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Acura NSX Concept! GT5 Debut

Acura ILX Hybrid Boasts High-30s mpg

Acura opens the "gateway to luxury" to a young "20- and 30-something" target market with its new 2013 ILX sedan. Offered with a choice of three powertrains, including the automaker's first-ever hybrid, Acura says the ILX is built for consumers looking for high-value propositions in their purchases.

Since fuel economy is another draw for these buyers, the ILX Hybrid -- with a $28,900 starting price -- fills the bill. Upgrading to the ILX Hybrid with Technology Package raises the price tag to $34,400. A destination charge of $895 is added.

Of course, style strongly factors into the decision of Generation-X and Generation-Y car shoppers, and the ILX delivers with a swept form blending coolness and sophistication to attract Acura's targeted young professionals. A long hood slopes to an aggressive-looking front end with long, exotic-shaped wraparound headlamps and a boldly sculpted lower fascia that meets at a point in sync with the grille above.

The roof line, steeply sloping back to meet with a very short decklid, teams with pronounced rear-fender haunches to provide an athletic, coupe-like effect. Wheels are painted five-split-spoke 16-inch alloys, wrapped with 205/55R-16 tires.

A trim integrated spoiler, accented with a chrome strip, gives character to the rear. There are no special chrome exhaust-outlet trappings, and the pipe almost is out of sight -- but at the business end of the exhaust things get interesting.

Propelling the 2,987-pound sedan is a powertrain consisting of a 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine linked with an integrated electric motor and a Continuously Variable Transmission. Energy from the electric motor is stored in a Lithium-Ion battery pack. The gas engine and electric motor combine to deliver a total system output of 111 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,000-3,500 rpm.

Power is adequate for normal around-town and highway driving. In situations when added punch is needed, sliding the shifter down to Sport mode can, depending on the conditions, provide a significant acceleration boost. The driver also has the option of manually selecting programmed shift points via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Estimated fuel economy is 39 miles per gallon city and 38 mpg highway. Premium gasoline is recommended to fill the ILX Hybrid's 13.2-gallon tank. During a week spent mostly on the highway, my typical fuel economy was between 36 and 37 mpg. I generally didn't have the "ECON" button pushed. When activated, it helps improve fuel economy by optimally adjusting engine and transmission performance, climate control and cruise control.

Conservatively launching the sedan, the gas engine powers the vehicle, but go hard on the throttle and the electric motor may be summoned to assist. When cruising, any combination of engine and motor power can occur. Braking deactivates the gas engine and the electric motor assumes the duty of a generator to charge the battery pack. While stopping, the engine usually goes into idle-stop mode, and then reactivates when the brake pedal is released.

The driver can keep tabs on the degree to which the battery pack is being charged by a Motion Assist Gauge, with a needle that swings from "ASSIST" to "CHRG."

A Fuel Economy Indicator "trains" the driver to operate the vehicle in an eco-friendly manner, with a sphere icon that glows green and expands with fuel-efficient driving behavior, and fades and shrinks with bad driving habits.

Opting for the Technology Package gives the driver access to more information, as well as upgrades the sound system, and boosts comfort and luxury levels. Information and entertainment extras include: Acura Navigation System; AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather; 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround Sound System; Voice Recognition System; 15 GB Media Storage; XM Radio; and Song By Voice.

The Technology Package upgrades comfort with perforated leather sport seats; eight-way driver and four-way front-passenger power seats; dual-level heated front seats; and GPS-linked, solar-sensing temperature control.

Sport seats are well-bolstered for excellent support of the torso. Headroom and legroom are generous up front, but may be tight in the rear compartment for taller adults. The Hybrid model loses a bit of trunk space -- with 10 cubic feet versus other ILX sedans' 12.3 cubic feet.

Importantly, the Hybrid trumps its ILX siblings when it comes to fuel economy, with an advantage of 10 mpg or more in city and highway driving. The ILX Hybrid also has the style, luxury and price tag to lure young -- and, for that matter, drivers of all ages -- into Acura dealerships.

