TSXClub.com Forums - Automotive Discussion http://tsxclub.com/forums Automotive Discussions Not Related to Acura TSX / Honda Accord Euro en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:16:11 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/images/blaze/misc/rss.jpg TSXClub.com Forums - Automotive Discussion http://tsxclub.com/forums question about tirerack.com http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40214-question-about-tirerack-com.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:23:32 GMT i've been eyeballing a set of rims for a while now. they're currently priced for 'closeout.'

my question--do they ever discount the price even further than the listed 'closeout' price? or is 'closeout' the lowest they go? i've never ordered from here, but the price they have for the wheels i'm looking at seem the most competitive. ]]> Automotive Discussion xjohnkdoex http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40214-question-about-tirerack-com.html Top safest vehicles for 2010 http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40187-top-safest-vehicles-2010-a.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:43:38 GMT Below is the IIHS list of vehicles given a top safety pick. LARGE CARS Buick LaCrosse Ford Taurus Lincoln MKS Volvo S80 Below is the IIHS list of vehicles given a top safety pick.
LARGE CARS

Buick LaCrosse

Ford Taurus

Lincoln MKS

Volvo S80

MIDSIZE CARS

Audi A3

Chevrolet Malibu (built after Oct. 2009)

Chrysler Sebring (4-door with optional ESC)

Dodge Avenger

Mercedes C Class

Subaru Legacy

Subaru Outback

Volkswagen Jetta (4-door)

Volkswagen Passat (4-door)

Volvo C30

SMALL CARS

Honda Civic (4-door with optional ESC, except Si)

Kia Soul

Nissan Cube

Subaru Impreza (except WRX)

Volkswagen Golf (4-door)

MIDSIZE SUVs

Dodge Journey

Subaru Tribeca

Volvo XC60

Volvo XC90

COMPACT SUVs

Honda Element

Jeep Patriot (with optional side thorax airbags)

Subaru Forester

Volkswagen Tiguan

Top safest vehicles for 2010

My thoughts are.......i dont know, but it just seems like they are trying to make the American car companies look good........ ]]> Automotive Discussion geebra http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40187-top-safest-vehicles-2010-a.html New SuperGT contender from Honda in the works? http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40144-new-supergt-contender-honda-works.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:10:00 GMT Filed under: Motorsports (http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/), Coupe (http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/), Performance (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/), Japan (http://www.autoblog.com/category/japan/), Acura (http://www.autoblog.com/category/acura/), Honda... Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Acura, Honda, Rumormill



When we sat down with a few Honda execs at SEMA, we were told to "watch out for something big" from the automaker's motorsports efforts in Japan early next year. It didn't take much to deduce what they were hinting at: Honda plans to fill the vacuum left by the recently departed NSX-R in SuperGT with an all-new vehicle for the 2010 season.

As you'd expect, the Japanese media has hopped all over the recent rumors, with BestCar putting out a rendering of the fabled GT500 class contender. Unfortunately, beyond a possible V10 powerplant, details on the vehicle are scarce and the demise of the production version leaves more questions than answers. According to 7Tune, Honda is campaigning SuperGT organizers to give the automaker a pass on its homologation requirements, allowing the front-engined coupe to enter the series without a road-going version available to the public. Considering SuperGT's stringent requirements, we're not sure how that's going to play out, and since we haven't seen development mules testing since June of last year, we're all the more skeptical about Honda's triumphant return to the GT500 ranks. We're hoping to know more before the end of the year, so stay tuned.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX



[Source: BestCar via 7Tune]New SuperGT contender from Honda in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> Automotive Discussion News Reporter http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40144-new-supergt-contender-honda-works.html 2010 Super GT Honda NSX Confirmed http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40134-2010-super-gt-honda-nsx-confirmed.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:27:22 GMT With the last race of this year’s Super GT already over and done with, fans of Honda have been left wondering what will replace the current NSX GT car for next season.

Due to new Super GT regulations forcing the use of FR cars for the 2010 season, fans of the mid-engine Honda saw the last race of their venerate NSX earlier this month at Twin Ring Motegi Circuit here in Japan. With it’s first debut back in 1997 at the then All Japan GTC (followed by the JGTC and now Super GT), the NSX has had an illustrious career, claiming 49 poles with 36 race wins from 105 starts. With all this, Honda and the NSX teams have obviously attracted a multitude of fans and supporters over the last 13 years. But now, with rule changes forcing the end of the NSX’s career, Honda has announced that it will continue it’s participation in the Super GT. With an FR S2000 you say? Well no, actually with none other than it’s shelved FR Super Sports V10.

