- Filed under: Safety, Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Hyundai, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put a new crop of large luxury vehicles through its crash test gauntlet, and the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M joined some impressive company in scoring a Top Safety Pick designation. The CTS and M clinched the highly regarded award by receiving the top score of "Good" in roof strength testing. To achieve the top score in rollover safety, a vehicle's roof has to be able to support four times the weight of the entire vehicle.
The Top Safety Pick designation is handed out only to vehicles that received a "Good" score for all four IIHS crash tests while also featuring standard stability control to help avoid accidents altogether. The Cadillac and Infiniti join the BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80, Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as Top Safety Pick winners.
Since large luxury vehicles cost so much and contain so many safety features, it's not all that surprising that so many models aced IIHS testing. But not all vehicles passed the test with flying colors. The Lexus GS and Audi A6 managed only an "Acceptable" score in roof testing, while the aging Acura RL lagged behind the competition with a "Marginal" rating. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS presser.
[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]Continue reading Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS
Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: SUV, Acura, Reviews, Luxury
Overcomes Corporate Snout with Luxury, Technology and Value To Spare
2010 Acura MDX - Click above for high-res image gallery
"Any press is good press," so the saying goes. With that in mind, the refreshed 2010 Acura MDX, now bearing the automaker's corporate "beak," should finally be garnering some much-needed attention.
And the Acura MDX deserves the spotlight. Nearing its tenth year of production, the seven-passenger crossover has flown under the radar, always relegated to yesterday's news as the segment rapidly expanded and welcomed interesting new competitors. Seemingly tired of watching the competition steal the conversation, Acura threw on the controversial grille and significantly updated the MDX for 2010.
We spent a week with Acura's big SUV. Pressed into family service, we put nearly 900 miles on our tester, including a one-day, 12-hour journey and more than a few trips with a full load of passengers.
While nearly everyone mentioned its questionable front fascia during the walk-around, we wondered if the Acura's on-road performance and luxury amenities were strong enough to convince us to look the other way. Follow the jump to find out...
Photos copyright (C)2010 Michael Harley / AOLContinue reading Review: 2010 Acura MDX
Review: 2010 Acura MDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Hatchback, Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Luxury
Consumer Reports picks the best cars for teens and seniors - Click above for high-res image gallery
The car-savy folk over at Consumer Reports have released a new list of its best picks for vehicles suited for teens and seniors. The group suggests parents looking to send their teens off to school with a newer vehicle should try to avoid the common misstep of assuming that a larger SUV is safer than its smaller, more efficient counterparts. Instead of opting for a heavy roller, Consumer Reports suggests that parents look toward cars with standard traction control and side curtain airbags - cars like the Mazda 3, Scion xB, Honda Accord or Nissan Rogue.
Meanwhile, the publication points to a number of models for seniors that offer good visibility and easy access, including the Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Azera and Subaru Forester XT Limited. As you might expect, CR notes that each of the vehicles on the list can boast at least average reliability and carry the publications' Recommended label.
Interestingly enough, the only vehicle that Consumer Reports recommends for both driver types is the Honda Accord. Check out our galleries of the winners below and hit the jump to peruse the full press release.
[Source: Consumer Reports]Continue reading Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors
Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Acura, Honda
Less than 28 years after becoming the very first Japanese brand to begin producing cars in the United States, Honda turned out the 10 millionth car from its Marysville, OH factory on Tuesday. Marysville began car production in November 1982 with the second generation Accord, and so it's fitting that the landmark vehicle was also an Accord sedan. These days, Marysville also produces the Acura RDX and TL, but over the years the Accord has accounted for 8.5 million units of the total production volume.
Eighty-four percent of the vehicles sold by Honda and Acura in North America in 2009 were produced here. The nearby Anna engine plant will also celebrate a landmark this week with its 25th anniversary on Thursday. Congrats, Honda!