 

Source: Hispanic Business

How To Survive the Top 10 Driving Emergencies

Emergency #1: Tire Blowout

To survive a tire blowout, pretend you're the bad guy in a police chase: Push the gas and drive straight ahead. The shotgun-blast noise of a tire blowout makes most law-abiding drivers do exactly the wrong thing: attempt to slow down quickly and get off the road. With a rear-tire failure, any turning at high speed will likely result in a crash.

I've taught hundreds of drivers how to correctly handle a tire blowout: I sat in the passenger seat and exploded a gaping hole in the tire with plastic explosive. Not one lost control. Here's how they did it.

If a tire blows:

• Squeeze the gas pedal for a couple of seconds. This puts you in control of the car and directs the car straight down the road. It also prevents you from committing the mortal sins of braking and turning. After a couple of seconds, gently and smoothly release the accelerator pedal. The drag force of a completely flat tire is so potent that pushing the gas will not allow the vehicle to go faster.
• Most importantly, drive straight down your lane. Keep your feet away from the brake (or clutch).
• Allow the car to coast down to as slow a speed as is safe (30 mph is good). Engage your turn signal and gently turn toward the shoulder of the road that's on the same side as the blown tire: This lessens your chance of losing control and will make the tire change safer. If the situation requires, you may ever so lightly squeeze the brakes.

Almost all highway blowouts and tread separations occur with the car traveling in a straight line on a very hot day at high speeds with an underinflated tire. The repeated flexing of an underinflated tire causes the failure. Check your tire pressures!

Emergency #2: Tread Separation

Though the recovery techniques are nearly identical, a tread separation is more dangerous than a blowout. This is where the tread rubber and underlying steel belt partially or completely come off the tire. This creates a giant Weed Eater with a blade of steel-backed rubber spinning around at about 1,000 rpm. It'll scythe through the fuel tank, brake lines, inner fender panels, rear seats, side windows and, of course, flesh and bone.

An impending tread separation is usually announced by a consistent thumping noise, which will increase to a slapping sound, and then a metal-tearing jackhammer pounding. Sometimes this process takes days, other times only seconds. If you hear this, immediately slow down and take the tire to a professional for inspection. If you can see damage, put on the spare before proceeding.

If the tread begins to fly off:

• Squeeze the gas pedal for an instant and gently release it.
• Drive straight down your lane.
• Allow the car to coast down as much as is safely possible. You will likely have to apply the brakes lightly in order to reach a safe turning speed.
• Engage your turn signal and smoothly turn toward the shoulder of the road that's on the same side as the damaged tire.

Another reason why tread separations are more dangerous than blowouts: When the tread leaves the tire, the bad noise stops and some people think the car has magically cured itself. But instead of rolling along on grippy rubber, they're riding on fabric. Polyester will offer little grip when they take that next freeway off-ramp.

Emergency #3: Stuck Throttle

Thanks to things like loose floor mats and a poorly placed racecar throttle cable, I have experienced stuck throttles. Although this will be a rare occurrence for most drivers, if your engine starts racing away uncontrollably, it must be stopped immediately.

Take these actions:

• If the engine started racing when you pushed the brake, release the brake. If the engine stops racing, you were actually pushing the gas by mistake.
• Put the transmission in Neutral (and/or push in the clutch). Don't worry about the engine when you shift into Neutral: Engine speed limiters on modern cars will prevent damage. And it's OK if you get Reverse: The engine will either stall or act as if it were in Neutral.
• If you can't get Neutral, switch off the ignition as a last resort. Today's cars don't allow the key to turn to the locked position if the car is not in Park, and the car will be much harder to steer once the engine is off since the power-assist will not be working. Fortunately, with the engine off, there's still plenty of reserve braking power to stop the car. Of course, if the car is equipped with a newfangled keyless ignition, getting Neutral may be your only hope.

