- Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Euro, Plants/Manufacturing, Acura, Honda
Honda's attempt to right-size its development schedule and cope with the economic downturn apparently extends beyond the cancellation of the next NSX. According to Autocar, HoMoCo is right-sizing its plans for the next two years, and that includes rethinking the development of a range of rear-wheel-drive Acuras, a new V8, a convertible based on the CR-Z and the S2000's successor.
Acura seems to be carrying the weight of the bad news, with its RWD 7-series rival, originally due out in 2015, cancelled indefinitely, along with development of a V8 engine that would allow the brand to compete with the best and brightest from Germany. The Euro-market Legend could also be on the block and there's a chance that Honda will stop developing two separate Accord models for sale in the U.S. and abroad, instead opting for one mid-size sedan to be sold worldwide.
Unfortunately, the development cease-fire also extends to Honda's smaller offerings. Honda planned to release a drop-top version of its CR-Z after the hybrid goes on sale next year, but that model has been nixed. Even more disturbingly, 2009 will be the last year of production for the S2000, with no heir apparent waiting in the wings.
We're hoping to get more details on the cut-backs as the week progresses, but needless to say, there's more than enough disappointment to go around.
[Source: Autocar]Honda reportedly kills S2000 replacement, V8 program, RWD Acuras originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Acura, Honda
Just two weeks after we learned that Honda had suspended plans to introduce a new V10 NSX sports car in 2010 comes word that we may see the car anyway. Sort of. The production program is still dead, but it is being reported that the previously scheduled "concept" will appear at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in a couple of weeks.
In typical Honda fashion, a concept version of a new model appears a few months for the street edition. In this case, the NSX was set to debut next fall at the Tokyo Motor Show with the conceptual preview at the Detroit auto show. Since the concept was already prepared before Honda made the decision to scrap the program, they will show it anyway. Honda's presence in Cobo will still be low-key however, with its press conference having been canceled. The NSX and the production Insight will simply appear on the show floor.
[Source: AutoTeleGraaf.nl]Undead: Will Acura show NSX in Detroit even after killing it off? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Supercars, Acura, Honda
Click above for hi-res gallery of the Acura Advanced Sports Car concept
Amidst a troubled global economy, Honda is actively scaling back its operations, and its performance programs are sadly bearing the brunt. After canceling its participation in Formula One and the AMA motorbike road racing series, the Japanese automaker has reportedly announced that it is nixing development of the next-generation NSX supercar.
The unfortunate news will undoubtedly come as a stunning disappointment for the loyal legions of Honda/Acura sportscar fans. The new NSX, which looked to be nearing the end of its development on the road to production, was slated to be the most powerful car ever made by Honda, driven by an anticipated 560-horsepower V10.
According to Autocar, the goal-line audible came from none other than Takeo Fukui, Honda's CEO, who dropped the bombshell as part of a end-of-year speech to the troops. The news also means that Honda is suspending plans to finally bring the Acura nameplate to Japan, and it also calls into doubt the fate of the V10 engine itself, as well as any long-rumored V8 powertrains.
Honda hasn't ruled out the possibility of picking up where it left off once business is back in order, but in the meantime the original NSX, which ceased production in 2005 after fifteen years on the market, will have to remain without an heir.
Update: Acura spokesman Mike Spencer has confirmed to Autoblog that the NSX has indeed been canceled. We'll now never know how good it might have been.
[Source: Autocar]Continue reading Banzai burned? Honda reportedly kills confirms NSX is DOA
Banzai burned? Honda reportedly kills confirms NSX is DOA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Acura, Honda
Click on the Highcroft Acura for a high res gallery from the Detroit Sports Car Challenge
The current economic climate has only just started to wreak havoc in the motorsports world, with last week's announcements that Honda is pulling out of F1 and Audi is leaving the American LeMans Series. Things are likely to get worse before they get better as other automakers, including those based in Detroit, will almost certainly cut racing programs and budgets.