[Source: Honda]Continue reading Honda's Marysville, OH plant builds 10 millionth vehicle
Honda's Marysville, OH plant builds 10 millionth vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Acura, Honda, Luxury
2010 Acura RL - Click above for high-res image gallery
Word coming from Japan's Nikkei business daily (as reported by Reuters) indicates that Honda has finally decided to discontinue the slow selling Acura RL and its Japanese market counterpart, the Honda Legend.
Ostensibly the flagship of Acura's brand here in North America, the RL has been a slow-seller for quite some time, upstaged in part by the company's less-expensive, higher-volume TL sedan. For some years now, the TL has offered more space, similar tech and even more power (in the Type S model), making the RL a particularly tough sell for dealers. Through the first half of this year, only 872 RLs have been sold in the United States.
Another production change reported by the Nikke that would only affect the Japanese market is the discontinuation of conventional gasoline versions of the Civic. If accurate, that would mean that from now until at least until the next-generation Civic arrives in the Fall of 2011, Honda will only sell the Civic hybrid in its home market.
In addition, the JDM Elysion minivan is also apparently set to get the axe.
Autoblog reached out to Honda for comment on the Nikkei story, and spokesman Chuck Schifsky would only say that the automaker does not comment on future product plans, noting that no official announcement has been made about the fate of the RL/Legend, the JDM Civic or the Elysion. Top tip, Joaquin!
UPDATE: Acura has released a statement saying that RL will continue to be the brand's flagship model and it's in no danger of being euthanized.
[Source: Reuters]Report: Honda to kill off Acura RL/Legend globally, discontinue gas Civic models in Japan [*UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Acura, Luxury
2011 Acura TL - Click above for high-res image gallery
When it comes to Acura's corporate schnoz, you likely fall into one of two camps: you either loathe the chrome nose or you really loathe the chrome nose. There doesn't seem to be much in between. So to address its derisive looks, Acura appears to be tweaking the front end of the TL for the 2011 model year.
While it's highly doubtful that Acura is going to completely dispatch the metal overbite found throughout its lineup, the new nose appears more refined and slightly toned down. Judging by the heavily-camo'd shot above, there's sure to be some revisions to the lower fascia, but the real changes can be seen on the pic to the right, including some new slatting and a slightly smaller shield.
On this particular prototype, there's also a fair amount of wires protruding from one of the exhaust outlets and leading into the trunk, so it's likely safe to assume that some kind of engine or electronics upgrades are in the works for this mid-cycle refresh. With hot-weather testing fully underway, we suspect the mildly restyled TL will debut later this year before going on sale in the first half of 2011.
[Source: KGP Photography]Spy Shots: Next Acura TL getting rhinoplasty? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Wagon, Acura, Design/Style, Luxury
With the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon now on sale and the Acura TSX wagon coming this fall, Autoblog reader Andrew decided to try his hand at producing a five-door version of the larger TL sedan.
By merging the roofline of the seven-seat MDX crossover with the body of the midsize sedan, Andrew has created what to our eyes is a fairly handsome sedan... well, at least those of us in the minority that actually like the look of the standard TL. The D-pillar does look a bit heavy in this application, so perhaps a more forward sloping rear window in the manner of some of Audi's Avant wagons would give the car a sleeker look. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
[Source: Andrew Stump]Rendered Speculation: Reader-penned Acura TL Sportwagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Marketing/Advertising, Acura, Ford, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota
Click above for a gallery of graphtastic images from J.D. Power and Associates
J.D. Power and Associates has released its 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS) and Porsche has earned back the top spot that was occupied by Lexus in last year's study. The annual J.D. Power study measures IQS based on problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100) - a lower score means a lower rate of problem incidences and higher quality.
Domestic brands, as a whole, demonstrated higher initial quality than import brands for the first time in an IQS (impressive, as the company has been conducting the study for 24 years). "Domestic automakers have made impressive strides in steadily improving vehicle quality, particularly since 2007," said David Sargent, vice president of global vehicle research at J.D. Power and Associates. "This year may mark a key turning point for U.S. brands as they continue to fight the battle against lingering negative perceptions of their quality." According to J.D. Power, the industry average for initial quality is 109 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2010 (that is a slight increase from 108 PP100 in 2009). However, initial quality for domestic brands as a whole has improved to an average of 108 PP100, slightly better than the initial quality of import brands, which average 109 PP100 in 2010.