If you're a passenger in this situation and the driver fails to act, you can reach over and put the car in Neutral or switch off the engine. But to have any hope of acting properly with a stuck throttle, both driver and passenger must practice first. Find a training partner and an empty parking lot. First practice with the car stopped, just to make sure you know the drill. Move the shift lever from Drive to Neutral. Then turn the key off. Next, restart the car and accelerate to no more than 10 mph, then push the gas pedal to the floor (to simulate a stuck throttle) and hold it there through the rest of the exercise. Immediately, put the car in Neutral and switch off the key. Repeat the process but with the passenger working the shifter and key while you're still in the driver seat. Then, swap seats and repeat.

Emergency #4: Sudden Acceleration

Also called "unintended acceleration," this is identical to a stuck throttle...except it's not a mechanical failure but rather the driver accidentally pressing on the gas. As an instructor, I have had numerous panicked students push the gas in the mistaken, but unshakable, belief they were on the brakes. (Left-foot brakers more familiar with automatics frequently push the clutch.)

Know this: In every well-maintained modern car, the brakes will easily overpower the engine. If you're truly pushing the brakes as hard as you can, the car will stop even with the engine going full speed.

The corrective actions for sudden acceleration and a stuck throttle are identical. Check the list above.

Coach Tom was a stereotypical high school driver's ed teacher. But with one exception: He had a mean streak. When we made a driving mistake, he hit us on the head with a screwdriver handle. While we were driving. When we returned to the classroom, he hit us with a paddle: Imagine a from-the-heels stroke from a guy with biceps better than my leg. While showering after phys ed, everyone knew who'd gotten a Coach Tom whack by the purple streak, punctuated by dots, across their bottoms. The dots were from the holes he drilled in the paddle — to reduce air drag.

Although I've used corporal punishment in my years as a driving instructor, I sometimes think of Coach Tom when I'm teaching students to perform a successful crisis stop. Whether your car has antilock brakes, it's important that you know exactly what to do in an emergency stop situation. Get it right and you'll probably avoid an accident. Get it even a little bit wrong and you'll be getting intimate with another vehicle or a ditch.

Emergency #5: Crisis Stop, Without ABS Without an antilock brake system (ABS), a good emergency stop requires a deft touch. You still must push the brake pedal hard, but not so hard that you skid the tires. Your goal: Be an organic version of ABS and bring the tires to the point they've almost stopped rolling. If they completely stop, grip drops precipitously and you must release brake pressure until the tires start rolling and then reapply brake pressure. Remember, if you lock the brakes, the car will not steer at all. In this situation, many drivers turn the wheel completely to the right or left: If they release the brake before the car comes to a stop, it will dart whichever way the wheels are pointed.

To practice: Find an empty parking lot. Start moving. Now squeeze the brake pedal. Increase the pressure until you hear just the barest hint of tire squeal. It's a "squeal of delight" and signals the tires are very close to their peak grip. But if the tires howl like a dog in pain, they've stopped rolling and grip has dropped. Release and reapply the brakes.

In an actual emergency, if you can't keep a non-ABS car at the squeal-of-delight level, you'll stop quicker with the howling dog-release-howling dog process than if you fail to push the brake pedal hard enough.

Without extensive practice, braking while turning without ABS is like taking a double black diamond ski slope: It can be done well only by those with skill and experience. But it's difficult and expensive: You will tear up tires and you may lose control. Many rental cars lack ABS: You take it from there.

Emergency #6: Crisis Stop With ABS If your car has ABS and you face a road-blocking emergency, here's what you do:

• Stomp the brake pedal to the floor. Kick it as if you're trying to snap it off.
• Stay hard on the pedal until the car comes to a complete stop. Hold the brake pedal to the floor as if you were pinning the head of an angry rattlesnake.

