Thursday, July 30, 2009

Acura RDX Turbocharged CUV Receives Numerous Upgrades for 2010

2010 rdxnew acura rdxnew acura rdx 2010Acura RDX 2010The 2010 Acura RDX goes on sale across Canada on
August 10 with a fresh new exterior look, a more luxurious interior, new

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technology features and improved fuel economy. With a sales increase in Canada
of 17 per cent for the first half of 2009, the turbocharged RDX continues to
be a leading compact-luxury CUV of choice for Canadians with active lifestyles
who want a responsive and sporty vehicle with utility, leading-edge styling
and the benefits of Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)).
Externally, the 2010 RDX receives numerous changes resulting in a more
aggressive, sporty appearance. RDX exterior styling further emphasizes the
crossover's sporty athleticism. Large wheel arches, aggressively raked body
sides, steeply raked windscreen and a short rear overhang generate a taut and
muscular presence.
RDX gets a new front fascia, Acura's signature front grille, a hood with
a new front edge design and updated HID headlights that are now controlled by
a standard automatic on/off function. The headlight's new design incorporates
a "smoke style" chrome plating treatment and complements the angular pattern
set by the Acura grille. At the rear, a more aggressive bumper fascia,
rectangular exhaust finishers, revised taillights and satin finish trim give
the 2010 RDX a freshened appearance.
New 18-inch diameter, 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, in conjunction with
the vehicle's wide track (1572-mm front / 1590-mm rear), are designed to
provide improved handling. Changes to the brake booster and servo deliver
better brake pedal feel plus less initial brake "grabbiness." The brake system
also makes use of revised rear brake pad actuation that delivers less drag and
longer pad life. Also new are Geomet-coated brake rotors for improved looks
and added corrosion protection.
The RDX also receives several new standard interior features, including a
rear view camera system, electronic compass, a pull handle to make closing the
rear hatch easier, auto-function headlights, ambient footwell lighting, a
centre console storage tray, improved cupholders, USB-port connectivity, and
Note function for XM(R) Radio.
The 2010 RDX incorporates a class-leading array of features that keep
passengers informed and entertained. RDX features as standard Bluetooth(R)
HandsFreeLink(R) connectivity with new Bluetooth(R) audio capabilities, a
7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System and a new USB port that allows the
connection of (and charging of) items such as an iPhone(R) or iPod(R).
Also new for 2010 is a centre console tray that is a convenient way to
store items such as a wallet, spare keys, or an iPod(R). In addition,
integrated to the underside of the lid is a coin holder and place for holding
credit or gate cards. New for 2010 is a USB port (also located in the centre
console) that allows for the easy connection of items such as an iPod(R),
iPhone(R) or a memory stick storage device.

2010-acura-rdx

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

2010 RDX peeks out on Acura website


2010 Acura RDX - Click above for image gallery

Last week, we showed you a few photos of what looked to be the 2010 Acura RDX that had begun floating around the interwebs. A subsequent call to Acura confirmed that they were, in fact, the real deal. Now, without any fanfare, the updated compact crossover has appeared on the company's website, complete with specification changes and pricing.

As shown earlier, the RDX is indeed on the receiving end of the corporate shield grille rhinoplasty, and also gets new fog lamps and air inlets. The rear end has been cleaned up as well, with new hexagonal exhaust inlets with stylized cutouts and a mesh insert in the fascia's lower reaches.

The big news for 2010 is the availability of a front-drive version, which helps shed weight and parasitic drag to increase fuel economy. At an EPA estimated 19 miles-per-gallon city and 24 highway, the RDX still strikes us as behind the curve, but perhaps not as much as the (unchanged) 17/22 figures of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) version.

Predictably, this least-complex RDX is also the cheapest, ringing up at $32,520 plus delivery. If you do want the foul-weather security of all-wheel drive, you'll have to pay a minimum of $34,520. Plump for the technology package (which includes traffic- and weather-linked sat-nav, premium Acura/ELS surround sound, and so on), you're looking at $35,620 in front-drive guise, and $37,620 for all-wheel drive.

We see no mention of streaming audio as hinted at earlier, but Bluetooth telephony is still part of the mix. Further, a rearview camera will come standard, even if one doesn't pony up for the Technology pack with navigation.

No matter which model you choose, the RDX continues to be motivated by the same turbocharged, intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder, giving 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Acura TSX


Remember the old advertising shill, "It's longer, lower, and wider"? Well, in the case of the new Acura TSX, make that longer and a whopping 3 in. wider. Based upon the redesigned European-spec Honda Accord, the TSX has gained loads of interior elbow room, somehow lost a cubic foot of trunk space, gained 160 lb in weight, and has improved its already modest rear legroom by -- drumroll -- 0.1 in.