What won't be affected - at least for now - are Honda's non-F1 endeavors, including its motorcycle programs, the Indy Racing League and the American Le Mans Series. The ALMS and IRL programs are both operated by Honda Performance Development out of Torrance, CA. Unlike the F1 program, the IRL engine program generates revenue from the teams that lease these engines. The Acura ALMS program will definitely continue in 2009 as the team moves up from the LMP2 to the LMP1 class. The big bummer is that Acura won't have any competition from the Audi R10, which is leaving the ALMS next year.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: F1-Live]Honda commits to remaining motorsport programs after F1 pull out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Acura
If you've been sitting on the car-burying sidelines waiting for Acura's buck-tooth treatment to make its way to the front end of the RDX, we have good news for you. Spy pics of the 2010 RDX show that Honda's premium crossover will soon sport the love-it-or-leave-it shielded grille. Closer inspection of the front clip shows that the fog lamps and front bumper will also receive a visual tweak. The current model's uninterrupted bumper breaks at the lower air dam, which could provide some visual relief to the RDX's somewhat awkward mug. The minor update to the front end comes after only three model years of the inaugural RDX, a trend Honda will likely continue to keep up with the competition. Acura's shielded grille theme hasn't been met with glowing praise so far (TL, anyone?), but perhaps it will look better on the larger face of a crossover... hopefully. Thanks for the tip, Tim!
[Source: TOV]Spy Shots: Acura RDX getting shield grille originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, I.C.E., Acura, Honda
"You've got to have the right tool for the job." "You can't bring a knife to a gun-fight." Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. We've heard it all before. Honda makes some excellent engines, there's no doubt about that, from small displacement four-pots that rev through the roof to gloriously smooth and reliable V6 units. Unfortunately, the fun stops there, as the Japanese automaker has steadfastly stuck to its guns, not building an eight-cylinder engine when it can do just as well with fewer pistons.
Regardless of how competent its six may be, nearly all of Honda's competitors offer V8 engines in their top-level models, and Acura fanatics have been begging for a range-topper to compete with the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz for years. They may soon get their wish, as Honda's CEO Takeo Fukui has stated once and for all that Acura will indeed be getting an eight for its next top-level sedan.
What good is a beefy engine if you can't get the power to the ground? A big, heavy V8 engine over the front tires is a recipe for a horribly unbalanced front-driver, and Honda realizes this. So expect the aforementioned sedan to get rear-wheel-drive to go along with its newfound infusion of displacement. When? Not until 2015 according to some industry sources. That's a veritable eternity in the auto biz, so we have to wonder if Fukui has let the cat out of the bag a bit prematurely.
[Source: Auto Observer]Honda V8 coming... in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Acura
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Acura L SH-AWD
2008 has been a busy year for Acura's design and manufacturing engineering staff. It's not often that a brand refreshes its entire sedan lineup in the span of just over six months. Of course, in Acura's case that only amounts to three cars, but includes two completely redesigned cars with the TL and TSX and one heavy face-lift for the RL. Actually, "heavy face-lift" is something that applies to all three, as Acura has implemented a new front end design for its sedans that has seemingly gone over with pundits like the proverbial lead balloon.
We use the word "seemingly" because while most of the media and the majority of commenters here on Autoblog have howled in visual pain whenever the new shield grille pops up, it doesn't seem to have hurt sales. In fact, sales of the both the TSX and TL have been up significantly in the first few months that the cars have been on sale. Now that Acura has dropped off a 2009 TL SH-AWD in the Autoblog Garage for a week, it's time to see if our initial impressions need adjusting.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Acura, Honda
The residual value of a car or truck can be a tricky proposition. The age, mileage, general condition and segment of of the vehicle makes a big difference in determining its value, and so does its brand. If you want a car with strong residual value, it wouldn't hurt to buy a Honda, as the Japanese automaker has won it's sixth consecutive Automotive Lease Guide residual award. Honda's Acura division joined its less expensive sibling for the first time by taking the top spot for luxury vehicles, too, making it a clean sweep for team H-badge.