Practice before the actual emergency: Find a dead-end street or an empty parking lot. Start at a low speed, say, 25 mph. Stomp and Stay. The first time, you will almost certainly not push the brake hard enough, nor will you stay on the pedal until the car comes to a complete stop. The complete stop is important. Do it again at higher speeds. Ignore bad noises. Other than slightly accelerated brake and tire wear, you're not hurting the car. (I had one student run off the road because she wouldn't push the brake pedal hard enough: "I was afraid of skidding," she said. "You'd rather crash than skid?" I asked. Where's Tom's screwdriver?)

Emergency #7: Accident Avoidance Maneuvers Using ABS There's a third "S" that goes with ABS's "Stomp and Stay." It's Steer (around the obstacle). One of the great benefits of ABS is that it allows you to steer even while pushing hard on the brake. In radically oversimplified terms, it transfers a little bit of the tire's braking power into turning potential.

But a little bit of steering goes a very long way, and many drivers way overdo this part. I've had numerous students turn the wheel completely in one direction. The problem is that the instant the driver releases the brake pedal, the front tires are relieved of their braking duties and have 100 percent cornering power available, which sends the car into oncoming traffic or off the road.

Here's your parking lot practice mission: Set up a row of water-filled plastic soda bottles perpendicular to your path. If you have ABS, stomp the pedal to the floor, stay hard on the pedal and try to steer around them. It's simple and fun as well.

Emergency #8: Dropping Two Wheels off the Road This should be the easiest to handle of the 10 emergency situations, yet it results in a large number of fatalities each year. The answer is as easy as this: If you drop two wheels off the road, don't be in a hurry to get back on the pavement.

• Smoothly remove pressure from the gas pedal. Stay away from the brake pedal unless it can't be avoided (e.g., if you're headed downhill or there's an upcoming obstacle). Here's where ABS would be worth its weight in hundred-dollar bills.
• Drive parallel to the road: Allow the car to coast down to, say, 35 or 40 mph.
• Gently turn the wheel a very small amount: If you have to turn more than 5 degrees, you're going too fast. Let the car slow down more.
• If you face an obstacle, brake harder but don't try to reenter with more than 15 degrees of steering. The reason: If you have to turn the wheel, say, 45 or 60 degrees to get back on the pavement, the front tires will fully regain traction before the rears and either you'll spin out — likely hitting what you were trying to avoid — or shoot across the road into other traffic.

I once ran completely off a racetrack at 110 mph in an important turn. I straightened the steering up and allowed the car to slow down a bit. And I eased it back over onto the pavement. That mistake could have been tragic, but instead it cost me less than one second.

Even the curves you'll find on interstate highways need only the grip from two tires to stay firmly planted on the road.

Emergency #9 Front-Tire Slide Manufacturers work hard to make their cars lose front traction before rear grip. When front tires lose grip, most drivers' natural reaction is the correct reaction; that is:

• Say "Oh, fudge" (or similar) and have your adrenal gland increase your heart rate.
• Remove your foot from the gas pedal (and stay away from the brake pedal).
• Leave your hands where they are. More steering won't help and might hurt.
• Wait for the traction to return.
• Pray that the grip comes back before you get to the trees or concrete barriers.

Turning the wheel more or stepping on the brake is like writing additional checks from an already overdrawn account: You're already asking for more grip than the tires can provide. But something bad can happen if you turn the wheel more and the traction suddenly returns. Let's say it was a narrow strip of ice. On the other side of the ice, the road is barely even damp. The tires now have plenty of grip. And they think you just asked them to make a very hard left into oncoming traffic. "Yes, sir!"

Emergency #10: Rear-Tire Slide Words can no more teach you how to catch a rear-tire slide (stock car drivers call it "loose") than videos can teach you how to hit a curveball. Unlike a front-tire slide, you cannot successfully react to a rear-tire slide; you must anticipate it. If you don't anticipate it, you will spin out.

