

The recall called by Suzuki for its Grand Vitara is caused by a faulty automatic transmission that slip out of park once the engine is shut off causing for a vehicle to roll off causing a crash that is according to NHTSA. Beth Borozan, US spokeswoman for Hamamatsu, Japan-based Suzuki, has confirmed the said recall but also declined to make any comment on the subject.

Honda’s Car Sales in China Up by 36 Percent in November

Aside from the recall, Honda has also announced that they have sold around 46,226 vehicles in China during the month of November up by 36.4% from the 33,881 in the same month last year.

The carmaker also said in a statement that it has sold around 378,602 vehicles for the period covering from January to November up from the previous 287,709 units sold or 31.6 percent in the same period last year.

Honda’s 50-50 joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Corp, Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co. has sold 114,482 vehicles from January to November which has more than doubled the previously reported sales of 54,685 in the same period last year.

Likewise, Honda’s 50-50 joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., has sold 264,120 vehicles for the first 11 months of this year up by 13.3 percent from 233,024 in the same period last year.



Henry

Evander Klum asked:


The Lexus RX350 and the Acura MDX, both redesigned, bested among its competitors from Cadillac, BMW, and Lincoln in Consumer Reports’ (CR) tests of five midsize luxury SUVs for the July issue. Among the 18 SUVs recently tested by Consumer Reports, the RX350 and MDX now rank in third and fourth places, respectively.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is Consumer Reports’ top-rated vehicle in the category, and a Top Pick vehicle in the Annual April Auto Issue. Ranking overall second is the Lexus RX400h, another hybrid. This car and the RX350 are built on the same platform and their power trains make the difference.

For the July issue, a total of five luxury SUVs (the RX350, MDX, Cadillac SRX, BMW X5, and the Lincoln MKX) were assessed by CR.

A “Very Good” overall score was attained by the SRX but it till finished just midpack in such competitive segment. For this class, the X5 and MKX finished at the bottom of CR’s rankings though still with “Very Good” overall scores.

Each having 80 points overall, the RX350 and MDX finished in a virtual tie. However, the vehicles have very diversified driving characteristics. Delivering the quickest acceleration, the five-passenger RX is elegant and cozy, plus, it delivers the best fuel economy (at 19 mpg overall) among the cars in the group. Meanwhile, the three-row, seven-passenger MDX has better handling and a powertrain that feels sportier than the Lexus.

An Auto Test Extra report on a large SUV (the Lincoln Navigator, which posted a “Very Good” overall score) was also included in the July issue.

The RX350 and the MDX are the only midsize SUVs that Consumer Reports recommends. The SRX was not recommended because of its ‘not-so-good’ reliability record. And as regards the X5 and MKX, CR does not yet have reliability data on them. CR only recommends: the vehicles that have performed well in the test; those with at least average predicted reliability based on the magazine’s Annual Car Reliability Survey of its own subscribers; and those that performed at least fair if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Its new engine makes the Lexus five-passenger luxury SUV an active performer. The car is rich because of its well-designed interior details. But it is also practical because of its fuel efficiency offer. Though third-row seat is not available, this SUV assures good handling.

At $45,706 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested, the RX350 is equipped with a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine. This gives the quickest acceleration and the best fuel economy among the five in this group, yielding 19 mpg overall in CR’s fuel economy tests. The transmission is smooth and responsive at five-speed automatic. Braking, as well, is very good overall.

Equipped with Acura OEM parts, the improved MDX is a well-rounded, seven-seat SUV that bested among vehicles costing thousands more. Its refined powertrain, responsive handling, and controlled ride are the characteristics that CR definitely likes. With third-row seat that is tight for children, the MDX ($46,365 MSRP as tested) is propelled by a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6 that delivers quick acceleration. Just like the RX350, the MDX also has a five-speed automatic transmission that is smooth and responsive. Braking is also very good.



Louis

WantToKnow asked:


I have a 2004 Acura TL and would like to upgrade my Bluetooth HandFreeLink to newer software. Is this possible and something quite straight forward?

Pamela

John Walker asked:


The year 2010 will see Acura, the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company, adding another model to its luxury marque, as part of an effort to consolidate its image as a “tier 1 luxury brand.” Acura competes with Lexus, BMW and Infiniti in the luxury vehicle segment. The Acura brand was first launched in 1986 in the US, Canada, and Hong Kong and has been dynamic in establishing Honda’s reputation for performance vehicles in the American market.

Dan Bonawitz, vice president for corporate planning and logistics at American Honda Motor Co said, “We will have an all-new vehicle”. The future cars will take on close rivals such as BMW and Mercedes. Acura’s latest model since August 2006 is expected to join the ranks in 2010, before the launch of the redesigned NSX sports car, which is also due then.

Acura’s product planning manager John Watts told Automotive News that, additions to the 2010 cars lineup would be in niche segments, such as a smaller coupe with a retractable top, or a four-seat sports coupe in the $50,000 sticker range.

News of an addition to Acura’s lineup has caused a buzz among Acura dealers, who are waiting for future Acura models to lead a recovery from dismal sales figures. There is a rumor that the 2011 Acura RL is also in the pipeline. At Acura dealerships through June, sales were down 14.8 percent to 90,742 units.  Please visit bestacuraprices.com for further details about Acura models and to get the latest updates of auto industry.