Toyota finished fourth overall in the voting, but the Japanese Juggernaut managed to win the most overall segment awards. Subaru has to be very pleased with its second place overall finish in residual values. Ford's F-150 scored big with the best residuals in the light pickup truck market. Japanese automakers won 11 of the 18 overall segment awards, while U.S. automakers won or shared three segments. Hit the jump to view all the segment leaders in the ALG residuals listing.
[Source: Automotive Lease Guide]Continue reading Big Surprise: Honda and Acura have best residual values
Big Surprise: Honda and Acura have best residual values originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Tech, Tokyo Motor Show, Supercars, Acura, Honda
We don't know what the next Acura (Honda) NSX will ultimately look like, but we do know that it will have a 5.5-liter V10 throwing down 560 hp through a torque-vectoring SW-AWD setup. The folks over at Auto Express have a cutaway view of the NSX's gizzards, and what lurks beneath the creased and chevroned skin of the next do-it-all-faster supercar could be good for a few extra heartbeats. We do hope, however, that these exterior renderings are quite a ways off. Otherwise, it might not be so bad if Acura offers a cutaway version of the actual car so that you don't have to see its body, because even under the camo, the new NSX is shaping up to be um, homely.
[Source: Auto Express]Under the skin of the 2010 Acura NSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Acura, Rendered Speculation
UPDATE: Image removed at request of owner.
At first we couldn't understand why the BMW X6 was birthed, and then we couldn't figure out why Acura of all companies needed to create something to compete with it. Top Speed has rendered unto us what such an enigma might look like, and, well, it ain't all bad. That's probably because it looks like an MDX with a descending roofline out back. Of course, it's impossible to know how much of any rendering is pure fiction, but The Majestic Shield of Acura matched with those lights and a proper amount of real estate could be the ideal pairing of design features and suitable canvas. Porsche's floating LEDs in the front bumper don't go astray, either. We still can't say it makes sense, but Acura, if you're really going to do this, have a look here first.
[Source: Top Speed]Rendered Speculation: Acura X6 fighter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Acura
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TSX
At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed off a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine and announced it would debut a production version in 2009. Informed speculation says that the oilburner would be equipped in the new TSX, a re-badged version of the European Honda Accord that currently offers the engine. Honda engineers have even presented documents outlining the new exhaust developed for the engine in the last two editions of the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress.
Unfortunately, it looks like we might not get a chance to sample a diesel TSX in the U.S. after all. An anonymous poster on the MotorTrend forums is claiming that Honda has not been able to pass emissions certification with the automatic transmission TSX diesel. The manual transmission version is fine, but the poster claims there wouldn't be enough demand in the U.S. market for the manual-only model and Honda will therefore drop the diesel altogether. We don't know if this is true, and Acura has not yet responded to our request for a comment. It will most like be a "no comment" anyway.
For what it's worth, we're suitably dubious about the source and the information, particularly considering that modern cars with electronically controlled automatic transmissions typically perform better on emissions and fuel economy. This is primarily due to the engineer's ability to have more control over the interaction between the engine and the transmission, and less to do with the person behind the wheel. Hopefully the story is untrue, because it would be nice to finally get a Honda/Acura with some low end torque.
[Source: Motor Trend Forum]Is the Acura TSX diesel DOA? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, Acura
There is no doubt that Honda moves to the beat of its own percussionist, especially compared to its Japanese competitors. Of late, however, the Acura side of the house seems to be making some very odd decisions. There is the most obvious front and center example - the new shield grille, which one dealer has taken it upon himself to fix. Then the other day came news that Honda CEO Takeo Fukui has confirmed the next-gen top-of-the-line Acura sedan will use the company's first V8 engine. This comes at the same time other manufacturers are abandoning new V8 engine programs due to falling sales and high fuel prices. No doubt Honda's answer to the V8 question will be something at least slightly different than what we've seen from Infiniti and Lexus.