Then, you must act appropriately, putting in the correct amount of countersteering, anticipating the return of rear traction and removing the precise amount of countersteer at the correct rate. In driver's ed, Coach told you to turn in the direction of the skid. Did he ever say that at some point you've got to unwind the steering? Didn't think so.

There are a few moderate-cost ways to learn how to catch a sliding tail. The biggest bang for the buck is the "slick track" go-kart tracks found at many fun parks. The next step up is the indoor kart tracks found in most metro areas. When you're among the fastest drivers around the track, you're probably adequate when it comes to catching a rear-tire slide. A rear-drive car and a snow-covered parking lot also offer potential for practice — along with an equal chance for the cops to come visiting.

Third would be doing the skid-pad course at a performance driving school. Lots of terrific practice under professional guidance, but it's lots of money, too.

On the highway, though, no "Bs" are given for catching a sliding tail: There are either "As" or "Fs."

Source: Edmunds

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All-New 2014 Acura MDX Drops the Cladding and Shows More Skin

The extensive overhauling of Acura's North American lineup will continue with the next generation of the MDX three-row crossover, which was spied here in prototype form with less intrusive camouflage than before.

Instead of the previous prototype's heavy cladding, this test car was covered in a white skin wrap with some funky black schemes affording us a better view of the new MDX's exterior redesign.

From what we can tell, the body will have softer lines while the styling of the front end of the new MDX appears to be less prominent, but will continue to use Acura's polarizing signature "beak". Overall, it looks like Acura has chosen to evolve rather than revolutionize the current model's design.

The profile pictures suggest that the new MDX will grow in size, not so much in terms of the wheelbase length but the rear overhang that looks longer than the current version, which has been in production since 2006 receiving a mild refresh at the end of 2009.

Acura isn't saying much about the next MDX's powertrain, but it is likely to be offered with the brand's updated V6 delivering 310hp and quite possibly, a hybrid variant using the upcoming RLX sedan's setup that connects a 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC V6 to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and three electric motors.

Look for the new MDX to hit the market in late 2013 badged as a 2014 model.

Car Maintenance Tips: Help Your Odometer Reach 300,000 Miles

1. Keep your battery charged. This is especially important if you don’t drive your car that often. If you plan to let a vehicle sit for more than a couple weeks, you should invest in a “trickle charger,” or battery tender, which plugs into a regular household outlet and keeps your battery fully charged, automatically. I have a battery tender for my lawn tractor battery for winter months, and it guarantees a strong start in the spring.

2. Keep at least half a tank of gas in the car. Plenty of reasons not to let your car run on fumes, but one I had never considered before reading this article is that an empty gas tank is more prone to rust.  The rust can leach into your fuel and clog filters and fuel lines downstream. Rust could also eventually eat through your gas tank leaving a hole.  At today’s gas prices, who can afford for that to happen!

3. Don’t forget the tires. When you fill up your gas tank, or every couple weeks, whichever happens more frequently, be sure to check your tire pressure. If you drive an older vehicle like me you’ll need to pick up a tire gauge. Look at the label inside the door, or in your owner’s manual, to find the correct tire pressure for your specific model. Low tire pressure causes things like uneven wear on your tires and decreased gas mileage.

4. Change the oil. There is some debate in the frugal car owner world on whether or not you should change your oil as often as prescribed by car manufacturers (and those express oil-changing facilities). I’m no expert, but I think you should stay pretty close to the suggested schedule, only deviating a month or two, or a couple hundred miles. Peters agrees with me. Besides, a $30 oil change is much cheaper than a new engine, and if you are ultra frugal, you can even change your own oil!

5. Be kind to your clutch, and your brakes. If you drive a car with a manual transmission you know at some point you will likely have to replace the clutch. But you can extend the life of your clutch, and your brakes, by not riding either one for long periods of time, and by using your accelerator (or not using your accelerator) to coast a bit as traffic ebbs and flows.