The shelved project, which had to be put on permanent hold along with Honda’s F1 involvement due to the economic crisis, will find new life and will be used as the base for the GT car in season 2010.

But surely it’s not possible!? While at first the idea may seem a little far fetched it all makes good sense. Before being given the axe, the FR V10 was under going development and work on a Super GT variant was already in place. It’s release was to coincide with the release of the road going version into the market. Times have changed though and whilst the race version of the car will be released next year, its road friendly counterpart will not. Honda will use special permission from the organizers of Super GT to allow this to happen and let the car compete in the GT 500. This will also let Honda off the homologation hook, meaning no limited run of V10s will have to be made or sold unlike the unicorn like NSX-R GT. (More photos below)


While details at this point in time are still sketchy, Honda will be releasing more details shortly and we await what FR goodness will be in store for us come 2010.

 ]]> Automotive Discussion TSX69 http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40134-2010-super-gt-honda-nsx-confirmed.html Acura RL Featured in Vanity Fair http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40119-acura-rl-featured-vanity-fair.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:03:23 GMT *_ What Should a Rabbi Drice 2: Test Ride Edition (http://www.vanityfair.com/online/style/2009/10/rear-view-follow-up-edition.html)_* Image: http://mtblog.vanityfair.com/online/style/2009/10/29/2009-acura-rl-1280-25_opt.jpg You should remember my high school friend Rabbi Yonah Bookstein from... You should remember my high school friend Rabbi Yonah Bookstein from this recent piece where you, my delicious readers, voted him in the direction of some new wheels. Your top picks, in case you’ve forgotten, were a Cadillac and an Acura. Since I was in L.A the other week, where Mr. Seymour Torah resides, I contacted the folks from these brands, did a Hebe-gathering drive-by, and hit the test-ride circuit with the Rebbe for a little U.S. vs Japan playoff.

Acura RL
Our first stop was a kosher restaurant in what Yonah refers to as the ’Chood—the Jewy West Side neighborhood where he lives. Since it was Sukkot, a holiday meant to “celebrate” our peoples’ four decades of wandering in the desert, we ate out in the sun inside a flimsy hut. Joining us for lunch was John Kiewicz, Acura’s p.r. mensch, and he brought his full-on Aleph-game: an RL for us to drive, a corporate card to buy our meal, and a Letterman-style Rabbi-Ride Top 10 list, including gems like “the RL’s active noise cancellation will allow the Rabbi to better hear advice from his back-seat-sitting mother-in-law”. Yonah was plotzing before we even got behind the wheel.

The drive only improved his opinion. As we whizzed around Century City, running red lights, cutting off old ladies, and making illegal U-turns, the Rabbi wore a big smile. Riding mameleh reminded me of how Yonah’s driving skills had been honed during our youthful years delivering pizzas: I felt like traifig skin of pepperoni and mozzarella clinging tight to a chewy crust. “Great handling. Beautiful interior. Good acceleration. Slick technology,” the Rabbi said. “The steering’s a bit light for my taste, but still. Nice.”

Rabbi Grade: Aleph minus.

Cadillac STS
Next stop was Santa Monica, where we were met by fab G.M. p.r. diva, Diedra Wylie. Since Diedra didn’t have an STS in her fleet, we had to borrow one from a local dealer, which ended up being strike one (and two) against the car. It’s not like I’m the world’s top auto journo macher or anything; I don’t expect champagne and go-go boys whenever I stop into a showroom. But if you were a retail outlet that had been contacted by your regional headquarters and told that a representative of a national magazine and his close friend, a potential buyer, were going to stop by to sample your wares, would your response on their arrival be to make them wait for 15 minutes in silence, finally greet them by approaching brusquely with hand outstretched demanding “License,” provide them with a bungling and lifeless sales drone to deliver their product tour, and then loan them something that was deficient due to your own negligence? Um, mine wouldn’t.

We tooled around only briefly in the STS, the Rabbi glowering. “The transmission is clunky. The ride feels floaty. The technology is, like, 20th-century. And I would dread going back to that dealership for service. I mean, Oy!”

Rabbi Grade: Daled

Buick LaCrosse
This car wasn’t on the original list. In fact, the Rabbi recoiled when I’d initially mentioned G.M.’s big-in-China tri-shield brand and its French Canadian j.o. slang-named vehicle. But after the Caddy debacle, Diedre wanted to do right. So she arranged for the Reb to receive a week of LaCrosse. (Oui! Owee!) I couldn’t be present for this test, but Yonah sent me his detailed thoughts. He found the vehicle to be “fabulous, speedy, and well thought out, with amazing looks, a great ride, comfy seating and creature comforts, and top-notch tech integration.” Having given up on the General years ago, he was impressed. “Hard to imagine it's a G.M.” And while he prefers a more spirited (if not spiritual) ride, he found the Buick compelling. “It's not sporty, but Lexus-type luxury at an affordable cost.” Would he buy it over the Acura? Unlikely. But still, he felt it made a good showing.

