Acura to Debut Flagship 2014 RLX Sedan at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

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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 Eye™ LED 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. 

Article and image courtesy of Acura News.

Motor Trend Rumor: Mini NSX in Acura’s Future

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Motor Trend sources say a small version of the upcoming Acura NSX could be in the works, arriving a year or two after the 2015 NSX. The “Mini NSX” would obviously be smaller in size and less powerful, but could potentially share some of the new technologies and parts being developed for the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD NSX. Priced in the range of $50,000 to $60,000, the Mini NSX would be a more affordable option to the “real” NSX which is estimated to cost approximately $130,000.

The rendering above from Japanese “car scoop” magazine Holiday Auto gives a rough idea of what the Mini NSX could look like. Notice the artist kept the Honda badge, but chose to incorporate the Acura grille.

Article courtesy of Acura Connected.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Check and top off fluids

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Autumn is also a good time to check your level of antifreeze ($10 to $16 per gallon) in the coolant recovery reservoir. In this car maintenance move, if you find that you are below the required minimum stamped onto the side of that opaque container, add the appropriate quantity of properly diluted fluid to that reservoir and not to the radiator. Make sure that you use the correct fluid because green and orange antifreeze/coolant cannot be mixed.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Bankrate.com.

Acura Announces Pricing for 2013 TSX Sedan

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The 2013 TSX sedan goes on sale today with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $30,510. Recently named "Best Upscale Small Car for Families" by US News and World Report, the TSX sedan offers a great mix of styling, sporty performance, luxury appointments and high fuel efficiency to offer remarkable value on a luxury scale.

The TSX sedan continues into the 2013 model year with two engine variants, a 2.4-liter inline-4 and a 3.5-liter V-6. The TSX with the 2.4-liter produces 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The V-6 variant, the TSX sedan produces 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission is standard on both models.

A 6-speed manual transmission is available on the TSX Special Edition, powered by the 2.4-liter inline-4. Horsepower is unchanged, but torque output is increased to 172 lb-ft.

The 2013 TSX comes well-equipped with standard features such as Xenon HID headlights, halogen foglights, glass moonroof,  power-actuated and heated front seats, leather-wrapped sport-style steering wheel, perforated leather trimmed seating surfaces, and 360-watt premium audio system with 7-speakers and a subwoofer. Aluminum wheels come standard on the 2013 TSX sedan, measuring 17x7.5 inches for the 4-cylinder powered TSX and 18x8 inches for the TSX V-6.

The TSX Special Edition augments the exterior with sport-minded front, side and rear underbody spoilers, along with numerous interior enhancements features such as motorsports-inspired aluminum pedal covers, perforated black Lux Suede® seats and red stitching throughout the cabin.

The available Technology Package includes a 415-watt Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Audio System with 10 speakers, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, rearview camera and AcuraLink (including AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™).   

Standard safety equipment on all Acura models includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, anti-lock brakes, dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

The 2013 TSX is produced using domestically and globally sourced parts in Sayama, Japan.

TRIM MSRP* EPA** (city/highway/combined)
TSX $30,510 22/31/26
TSX Special Edition $31,510 22/31/26
TSX Special Edition with
  6-Speed Manual  
$31,510 21/29/24
TSX with Technology Package $33,610 22/31/26
TSX V-6 with Technology Package $39,150 19/28/23

Article and image courtesy of Acura News.

Be sure to take advantage of our Special Low APR offer on 2013 ILX models this month!

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Special 0.9% APR for 24-36 months on 2013 ILX models for well-qualified buyers.

Terms and Conditions: Special APR offer valid on new and unregistered 2013 ILX Models from September 5, 2012 through October 31, 2012, to customers who qualify for the Acura Financial Services Super Preferred or Preferred credit tier through participating dealers. Must take new retail delivery on vehicle from dealer stock by October 31, 2012. Not all buyers may qualify. Higher rates apply for buyers with lower credit ratings. Example for 2013 ILX: 0.9% for 36 months financing at $28.16 a month for every $1,000.00 financed. Dealers set actual prices. See your Acura dealer for details.

Expiration: 10/31/2012

Acura Announces Pricing for 2013 MDX

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The 2013 Acura MDX goes on sale today, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $43,280. The award-winning MDX continues as a benchmark vehicle for performance, packaging and style in the seven-passenger luxury SUV segment.

The 2013 MDX is powered by a 3.7-liter, all-aluminum, 24-valve, VTEC® V-6 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The V-6 engine is matched to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission and Acura-exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). Acura SH-AWD is a full-time all-wheel-drive system that uses active torque vectoring to distribute engine torque to all four wheels to deliver optimal handling control under varying road-surface and weather conditions.

The dynamic styling of the 2013 MDX is highlighted by Acura’s signature front grille, a bold front fascia, a rear fascia with integrated polished stainless-steel exhaust finishers, sleek taillights with bright LEDs, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Attention to detail and three rows of seating (for up to seven passengers) define the well-appointed and spacious interior of the MDX. Upscale leather stitching, a thick sport-style steering wheel grip, LED interior lighting, tri-zone climate control, a 253-watt Acura Premium Sound System® with 8-speakers and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink® are all part of the MDX’s long list of standard luxury features.

The optional Technology Package adds Milano premium leather inside the cabin, as well as features such as the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, an 8-inch VGA color display, a multi-view rear camera and a 410-watt Acura/ELS Surround Premium audio system with 10-speakers. The Advance Package augments the Technology Package with features such as the Active Damper System, 19-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels, and ventilated front seats with perforated Milano premium full-grain leather.

In keeping with the Acura brand’s leadership in the application of advanced, client-relevant features, the 2013 MDX is available with an array of cutting-edge technologies including Acura’s unique Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a blind spot information system (BSI).

The 2013 MDX is produced in North America by Honda of Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario.

TRIM MSRP* EPA**
MDX $43,280 16/21/18
MDX with Technology Package $46,955 16/21/18
MDX with Technology Package and Entertainment Package $48,855 16/21/18
MDX with Advance Package $52,905 16/21/18
MDX with Advance Package and
Entertainment Package
$54,805 16/21/18

Article and image courtesy of Acura Connected.