2009 Acura TSX rear three quarter view

Acura's finger-threatening "power plenum" grille further delivers to the brand a distinctive face, but we're not convinced Veg-O-Matic dicer is the way to go here. But fire its sweet 2.4L four, notch the super-slick six-speed shifter into first (the alternative is a new paddle-shift five-speed automatic), and Acura's entry model can melt reservations faster than an 18-year-old on a Tijuana weekend. The car is a smile-maker.

The TSX's steering effort seems light, and on uphill ascents, you need to keep the revs howling to maintain the excitement level. But this is an unusually sensitive driver, a credible poor man's BMW 3 Series (or maybe 1 Series). Under more leisurely circumstances, the TSX offers a taut but acceptable ride, but even its taut-ride moments reveal a deliciously rigid chassis. It's unexpectedly quiet, too (given its sport-minded mission), a noticeable advance in hushing tire noise and aerodynamics compared with Honda's and Acura's recent fare.

2009 Acura TSX side view

Does the 2009 Acura TSX have the goods to score the 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year Calipers? Find out on November 18.

2009 Acura TSX engine

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

2009 Acura TL doesn’t offer a manual transmission

The 2009 Acura TL doesn’t offer a manual transmission, but that’s about to change for the 2010 model year: A six-speed manual transmission will be available this fall on the TL Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive performance model.

The current TL’s lack of manual transmission is a notable when comparing it to its competition such as the Infiniti G37 and BMW 335, which both offer manuals.

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On the TL Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive model, Acura has beefed up the suspension to reduce body roll and shed 88 pounds by going from the automatic transmission to the manual, which improves weight distribution.

2010 Acura TSX Gets V-6 Engine, Same Price as TL

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When the Acura TSX got a face-lift for the 2009 model year, we were a bit surprised at the sales success of this littlest Acura. Its fuel-efficient and peppy four-cylinder engine, front-wheel-drive setup and pleasant ride swayed a lot of near-luxury buyers. For 2010, Acura seems to have answered a question no one was asking: It put a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 in the TSX and priced it within $150 of the larger Acura TL with the same engine and transmission.

We won’t spend too much time breaking down the similarities of the TSX V-6 and the base TL V-6, but they have the same power and five-speed transmission, and they’re within 1 mpg in estimated highway mileage. The TSX gets 18/27 mpg city/highway, while the TL gets 18/26. The TSX V-6 gets standard steering-wheel shift paddles and 18-inch wheels, while the base model gets 17-inch wheels standard.

Otherwise, the TSX remains mostly the same from 2009, with a slight price increase of $150 for the four-cylinder model. Full pricing and more photos are below. The 2010 TSX is on sale now.

  • TSX – five-speed automatic: $29,310
  • TSX – six-speed manual: $29,310
  • TSX – five-speed automatic with Technology Package: $32,410
  • TSX – six-speed manual with Technology Package: $32,410
  • TSX V-6: $34,850
  • TSX V-6 with Technology Package: $37,950

Destination: $810

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VIA

2010 Acura MDX: First Look

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Back to where it all began. When the Acura MDX was redesigned for 2007, its new two-tiered, mesh-like “shield” of a front grille would soon become the inspiration for Acura’s new corporate face. Every model, including the TSX, TL, RL and RDX, now sport a revised take on that look. Now, for 2010, the MDX’s original shield has been replaced by what it brought: a solid, silver V-shaped crest.

We’re not sure of the final treatment. The still-spectacular headlights don’t seem to line up properly with the new grille. Perhaps if the silver V floated in the middle of the grille instead of at the top, the proportions would look more streamlined. New lower vents aped from the new TL are a definite improvement, however. The rear and hood also get some slight tweaks.

More important, the 3.7-liter V-6 engine is thankfully now accompanied by a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode and shift paddles on the steering wheel. It’s still good for 300 hp, but mileage goes from 15/20 mpg city/highway to 16/21 mpg, according to early estimates. The MDX still comes with standard all-wheel drive.

The interior is mostly the same, with new leather seating surfaces, a slightly larger steering wheel and other updated materials. The layout, however, remains basically unchanged.

There is still a base trim and a Technology Package trim, which adds navigation and an upgraded sound system. Instead of a Sport Package topping the lineup, there’s now an Advanced Package that includes the Technology Package plus performance equipment like 19-inch wheels and a new adaptable suspension system, as well as additional creature comforts, like heated and ventilated seats.

The current MDX is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, and the 2010 will supposedly pass future roof-strength tests as well. According to Acura, the MDX’s roof can support three times the vehicle’s weight instead of the mandated 1.5 times.