Rabbi grade: Bet plus

So there we have it. Looks like Acura wins the Golden Torah award. (As John Kiewicz said presciently in the peak of his Top 10 list, “#1 It’s right there in the name: RL = Rabbi Limo.”) Stay tuned and see how Yonah does in his quest to find one. And at the right price!

 ]]> Automotive Discussion TSX69 http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40119-acura-rl-featured-vanity-fair.html <![CDATA[What would your 'other' car be (not dreamcar)]]> http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40100-what-would-your-other-car-not-dreamcar.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:08:46 GMT So, I really like my TSX, but I don't know that I love it. Granted, it has some dings, paint scratches, a rattle here and there, but it's pretty nice.

I've been thinking about getting into something else recently, and these are my interests on the high end
Acura TL 06/08
Audi A4 3.0 quattro (S4 if I can afford)
BMW E46 330 coupe (ZHP), or 330xi sedan
Mercedes C230/240
On the low end
98-00 Civic hatch (Ek2?)
99-00 CRV SE (with engine drop)
96 CL 3.0, or 96 Accord coupe ex v6
late 90s Integra GSR

So, lots of people like to think of a dream car, but for me, I think about cars that aren't as nice as mine. :jeffy: Anyone else? ]]> Automotive Discussion dedeman http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40100-what-would-your-other-car-not-dreamcar.html Buick Regal: TSX Fighter http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40025-buick-regal-tsx-fighter.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:07:01 GMT *_ 2011 Buick Regal Revealed {click for full details including comparison chart w/ TSX} (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/11/11/breaking-2011-buick-regal-unveiled-sales-begin-2nd-quarter-of-2010/#disqus_thread) Image:...
The 2010 Buick Regal, which will compete with the Acura TSX and Volvo S60, has a chassis and structural systems that were developed in Germany, giving it the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan. The 2011 Regal will be offered with two engine choices including a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine making 182-hp and a maximum torque of 172 lb-ft. The base 2.4L model engine will be mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T45 6-speed automatic helping it deliver an estimated fuel-economy of 20/30 mpg (city/highway). The range-topping model will be powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged unit rated at 220-hp with a peak torque of 258 lb-ft. Mated to an Aisin AF40 6-speed automatic, it will return an estimated fuel-economy of 18/29 mpg.



 ]]> Automotive Discussion TSX69 http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40025-buick-regal-tsx-fighter.html The state of F1 http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40001-state-f1.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:33:27 GMT The State of Formula One - Garage419 | Garage419 - Car guys love to argue. Let the debate rage! (http://www.vodcars.com/garage419/episode/419_20090414) The State of Formula One - Garage419 | Garage419 - Car guys love to argue. Let the debate rage! ]]> Automotive Discussion fanbanlo http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/40001-state-f1.html REPORT: NHTSA probe opened into Honda airbag recall timing http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39960-report-nhtsa-probe-opened-into-honda-airbag-recall-timing.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:30:04 GMT Filed under: Government/Legal (http://www.autoblog.com/category/government-legal/), Recalls (http://www.autoblog.com/category/recalls-tsbs/), Safety (http://www.autoblog.com/category/safety/), Acura (http://www.autoblog.com/category/acura/), Honda (http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/) Image:... Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda

2001 Honda Accord - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the last year, Honda has recalled roughly 444,000 vehicles to repair overpressurized airbag inflators in certain 2001-2002 Honda Accord, 2001 Civic and 2002-2003 Acura TL models. According to the automaker, there has been one death and multiple injuries stemming from the defect, which can send small metal fragments through the airbag and onto the vehicle's occupants.

For whatever reason, the total recall was announced in two separate increments that were eight months apart - and NHTSA wants to know why. Earlier, Honda had said that the problem was traced back to Takata Corp., which supplied the faulty inflators, and that the supplier had made "incorrect assumptions" about the numbers of parts it had sent to Honda. Says Honda spokesman Chris Martin:
The initial range of recalled vehicles was based on a relatively small sample of problematic airbag deployments...It took some further customer reports of airbag deployments for us to be able to look back and say, these vehicles are not in the lot we identified but have the same problem.
Honda denies any wrongdoing and promises to fully cooperate with the NHTSA investigation.