The latest head scratcher may well be the biggest of all. Since it's debut, the BMW X6 has had many of us pondering why it exists. Apparently the team at Acura understands, since they have created a "sport activity coupe"/crossover thingy of their own. The X6 hasn't exactly been flying off dealer lots in the U.S. since it went on sale six months ago, so the obvious question is why make another? We certainly don't know the answer, but judging by this prototype with an Acura shield grille visible under the camo that was spotted recently at the Nürburgring, Honda does. Thanks to Luke for the tip!
[Source: GlobalMotors.com]Spy Shots: Has Acura gone mad? X6 competitor spotted on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Acura
Acura's new corporate fascia hasn't gained the affection of the automotive press, not to mention our commentators. And to make matters worse, not only is "The Shield" employed on the MDX, TSX and TL, it's expected to infect the rest of Acura's lineup into the next decade.
We're still far from convinced that the new nose was a smart move, but we've conceded that it doesn't look nearly as bad on a silver TSX, matching the lines and the color to slightly better effect.
An Acura dealer seems to have a similar idea, and after taking delivery of one burgundy TL, had the grille painted to match the rest of the exterior. While it's an improvement, we'd love to see something similar to the 2009 Legend's schnoz retrofitting an Acura emblem in place of the Big H.
[Source: Acurazine via Motive]Acura dealer takes the TL's nose in for rhinoplasty originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Acura, Honda
Honda's engines have always been a bit special. Not Mazda rotary, miller-cycle or tiny V6 special, but a bit off the beaten path and resistant to market trends. For decades the Japanese automaker insisted on making engines that rotate the opposite direction than the rest of the industry (in line with its motorcycle roots), and took what seemed like an eternity to go back on its founders aversions to any more than four cylinders. Well, as anyone who's stepped into an Acura dealership knows, a V6 still doesn't cut it when you're trying to lure customers away from the likes of Lexus and BMW. And the new TL may have the company's most powerful V6 to date, but even in today's socio-economic climate, luxury consumers still want V8 muscle. Reports now indicate that Honda is ready to cough it up.
The confirmation reportedly comes straight from Honda CEO Takeo Fukui, who says that a V8 engine will be earmarked towards the company's luxury brand Acura. No official word on where the eight-cylinder engine will land, but we can expect it to find its way into the engine bay of the top-of-the-line RL and probably an SUV, as well. Fukui reportedly promises his V8 will be highly efficient, but while we won't expect it to rotate in the opposite direction, it promises to plug the gap between the company's existing V6s and the V10 in the highly anticipated successor to the NSX.
[Source: All Cars, All the Time]
Acura finally caves to the Magic 8 Ball originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Supercars, Acura, Ferrari
Click above for gallery of this Frankencar
Up for grabs and with 56 bids registered bids, we have eBay item number: 270287784055. The lucky top bidder gets a Ferrari 360 Modena and an Acura NSX, but only needs one parking spot. The product description explains the impossible, while almost making this thing sound appealing. "The best parts of both cars were used to build an exclusive new vehicle. The appearance comes from the Ferrari 360 Modena, the quality and reliability from [a] Honda NSX... this is definitely no comparison to the Toyota MR2, Peugeot 306, or Pontiac Fierro [sic] conversions..."
So you get a 94,000 km, 300 hp, Acura NSX with a custom body and interior that make it look something like a Ferrari 360. Lighter, more reliable, and cheaper to maintain than a Ferrari, presumably more lust-worthy than a stock-bodied NSX, and all for just EUR 25,500.
While the front and rear views might make you think it's a real Ferrari at first glance, that NSX greenhouse makes any other angle a dead giveaway. The builder didn't do a bad job, but it's just another project that has us scratching our heads and asking, "Why?" It's in Zurich, Switzerland if you're interested. Thanks for the tip, Emanuel!
[Source: eBay Motors]eBay Find of the Day: Ferrari + NSX = Ferracura 360 NSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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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:
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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.
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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)
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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 :
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Thursday, December 14th, 2006
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