Acura made an impressive improvement in the 2010 study. The automaker climbed from 111 PP100 in 2009 to just 86 PP100 in 2010, earning second spot just under Porsche (83 PP100). Mercedes-Benz (87 PP100) earned third position with Lexus (88 PP100) immediately following. Ford (93 PP100) and Lincoln (106 PP100) also earned Top 10 positions. Interestingly enough, Toyota (117 PP100) fell from its seventh position in 2009 to 21st in the 2010 study. The complete J.D. Power press release and charts can be found after the jump and in the gallery below.
[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]Continue reading J.D. Power 2010 Initial Quality Study released, first time ever domestics lead imports
J.D. Power 2010 Initial Quality Study released, first time ever domestics lead imports originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Acura, Canada
2010 Acura TL A-Spec - Click above to enlarge
Every once in a while, automakers will design special trim levels and packages specifically tailored for our friends to the north. The latest, from Acura, is the A-Spec package available on the 2010 TL sedan, which includes add-ons like 19-inch wheels on special summer tires, an aero kit, dark chrome grille (which somehow manages to make the shield a bit easier on the eyes), rear accents and (of course) A-Spec badges. Underneath the extra glitz is Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system, and a choice of either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
We spoke with Honda's American PR team, and while they assure us that there are no plans to bring the A-Spec to Yankee soil, prospective TL buyers in the States shouldn't be too put off. Glancing through the TL's U.S.-market configuration site, we see that American models can be optioned with all sorts of A-Spec-like accessories, including underbody spoilers, sport grilles and different wheels. It might not have the appropriate badging, but it'll do the trick.
The TL A-Spec can be ordered from Canadian Acura dealers as you read this, retailing from $51,290 CAD. For the full details, hit the jump to read Acura's press release.
[Source: Acura]Continue reading Officially Official: Acura releases Canada-only TL A-Spec
Officially Official: Acura releases Canada-only TL A-Spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 May 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Technology, Acura, Audi, BMW, Toyota, Ferrari, Diesel
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Before we get to this week's show, we wanted to explain what's up with The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes. The short story is that TV Squad, one of our sister sites in the AOL Network, recently received an update that went awry. The result was all of our RSS feeds being replaced with the TV Squad RSS feed. The issue was quickly fixed, but for some reason iTunes isn't recognizing this fact and continues to display the TV Squad podcast as if it were The Autoblog Podcast. We're in contact with people from iTunes who assure us the problem is being worked on, so hang tight.
In the meantime, if you subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast via iTunes, you will not automatically receive this week's episode. The easiest workaround until we get this fixed is to use the link below to download the MP3 file directly and drag it into iTunes. We're terribly sorry for the inconvenience, even though it's not our fault. Send your hate mail to TV Squad.
Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Dan Roth, and Steven Ewing take on topsy-turvy topics like hybrid Ferraris, the Land Rover LRX, Hyundai's focus-grouping a pickup truck, Toyota's possible hydrogen future, and the OnStar relaunch. There's the Autoblog Garage to start, and we finish with questions for this week's 80-minute installment. See you next week!
Autoblog Podcast #177: What? Hybrid Ferraris, FWD Land Rovers, and Hyundai Pickups
In the Autoblog Garage:
Audi A3 TDI
Acura ZDX
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Toyota Tacoma
Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Dan Roth, Steven J. Ewing
Runtime: 1:18:56
Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly
Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)
Review the show in iTunes and take our survey
Autoblog Podcast #177 - What's up with the AB Podcast in iTunes? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda
Acura TSX - Click above for high-res image gallery
Honda has put out a recall of around 167,000 Acura TSX sedans to fix a power steering hose and o-ring gasket which could deteriorate prematurely. Previous generation (2004-2008) models are affected by the issue, which involves the hose cracking due to high underhood temperatures resulting in the power steering fluid leaking, contacting the exhaust components and potentially creating smoke or a fire.