Gallery: 2001 Honda Accord



[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]REPORT: NHTSA probe opened into Honda airbag recall timing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> Automotive Discussion News Reporter http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39960-report-nhtsa-probe-opened-into-honda-airbag-recall-timing.html the show Top Gear and Honda accord? http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39845-show-top-gear-honda-accord.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:11:20 GMT Have they ever reviewed the euro-r, im interested if they did lol Have they ever reviewed the euro-r, im interested if they did lol ]]> Automotive Discussion geebra http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39845-show-top-gear-honda-accord.html engine sludge questions http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39814-engine-sludge-questions.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:27:11 GMT hey guys. I was checking out my mothers car the other day and i added some oil into it. i realized upon opening the oil cap there was a yelowish sludge around the cap area as well as black build up or sludge inside. I didnt remove the VC yet but I am going to replace her VC gasket this weekend. I... hey guys. I was checking out my mothers car the other day and i added some oil into it. i realized upon opening the oil cap there was a yelowish sludge around the cap area as well as black build up or sludge inside. I didnt remove the VC yet but I am going to replace her VC gasket this weekend. I wanted to know how I could clean it up can i just wipe out the crud in there and do an oil change say like kinda back to back like 1000 miles apart to kinda clean it's self out.

I've herd about seafoam and what not but never used it before. is there anything else i could look into. I dont want to fill my block up with smaoke with seafoam my neighbors wouldnt like that lol.

Its a 2000 hyundai elantra comming up on 200k. she prob only puts about 50 miles a week on it if that. but i wanna keep it going.

Thanks ]]> Automotive Discussion a2dadamm http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39814-engine-sludge-questions.html Honda Announces Accord CrossTour Prices http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39808-honda-announces-accord-crosstour-prices.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:42 GMT *_ Honda Announces Pricing for All-New 2010 Accord CrossTour (http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1097/releases/5252) Premium and versatile crossover utility vehicle based on the popular Accord starts at $29,670 _* 11/03/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. - The all-new 2010 Honda Accord...
Honda Announces Pricing for All-New 2010 Accord CrossTour
Premium and versatile crossover utility vehicle based on the popular Accord starts at $29,670


11/03/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. -

The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is set to debut on November 20 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $29,670, plus a destination and handling charge1 of $710, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The Accord Crosstour combines the sophisticated refinement of a premium sedan with versatile characteristics of an SUV to create an entirely distinct concept within the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment. Leveraging the many benefits of a car-based platform, the Accord Crosstour starts with the top-level refinement of the Accord V-6 Sedan and further expands utility with a sleek-yet-functional profile for increased cargo space.

The Accord Crosstour is designed to fulfill multiple roles for both style and function. A bold and sleek exterior conveys a prestigious presence from the outside, while premium interior styling extends from the passenger compartment into the cargo area. Increased functionality is provided by an under-floor storage area in the rear of the vehicle and reversible cargo floor panels ideal for dirty objects. Cargo area access is further enhanced by a tailgate with a large opening and a low lift-over height.

All Accord Crosstour models come standard with a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) designed for power and efficiency. The engine produces 271 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 254 lb-ft. of torque at 5,000 RPM while achieving an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 18/27 mpg 2 on 2WD models. The VCM cylinder deactivation system is programmed to run on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders, based on current power requirements. A technologically advanced 5-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment. For CUV capability, the Accord Crosstour provides amble ground clearance and Real Time™ 4WD drive is available.

The Accord Crosstour is available in two model choices, the EX and EX-L. Highlights of standard features on the Accord Crosstour EX include: dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation, 360-Watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seat back, 17-inch aluminum wheels with 225/65 R17 all-season tires, hidden removable utility box, cruise control, moonroof, auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows, rear privacy glass, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, compass and outside temperature indicator, projector beam headlights with auto-off, fog lights, chrome door handles, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost, and more.

The Accord Crosstour EX-L adds or upgrades: leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, leather steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, auto day/night dimming rearview mirror, 18-inch aluminum wheels with 225/60 R18 all-season tires, auto on/off headlights, memory driver-side seats, memory side mirrors with reverse tilting capability, cargo privacy cover, HomeLink™ transmitter, cargo privacy cover, Kevlar® cone speakers, aluminum dome-type front tweeter speakers and a USB audio interface.

Available features exclusive to the Accord Crosstour EX-L include the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System 3 and Real Time 4WD, available together or separately. The navigation system includes a backup camera with guidance lines integrated into the display.

Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment includes: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as Electronic Stability Control; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, multiple threshold front airbags; and active front seat head restraints.

