Friday, January 29, 2010

2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura ZDX Price

2010 Acura ZDX

2010 Acura ZDX
2010 Acura ZDX
2010 Acura ZDX
2010 Acura ZDX
2010 Acura ZDX
According to the latest information, 2010 Acura ZDX four-door sports coupe will be available at the dealeships across US on December 15 with a base MSRP of $45,495, plus a destination and handling charge of $810.

The all American-born vehicle made its world debut at the New York Auto Show in April. Its stunning coupe-like styling and outstanding performance have already generated a tremendous amount of excitement in the fans.

“Acura dealers are seeing strong interest from customers for the ZDX well before its official on-sale date,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “The ZDX is like nothing you have ever seen before from Acura.”

The all-new 2010 Acura ZDX will be available in three trim packages, a well-equipped ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package, and a ZDX with Advance Package.

The standart ZDX will feature the world’s longest panoramic glass roof, concealed rear door handles, hand-stitched leather dash, center console and door panels, and the exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system. Every 2010 ZDX will be powered by a 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 engine, which produces 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.

The ZDX with Technology Package adds an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps, a full VGA display screen and an innovative new multi-view rear camera. Additionally, the Technology Package includes an upgraded Acura/ELS Surround® 415-watt Premium Audio System with a built-in 15-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system, a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system and Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and push button ignition).

The 2010 Acura ZDX with Advance Package is fitted with all features announced in the Technology Package plus several premium technologies including a new blind spot information system (BSI), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS™), an Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) active damper system, heated and ventilated front seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather seating surfaces, premium brushed tricot headliner material and a sport steering wheel.

2010 Acura ZDX
2010 Acura ZDX
2010 Acura ZDX
2010 Acura ZDX

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Acura to Introduce Hybrid Models

Acura Hybrids

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito says that Acura plans to add a hybrid drivetrain to its lineup. The announcement came during the unveiling of Honda’s CR-Z at the Detroit Auto Show on Wednesday.

Ito provided no details, leaving industry analysts buzzing. “Ito gave no further insights as to timing or which vehicles would get the systems, but it's safe to speculate that theTSX and TL sedans would be the first recipients of the new system,” writes Autoblog. “However, when we spoke to Ito last fall in Japan, he did say that Honda was developing a hybrid system suitable for larger vehicles.”

Acura is a premium brand of Honda -- Japan’s second largest automaker. Once the pioneer of hybrid vehicles in the United States, Honda is planning a comeback.

“In December 1999, Honda became the first car company to introduce a hybrid in the United States,” explains hybridCARS. “It also was the first company to introduce a hybrid system in a conventional model, when it began selling the Honda Civic Hybrid in 2002. However, last year, it nearly lost the second place position in the hybrid market—behind Toyota—when the company failed to reach sales goals for the 2010 Honda Insight. Strong consumer interest in the award-winning 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid helped Ford come within a few thousand units of bypassing Honda in hybrid sales.”

2010 Acura TL

Acura TL 2009
2010 Acura TL
The TL that Acura recently allowed us to use was a base model without any options, which doesn’t necessarily mean that it was uninteresting. Six airbags, ABS brakes, lateral stability and traction systems, acoustic windshield, sun roof, ten-way adjustable driver’s seat (eight-way for the passenger seat), Bluetooth, height-adjustable and telescopic steering column, etc.... And for about $3,500, you can opt for the Navigation Package, which includes the navigation system, a 440-watt audio system, keyless entry, and more.
The TL that we test drove, Mayan bronze metallic in colour (plum, if you prefer) was rather easy on the eyes, although the massive, “bottle-opener shaped” (to borrow the words of my colleague Lachapelle) front grille receives mixed reviews. If you can get past the stylistic elements, the TL offers some pleasant surprises.

Friday, January 15, 2010

2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX
Honda
2010 Acura RDX

Acura’s small RDX crossover utility vehicle enters 2010 with a styling refresh, cabin upgrades and more available technology. But the biggest news for RDX is that a new, front-wheel-drive version now takes its place alongside the traditional all-wheel-drive RDX.

All-wheel drive is a mainstay of most crossovers, a byproduct of their lineage as part station wagon, part SUV. By minimizing understeer, Acura’s AWD system boosts the RDX’s cornering capability to a level rarely found in vehicles of this type. But even so, the extra grip that AWD provides when road conditions deteriorate is the largest part of the appeal of SUVs and crossovers in Snow Belt states. Even though the traction increase comes with added cost and a decrease in gas mileage, many find it worthwhile tradeoff.

But a large portion of the U.S. population doesn’t have to deal with snowy weather. For them, the new, front-wheel- drive version offers the promise of RDX luxury in a lighter (about 200 pounds less) package, with a lighter (about $2,000) price tag to boot. Pricing for the 2010 RDX with FWD starts at $32,520. The AWD version of the RDX starts at $34,520.