Owners can expect to receive notification in the mail late next month, but you can get all the details in the release after the jump.
Continue reading Honda recalling 167,000 Acura TSX sedans
Honda recalling 167,000 Acura TSX sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Crossover, Acura, Reviews, Luxury
2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery
Needless to say, the 2010 Acura ZDX is a peculiar beast. And after a week's worth of testing, we're still not sure what to make of it.
But just for some context, let's begin with the fact that despite a similar fastback, five-door body style, the ZDX is not related to the Honda Accord Crosstour. Honda's jacked-up hatch is substantially larger than the ZDX and far more useful. Instead, it's best to think of the ZDX as a rake-roofed version of the MDX - a high-riding four-door coupe (assuming you buy into the marketing spiel) akin to its closest competitor, the BMW X6. Both models share similar designs and purposes - although the ZDX maxes out in price and performance where the German starts off - and both possess some of the attributes of a two-door layout - compromises and all.
Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2010 Acura ZDX is a space (challenged) oddity
Review: 2010 Acura ZDX is a space (challenged) oddity originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Acura, Luxury
2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res gallery
It's only been on the market since December, but the 2010 Acura ZDX has already gotten its first official recall. According to AutoWeek, Acura believes that less than two percent of the 1,850 ZDXs built so far were assembled with a dashboard material that was incorrectly cut. The problem could cause the passenger-side front airbag to deploy improperly.
If you think you may have one of the affected vehicles, you are urged to take your minty-fresh ZDX to your local Acura dealer so the vehicle can be inspected. If there is indeed an issue, the entire dashboard will be replaced at no expense to the owner.
Owners should be getting notifications through the mail any day now. Alternatively, you can also call (800) 382-2238 for more information.
[Source: AutoWeek]2010 Acura ZDX recalled for airbag issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Acura, BMW, Chevrolet, GM, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Subaru, Volvo, Design/Style
2010 Chevrolet Camaro interior - Click above for high-res image gallery of interior award winners from Ward's Auto
Do you own a Lamborghini Miura? If not, we're going to presume that you spend way more time looking at the interior of your car than the exterior. If you do happen to have a Miura parked in your garage, we suggest you stop reading immediately and go gaze upon its sensuous exterior lines for a few hours.
Still here? Great, that means you don't own a Miura and the interior of your car is an extremely important consideration. Which begs the question: What car has the best interior in any given class? Attempting to answer that query is none other than Wards Auto, which has just released its annual Auto Interior of the Year Awards for 2010 after analyzing the innards of 40 vehicles that are either brand new for 2010 or at least significantly updated.
Somewhat surprisingly, the only automaker to take home more than one trophy was Chevrolet. The new Equinox won for popular-priced truck under $39,999 and the Camaro took top honors in the sportscar category. Other winners include the Subaru Outback in the popular-priced car under $29,999 category and the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo for "Design Versatility."
Want to see the rest? Check out our high-res image gallery below for a visual listing of all the winners and click past the break for the official press release.
[Source: Wards Auto]Continue reading Ward's releases 2010 Auto Interior Award winners
Ward's releases 2010 Auto Interior Award winners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Acura, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury
BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery
Depending on who you ask, BMW is either at the forefront of an exciting new automotive genre with the 5 Series Gran Turismo, or is inventing market segments with no real purpose other than to grab several thousand new sales from those who simply must be seen in the latest trendy niche. In other words, the 5 Series GT is nothing if not polarizing.
For now, it seems that you can put such luxury brands Lexus and Infiniti in the latter camp, though fellow upmarket Japanese automaker Acura is headed down a similar path as its German counterpart with the new ZDX - at least with regard to the X6. Speaking to Auto Observer at the New York Auto Show, Ben Poore, Nissan North America's vice president of the Infiniti business unit, said, "What [we are] seeing is a much stronger preference (among consumers) for a trunk."