Automobiles are becoming more and more expensive these days. In fact, next to buying a home, it is probably the largest single purchase most people will make in a lifetime. Use the steps above to increase the chances your vehicle will last well beyond your car loan, guaranteeing you many years of debt-free driving.

2013 Acura ZDX Luxury Crossover To Get Numerous Enhancements in its Final Model Year

The innovative and stylish Acura ZDX crossover vehicle, introduced in 2009, will receive numerous styling and technology enhancements for the 2013 model year, which will be the final year on the market for ZDX as the Acura brand sharpens its focus on new models and core products, the company announced today.

The 2013 ZDX will receive several new features, including a redesigned front grille, front and rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors and safety features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). The 2013 Acura ZDX will go on sale October 19, 2012, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $50,920*.

"People shopping for a luxury crossover vehicle will find the Acura ZDX an even more attractive product," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of the Acura Division. "Moving forward, we will continue to advance the Acura lineup with a focus on new core models, like the recently redesigned RDX and the upcoming all-new RLX flagship sedan, that provide the ideal balance of performance and fuel efficiency that is right for each product and a driving experience that is dynamic and emotional."

The ZDX is built in the same Alliston, Ontario plant as the Acura MDX, which shares the platform with ZDX. As a result, ZDX production will be discontinued in conjunction with the transfer of the popular MDX to the company's Lincoln, Alabama plant in early 2013 (as previously announced).

For 2013, the Acura ZDX will be sold as a single, valued-added package offering clients greater value on a luxury scale. Robust features now standard on the 2013 ZDX include the 435-watt Acura/ELS Surround® 10-speaker audio system with 15 GB hard disk drive (HDD) memory, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, 8-inch high-resolution VGA display, multi-view rear view camera, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface, ventilated and heated front seats with perforated premium Milano leather seating surfaces, Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition) and dual-zone automatic climate control system.

The ZDX will receive several new exterior features for 2013, such as a redesigned front grille, front and rear bumpers with integrated parking sensors, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors and a dark accent on the wheels for a sportier finish. The interior receives a new trim finish on the center console and a high contrast interior option.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are two new safety features for the 2013 ZDX. The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system can detect vehicles ahead of the ZDX. If the FCW system determines that a collision is possible with a detected vehicle, it provides the driver with visual and audio alerts to encourage avoidance actions. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) uses a camera mounted between the windshield and the rear-view mirror to detect lane lines on the road. If the driver begins to drift out of a detected lane without using the turn indicator, the system will provide the driver with visual and audible alerts.

The 2013 ZDX is equipped with an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6 engine that develops 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Performance is further enhanced by the ZDX's Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission that is designed to satisfy the most discerning enthusiast drivers. The 2013 ZDX EPA city/highway/combined fuel mileage is rated at 16/23/19 mpg**.

For customers seeking a great balance of utility and performance Acura will continue to offer vehicles in the luxury crossover space with the 5-passenger RDX and the TSX Sport Wagon. Acura also will continue to provide ZDX customers with a high-level of service and parts support throughout the life of their vehicles.

U.S. sales of Acura models increased 43.5 percent in September and rose nearly 30 percent to 115,773 units for the first nine-months of 2012, the Acura brand's best nine-month sales results since 2008. The Acura TL sedan, along with the MDX, RDX and TSX Sport Wagon crossover vehicles, have each posted double-digit gains for the year to date, including an 85.7-percent rise in sales of the redesigned RDX and a 25.2-percent gain for the TSX Sport Wagon. The all-new Acura ILX continues to gain momentum, posting its fifth consecutive monthly increase on September sales of 1,737 units.

Acura will debut its all-new 2014 Acura RLX luxury sedan on November 28, 2012, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new Acura flagship sedan will employ an array of new technologies unique to Acura, including the Precision All Wheel Steer™ system, the next-generation AcuraLink® Communication System, and the all-new Jewel Eye™ LED headlamps to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort.