Acura 2010 MDX Recalled Due To Risk Of Injury

acura mdx 2010
CERTAIN MODEL YEAR ACURA 2010 MDX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 7, 2009 AND NOVEMBER 14, 2009. A BOLT USED TO ATTACH AN INTERIOR TRIM PIECE TO EITHER THE DRIVER¿S OR PASSENGER¿S SIDE A-PILLAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH RESULTING IN SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE TRIM PIECE MAY NOT REMAIN PROPERLY SECURED TO THE A-PILLAR, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INTERIOR TRIM PIECE OF THE A-PILLAR AND IF A BOLT IS MISSING IT WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. FOUR VEHICLES WERE PURCHASED BEFORE THE STOP-SALE WAS ISSUED AND ALL THE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED IF NECESSARY, AN OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL NOT BE ISSUED FOR THIS CAMPAIGN.
Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Honda CEO: We will be adding hybrids to the Acura brand

Acura ZDX


Honda’s press conference at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, CEO Takanobu Ito confirmed that the Japanese automaker will be adding hybrids to its Acura brand.

“Last year, due to the business conditions and to focus on reducing CO2 emissions, we re-focused some of our product development resources,” Ito said. “Now, I’m pleased to say that we will be adding hybrids to the Acura brand. And based on my history in developing several Acura products, I have strong confidence in our ability to advance the Acura brand.”

Thursday, January 7, 2010

2010 Acura MDX gets new transmission and styling

Acura’s MDX
Acura’s MDX gets a stylish overhaul for 2010.
Acura has put their popular crossover flagship, the MDX, under the knife for 2010. Now fitted with new styling, powertrain hardware and chassis refinements, the advanced model from Honda's premium division is geared to offer shoppers even more value than ever.

Designers have applied the Acura brand's distinctive new grille treatment to the MDX, and the entire package is set off with xenon lights, metallic trim and fog-lamps. The rear is updated with new trim and redesigned taillamps, too. Overall, the package is instantly MDX from any angle-- though more modern and fresh overall.

Improvements inside include a new steering wheel, a new instrument cluster and a new 8-inch navigation screen with integrated backup camera display. Safety technology now includes new radar-powered features like a Blind Spot Information System and a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). The latter works to warn the driver of potentially-impending collision situations, and can even self-apply the brakes at the last moment before impact to reduce damage and injuries.

Under the skin, the MDX benefits from a new power steering system, stiffer suspension mounting points and various tweaks to enhanced body rigidity. Acura engineers say these upgrades all aim t deliver a more comfortable, quiet and refined ride.

A new six-speed automatic is also on board, helping reduce fuel consumption and maximize performance. All MDX models get a 300-horsepower V6 engine and Acura's patented Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.

"The Acura MDX has been a leader in the Intermediate Luxury SUV segment, with sales up this year, and the new 2010 MDX is designed to strengthen its place in this segment," said Jerry Chenkin, executive VP of Honda Canada. "The enhanced appearance and new powertrain, along with new customer-relevant technologies, make MDX a leading-edge vehicle choice for Canadians."

2010 Acura RDX TECH Review

I thought the RDX was the ultimate Acura for the undecided, the ideal vehicle that tries to be all things at once. Well it isn’t anymore, thanks to the new ZDX.

The RDX’s facelift, which includes Acura’s controversial corporate schnoz and redesigned bumper, provides little change.

This leaves the impression that its mission is unclear, even vague. Still, variety is the spice of life, as they say, so I guess the RDX has its raison d’être. For 2010, it receives a few changes that keep it competitive.

The RDX’s facelift, which includes Acura’s controversial corporate schnoz and redesigned bumper, provides little change. The new look doesn’t feel newer than the old, but after a few years, something had to be done. The alloy wheel design has been changed, while the new blacked-out rear bumper is more distinctive and a worthwhile visual improvement.

Inside, changes go on largely unnoticed. One improvement albeit a minor one is the relocation of the climate control fan speed buttons, which have been moved to the left side of the centre stack; they should have been there all along.

Acura claims that voice recognition system has been improved and can understand more words than before. It’s still a little hard of hearing, though, as the system pardons itself quite often for not understanding a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The navigation system’s map graphics also look like they’ve been designed for a 486 PC. Still, the whole kit works well.

Plenty of room is found in the RDX, front and rear, while the passenger seat received power controls last year. The cargo area is spacious and the liftover is low.

The turbocharged 2.3-litre engine, which develops 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, is virtually unchanged for 2010, although it supposedly received a few improvements to reduce cabin noise. We didn’t notice it; we’d probably have to drive a 2010 and a 2009 back-to-back to really notice.

Although most manufacturers are moving up to 6-speed automatics, Acura is sticking to its old 5-speed in the RDX. Zero to 100 km/h takes 6.7 seconds, while the quarter-mile blows by in 14.9 seconds at 150 km/h. So it’s pretty quick, thanks to all that low-end torque.

Zero to 100 km/h takes 6.7 seconds.

2009 Auto Sales: Acura Annual US Sales Fall

http://a.abcnews.com/images/Business/854c1dc3-3450-4319-a8c0-042934c8b867_mn.jpg
Acura said Tuesday that its 2009 sales fell by 26.8 percent, while sales for December slipped 0.9 percent.

BY THE NUMBERS: Sales fell to 105,723 from 144,504 in 2008. In December sales edged down to 10,575 vehicles from 10,680 vehicles in December 2008.

TOP SELLER: The TL performance luxury sedan, with 3,167 sold in December.

HOT MODELS: Acura said it sold 2,899 units of the MDX luxury SUV in December. Sales of the RDX crossover SUV rose 4.4 percent to 1,283.