 



Erica

JD34 asked:


I am very interested in the effectiveness of the voice commands in the acura tl

Tyler

Sites I Like asked:


One of the top automotive design and builders in the world is the Acura company.

Based in Japan, they are a part of the Honda motor vehicle division.

In fact, many people consider it to be the luxury line of Honda cars that can contend with other luxury brands such as Lexus and BMW.

Over the years Acura has modified its design to compete with these other luxury dealers.

At this time, the Acura line features 5 distinct models.

The RL, TL and TSX are the 3 classes of sedans available in the line.

Starting prices for these models are priced at around $29,500 to $46,500.

The other 2 models, the MDX and RDX, are considered SUV’s and priced starting at around $35,000 to $42,000.

These are considered estimated prices for the 2009 models.

Acura is also known for it’s motor sports division.

They specalize in creating cars consisting of ultra high technology that are driven and raced by professional drivers only.

The ARX is an example model from the motor sports division that was created to race in the America Le Mans Series.

The car maker places the highest priority on building safe vehicles.

It doesn?t matter if it is a racecar or a car meant for public use.

Without a doubt, Acura prides itself as making safety it’s top concern.

With each make and model, safety as well as security is seamlessly integrated into the design and manufacture.

A theft prevention system adds an additional layer of security, safeguarding the Acura owner against auto theft.

Though equipped with the latest safety and security features, what makes the Acura stand out is it’s sleek and stylish design.

Whether it is safety or performance your after, the sporty and sexy design of the Acura brand appeals to everyone.

Anyone who buys an Acura takes great pride in the way their car looks.



Annette

NAsty asked:


I have a 1996 Acura Integra LS (manual transmission) with a Skunk2 intake manifold, DC headers, AEM cold air intake, exhaust system, short shifter, and Skunk2 lowering spring. I was wondering what else I could install in the Integra to make it faster or give it more horsepower? My price range in under $500. Any advice?

Catherine

Jonathon C asked:


I have an Acura Integra I purchased with no engine or transmission what other cars can I take one out of to place in my vehicle? Its an automatic, I am looking to do this with minimal modifications…. Thanks in advance for any and all help!!!!

Yolanda

jamiehanson asked:


Despite its relatively small scale of operations when put alongside Toyota, Honda continues to be Japan’s most interesting auto maker, Asia’s response to the European techno-house of Audi. Its IMA, for example, is a truly practical petrol-electric car, and the NSX continues to be the best supercar that no body has heard of. In between these comes an everyman range of cars, from the simple elegance of its Jazz city car through to the Volvo-rivalling Accord Tourer. There is also 1.0 litre insight, a strange-looking little hybrid car that, since the introduction of IMA, has fallen out favor. A neat two-seater sports car that feels distinctly European in execution. Honda has some really interesting products in the pipeline, which promises sparkling performance allied to outstanding economy. ACCORD/TSX Offered in both sedan and Touring (estate) variants, the sculpted Accord is a far more substantially-sized car than it looks at first glance; this is particularly the case with the stylish Touring version. Quite and comfortable and with a suspension system more geared as much to ride quality as it is sporting handling, the car has winning fans at a rate which is surprising even its advocates within the company. A choice of petrol engines-2.0 and 2.4 litre units with respective outputs of 155PS and 190PS and the 2.2 turbo diesel, a fine piece of engineering that was long awaited; Honda’s engine designers set themselves very high standards which took time to meet. CIVIC Honda’s mainstay model is produced in 3-and5-door body shells, with a choice of engines and transmissions, and like its smaller stable mate Jazz, displays a high level of interior flexibility that generates considerable customer satisfaction. Recent upgrades to the styling (new lights, revised bumpers) have helped keep the look fresh, and the range has been added to Type S, which slots in between the mainstream petrol model and the stunning hot hatch Type R; that later car is fastest-accelerating car in its class, finally rectifying the one omission in Honda’s small car range. CR-V Honda’s response to the mid-sized 4×4 of Suzuki, Land Rover and the Mitsubishi, CR-V is a competent, solid-feeling multi-purpose player. Chunky in appearance yet surprisingly pleasing to drive, the machine is available only with the 150PS, 2.0 litre four cylinder engine.-though there is a choice of manual or automatic transmission. As with the HR-V, the car can be run in either front-drive or four wheel drive formats. Handling is as clean as can be expected in this class of cars, and the ride quality is good too; there is a tendency for the car to wander at high speeds, but that is symptomatic of most sports utility vehicles. JAZZ This car is a masterpiece of flexible design, managing to provide accommodation for five adults-and an incredibly efficient package of seating flexibility which would allow three adults and a wardrobe into the car at the same time.-without taking up any more road space than is absolutely essential. Early cars suffered from a slightly jittery ride but indicating Honda’s ability to quickly change production, this has since been remedied and the car now rides smoothly. There is only one engine option-a zippy little 1.4 litre four cylinder-but this can be matched to either manual of constantly variable transmission, and there is also a Sport version offered which offers sharper handling.



Barbara