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Acura’s 2014 RLX Concept Car to Visit LA Auto Show

After Acura unveiled its upcoming 2014 RLX car last April, Honda recently confirmed that its luxury arm car production version will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. Although there’s a chance that the car manufacturer will tweak the 2014 Acura RLX, it won’t look a lot different from what went on display in New York auto show.

Acura 2014 RLX: What to Expect

There were reports that the 2014 Acura RLX will be powered by a V6 engine rated at 310 hp. Users can have additional 60 hp with the help of SH-AWD system. It also gooses the rear wheels, which improves its handling.

Last April, Acura revealed its tech-laden RLX concept in New York. The model previews a next-generation sedan, which is set to arrive early next year to replace the RL model.

It boasts a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine, together with seven-speed automatic transmission. The car also has the automaker’s next-generation, all-wheel-drive system, dubbed Sport-Hybrid SH-AWD. Previewed at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Japan last year, the system uses dual electric motors to increase handling and output.

Because of this, Acura said that the 2014 RLX can produce 370 hp and get up to 30 mpg. The concept also marks the debut of the car manufacturer’s “jewel eye” headlamps. It has eight LED units, reflective optical lenses, and glossy trim.

Weighing in at less than 4,000 pounds, the 2014 Acura RLX’s body sports high-strength steel and aluminum. It has new underpinnings, double-wishbone suspension in front, and multi-link rear configuration. The car is also the same length as the RL, although its wheelbase is two inches longer.

On the other hand, it features a shorter front overhang that combines with a wider track and width. This gives the sedan a considerably different proportion.

About the L.A. Auto Show

The L.A. Auto Show will run from November 30 to December 9. The event, which will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will feature 40 North American and at least 20 world premieres in their debut lineup. As stated by Andy Fuzesi, the general manager of L.A. Auto Show:

As the first major North American show of the season, L.A. sets the tone for 2013 and we expect that automakers will put out all the stops to excite new-car buyers.

In virtually every category from the greenest electric vehicle to high-horsepower performance models, the technological advancements we are seeing today eclipse all previous automotive eras.

The incognito luxury crossover

In my mind, someone who pays big bucks for a product, especially a product with a prestigious name or logo, flaunts it.

Arguably, the Acura brand hasn’t yet accomplished becoming a brand people want to be seen in, such as Mercedes-Benz. OK, Acura’s been around for about 100 years less than Mercedes, so that’s probably an unfair comparison.

By looking at the totally redesigned 2013 Acura RDX crossover, however, I’m not sure they’re planning on becoming a status symbol anytime soon. But, you know what? Maybe their customers are fine with that.

Anonymous styling
A quick glance at the 2013 RDX as it passes by and one could potentially mistake it for a Mazda. Or a Toyota. Or a Lexus. Or worse, a Honda. In my books, that’s not good; a brand must be instantly recognizable. Kia and Hyundai understood this a few years ago when they both hired German designers and gave them carte blanche.

To be sure, I asked several people of different ages what they though about the looks of the 2013 Acura RDX. To my surprise, a lot of them said it looked good and that they actually liked the understated styling. Conclusion: Some people just don’t want to stick out in a crowd, and Acura has just the right products for them.

I asked several people of different ages what they though about the looks of the 2013 RDX and to my surprise, a lot of them said it looked good. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

V6 replaces turbo I4
Despite many brands downsizing their engines in order to improve the fuel economy, Acura actually went the other way with the 2013 RDX. The old gen’s 2.3L turbo engine was canned in favour of the familiar 3.5L V6.

With the new engine, power goes up (273 hp vs. 240) and torque goes down (251 lb-ft vs. 260). The result is a slightly quicker, but much more responsive, RDX as the 2013 version we tested reached 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, versus 6.7 for the outgoing 2012 version. The V6 is also smoother, and power delivery isn’t as lumpy as with the old turbo mill. The typical luxury crossover buyer will probably approve the engine swap, and so do I.