Granted, some may see little difference between such vehicles as the 5 Series GT and Infiniti's own EX and FX crossovers, but Poore suggests the machines aren't direct competitors. "I'd rather be on (either) the crossover styling or the trunk styling," he said. Dave Nordstrom, Lexus' vice president of marketing, concurs, saying, "We don't have any plans for it right now. We have not seen the demand from our customers - but we continue to look at it."
As for us? Well, you can read all about our initial impressions of the 5 Series GT by looking back at our First Drive. Suffice it to say, our own office is split on the effectiveness of this new giant hatchback trend just like everyone else.
[Source: Auto Observer]Lexus, Infiniti reportedly not interested in taking on BMW's 5 Series Gran Turismo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Archive for the 'ACURA' Category
Friday, December 15th, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Civic Si (Honda - United States of America)
Acura EL
Made by Honda (Canada)
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.4 16v
1.4 16v aut.
1.6 16v
1.6 16v aut.
1.7 CTDi
2.0 16v
2.0 16v Type-R
Previous version:
Honda (United Kingdom)
Variation:
Description:
Honda’s engineers restricted the rearward movement of the front seats, but managed to expand the amount of space in the rear of the new model, which was introduced two years ago, to create a compact car with limousine-like comfort for back seat occupants. The three-door shape was introduced in 2001 and features the startlingly rapid Type-R model at its pinnacle.
Donors:
Posted in ACURA | No Comments »
Friday, December 15th, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.4 16v
1.4 16v aut.
1.5 16v aut.
1.5 16v Awd aut.
1.5 16v CVT
1.6 16v
1.6 16v aut.
1.7 16v Awd aut.
1.7 16v CVT
1.7 16v CVT 7 speed mode
1.7 CTDi
2.0 VSA
Previous version:
Honda (United Kingdom)
Variation:
Info:
Description:
The five-door version of this car came first and set a standard in the market for space utilisation that has not, as yet, been beaten. It is a practical car for the family.
Posted in ACURA | No Comments »
Friday, December 15th, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Acura EL (Acura - United States of America)
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.4 16v aut.
1.4 Hybrid
1.4 Hybrid CVT
1.5 16v 81kW
1.5 16v 77kW
1.5 16v aut. 77kW
1.5 16v Awd 85kW
1.5 16v Awd 77kW
1.5 16v Awd aut. 77kW
1.5 16v Awd aut. 85kW
1.6 16v 96kW
1.6 16v aut. 96kW
1.6 16v 81kW
1.6 16v aut. 81kW
1.7 16v 96kW
1.7 16v aut. 85kW
1.7 16v aut. 96kW
1.7 16v 85kW
1.7 16v CVT GX / LPG
1.7 16v CVT 96kW
2.0 16v aut.
Previous version:
Honda (Turkey)
Honda (United States of America)
Honda (Venezuela)
Variation:
Info:
Assembly Plans:
Acura (United States of America)
Honda (Brazil)
Honda (Canada)
Honda (Indonesia)
Honda (Pakistan)
Honda (Philippines)
Honda (Thailand)
Posted in ACURA | No Comments »
Thursday, December 14th, 2006
Details info:
Type : raised passability locked
Amount of the Doors :
The Place Seatings :
The Place Seatings:
Sizes and mass : Length x width x height, mm : 4788 x 1956 x 1745 : Wheel base, mm : 2700 : Full mass, kgs : 1962
Type of the engine : gasoline
Preparation to air gas :
Design of the engine : V-figurative
Amount cylinder : 6
Amount valve on cylinder :
Volume of the engine, sm3 : 3500
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : / 240
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines :
Maximum turning moment, Nm :
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines :
Class bad material :
Drive :
Gearbox : automatic
Amount of the issues : 5
Front springs :
Back springs :
Front brake : disc ABS
Back brake : disc ABS
Buses :
Buses back travell about :
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. : 8.9
Maximum velocity, km/ch :
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km :
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km :
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km :
Volume of the tank, l. :
Type fuel :
Posted in ACURA | No Comments »
Thursday, December 14th, 2006
Posted in ACURA | No Comments »