The Accord Crosstour is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Model Transmission MSRP1 EPA City/Hwy/Combined2
Accord Crosstour 2WD EX 5-Speed Automatic $29,670 18/27/21
Accord Crosstour 2WD EX-L 5-Speed Automatic $32,570 18/27/21
Accord Crosstour 2WD EX-L Navi 5-Speed Automatic $34,770 18/27/21
Accord Crosstour 4WD EX-L 5-Speed Automatic $34,020 17/25/20
Accord Crosstour 4WD EX-L Navi 5-Speed Automatic $36,220 17/25/20
 ]]> Automotive Discussion TSX69 http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39808-honda-announces-accord-crosstour-prices.html Concrete or Asphalt? http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39788-concrete-asphalt.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:40:43 GMT I usually drive on asphalt road here in Vancouver, but I drove down to the US yesterday and.. Man! I can't bear the Concrete road noise!

How can you guys stand that? :D ]]> Automotive Discussion fanbanlo http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39788-concrete-asphalt.html <![CDATA[Sorry, Acura dealers: V8, RWD dropped for "low-growth period"]]> http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39774-sorry-acura-dealers-v8-rwd-dropped-low-growth-period.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:00:04 GMT Filed under: Acura (http://www.autoblog.com/category/acura/), Luxury (http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/) *Image: http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/acura-zdx-lead.jpg * (http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/first-drive-2010-acura-zdx/#18)* 2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for... Filed under: Acura, Luxury


2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the luxury segment, Acura has always been a bit of a lost puppy: Tempting to bring home and full of rewards to the owner who does, but never quite sure of where it is or where it's supposed to be. Over the past few years, Acura dealerships across North America - at the behest of Acura itself - have spent big bucks constructing glitzy new showrooms in anticipation of new products coming down the pipeline that would be capable of competing with other big luxury marques. But those heavily-invested franchises may find themselves holding their hats as the premium Honda division is changing its course again, and in the interim will be delaying significant model launches.

Part of the shift in strategy for Acura - which still markets exclusively in North America and China - is to put the final nail in the coffin for a rear-drive platform and V8 engines, two components seen as vital for going toe-to-toe with the European brands. Instead, Acura will reportedly focus on a more sensible approach to luxury vehicles during a "low-growth period" of new models, returning to the entry-level luxury segment to combat the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, along with luxury hybrids. But it'll take the Japanese automaker a good few years to remake itself, and in the meantime sales are likely to continue declining as the TSX sport wagon (nee Honda Accord Tourer) and the new ZDX crossover (low-volume models both) hold down the fort as the only new arrivals in the pipeline.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX



[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]Sorry, Acura dealers: V8, RWD dropped for "low-growth period" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> Automotive Discussion News Reporter http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39774-sorry-acura-dealers-v8-rwd-dropped-low-growth-period.html Acura Goes Sensible Route http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39768-acura-goes-sensible-route.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:01:27 GMT *_ Acura No Longer Gunning for Tier 1 Luxury; Will Offer Sensible Luxury Vehicles (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/11/02/acura-no-longer-gunning-for-teir-1-luxury-will-offer-sensible-luxury-vehicles/?dsq=21674215#comment-21674215) _* After dropping plans to produce an Acura NSX along with the...
After dropping plans to produce an Acura NSX along with the cancellation of a V8 engine and a rear-wheel-drive program, Acura is reversing its direction in North America.

There is “a certain level of confusion” about Acura in the marketplace, Honda Motor Co. CEO Takanobu Ito told Automotive News. “We are in the midst of big changes. We’ve changed the direction of research and development.”

Ito said that he sees the “future of Acura as a merger of BMW and Audi–something between high technology and high performance.” But until Acura gets everything sorted out, it will be in a “low-growth period of developing new products,” Ito said.

Dealers who invested a lot of money in upgrading their showrooms are understandably angry. Dealer Dave Contant, who owns an Acura store in Mission Viejo, California, said dealers may not be able to wait out the transition.

“The direction of product will be completely different from where it was a few years ago,” Conant said. “The previous direction of shooting for being a Tier 1 luxury brand is not going to be the same.”

New products in the pipeline include the Acura ZDX crossover, which will be available later this winter, and the wagon version of the TSX, which will arrive next fall. Officials are also said to be hinting at an entry-level model that will compete with the BMW 1-Series and the Audi A1 (think of it as the revival of the RSX).

At a recent, dealership meeting, executives told dealers that they will introduces a new product every year, however, there is a delay in the pipeline.
 ]]> Automotive Discussion TSX69 http://tsxclub.com/forums/automotive-discussion/39768-acura-goes-sensible-route.html