Combined with a 6-speed automatic, the 2013 Acura RDX is very quiet on the highway; at 100 km/h, the V6 spins at 1,700 rpm. Fuel economy has also improved, as we observed an average of 10.8L/100km over the course of the test, better than what we achieved with the old RDX which was already fuel efficient.

The 2013 Acura RDX is now powered by a 273-hp 3.5L V6; the turbo four is gone. (Photo: Honda)

AWD replaces SH-AWD
Curiously, Acura decided to abandon its competent SH-AWD hardware in the RDX for a simpler and lighter all-wheel drive system. As before, engine power is sent to the front wheels under normal driving and when wheel slippage occurs, a varying amount of power is distributed to the rear wheels for extra traction. The SH-AWD system had the added benefit of transferring power between left and right wheels.

As a result, the 2013 Acura RDX doesn’t feel as athletic in the twisties as it did before. And when you tackle a 270-degree highway on-ramp too enthusiastically, you’ll get those Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires howling in no time. The RDX feels sporty by nature, but its dynamic capabilities have been toned down.

Improved interior looks
The old RDX’s scattered design and switchgears have made way for a more harmonious layout and appearance. There’s also less silver painted trim, especially in areas that could easily get scratched. That’s good.

On the other hand, the lower dash panels in the 2013 Acura RDX aren’t as recessed as before, and their rough plastic feel is obvious from the moment you climb in. Since the engine start button is located in this power portion, you’re bound to touch it. We expect a little more quality in a luxury brand, at least in such obvious areas.

Comfort and space are very good for this type of vehicle, although the rear bench’s middle seat doesn’t seem conceived for an adult human body. And despite not benefitting from a flat load floor with the rear seat folded down, max cargo space is about the same as in the old model, now rated at 1,736 litres.

The old RDX’s scattered design and switchgears have made way for a more harmonious layout and appearance. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

A better RDX
Base price for the 2013 model is $40,990, which is actually less than the 2012 version. Our Tech package equipped tester is listed at $43,990, which is competitive with its numerous rivals including the Lexus RX 350, the Lincoln MKX and the Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Acura to debut flagship 2014 RLX Sedan at Los Angeles Auto Show

The production model of the all-new 2014 Acura RLX will debut on November 28, 2012, the first press day of the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, it was announced today. The new Acura flagship sedan will employ an array of new technologies unique to Acura, including the Precision All Wheel Steer system, the next-generation AcuraLink Communication System, and the all-new Jewel Eye LED headlamps to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort.

The front-wheel-drive version of the 2014 RLX will utilize Acura’s new Precision All Wheel Steer system. This system automatically makes slight adjustments to the relative rear wheel (toe) angles by utilizing electrically controlled actuators to deliver an extraordinary level of cornering control and steering precision. The front-wheel-drive RLX will come equipped with an all-new 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC V-6 engine producing 310 horsepower (SAE net).

The RLX will feature the first application of the next-generation AcuraLink, which incorporates built-in two-way cellular communication to deliver a variety of new convenience features, including airbag deployment notification, stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking and unlocking, security alarm notification and concierge service. Acura’s exclusive Jewel EyeLED headlamps use a dual-stacked array of multiple high-intensity LED lamps, with ultra-reflective optical lenses and high-gloss trim, to provide powerful down-the-road illumination, while simultaneously giving the RLX a distinctive and bright-eyed look in both daytime and nighttime conditions.

The Acura RLX will offer an extensive array of passive and active safety features. These include a Collision Mitigation Braking System and the first application of Acura’s Lane Keep Assist System. In addition, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning will be offered as standard equipment on the RLX. Passive safety features will include front, side and side-curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger, and a driver’s knee airbag. The RLX also incorporates the second generation of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, with reinforced front frame members for further enhanced frontal crash energy management. The RLX is expected to achieve a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and the new TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS status from IIHS.

Press materials will be posted on www.acuranews.com immediately following the press conference.

 

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Acura RLX Concept revealed