The 2010 goes on sale this fall and will likely be priced similar to the outgoing model’s $40,990-$47,140 range.

More Photos

2010 and 2009 Acura MDX

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2010 Acura MDX Interior

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Modified Car Acura integra 1996 candylime green

Modified Car Acura integra 1996 candylime green
Modified Car Acura integra 1996 candylime green

Car Specifications & Information

CAR REF NUMBER:
18110

CAR MAKE & CAR MODEL:
Modified Car Acura integra 1996 candylime green

CAR COLOUR:
candylime green

EXTERIOR MODS:
house of kolors candylime green/black

ENGINE MODS:
ls motor

TRANSMISSION UPGRADE:
5 spd.

SUSPENSION MODS:
skunk 2

WHEELS:
polo 17

TIRES / TYRES:
wanli 17

2009 Acura TL SH-AWD Technology Review

Motion Surface. If you’re wondering what the hell happened to the Acura TL during the metamorphosis into its fourth generation, it’s the result of Acura’s new design language, and that’s what they call it.

Whether you like the car’s styling or not, underneath the lumpy skin lurks a brilliant sedan.

Like me, you might think that their Japanese designers inhaled too much wasabi through their nostrils like Jackass’ Steve-O and that their brain cells imploded. But for last few years, Honda’s premium brand is relying on their studio in Torrance, California. Maybe their lunch breaks are showered with too much Ernest and Julio Gallo.

But whether you like the car’s styling or not, underneath the lumpy skin lurks a brilliant sedan.

Controversial styling
No matter how long we look at the car, we can’t quite figure out the styling direction Acura’s designers chose to follow. The TL’s mix of curves and creases have a hard time blending into each other; the term ‘sleek’ doesn’t apply here. And the now-corporate face with the silver painted plastic grille has no chance of feeling integrated to the car’s overall shape.

But that’s a matter of opinion, of course. What the TL’s styling does project is muscle, sophistication and aerodynamics. And some other details help out, such as the magnificent alloy wheels and quad tailpipes on our test car.

Aircraft cockpit
Hop inside the TL and you’ll notice that the sense of sophistication also applies here. An endless count of buttons, switches and rotary knobs dominate the dashboard and centre stack like pimples on a teenage kid that works at McDonald’s.

And although the charcoal and silver scheme doesn’t brighten up the cabin very much, it’s stylish and functional. Even the mass gathering of audio, climate control and navigation switchgear make sense once you spend some time figuring out its layout logic.

In this group, only the Jaguar and the Saab aren’t offered with all-wheel drive. The TL’s pricing is about mid-pack; not a bargain, but not too expensive.

Conclusion
The Acura TL is powerful, quick, luxurious and technologically advanced. But from the feedback we collected, including old TL owners that don’t think they’ll trade in, the new TL is an oddball from a styling standpoint. Acura’s Motion Surface design language is a little hard to translate.

Our top-of-the-line SH-AWD Technology model costs $47,990.

And the new grille that’s been tacked on virtually every model for 2009 might not help either. That could partially explain why Acura’s sales are down by over 30% compared to last year. That’s too bad, because those who don’t mind the TL’s looks will discover a highly-skilled sports sedan.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

2010 Acura RDX Gets New Grille, Price, Front-Wheel Drive

Rdx1
Acura’s new company face, a big shield fixed into the grille, has landed on the RDX for 2010. It was the last model in the lineup to get it, and we have to say, it could have been left alone. Other design tweaks to the lower bumper and headlights are more welcome and add a beefier look overall. The backside gets some work, too, but it’s harder to see the changes there. The dual exhaust pipes are now hexagonal instead of circular, and the license plate frame is slightly smaller.

Inside, hardly anything gets touched, and the engine is the same 240-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder. The biggest changes come in terms of trim levels. The RDX now comes in a base, front-wheel-drive model in addition to the previous all-wheel-drive version. There are technology packages available for both. Pricing for the front-wheel-drive model is $32,520, with all-wheel drive starting at $34,520. The 2009 RDX with all-wheel drive started at $33,895. What do you get for the extra $600 and change besides the new grille?

Basically, the base models still come with leather, a moonroof, dual climate control and Bluetooth. The standard seven-speaker stereo system now comes with iPod integration and a USB adapter.

Gas mileage remains the same for the all-wheel-drive model, at 17/22 mpg city/highway. Front-wheel-drive versions will save 2 mpg, getting 19/24 mpg city/highway. Premium gas is required.

The 2010 RDX is heading to dealerships now. A full price breakdown and more pictures are below.

Pricing

  • RDX: $32,520
  • RDX SH-AWD: $34,520
  • RDX with Technology Package: $35,620
  • RDX SH-AWD with Technology Package: $37,620

Destination: $810

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